human
It's a go, then! I'll let you into my little secret, which so far hasn't been shared by a single living man. Then later on you can decide if you care to accept the risk for the sake of the glory success would bring, as well as striking a blow for the flag we all love!
gpt
Pitch in, please!
human
Listen, then, boys, commenced the other earnestly.
gpt
You doubtless know that I've got more money than is good for any single man to handle? Well, I've squandered a small bunch of it in having a wonderful plane made and sent abroad. Of course it's intended to be handed over to the Government in due course of time, but with the proviso that they allow me to engineer the first long flight in it.
human
That sounds interesting, Lieutenant,
gpt
Tell us some more about it, please,
human
It's possibly by long odds the largest bombing plane that so far has ever been built, even beating those big Caproni machines of Italy that can carry a dozen in the crew. This Martin bomber can be run by three hands, although several more might be used if the right kind were found. Its possibilities in the way of distance and continued flight can hardly be estimated, since all depends on the cargo carried. The less crew, the more petrol and bombs to make up the load.
gpt
Yes, we get that, Lieutenant,
human
With this monster biplane I assure you it will be an easy matter to fly all the way to Berlin, bomb the city so as to terrify the inhabitants even as they tried to do to Londoners, turn around, and return here without touching ground once; yes, and if necessary, repeating the trip.
gpt
We knew that thing would soon arrive, the latter said;
human
Berlin or bust?
gpt
You've hit the right nail on the head, Parmly, admitted the other, with a nod of appreciation.
human
I mean to show that it can be done. Just as soon as I can get that big bomber here, and the permission to take on the job, well start some fine night for Berlin and give Heine the jolt of his life.
gpt
You can count for one on my going, Lieutenant; that is, provided I get permission from the boss!
human
I'm inclined to say the same,
gpt
I mean to start things going shortly, he told them.
human
And you'll surely hear from me, for I must keep track of you boys.
gpt
Where is the big Martin bomber now, did you say?
human
I didn't mention the fact, but it lies hidden in a special hangar on the French coast, not a great distance from Dunkirk, came the answer.
gpt
I have a special guard watching it, and my mechanics keep everything ready for any sudden call. Right now she's tuned up to top-notch pitch, and a full supply of gas is kept on hand all the time, as well as everything needed in the way of supplies. That's where money talks.
human
You're sure a dandy, Lieutenant Beverly, and if ever you undertake that wonderful trip to Berlin and back I only hope I have the great good luck to be aboard.
gpt
Consider it settled then, he was told.
human
And now that I've found my comrades for the venture I can go about further details, and start getting the consent of Headquarters to the enterprise. One of these nights Berlin is going to get a shock that may help bring the war to a speedy close.
gpt
Here's our dugout, said Tom.
human
We're going back to work again after I've bandaged Jack's finger, for he gave it an ugly scratch when handling the gun, he doesn't himself know just how. Can we do anything further for you right now, Lieutenant?
gpt
Thank you, nothing, Raymond. I shall get on nicely. I'll rest up a day or so while things are simmering connected with that big affair. Of course it's to be a great secret among the three of us; not another soul knows anything about my project or the giant bombing plane I had shipped over to France.
human
That's understood, and we're as mum as a couple of clams,