human
What the devil do you mean by keeping me like this? he said angrily.
gpt
Do you suppose I've nothing to do but kick my heels waiting for scum like you?
human
I'm very sorry, sir, but I only just heard you wished to see me,
gpt
I've a good mind to put you under arrest. And are you the man these Lingen fools think a good mechanic? You look more like a dirty street sweeper, coming into my presence in that filthy state.
human
I thought it best----
gpt
Who the devil wants to know what you think? he burst in, pouring out another bumper of wine and draining it at a draught.
human
Answer my question, can't you? Not stand there gibbering like a lunatic.
gpt
I came at once without stopping to clean myself, sir.
human
Then some other fool must have bungled my message. I said you were to come immediately, and when I say a thing I mean it. Another oath for garnishment.
gpt
What's your clownish name, confound you?
human
Hans Bulich, sir.
gpt
Do you know a plough from an aeroplane?
human
Yes, sir,
gpt
Ever been in one?
human
Not in a plough, sir.
gpt
Are you a fool, or trying to joke with me? That won't pay you, you clod.
human
I never joke with my betters, sir. I've been up in an aeroplane, sir.
gpt
Where?
human
Schipphasen, sir.
gpt
Oh, you've been there, have you? How long were you there?
human
About a year. I have my certificates and---- I searched in my pockets as if to find them, and said:
gpt
I've left them at my lodging, sir.
human
Why the devil didn't you tell me that at first?
gpt
You didn't ask me, sir.
human
What are you doing in this hole, then?
gpt
I was going to Ellendorf, but they asked me to stay here a week or so to do some repairs and things.
human
Did they? Like their infernal insolence at a time like this. I'm on my way to Ellendorf now to fetch a new machine, and my fool of a mechanic has got drunk, or lost himself, or something. Can you take his place?
gpt
I don't know that I could pilot----
human
You wooden-headed idiot, do you suppose I want you to pilot it? he roared, with a shout of laughter.
gpt
I want you as a mechanic, you fool.
human
I didn't know, sir. Of course I could test the plane and see that she's all right for you. That was part of my job at Schipphasen, sir; that and trial flights.
gpt
If that's the case, you ought to be in the army. Have you served?
human
No, sir.
gpt
Why not? You've been in the ranks, I can see that.
human
I was a one-year man, sir.