human
We're ordered out with that raiding party to-night,
gpt
Oh! Well, what does it matter? asked Jack, beginning to show animation.
human
We've put in our applications for leave, but the chances are they'll not be acted upon immediately, although we asked for speed. And nothing would please me more than to see action while I'm waiting. I'm afraid I'd go clean daffy unless I could forget my troubles in some way.
gpt
Glad to hear you say that, Jack, because I'm feeling particularly keen myself to be one of that bunch to-night
human
When do we start?
gpt
Not until two in the morning, came the low reply.
human
All that's been figured out with regard to the moon you know.
gpt
Did you learn anything about the job we've got on hand, Tom?
human
Yes, that's what I did; though I believe it was not generally told to all who are to be in the party, came the cautious reply.
gpt
Of course just before the flight they'll be given full particulars, when orders are issued to the pilots and observers. It's a bridge this time, Jack!
human
That one spanning the river about twenty miles back of the German lines, do you mean?
gpt
Yes, it's the most important bridge within fifty miles. Over it day and night the retreating Boche armies are passing. There's hardly a minute that guns and regiments may not be seen passing across at that point.
human
Yes, observed Jack,
gpt
We're going out to make the attempt, anyhow, resumed Tom, nodding.
human
Four big bombing machines in the bunch, guarded by eight battleplanes; and we've the good fortune to be chosen as the crew of one. I consider we're lucky, Jack.
gpt
That's right, Tom. Though I don't feel quite as keen for it as I would have been had I not received that letter from our lawyer, asking me to hurry back home if I could possibly make it. Still, I'll be in for a bad night, anyhow, and might just as well be working.
human
Are you worrying about your cousin?
gpt
To tell you the truth I am, more or less, Jack confessed.
human
I know him as a man utterly without principle. When he knows that it is a race between us to see which one can get to America first, so as to win the prize my foolish uncle left in such a haphazard way, there's absolutely nothing, I honestly believe, that Randolph wouldn't attempt in order to keep me from getting there in advance of him.
gpt
Well, try to forget all that just now, said Tom.
human
I've a nice little surprise for you, Jack. I suppose you know they've got a sort of 'Y' hut running back here a bit?
gpt
Heard some of the fellows talking about it, but, somehow, didn't seem to take much stock in the news. Fact is, I've temporarily lost my taste for those doughnuts and the girls who give their time to jollying up our fellows, as well as attending to their many wants in the line of letter writing and such things.
human
Perhaps, insinuated Tom, with a mild grin,
gpt
That's an altogether different thing, Tom! he exclaimed.
human
Do you really mean that Bessie and Mrs. Gleason are so close as all that?
gpt
If you care to walk out with me you can be talking to them inside of fifteen minutes, came the ready answer.
human
And while about it, I might as well tell you that Nellie is there too. Seems that she's attached to a field hospital staff that's keeping us close company, and, meeting the Gleasons, came over for the evening. She's been overworked lately, and needs some rest. I promised to come back for a short while, and fetch you along.
gpt
Did--er, Bessie ask you to look me up?
human
To be sure! Twice at least. And I had to promise solemnly I'd do it even if I had to take you by the collar and hustle you there. But our time is limited, and we'd better be on our way, Jack.