human
What are you doing with yourself, Von Dussel?
gpt
Pardon, sir, said Dennis, in his best German,
human
I have difficulty in catching your words; the noise of the shells is so great. And he winked delightedly at Bob.
gpt
Who is speaking, please?
human
I am the General von Bingenhammer at the headquarters of Prince Rupprecht, who is furious at the delay.
gpt
A thousand apologies, your excellency! said Dennis into the receiver.
human
The truth is, we are so hard pressed here that it is difficult to get the necessary information. My three assistants have been killed, and I have this moment returned from a personal reconnaissance, where I managed to get within fifteen yards of the trench we lost this evening, and I am afraid the news I have will be decidedly unpleasant.
gpt
Well, what is it? snapped the general.
human
Unpleasant or no, we rely implicitly on your judgment.
gpt
Your excellency is pleased to be very kind,
human
By Jupiter, Bob, here's a chance to rub it in!
gpt
The enemy has consolidated himself in what were our support trenches, reported the mock spy.
human
The _Königin Augusta_ Redoubt was carried with great fury at six o'clock this evening, and its brave defenders practically destroyed. The English have now seventy machine-guns mounted on the work, and to take it will be impossible. In my opinion, there is nothing for it but to fall back. We can do nothing against the horde of reserves massed behind the English firing line. It is incredible the number of battalions I have seen to-night, and their howitzer batteries have been moved forward.
gpt
Here, I say, go slow!
human
Shut up! snapped Dennis shortly.
gpt
He is asking me questions now, and we shall learn something.
human
Has the evacuation of the brewery taken place?
gpt
It has, your excellency,
human
And there is nothing to prevent that Australian Division taking possession of the place--nothing to warn them of the trap?
gpt
I am expecting their arrival at any moment, your excellency. In fact, it will be difficult for me to escape if I stay here much longer.
human
Good, assented the speaker at the other end of the 'phone.
gpt
And the land mine is charged ready to blow them back to their antipodes, _nicht wahr_?
human
Everything is ready as your excellency has ordered it,
gpt
Then you had better look after your own safety, only remaining to see the mine properly fired, and then come back to His Highness's headquarters. We are preparing a heavy counter-attack for the early hours of the morning. That is all, captain. May the God of the Fatherland protect thee!