human
Well, you see, in order to get a marine license you must do a certain amount of sea duty in the fire room.
gpt
Is a marine license so very desirable?
human
Chief engineer is a pretty good berth, especially now. Those running in the war zone get good pay and a big bonus besides, you know.
gpt
Are we in the war zone?
human
Yes--don't you see those lifeboats swung out? One of the firemen told me last night that this line had lost two ships--both torpedoed.
gpt
And I suppose the firemen get the worst of it on account of being so far below?
human
Yes. Then, you know, there are supposed to be mines all along the coast.