human
So much the better!
gpt
And when the fight is over there won’t be many of you left alive to tell the story,
human
Message from the _Scorpion_, sir!
gpt
Good! What does the brigand say?
human
Expects to be here within an hour.
gpt
Then we haven’t a moment to lose, replied the colonel.
human
At the same time, I am glad we have had this message, for to be forewarned is to be fore-armed.
gpt
Where would you like to be stationed, boy?
human
Let me have all the spare petrol from the other machine, and let me get up above the clouds in that new No. 7 Bristol Fighter which you brought over, sir.
gpt
I’m afraid it means certain death for you, my lad, replied the chief, after a pause, unwilling to permit the youth to take such unknown risks, and yet still more unwilling to deny him his request.
human
This _Scorpion_, according to Captain Watson, must be some stunting machine.
gpt
I am willing to take the risks, sir, replied Keane.
human
It is not my first fight with a Hun.
gpt
Don’t I know it, boy! replied the other, gazing with fond admiration into the frank and pleasing face of the pilot.
human
The ribbons which you gained speak for themselves, but they don’t tell half the story. Don’t I remember the morning when you went over the line by yourself, and encountered seven enemy machines, how you fought with them for an hour and brought five of them down, chased the others till your machine threatened to break up, then turned and staggered home with your wings shot to ribbons?
gpt
Then let me go, sir. The brigand will be not a little confounded to find himself attacked both from the ground and the air at the same time.
human
You shall go! said the colonel after another pause.
gpt
Will you take a gunner with you?
human
No, sir. I would rather go alone.