Alignment-Lab-AI/GutenDialogue · Datasets at Hugging Face

book_id stringlengths 2 6	title stringclasses 1 value	author stringclasses 1 value	conversations listlengths 1 5.07k
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he continued, puffing contentedly at the cigarette Ralph had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm just off to Blighty for a rest cure, then I guess I'll be back in time for the Final Push. Wouldn't miss that for worlds, and the boys are doing great things, I hear. Where are you off to, Setley? Blighty, too. You're mighty lucky to get away. Some chaps have been months out here without having a sniff of home. Got a commission, eh? Well, sir, the best of luck." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Blimey, if it ain't young Setley! exclaimed a well-known voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they let yer off? Lucky blighter! you've got your leave to come. We've 'ad ours, worse luck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cheer-o! was Alderhame's greeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How are things?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Told you so, said Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew it meant a pip on your collar. Well, the best of luck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judging by the number of times I've been wished that I ought to have it, rejoined Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I believe I was born on a Friday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suppose we ought to salute?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I believe the idea is that one salutes the King's uniform, and I haven't got it yet," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You salute the uniform not the man," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't know so much abart that, added Ginger reminiscently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got seven days C.B. for not saluting my company officer, an' e was in plain clothes; so 'ow abart it? If it's the bloomin' uniform you salutes then why the dooce don't a Tommy kow-tow to every blessed uniform he sees in a tailor's shop?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Give it up, declared Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, Ralph, we'll be sorry to lose you, but jolly glad you've pulled off a commission. With the Tanks, too. That's good business. If there's a chance and you're want of a sergeant then you might bear in mind your old pal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I won't forget, replied Setley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shan't be sorry to get across ter France, declared Ginger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that I want ter find myself in those blinkin' trenches: the chap wot swears 'e likes that sort o' life is a bloomin' prevaricator. When we get a move on it's different. But wot I wants ter get across for is a good square bust-out: bully beef an' spuds. Honest, I ain't 'ad me teeth inside a tater the whole time I've bin 'ere. Fed up with Blighty, that's wot I am." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're not the only one who had to go without potatoes, added Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's an artificial shortage everywhere; those rascally profiteers have been at it again. Just fancy, our little town was quite without spuds, and yet a neighbouring landowner had thirty tons of potatoes under straw--to feed his brothers later on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His brothers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ay, continued Alderhame, with a laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In other words, his pigs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fall in" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "HAIG has occupied Bapaume and Péronne, encountering little opposition." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "A voluntary retirement, according to our plans." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "in Tank work. In company with half a dozen other young subalterns, he was under instruction from morning to night, with only brief intervals for meals. It would be difficult to find a squad more eager to grasp the intricacies of their future commands. They were, one and all, as" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Technical and practical work, intermixed with lectures on motors, machine-guns and quickfirers, hints on strategy and tactics, map-reading and dynamics--all were drummed into the active brains of the probationers, regardless of the adage," }, { "from": "human", "value": "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dangerous for the Boches, let's hope," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to impress upon you fellows, said the major--who acted as instructor--" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "However useful the Tanks have been and are, continued the major," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tanks attacking in company, he declared," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's Easter Day, observed Danvers, when the Tanks were" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "for the night and concealed from the prying eyes of a chance hostile airman--the Hun fliers were very chary of late of venturing over the British lines--by means of futurist-painted canvas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rummiest Easter I've ever spent. Wonder if the Huns use a similar form of service to ours. Can you imagine the Germans making use of the words of the Litany: 'To have pity upon all prisoners and captives'?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From all accounts they are badly using our men who have had the ill-luck to fall into their hands, said Setley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A platoon of the Chalkshires got cut off, I hear. The men are kept in the German reserve trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, added another subaltern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And our fellows are mad about it. The Huns will feel sorry for themselves when the infantry go over the top and get to work with the bayonet. Hullo! the great strafe is commencing." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Does a fellow good to see that, observed a grey-haired major, as he watched the incessant glare of the shells bursting in the Hun trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're top-dog now. I remembered at Ypres we were battered for a week or more and hardly able to reply. Now the boot is on the other foot, and, you fellows, wait till the morning. We've a nice little surprise for Fritz." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "There won't be any work left for us to do, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The German trenches must be flattened out by this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'll soon see, rejoined a lieutenant, consulting his watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's now close on five. The infantry go over the top at the half-hour. Hullo! here's the C.O. It's about time we started." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All correct, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "We're out of it this trip, thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's nothing for the Tanks to do. By Jove, there is, though! A viper's nest wants flattening out." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "from all sides. Under the impression that no quarter is accorded to machine-gunners the Boches determined to fight to the last. Even the approach of the Tank, even if it spelt doom, did not make them desert their guns and with uplifted hands shout" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kamerad." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Up with yer dooks!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Course you'll save your hide, Fritz, said his conqueror encouragingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike, take that blighter out of it, will yer?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Up with 'em!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hanged if I can do the bloomer in with this," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Form a ring, chums, an' see fair play. Now, Fritz, it's either you or me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I haf no chance, replied the Prussian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If out I come der odders vill shoot in my back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't talk rot, Dutchy, protested Anderson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We ain't 'Uns. Either 'ands up or fight me!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well done, Ginger!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too bloomin' well done, rejoined the victor." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Yer asked for it properly, Fritz, he exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why didn't yer put yer bloomin' 'ands up when I told yer?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yer rotten cannibal!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hasten slowly" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "There's a Tank bogged fifty yards south-east of Henricourt Farm, sir, he reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The CO. sends orders for you to proceed to her assistance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very good," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Gone West, poor fellow," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "We'll have that fellow in, said Setley to his sergeant--a trustworthy non-com. of the name of Archer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tell him to look sharp about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shell-shock, sir, that's what it is, declared Sergeant Archer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll fetch him in." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's nah-poo! yelled the non-com." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You come along with me at once." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What's wrong, chum?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's got shell-shock, and is as obstinate as a mule," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Highly urgent!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All right, chum; I'll see to it," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let a couple of Jocks take 'em back, sir, suggested Sergeant Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the stuffing's knocked out of them, I guess." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hullo, Danvers! shouted Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sorry you've had ill-luck. We'll find a means to haul you out; but your bus must wait, I'm afraid." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hands up!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "That Maxim laid the blighter out, sergeant," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I won't chance my arm on that, declared Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hand me that spade." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, Fritz, exclaimed the sergeant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you won't give in like a sensible fellow we'll have to rout you out. I've a smoke-bomb ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is that an English officer who speaks?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A British sergeant--quite good enough for a Boche to argue with, retorted Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So you speak English? Come out and surrender. That's plain enough, and you know it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's happening, sergeant?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's a Boche in this dug-out, sir, reported the non-com." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be careful, sir; he chucked a bomb out just now. I believe he's an officer, because he enquired if he was chewing his rag to a British officer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I officer am, interposed the unseen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To you I make surrender." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right-o, replied Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out you come." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Good thing I'm a cricketer, sir, he remarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That ought to have settled the swine's hash. There's no trusting a Prussian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't, ordered Ralph, as the non-com. was about to investigate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll run no unnecessary risks, but the blighter must be accounted for. Where's a smoke-bomb?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You've put yourself out of court, exclaimed Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For your treachery you deserve to be exterminated; but we'll give you another chance. Come out and we'll give you quarter. Any attempt at your low-down games and you'll be shot down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not surrender make, he shouted almost spluttering in his rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This a magazine is. If you a smoke-bomb throw den I fire der powder an' blow you and your landship to pieces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll risk that," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Blessed if he isn't the very image of Little Willie, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He certainly looks a mental degenerate, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here, stop those men. Let them carry him in." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I've seen the last of that gentleman, I hope, remarked Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've found a rope? And ladders, too, I see. Look alive there." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "For nearly an hour the Boches bombed us. At first it was a jolly disconcerting experience, and our Hun started shouting to the bombers to stop it--the skunk! Imagine our fellows doing that. Finding that nothing happened he quieted down a bit, until he suddenly danced up and down regardless of the fact that he was bumping his pig-headed skull against the roof girders. In his raving I caught the word _Flammenwerfer_ several times, so I was forced to come to the unpleasant conclusion that the Huns were going to strafe us with liquid fire. Then your bus rolled up and put the lid on. The rest you know." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All aboard," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "A plane has been strafing us, announced his brother-officer." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, sir, Setley heard one of the sentries report to the senior major." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They did fall a bit close, sir, but not near enough to do any damage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thank goodness!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The fellow evidently knows where the Tanks are, observed Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deucedly funny how these Huns find out things behind our lines, and yet not a single enemy airman has ventured over in daylight for the last week. Eh, what's that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That knocks your information theory on the head, observed Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The airman evidently trusted to luck and it played a shabby trick on the prisoners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not at all, said Danvers stoutly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was trying for the Tanks. The fact that a cage was within five hundred yards of them didn't trouble him at all. Cannon fodder, you see; once these Huns are prisoners they cease to count in the estimation of the German High Command. That's why it is not advisable to commit reprisals upon prisoners. Such a step wouldn't affect the Huns in the slightest. It's a safe card to bombard their 'open' towns by way of reprisals. That makes them squeal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let's be getting back," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wish I could, rejoined his companion, consulting the luminous dial of his watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately I'm down for duty at one-thirty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's up, then?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over there, replied Danvers, pointing towards the front trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They've had a squad from a Labour Battalion hard at it, digging a path for my bus. I was warned to be there at the time I mentioned. Wanted to hang on all the while, but there was that strafed official enquiry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll go with you," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're dog tired," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not at all, protested Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll go. It'll give me an appetite for breakfast, don't you see. I heard that there was to be a variation from the almost everlasting bully beef. There's bacon, Danvers, actually bacon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good! exclaimed the subaltern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's hope it won't be like the last I tasted. The stuff must have chummed up with the dead end of a poison gas shell. Ugh! It put me off entirely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Know the way?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather, was the confident reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I guess we won't be lonely. There's plenty of life along the path--and death, too, he added gravely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll follow the track of the Tank." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Fritz is still getting badly strafed." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "or else the Huns were up to their latest display of _kultur_--setting fire to a village before" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Beastly cold job, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All[unreadable text] in summer, but on a night like this----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's planing down, said Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's shut off his motor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he is, agreed Ralph's companion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder why? I shouldn't think a fellow would make a landing here for choice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Huns!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you in need of assistance?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, but repairs will take two hours, was the reply. Then, after a pause," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How far am I from Douai?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Quite an impossible distance, Herr Aviatiker, responded Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile, you are our prisoner. Surrender instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrender yourselves, he retorted, and placing a whistle to his lips he blew three short blasts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our patrols will be up at once, Englishmen, he added," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hullo! bawled an unmistakably English voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's the rumpus?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "German airmen," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they're booked," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well done, Alderhame!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dash my stars! ejaculated the ex-actor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hardly expected to run across you--'upon the vasty fields of France.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What are you doing here?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ration party, sir, replied Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were hurrying along because we were taking a cheese ration up to our chaps. The cheese was lively when we started, so we wanted to get the stuff up before it walked off. There's Ginger Anderson sitting on top of one lot." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'll have a look at our birds, sir, continued Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm curious to know where they were winged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, cautioned Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They may be lying doggo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trust me for that, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Ripping shot that one of mine! exclaimed Alderhame enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jolly rummy, though, I can't help feeling like a sportsman on the moors and it's a human being I've brought down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But a bloomin' Boche, added Ginger the materialist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One the less an' no cause to feed 'im." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "By Jupiter! I'd like to nip the fellow, remarked Danvers, as the two officers resumed their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smart chap that, sergeant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of my old chums in the Wheatshires, said Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A decent chap, only he has the bad habit of flinging Shakespeare at your head every half minute. I'm rather keen on getting him transferred to the Tank Section, but haven't had the chance to work it yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A handy man behind a machine-gun, I should fancy. Hullo! That was a beauty." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Getting along famously, sir, announced Danvers' sergeant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These labour chaps have been slogging in like greased lightning. Another quarter of an hour, sir, and we'll be ready to start." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm quite attached to the old bus, he confided to Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course they would have given me another if this one had been properly strafed, but it's simply great to get her into working order again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All ready, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now for a few hours' sleep," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, he admitted, glancing at his wristwatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's now ten minutes past three--we've done pretty well. At five we start our day's work, and from all accounts it's going to be a hot time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing of consequence to report," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "We're having a shuffle round, began the latter without needless preamble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Six additional Tanks are being sent up from the Base, and some of the men who have had practical experience in action are to be distributed amongst the crews of the new arrivals. That, naturally, causes vacancies in the complements of the Tanks here already. You sent in an application, I see, for two N.C.O.'s of the Wheatshires. The C.O. of the Wheatshires raises no objections, Headquarters approves, and the men are warned to join as soon as possible. I presume you would like to have them with you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, sir, replied Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time I should be sorry to lose Sergeant Archer. He's a smart, hard-working, conscientious N.C.O.----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know, interrupted the C.O." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You need not have any qualms concerning Sergeant Archer. He is to be sent on promotion to the Ancre. Very well, then; that's settled. Good afternoon." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You haven't lost much time," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather not," }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was off like greased lightning, sir, added Ginger," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'll have your wish, then, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We are shifting to-night. That airman you shot, Alderhame, tried to bomb us last night, and the inference is that the Huns had been told of the locality of the Tanks by a spy. So to avoid further risks we were going some four miles away--somewhere between Givenchy and Souchez." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That means business, said Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We heard that our next thrust is to be directed against Lens. My word! I can see us climbing Hill 70 in a Tank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's 'ope we don't drop down a bloomin' coal-pit, said Ginger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've 'eard as 'ow some of 'em are 'arf a mile deep." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Quite a fine evening for a stroll," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eh? What's the game?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Merely a whim of mine, I suppose, he replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At any rate, I'm going, but, of course, if you----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm on, agreed Setley, buckling on his belt, to which was attached his revolver-holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where do you propose making for?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the Givenchy road, announced Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's quite quiet. I've a wish to explore a certain spot a little way off the high road. Ready?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, sir, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything correct?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Only a few yards of this, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We turn off to the left again. See that building--or the remains of one?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully, now, whispered Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While I was visiting rounds I spotted someone making for this house. Kept him under observation with my night-glasses. I waited nearly twenty minutes and he didn't show up again. That is in itself suspicious. I would have sent out a piquet, only there was too much risk of the men giving themselves away. It's a task best tackled by us, I imagine. You work round by the right; I'll go to the left. If the fellow is still there, well and good. We'll soon find out his business. If he isn't, we'll wait and see if he returns." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Not English, nor French--nor German, declared Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flemish perhaps, but hardly likely. There's only one man, I should imagine; but why does he carry on in this excited fashion?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Cool cheek, thought Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite enough evidence to place him in front of a firing party. He looks a tough customer, too." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now what's to be done? gasped Ralph, when the suspect was securely bound--wrists and ankles--by means of handkerchiefs and the man's own revolver lanyard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If we've got to bring him out of this we'll have trouble. He's a lump of a chap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Get a man to mount guard over him until we can fetch the piquet, decided Danvers, wiping the perspiration from his forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By Jove! My nose feels as big as a turnip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's certainly swelling some, remarked Setley, surveying his chum's features by the aid of the captured electric lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All right; you stand by and I'll bring a Tommy back to look after the blighter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've been trying to question the chap, reported Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tried him in German. Perhaps my rendering was so atrocious that he couldn't understand, or else he's sullen. He tried to wriggle while you were away, but he seems to be lashed up tight enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mount guard over him, corporal, ordered Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he tries any of his capers prod him in the stomach with your bayonet. I don't think that would be bringing His Majesty's uniform into contempt. We'll take that revolver and the map with us as evidence." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I feel rather 'bucked' over this business, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite a bang on the proboscis, I am inclined to assert that this night's work hasn't been thrown away. I was----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By Jove! ejaculated Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Corporal Rogers has plugged the chap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather a wide interpretation of your orders, old boy, replied Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why didn't he use cold steel?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All correct here, sir, reported Corporal Rogers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I heard footsteps, went to the broken window, and saw a bloke sneaking up towards the building. I challenged, and he turned tail. Then I let rip, and he dropped. I'll swear I plugged him, but he made no noise when he fell." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Jolly fishy, declared Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Corn and water--too small to be of much use for human consumption. What does it mean?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "This chap's a spy, that's a dead cert., continued Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other fellow is an accomplice and brings him grub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But you said that the quantity was insufficient, protested Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your theory doesn't hold good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanged if it does, admitted Danvers," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a regular mystery. No doubt----" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The chain of evidence is complete, declared Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bring those birds along--and this one, too," }, { "from": "human", "value": "A very good night's work, commented the C.O., when the two subalterns had made their report." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two birds with one stone, by Jove! All right, carry on; we'll have this gentleman tried by court-martial in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "THANK your lucky stars that you fellows aren't in Blighty," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's wrong now? asked Danvers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rotten news in the papers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were referring to your escapade last night, continued the speaker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your efforts are like the padre's egg: good in parts. We don't deny that the fellow who was shot by the sentry was a spy, but the other----" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What about him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't jump down my throat, old chap, was the feigned indignant protest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's the secret of the whole business. You simply leap at erroneous conclusions like a bull at a gate. Sometimes the gate goes, sometimes it doesn't, and then the animal is sorry for itself. Do you remember what Gladstone said in 'sixty-eight?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing to do with this spy business, I'll swear, interrupted Danvers, seizing his tormentor by the scruff of the neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, you prevaricating blighter, out with it! What are you hinting at?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was testing your knowledge of political history before enlightening you----" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Then straight to the point, declared Danvers," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was recalling the Prime Minister's immortal quotation in the year of grace eighteen hundred and sixty-eight," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he remarked, when Danvers had informed him of the reason for the impromptu" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You fellows have made a mess of part of the business. The man in British uniform is a major of the Coalshires. He is suffering from shell-shock, and is now under the doctor's care. Memory gone, and all that sort of thing. Got out of touch with his battalion and wandered into the ruined farmhouse for shelter. The plan he apparently took from a German prisoner, and although in the major's present mental state it conveys nothing to him it means a lot of precious information to us. It appears to be an accurate and official plan of the system of trenches surrounding the Von der Golz Redoubt and the fortress village of Néancourt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's good, sir," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I agree, and so does the C.O. In any case, the plan will enable the C.O. to communicate accurate information to the Brigade Headquarters, in which event be prepared for the fall of the hitherto impregnable Von der Golz Redoubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You might have got me to chip in last night's affair, sir," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Couldn't be helped, replied Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have done so, if possible. How do you like your new job?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Absolutely top-hole, declared the ex-actor enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am just pining to have another slap at the Boches, this time inside one of these beauties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are getting quite vindictive," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Before the curing of a strange disease, Even in the instant of repair and health, The fit is strongest; evils that take leave, On their departure most of all show evil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I hope you're right, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seems no doubt that the Huns are getting properly whacked. It'll be a tough job for some time, but they're on the down grade." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Gain that, gentlemen, concluded the C.O.," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Those fellows will put up a stiff fight, remarked Danvers, as he walked with Setley towards the waiting Tanks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Prussian Guard and Bavarian infantry: that's what we have in front of us. I hear that the Saxons and Badeners have been withdrawn. They surrender too freely to please old Hinder-beggar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those blighters are obviously fed-up, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sergeant Alderhame showed me a card he had picked up in a captured dug-out. I have it somewhere--yes, here it is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yield yourself prisoner: any one can who wishes to do so. Clear out of your path those who lead you to the slaughter-house--they alone are your enemies. Think of your dear ones. Do not sacrifice yourselves for princes and the money bags of Prussia. Help yourselves and God will help you.--Hans von Rippach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That shows the way the wind blows in the South German principalities, commented Danvers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Imagine our Tommies passing round a thing like that. Hullo, there's the signal! S'long, old chap, and the best of luck." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad raised. In five minutes the British troops were in indisputable possession of the first-line trenches. Here they paused for a well-needed" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "so that they would" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "If only we had a gun able to bear upon that mob, sir, exclaimed Sergeant Alderhame," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "No Quarter!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Scotland for Ever! on the part of the Jocks, and the dogged" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stick it, the Wheatshires!" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hands up!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ye vos Sachsen! called out an imploring voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mercy, Kamerad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are Prussians, he replied;" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Wot 'ave you got there, old sport? enquired the corporal, gripping the Hun's wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Search 'im, Smutty," }, { "from": "human", "value": "So that's the bloomin' game, eh? enquired Ginger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let 'im go, Smutty. Now, look to yourself, Fritz. I'm a-goin' to dot you one." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What's up, Ginger?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O world, thy slippery turns. Friends now fast sworn Unseparable, shall within this hour, On a dissension of a doit, break out To bitterest enmity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alderhame! I little thought to see you here. Let me see: only three years and six months ago we were on the boards together in _Much Ado about Nothing_." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now, added Alderhame," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hope it will be _All's Well that Ends Well,_ rejoined the German." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm properly fed up with this war, and will be glad to be out of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will be--in a prison camp in England, the sergeant assured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll see that you are sent under escort to the rear. Unless your own guns cop you there'll be nothing to fear. What made the crowd of you make a dive for this cellar?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't mind telling you now, he said, in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's a tunnel. That Tank has blocked up the entrance. It communicates with our reserve lines, and the whole place is heavily mined. I would advise you to clear out as soon as possible, for when our people have waited sufficiently long to enable our troops to withdraw--the few that are left, that is--the village will be blown to atoms." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, he said, addressing his former brother actor and present enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll send you out under escort. Yes, the whole crowd of you, I mean." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Send a man to warn the Divisional Officer of the troops holding the village, ordered Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll have to abandon the Tank, I fancy." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Pleasant, remarked Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a mine somewhere under you and H.E. shells dropping overhead, and unable to get out of this hole, life is a bit exciting. No, Alderhame; no more Shakespeare, please. We'll try and find the tunnel to which your German acquaintance referred. By the by, who is he?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in the same Repertoire Company with me, replied the ex-actor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was in those dim and distant days before the war, yet I remember how we parted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was just before Treasury--that is, the weekly pay-day. He borrowed a sovereign--maybe you recollect what that is, or was: a circular flat disc of shining gold, for which one had to display a certain amount of affection. He cleared out shortly afterwards, and I haven't seen that Jimmy o' Goblin since--and don't expect to. However, sir, he's done us a good turn warning us about the mine, though it were to save his own skin." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, sir, cautioned Sergeant Alderhame, as Ralph flashed his electric torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There might be some Huns lurking down here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hardly, objected Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed to be common knowledge amongst the Prussians that the place is mined. They'll keep clear. The trouble is, I take it, to discover and disconnect the electric wires before they spring the whole show." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll have to shift that lot, said Ralph encouragingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All hands together, lads." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "It'll save the sanitary squad a job if it does, remarked one of the men grimly," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, it's a mighty quick death--none of that rotten hanging about." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What does it mean, I wonder? thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It can't be that our fellows have been compelled to give ground. We must endeavour to get out of this hole and see what's doing." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Looks healthy, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seems as if we are to stop here until we are dug out, unless we can contrive to blow away this mass of rubble. Unfortunately, I am not expert in the art of the use of explosives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's one of our fellows who used to be a quarryman, announced the sergeant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll get him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, he replied, in a shrill falsetto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have blasted stone for the last three years. I do not know what strength this stuff has, but we'll try." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "All ready, sir, he reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Get back all of you. I'll fire it. It'll burn for thirty seconds, I guess, and that'll be enough for me to hook it." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Confound you, sir! roared a portly major-general." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What game do you think you're playing? Do you know you nearly blew us sky-high? Confound you, again!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There you are, Richards; I told you so, exclaimed the staff officer, turning to one of his entourage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The place is mined. Suppose it's safe now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think so, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It may come in handy against the Von der Golz Redoubt, in case our men fail to secure a footing," }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's no failure about it, snapped the major-general." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Send an orderly to the officer commanding the Royal Engineer detachment and request him to take steps to remove the explosive from the mine chamber. And what were you doing there?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tank, eh? What made you turn her into a cellar? Didn't know? Well, you jolly well ought to. At a time when every available Tank is required in front of the Von der Golz Redoubt you topple the bally thing into a cellar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's a pioneer section just arrived, sir, reported Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you saw the company commander perhaps he would spare enough men to help us dig a way out. It won't take much work, I think. The rubble has been well sifted by the bursting charge." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you push forward, sir? he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The infantry are being held up. There are only five Tanks left in action." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hundreds of Prussians must at that moment be entombed in those dug-outs, of which the entrances had caved in under the terrific power of the H.E. shells, yet hundreds more were available to hold the redoubt" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The guns are lifting, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good business! muttered Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm fed up with this inaction. Another ten minutes will decide whether we are booked or not." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Beastly mean trick! thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That Hun airman knows that we cannot see him, and that we don't carry antis. Wonder what our fliers are doing to let him amuse himself in this manner?" } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Independent action, you know, remarked the commanding officer of the Landship Section." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So out you go, and the very best of luck." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "By Jove! Alderhame, he exclaimed," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's hope we won't, added Sergeant Alderhame grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The present world is quite good enough for me for a long time to come, Boches notwithstanding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's Corporal Anderson, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughter wasn't goin' to pick you up, sir, he remarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I got them Boches back all right, and then blow me if I could find you anywheres. If I've chased one bloomin' Tank I've chased a dozen, to say nothin' of a few cripples, although I didn't think as 'ow anythink could 'appen to this 'ere gadget." }, { "from": "human", "value": "of armed Germans who had been overlooked in the forward movement. With his utmost coolness Ginger had beckoned to a totally imaginary crowd of Tommies, and at the same time had shouted to the Huns to" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you seen anything of Mr. Danvers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, sir, replied Ginger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was 'im wot told me where you was. 'Is Tank was just off along the Hoppy Road, goin' like a young racehorse." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "He's an officer, sir, reported Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder what he's doing so far ahead? Prisoner, perhaps, who has managed to give the Huns the slip." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Glad to have fallen in with you, was the new-comer's greeting. He was a tall sparely built man in the uniform of a captain of the Royal Flying Corps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My name is Cludderborough. I suppose I have already been reported as missing. I was brought down a week ago last Friday. Nearly came a good old crash, but got off lightly, with the exception of a sprained ankle. I managed to escape during the bending of the Hindenburg Line. That was early this morning. So far I've not done so badly, but my ankle is giving me a lot of pain. So that is why I signalled for you to stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But we aren't going your way, remarked Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're off on a sort of independent cruise, don't you know. I would suggest that you enjoy the hospitality of the nearest shell-hole until our cavalry patrols come up. They are not so very far behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Too jolly risky, he observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Already snipers have put shots through my coat. You have no objection to taking me as a passenger, I hope? I may come in pretty useful, since I know the country behind the German line very well, both from the standpoint of an aerial observer and from that of an escaped prisoner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I must warn you, he said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Right, rejoined the captain promptly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are about to cut the Germans' lines of communication in the neighbourhood of Oppy? There's a beautiful temporary trestle-bridge which the Huns have recently made to take the place of a steel viaduct brought down by one of our airmen. This Tank ought to crumple the structure as easily as if it were a pack of cards. By the by, have you a snack of something to offer me? I am absolutely ravenous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Get Captain Cludderborough something to eat, Corporal Anderson, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'll have to excuse our lack of courtesy, he added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The limited space, the jolting motion, and above all the fact that we are in an hostile country, prevents me from doing the honours properly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where's your map? asked the captain, after he had finished his meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, there you are: no sign of the viaduct is shown. The thing's beastly inaccurate. See that slight river almost ahead? That's Nôtre Dame d'Huy. The railway line skirts the other side of the hill. There's a fairly broad valley between Nôtre Dame and the hill on the right. Both eminences are crossed with trenches, but they are not held. The Huns were clearing out as I slipped through. It's my belief that they have purposely retired in order to leave a tempting gap for our troops, and then they'll start shelling from both sides. However, it's too early for that, so we ought to get through and astride the railway line before they spot us." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Rummy sort of show, sir, commented Sergeant Alderhame, as the defence came in sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I should feel inclined to go smack bang over the hill instead of through that gap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eh? interrupted the captain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You would, would you? Not only would you have to surmount difficult ground, but you would be absolutely on the sky-line and a target for every German quickfirer within ten thousand yards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very good, sir," } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Nearly through, remarked Captain Cludderborough, who had taken his stand at Ralph's elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'll see the precious trestle-bridge in half a shake." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will do well, sir, to order your men to surrender instantly. There is no escape. Give in without resistance and you will be accorded honourable treatment. I, Kapitan Karl von Hoerfelich, guarantee it." } ]
51332	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Wouldn't it be advisable to stop the motors? asked Ralph coolly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll come an awful crash in that beastly hole ahead if we don't. It looks quite fifty feet deep, doesn't it?" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he continued, puffing contentedly at the cigarette Ralph had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm just off to Blighty for a rest cure, then I guess I'll be back in time for the Final Push. Wouldn't miss that for worlds, and the boys are doing great things, I hear. Where are you off to, Setley? Blighty, too. You're mighty lucky to get away. Some chaps have been months out here without having a sniff of home. Got a commission, eh? Well, sir, the best of luck." } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Blimey, if it ain't young Setley! exclaimed a well-known voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they let yer off? Lucky blighter! you've got your leave to come. We've 'ad ours, worse luck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cheer-o! was Alderhame's greeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How are things?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Told you so, said Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew it meant a pip on your collar. Well, the best of luck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judging by the number of times I've been wished that I ought to have it, rejoined Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I believe I was born on a Friday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suppose we ought to salute?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I believe the idea is that one salutes the King's uniform, and I haven't got it yet," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You salute the uniform not the man," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't know so much abart that, added Ginger reminiscently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got seven days C.B. for not saluting my company officer, an' e was in plain clothes; so 'ow abart it? If it's the bloomin' uniform you salutes then why the dooce don't a Tommy kow-tow to every blessed uniform he sees in a tailor's shop?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Give it up, declared Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, Ralph, we'll be sorry to lose you, but jolly glad you've pulled off a commission. With the Tanks, too. That's good business. If there's a chance and you're want of a sergeant then you might bear in mind your old pal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I won't forget, replied Setley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shan't be sorry to get across ter France, declared Ginger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that I want ter find myself in those blinkin' trenches: the chap wot swears 'e likes that sort o' life is a bloomin' prevaricator. When we get a move on it's different. But wot I wants ter get across for is a good square bust-out: bully beef an' spuds. Honest, I ain't 'ad me teeth inside a tater the whole time I've bin 'ere. Fed up with Blighty, that's wot I am." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're not the only one who had to go without potatoes, added Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's an artificial shortage everywhere; those rascally profiteers have been at it again. Just fancy, our little town was quite without spuds, and yet a neighbouring landowner had thirty tons of potatoes under straw--to feed his brothers later on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His brothers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ay, continued Alderhame, with a laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In other words, his pigs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fall in" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "HAIG has occupied Bapaume and Péronne, encountering little opposition." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "A voluntary retirement, according to our plans." } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "in Tank work. In company with half a dozen other young subalterns, he was under instruction from morning to night, with only brief intervals for meals. It would be difficult to find a squad more eager to grasp the intricacies of their future commands. They were, one and all, as" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Technical and practical work, intermixed with lectures on motors, machine-guns and quickfirers, hints on strategy and tactics, map-reading and dynamics--all were drummed into the active brains of the probationers, regardless of the adage," }, { "from": "human", "value": "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dangerous for the Boches, let's hope," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to impress upon you fellows, said the major--who acted as instructor--" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "However useful the Tanks have been and are, continued the major," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tanks attacking in company, he declared," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's Easter Day, observed Danvers, when the Tanks were" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "for the night and concealed from the prying eyes of a chance hostile airman--the Hun fliers were very chary of late of venturing over the British lines--by means of futurist-painted canvas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rummiest Easter I've ever spent. Wonder if the Huns use a similar form of service to ours. Can you imagine the Germans making use of the words of the Litany: 'To have pity upon all prisoners and captives'?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From all accounts they are badly using our men who have had the ill-luck to fall into their hands, said Setley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A platoon of the Chalkshires got cut off, I hear. The men are kept in the German reserve trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, added another subaltern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And our fellows are mad about it. The Huns will feel sorry for themselves when the infantry go over the top and get to work with the bayonet. Hullo! the great strafe is commencing." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Does a fellow good to see that, observed a grey-haired major, as he watched the incessant glare of the shells bursting in the Hun trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're top-dog now. I remembered at Ypres we were battered for a week or more and hardly able to reply. Now the boot is on the other foot, and, you fellows, wait till the morning. We've a nice little surprise for Fritz." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "There won't be any work left for us to do, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The German trenches must be flattened out by this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'll soon see, rejoined a lieutenant, consulting his watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's now close on five. The infantry go over the top at the half-hour. Hullo! here's the C.O. It's about time we started." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All correct, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "We're out of it this trip, thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's nothing for the Tanks to do. By Jove, there is, though! A viper's nest wants flattening out." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "from all sides. Under the impression that no quarter is accorded to machine-gunners the Boches determined to fight to the last. Even the approach of the Tank, even if it spelt doom, did not make them desert their guns and with uplifted hands shout" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kamerad." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Up with yer dooks!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Course you'll save your hide, Fritz, said his conqueror encouragingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike, take that blighter out of it, will yer?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Up with 'em!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hanged if I can do the bloomer in with this," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Form a ring, chums, an' see fair play. Now, Fritz, it's either you or me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I haf no chance, replied the Prussian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If out I come der odders vill shoot in my back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't talk rot, Dutchy, protested Anderson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We ain't 'Uns. Either 'ands up or fight me!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well done, Ginger!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too bloomin' well done, rejoined the victor." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Yer asked for it properly, Fritz, he exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why didn't yer put yer bloomin' 'ands up when I told yer?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yer rotten cannibal!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hasten slowly" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "There's a Tank bogged fifty yards south-east of Henricourt Farm, sir, he reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The CO. sends orders for you to proceed to her assistance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very good," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Gone West, poor fellow," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "We'll have that fellow in, said Setley to his sergeant--a trustworthy non-com. of the name of Archer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tell him to look sharp about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shell-shock, sir, that's what it is, declared Sergeant Archer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll fetch him in." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's nah-poo! yelled the non-com." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You come along with me at once." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What's wrong, chum?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's got shell-shock, and is as obstinate as a mule," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Highly urgent!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All right, chum; I'll see to it," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let a couple of Jocks take 'em back, sir, suggested Sergeant Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the stuffing's knocked out of them, I guess." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hullo, Danvers! shouted Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sorry you've had ill-luck. We'll find a means to haul you out; but your bus must wait, I'm afraid." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hands up!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "That Maxim laid the blighter out, sergeant," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I won't chance my arm on that, declared Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hand me that spade." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, Fritz, exclaimed the sergeant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you won't give in like a sensible fellow we'll have to rout you out. I've a smoke-bomb ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is that an English officer who speaks?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A British sergeant--quite good enough for a Boche to argue with, retorted Archer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So you speak English? Come out and surrender. That's plain enough, and you know it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's happening, sergeant?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's a Boche in this dug-out, sir, reported the non-com." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be careful, sir; he chucked a bomb out just now. I believe he's an officer, because he enquired if he was chewing his rag to a British officer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I officer am, interposed the unseen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To you I make surrender." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right-o, replied Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out you come." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Good thing I'm a cricketer, sir, he remarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That ought to have settled the swine's hash. There's no trusting a Prussian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't, ordered Ralph, as the non-com. was about to investigate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll run no unnecessary risks, but the blighter must be accounted for. Where's a smoke-bomb?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You've put yourself out of court, exclaimed Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For your treachery you deserve to be exterminated; but we'll give you another chance. Come out and we'll give you quarter. Any attempt at your low-down games and you'll be shot down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not surrender make, he shouted almost spluttering in his rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This a magazine is. If you a smoke-bomb throw den I fire der powder an' blow you and your landship to pieces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll risk that," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Blessed if he isn't the very image of Little Willie, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He certainly looks a mental degenerate, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here, stop those men. Let them carry him in." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I've seen the last of that gentleman, I hope, remarked Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've found a rope? And ladders, too, I see. Look alive there." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "For nearly an hour the Boches bombed us. At first it was a jolly disconcerting experience, and our Hun started shouting to the bombers to stop it--the skunk! Imagine our fellows doing that. Finding that nothing happened he quieted down a bit, until he suddenly danced up and down regardless of the fact that he was bumping his pig-headed skull against the roof girders. In his raving I caught the word _Flammenwerfer_ several times, so I was forced to come to the unpleasant conclusion that the Huns were going to strafe us with liquid fire. Then your bus rolled up and put the lid on. The rest you know." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All aboard," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "A plane has been strafing us, announced his brother-officer." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, sir, Setley heard one of the sentries report to the senior major." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They did fall a bit close, sir, but not near enough to do any damage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thank goodness!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "The fellow evidently knows where the Tanks are, observed Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deucedly funny how these Huns find out things behind our lines, and yet not a single enemy airman has ventured over in daylight for the last week. Eh, what's that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That knocks your information theory on the head, observed Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The airman evidently trusted to luck and it played a shabby trick on the prisoners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not at all, said Danvers stoutly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was trying for the Tanks. The fact that a cage was within five hundred yards of them didn't trouble him at all. Cannon fodder, you see; once these Huns are prisoners they cease to count in the estimation of the German High Command. That's why it is not advisable to commit reprisals upon prisoners. Such a step wouldn't affect the Huns in the slightest. It's a safe card to bombard their 'open' towns by way of reprisals. That makes them squeal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let's be getting back," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wish I could, rejoined his companion, consulting the luminous dial of his watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately I'm down for duty at one-thirty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's up, then?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over there, replied Danvers, pointing towards the front trenches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They've had a squad from a Labour Battalion hard at it, digging a path for my bus. I was warned to be there at the time I mentioned. Wanted to hang on all the while, but there was that strafed official enquiry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll go with you," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're dog tired," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not at all, protested Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll go. It'll give me an appetite for breakfast, don't you see. I heard that there was to be a variation from the almost everlasting bully beef. There's bacon, Danvers, actually bacon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good! exclaimed the subaltern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's hope it won't be like the last I tasted. The stuff must have chummed up with the dead end of a poison gas shell. Ugh! It put me off entirely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Know the way?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather, was the confident reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I guess we won't be lonely. There's plenty of life along the path--and death, too, he added gravely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll follow the track of the Tank." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Fritz is still getting badly strafed." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "or else the Huns were up to their latest display of _kultur_--setting fire to a village before" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Beastly cold job, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All[unreadable text] in summer, but on a night like this----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's planing down, said Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's shut off his motor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he is, agreed Ralph's companion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder why? I shouldn't think a fellow would make a landing here for choice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Huns!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you in need of assistance?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, but repairs will take two hours, was the reply. Then, after a pause," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How far am I from Douai?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Quite an impossible distance, Herr Aviatiker, responded Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile, you are our prisoner. Surrender instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrender yourselves, he retorted, and placing a whistle to his lips he blew three short blasts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our patrols will be up at once, Englishmen, he added," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hullo! bawled an unmistakably English voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's the rumpus?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "German airmen," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they're booked," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well done, Alderhame!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dash my stars! ejaculated the ex-actor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hardly expected to run across you--'upon the vasty fields of France.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What are you doing here?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ration party, sir, replied Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were hurrying along because we were taking a cheese ration up to our chaps. The cheese was lively when we started, so we wanted to get the stuff up before it walked off. There's Ginger Anderson sitting on top of one lot." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'll have a look at our birds, sir, continued Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm curious to know where they were winged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, cautioned Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They may be lying doggo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trust me for that, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Ripping shot that one of mine! exclaimed Alderhame enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jolly rummy, though, I can't help feeling like a sportsman on the moors and it's a human being I've brought down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But a bloomin' Boche, added Ginger the materialist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One the less an' no cause to feed 'im." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "By Jupiter! I'd like to nip the fellow, remarked Danvers, as the two officers resumed their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smart chap that, sergeant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of my old chums in the Wheatshires, said Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A decent chap, only he has the bad habit of flinging Shakespeare at your head every half minute. I'm rather keen on getting him transferred to the Tank Section, but haven't had the chance to work it yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A handy man behind a machine-gun, I should fancy. Hullo! That was a beauty." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Getting along famously, sir, announced Danvers' sergeant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These labour chaps have been slogging in like greased lightning. Another quarter of an hour, sir, and we'll be ready to start." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm quite attached to the old bus, he confided to Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course they would have given me another if this one had been properly strafed, but it's simply great to get her into working order again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All ready, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now for a few hours' sleep," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, he admitted, glancing at his wristwatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's now ten minutes past three--we've done pretty well. At five we start our day's work, and from all accounts it's going to be a hot time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing of consequence to report," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "We're having a shuffle round, began the latter without needless preamble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Six additional Tanks are being sent up from the Base, and some of the men who have had practical experience in action are to be distributed amongst the crews of the new arrivals. That, naturally, causes vacancies in the complements of the Tanks here already. You sent in an application, I see, for two N.C.O.'s of the Wheatshires. The C.O. of the Wheatshires raises no objections, Headquarters approves, and the men are warned to join as soon as possible. I presume you would like to have them with you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, sir, replied Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time I should be sorry to lose Sergeant Archer. He's a smart, hard-working, conscientious N.C.O.----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know, interrupted the C.O." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You need not have any qualms concerning Sergeant Archer. He is to be sent on promotion to the Ancre. Very well, then; that's settled. Good afternoon." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You haven't lost much time," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather not," }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was off like greased lightning, sir, added Ginger," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'll have your wish, then, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We are shifting to-night. That airman you shot, Alderhame, tried to bomb us last night, and the inference is that the Huns had been told of the locality of the Tanks by a spy. So to avoid further risks we were going some four miles away--somewhere between Givenchy and Souchez." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That means business, said Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We heard that our next thrust is to be directed against Lens. My word! I can see us climbing Hill 70 in a Tank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's 'ope we don't drop down a bloomin' coal-pit, said Ginger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've 'eard as 'ow some of 'em are 'arf a mile deep." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Quite a fine evening for a stroll," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eh? What's the game?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Merely a whim of mine, I suppose, he replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At any rate, I'm going, but, of course, if you----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm on, agreed Setley, buckling on his belt, to which was attached his revolver-holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where do you propose making for?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the Givenchy road, announced Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's quite quiet. I've a wish to explore a certain spot a little way off the high road. Ready?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, sir, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything correct?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Only a few yards of this, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We turn off to the left again. See that building--or the remains of one?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully, now, whispered Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While I was visiting rounds I spotted someone making for this house. Kept him under observation with my night-glasses. I waited nearly twenty minutes and he didn't show up again. That is in itself suspicious. I would have sent out a piquet, only there was too much risk of the men giving themselves away. It's a task best tackled by us, I imagine. You work round by the right; I'll go to the left. If the fellow is still there, well and good. We'll soon find out his business. If he isn't, we'll wait and see if he returns." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Not English, nor French--nor German, declared Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flemish perhaps, but hardly likely. There's only one man, I should imagine; but why does he carry on in this excited fashion?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Cool cheek, thought Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite enough evidence to place him in front of a firing party. He looks a tough customer, too." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now what's to be done? gasped Ralph, when the suspect was securely bound--wrists and ankles--by means of handkerchiefs and the man's own revolver lanyard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If we've got to bring him out of this we'll have trouble. He's a lump of a chap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Get a man to mount guard over him until we can fetch the piquet, decided Danvers, wiping the perspiration from his forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By Jove! My nose feels as big as a turnip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's certainly swelling some, remarked Setley, surveying his chum's features by the aid of the captured electric lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All right; you stand by and I'll bring a Tommy back to look after the blighter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've been trying to question the chap, reported Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tried him in German. Perhaps my rendering was so atrocious that he couldn't understand, or else he's sullen. He tried to wriggle while you were away, but he seems to be lashed up tight enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mount guard over him, corporal, ordered Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he tries any of his capers prod him in the stomach with your bayonet. I don't think that would be bringing His Majesty's uniform into contempt. We'll take that revolver and the map with us as evidence." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I feel rather 'bucked' over this business, remarked Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite a bang on the proboscis, I am inclined to assert that this night's work hasn't been thrown away. I was----" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By Jove! ejaculated Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Corporal Rogers has plugged the chap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather a wide interpretation of your orders, old boy, replied Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why didn't he use cold steel?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All correct here, sir, reported Corporal Rogers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I heard footsteps, went to the broken window, and saw a bloke sneaking up towards the building. I challenged, and he turned tail. Then I let rip, and he dropped. I'll swear I plugged him, but he made no noise when he fell." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Jolly fishy, declared Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Corn and water--too small to be of much use for human consumption. What does it mean?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "This chap's a spy, that's a dead cert., continued Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other fellow is an accomplice and brings him grub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But you said that the quantity was insufficient, protested Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your theory doesn't hold good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanged if it does, admitted Danvers," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a regular mystery. No doubt----" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "The chain of evidence is complete, declared Danvers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bring those birds along--and this one, too," }, { "from": "human", "value": "A very good night's work, commented the C.O., when the two subalterns had made their report." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two birds with one stone, by Jove! All right, carry on; we'll have this gentleman tried by court-martial in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "THANK your lucky stars that you fellows aren't in Blighty," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's wrong now? asked Danvers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rotten news in the papers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were referring to your escapade last night, continued the speaker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your efforts are like the padre's egg: good in parts. We don't deny that the fellow who was shot by the sentry was a spy, but the other----" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What about him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't jump down my throat, old chap, was the feigned indignant protest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's the secret of the whole business. You simply leap at erroneous conclusions like a bull at a gate. Sometimes the gate goes, sometimes it doesn't, and then the animal is sorry for itself. Do you remember what Gladstone said in 'sixty-eight?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing to do with this spy business, I'll swear, interrupted Danvers, seizing his tormentor by the scruff of the neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, you prevaricating blighter, out with it! What are you hinting at?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was testing your knowledge of political history before enlightening you----" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Then straight to the point, declared Danvers," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was recalling the Prime Minister's immortal quotation in the year of grace eighteen hundred and sixty-eight," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he remarked, when Danvers had informed him of the reason for the impromptu" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You fellows have made a mess of part of the business. The man in British uniform is a major of the Coalshires. He is suffering from shell-shock, and is now under the doctor's care. Memory gone, and all that sort of thing. Got out of touch with his battalion and wandered into the ruined farmhouse for shelter. The plan he apparently took from a German prisoner, and although in the major's present mental state it conveys nothing to him it means a lot of precious information to us. It appears to be an accurate and official plan of the system of trenches surrounding the Von der Golz Redoubt and the fortress village of Néancourt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's good, sir," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I agree, and so does the C.O. In any case, the plan will enable the C.O. to communicate accurate information to the Brigade Headquarters, in which event be prepared for the fall of the hitherto impregnable Von der Golz Redoubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You might have got me to chip in last night's affair, sir," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Couldn't be helped, replied Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have done so, if possible. How do you like your new job?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Absolutely top-hole, declared the ex-actor enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am just pining to have another slap at the Boches, this time inside one of these beauties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are getting quite vindictive," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Before the curing of a strange disease, Even in the instant of repair and health, The fit is strongest; evils that take leave, On their departure most of all show evil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I hope you're right, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seems no doubt that the Huns are getting properly whacked. It'll be a tough job for some time, but they're on the down grade." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Gain that, gentlemen, concluded the C.O.," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Those fellows will put up a stiff fight, remarked Danvers, as he walked with Setley towards the waiting Tanks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Prussian Guard and Bavarian infantry: that's what we have in front of us. I hear that the Saxons and Badeners have been withdrawn. They surrender too freely to please old Hinder-beggar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those blighters are obviously fed-up, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sergeant Alderhame showed me a card he had picked up in a captured dug-out. I have it somewhere--yes, here it is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yield yourself prisoner: any one can who wishes to do so. Clear out of your path those who lead you to the slaughter-house--they alone are your enemies. Think of your dear ones. Do not sacrifice yourselves for princes and the money bags of Prussia. Help yourselves and God will help you.--Hans von Rippach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That shows the way the wind blows in the South German principalities, commented Danvers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Imagine our Tommies passing round a thing like that. Hullo, there's the signal! S'long, old chap, and the best of luck." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad raised. In five minutes the British troops were in indisputable possession of the first-line trenches. Here they paused for a well-needed" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "so that they would" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "If only we had a gun able to bear upon that mob, sir, exclaimed Sergeant Alderhame," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "No Quarter!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Scotland for Ever! on the part of the Jocks, and the dogged" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stick it, the Wheatshires!" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hands up!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ye vos Sachsen! called out an imploring voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mercy, Kamerad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are Prussians, he replied;" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Wot 'ave you got there, old sport? enquired the corporal, gripping the Hun's wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Search 'im, Smutty," }, { "from": "human", "value": "So that's the bloomin' game, eh? enquired Ginger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let 'im go, Smutty. Now, look to yourself, Fritz. I'm a-goin' to dot you one." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What's up, Ginger?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O world, thy slippery turns. Friends now fast sworn Unseparable, shall within this hour, On a dissension of a doit, break out To bitterest enmity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alderhame! I little thought to see you here. Let me see: only three years and six months ago we were on the boards together in _Much Ado about Nothing_." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now, added Alderhame," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hope it will be _All's Well that Ends Well,_ rejoined the German." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm properly fed up with this war, and will be glad to be out of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will be--in a prison camp in England, the sergeant assured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll see that you are sent under escort to the rear. Unless your own guns cop you there'll be nothing to fear. What made the crowd of you make a dive for this cellar?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't mind telling you now, he said, in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's a tunnel. That Tank has blocked up the entrance. It communicates with our reserve lines, and the whole place is heavily mined. I would advise you to clear out as soon as possible, for when our people have waited sufficiently long to enable our troops to withdraw--the few that are left, that is--the village will be blown to atoms." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All right, he said, addressing his former brother actor and present enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll send you out under escort. Yes, the whole crowd of you, I mean." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Send a man to warn the Divisional Officer of the troops holding the village, ordered Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll have to abandon the Tank, I fancy." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Pleasant, remarked Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a mine somewhere under you and H.E. shells dropping overhead, and unable to get out of this hole, life is a bit exciting. No, Alderhame; no more Shakespeare, please. We'll try and find the tunnel to which your German acquaintance referred. By the by, who is he?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in the same Repertoire Company with me, replied the ex-actor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was in those dim and distant days before the war, yet I remember how we parted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was just before Treasury--that is, the weekly pay-day. He borrowed a sovereign--maybe you recollect what that is, or was: a circular flat disc of shining gold, for which one had to display a certain amount of affection. He cleared out shortly afterwards, and I haven't seen that Jimmy o' Goblin since--and don't expect to. However, sir, he's done us a good turn warning us about the mine, though it were to save his own skin." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, sir, cautioned Sergeant Alderhame, as Ralph flashed his electric torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There might be some Huns lurking down here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hardly, objected Setley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed to be common knowledge amongst the Prussians that the place is mined. They'll keep clear. The trouble is, I take it, to discover and disconnect the electric wires before they spring the whole show." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll have to shift that lot, said Ralph encouragingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All hands together, lads." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "It'll save the sanitary squad a job if it does, remarked one of the men grimly," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, it's a mighty quick death--none of that rotten hanging about." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What does it mean, I wonder? thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It can't be that our fellows have been compelled to give ground. We must endeavour to get out of this hole and see what's doing." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Looks healthy, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, agreed Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seems as if we are to stop here until we are dug out, unless we can contrive to blow away this mass of rubble. Unfortunately, I am not expert in the art of the use of explosives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's one of our fellows who used to be a quarryman, announced the sergeant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll get him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, he replied, in a shrill falsetto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have blasted stone for the last three years. I do not know what strength this stuff has, but we'll try." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "All ready, sir, he reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Get back all of you. I'll fire it. It'll burn for thirty seconds, I guess, and that'll be enough for me to hook it." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Confound you, sir! roared a portly major-general." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What game do you think you're playing? Do you know you nearly blew us sky-high? Confound you, again!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There you are, Richards; I told you so, exclaimed the staff officer, turning to one of his entourage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The place is mined. Suppose it's safe now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think so, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It may come in handy against the Von der Golz Redoubt, in case our men fail to secure a footing," }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's no failure about it, snapped the major-general." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Send an orderly to the officer commanding the Royal Engineer detachment and request him to take steps to remove the explosive from the mine chamber. And what were you doing there?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tank, eh? What made you turn her into a cellar? Didn't know? Well, you jolly well ought to. At a time when every available Tank is required in front of the Von der Golz Redoubt you topple the bally thing into a cellar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's a pioneer section just arrived, sir, reported Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you saw the company commander perhaps he would spare enough men to help us dig a way out. It won't take much work, I think. The rubble has been well sifted by the bursting charge." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you push forward, sir? he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The infantry are being held up. There are only five Tanks left in action." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Hundreds of Prussians must at that moment be entombed in those dug-outs, of which the entrances had caved in under the terrific power of the H.E. shells, yet hundreds more were available to hold the redoubt" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "The guns are lifting, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good business! muttered Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm fed up with this inaction. Another ten minutes will decide whether we are booked or not." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Beastly mean trick! thought Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That Hun airman knows that we cannot see him, and that we don't carry antis. Wonder what our fliers are doing to let him amuse himself in this manner?" } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Kamerad." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Independent action, you know, remarked the commanding officer of the Landship Section." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So out you go, and the very best of luck." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "By Jove! Alderhame, he exclaimed," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's hope we won't, added Sergeant Alderhame grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The present world is quite good enough for me for a long time to come, Boches notwithstanding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's Corporal Anderson, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughter wasn't goin' to pick you up, sir, he remarked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I got them Boches back all right, and then blow me if I could find you anywheres. If I've chased one bloomin' Tank I've chased a dozen, to say nothin' of a few cripples, although I didn't think as 'ow anythink could 'appen to this 'ere gadget." }, { "from": "human", "value": "of armed Germans who had been overlooked in the forward movement. With his utmost coolness Ginger had beckoned to a totally imaginary crowd of Tommies, and at the same time had shouted to the Huns to" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you seen anything of Mr. Danvers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, sir, replied Ginger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was 'im wot told me where you was. 'Is Tank was just off along the Hoppy Road, goin' like a young racehorse." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "He's an officer, sir, reported Sergeant Alderhame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder what he's doing so far ahead? Prisoner, perhaps, who has managed to give the Huns the slip." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Glad to have fallen in with you, was the new-comer's greeting. He was a tall sparely built man in the uniform of a captain of the Royal Flying Corps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My name is Cludderborough. I suppose I have already been reported as missing. I was brought down a week ago last Friday. Nearly came a good old crash, but got off lightly, with the exception of a sprained ankle. I managed to escape during the bending of the Hindenburg Line. That was early this morning. So far I've not done so badly, but my ankle is giving me a lot of pain. So that is why I signalled for you to stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But we aren't going your way, remarked Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're off on a sort of independent cruise, don't you know. I would suggest that you enjoy the hospitality of the nearest shell-hole until our cavalry patrols come up. They are not so very far behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Too jolly risky, he observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Already snipers have put shots through my coat. You have no objection to taking me as a passenger, I hope? I may come in pretty useful, since I know the country behind the German line very well, both from the standpoint of an aerial observer and from that of an escaped prisoner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I must warn you, he said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Right, rejoined the captain promptly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are about to cut the Germans' lines of communication in the neighbourhood of Oppy? There's a beautiful temporary trestle-bridge which the Huns have recently made to take the place of a steel viaduct brought down by one of our airmen. This Tank ought to crumple the structure as easily as if it were a pack of cards. By the by, have you a snack of something to offer me? I am absolutely ravenous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Get Captain Cludderborough something to eat, Corporal Anderson, said Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'll have to excuse our lack of courtesy, he added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The limited space, the jolting motion, and above all the fact that we are in an hostile country, prevents me from doing the honours properly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where's your map? asked the captain, after he had finished his meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, there you are: no sign of the viaduct is shown. The thing's beastly inaccurate. See that slight river almost ahead? That's Nôtre Dame d'Huy. The railway line skirts the other side of the hill. There's a fairly broad valley between Nôtre Dame and the hill on the right. Both eminences are crossed with trenches, but they are not held. The Huns were clearing out as I slipped through. It's my belief that they have purposely retired in order to leave a tempting gap for our troops, and then they'll start shelling from both sides. However, it's too early for that, so we ought to get through and astride the railway line before they spot us." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Rummy sort of show, sir, commented Sergeant Alderhame, as the defence came in sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I should feel inclined to go smack bang over the hill instead of through that gap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eh? interrupted the captain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You would, would you? Not only would you have to surmount difficult ground, but you would be absolutely on the sky-line and a target for every German quickfirer within ten thousand yards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very good, sir," } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Nearly through, remarked Captain Cludderborough, who had taken his stand at Ralph's elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'll see the precious trestle-bridge in half a shake." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will do well, sir, to order your men to surrender instantly. There is no escape. Give in without resistance and you will be accorded honourable treatment. I, Kapitan Karl von Hoerfelich, guarantee it." } ]

51332

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Wouldn't it be advisable to stop the motors? asked Ralph coolly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll come an awful crash in that beastly hole ahead if we don't. It looks quite fifty feet deep, doesn't it?" } ]