“It was you that wanted something. You wanted knowledge.”
“Well, I’ve lost my bearings, that’s true. I know I am dead ’cause I’ve seen the gunnery lootenant, and he was blown to bits before my eyes. If he’s dead I’m dead and all the rest of us, for we are over to the last man. But we’ve got the laugh on our sky-pilot, for he’s as puzzled as the rest of us. Damned poor pilot, I call him. We’re all taking our own sounding now.”
“What was your ship?”
“The Monmouth.”
“She that went down in battle with the German?”
“That’s right. South American waters. It was clean hell. Yes, it was hell.” There was a world of emotion in his voice. “Well,” he added more cheerfully, “I’ve heard our mates got level with them later. That is so, sir, is it not?”
“Yes, they all went to the bottom.”
“We’ve seen nothing of them this side. Just as well, maybe. We don’t forget nothing.”
“But you must,” said Mailey. “That’s what is the matter with you. That is why the Chinese control brought you through. We are here to teach you. Carry our message to your mates.”
“Bless your heart, sir, they are all here behind me.”