Colin leaned back against a chart table and pulled on his pipe for a few moments.
"Please go on, sergeant," he said finally. "Keep trying. But change the patter to 'please reply,' would you?"
"What difference does that make?" Banning asked. "That's what 'come in' means, anyway. Same thing."
"Just an idea," Colin said. "Why don't you get some rest? You look beat."
"What kind of an idea?" Banning said, rubbing his forehead.
"Can you get a couple of cots brought to your office?"
"Yes, but what's your idea?"
"Come on along and I'll tell you about it," Colin said.
They left Central Control, with the voice of the sergeant sounding behind them, "Gila Control to Phoenix I please reply. Gila Control...."
Reaching Banning's office, Colin sent one of the ubiquitous armed guards after two cots.