"But sir, our tanks will have no protection against helicopters!"
"I am quite aware of it," said the general mildly.
He turned to the transmitter. A thin voice had just announced at the other end of the wire, "The commander-in-chief of the army in the field will make a statement."
The general spoke unhurriedly.
"We are in contact with the enemy, have been for some hours. We have lost forty tanks and the enemy, we think, sixty or more. No general engagement has yet taken place, but we think decisive action on the enemy's part will be attempted within two hours. The tanks in the field need now, as always, ammunition, spare tanks, and the special supplies for modern warfare. In particular, we require ever-increasing quantities of fog-gas. I appeal to your patriotism for reinforcements of material and men."
He hung up the receiver and returned to his survey of the board.
"Those three listening-posts," he said abruptly, indicating a place near where an enemy tank had been destroyed. "Have they been reoccupied?"
"Yes, sir. Just reported. The tank they reported rolled over them, destroying the placement. They are digging in."
"Tell me," said the general, "when they cease to report again. They will."