The deserters were gone; the deserted stood staring after them with wonder in their eyes.

Suddenly Britt laughed and clapped Deppingham on the back.
"Say, he's smoother than I thought.

Most men would have been damned fools enough to say that it was all poppy-cock about me sending wireless messages and calling out navies; but not he! And that machine for tapping the air! Say, we'd better go slow with that fellow.

If you say so, I'll call him up and tell him we'll agree to his little old conference.

What say to that, Browne?
And you, Deppy?
Think we--" "See here," roared Deppingham, red as a lobster, "I won't have you calling me Deppy, confound your--" "I'll take it all back, my lord.