"Well, I do call it a shame; and you looking so blue with the cold."
With that I was in cordial agreement.
"Are they going to bring you tea, dearie, at 'arf-time?"
Alas, no. Under sergeant's sanction we might be permitted to buy a
pork-pie from opposite, but this must be taken as unofficial and in
confidence.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked.
"Zeppelins, Madam," I replied.
"Zeppelins--what would they be?"
She nodded a vigorous understanding of my explanation.
"And when they drop their nasty bombs, what will you do then, dearie?"
Our orders were to draw our truncheons, arrest them and convey them to
the nearest police-station. I made this very clear.
"And what do you think they will do to them?"
I considered that they would get at least a month with hard labour, and
no option of a fine.
"I should think so! The brutes--trying to take away the poor man's food!
And as for that CROWN PRINCE, when you get 'im, just you 'it 'im right
over the 'ead with your truncheon!"
We are not allowed to hit over the head on ordinary occasions, but in
the case of the CROWN PRINCE attacking (and conceivably looting) our
sausage factory, no doubt the rule would be relaxed. I undertook to
follow her advice, and she left greatly relieved.
* * * * *