
"It's not very sporting of you to leave a fellow out here, exposed to the wind and the rain and the rockets' red glare, you know. Why, I could be shot! What, then, will the ladies of Europe think of Bavarian hospitality? What of honour? What of love for your fellow man in times of crisis? It will be on posters and broadsheets throughout God's creation: the Germans have not got the decency to let a man into a hole in the ground. Now, really, do you wish me to be shot? It's not that it would bother me overmuch, but I'd hate to make my dear old mother cry."
"If ve let you in, vill you close your mouth?"
"My dear sir -- may I call you Wilhelm? No? Hans, then? My dearest Hans, I will be the very soul of silence. My voice shall be stilled, and churchmice use me as an example for the improvement and education of their children in after-life. This is a bit of a step, isn't it? A very cozy place you have here, I must say. All the comforts of home, and -- tea!"
... "I say, are you playing poker? Deal me in, my fine Fritzy friends. There's nothing as diverting as a game of cards. Why, if one simply imagines the shells to be bread-rolls, this could be an evening at the club. Call."
... "I am not a greedy man. I have no desire to ruin you. To that end, let us compromise. I shall continue to bet real cash, and you may stake the spikes from your helmets."
... "If you are determined to wager your sidearm, sir, far be it from me to refuse such a gallant gesture. I see your bet, and raise you one Webley revolver."
... "Don't you think the stakes are getting a bit high now? After all, I'd scarcely be able to walk off with my winnings in my pockets at this point. Army bags are voluminous enough above the knee, but into them two field guns and a well-dug trench will never fit."
... "Shall we have another cup of tea while we await the arrival of your illustrious general?"
... "Do remember to print my name correctly in the headlines. P-S-M-I-T-H. The P is silent, as in pshrimp."
PSMITH PSAVES THE PDAY
Wily Officer Won Entire War In Poker Match
Germans Astounded
Winning Hand Revealed To Be Two of Clubs and Used Gum Wrapper