"Don't worry," the Colonel said, and slapped Freddy on the shoulder. "You can say anything you want, at any time, and it will always be okay with me, after this. I mean it! You make me feel like an amateur, Farmer. It was wonderful. But let's get these two tied up while they're still listening to the birdies. What a sweet punch you've got, Farmer. And at your weight, too! You'd keep Joe Louis busy any time. But let's get at these two, and get going." Freddy and the Colonel bent over the two prostrate forms and started roping them up hand and foot. Dave watched for a moment, then made sounds in his throat. "Hey!" he shouted. "I'm here, you know!" Freddy turned his head and looked at him. Bright lights danced in the English youth's eyes. "Why, so you are," he murmured, and gave the Colonel a quick wink. "Just who are you? And when did you come in?" "Cut the comedy!" Dawson howled. "Get these confounded ropes off me, or I'll fan your breeches plenty next time I get my hands on you, young fellow!" Freddy shrugged, pursed his lips and cocked an eyebrow at the Colonel. "Bit violent, isn't he?" he grunted. "Think we should let him loose, or wait a bit until he cools down?" "I don't know," the Colonel said with a chuckle. "You're the boss. Do as you think best. Maybe, if he said 'pretty please,' or something." "Quite," Freddy said, and turned to Dave. "Say 'pretty please,' and I'll consider it," he grinned. Dave looked daggers, and pressed his lips tightly together. Freddy sighed, stood up and started brushing dust off his uniform. "What do we do now, sir?" he asked, and deliberately turned his back on Dawson. "Want me to fly you to San Diego, and have somebody come back for these three? Or--" "Okay, okay, you win, you sawed off made in England little runt!" Dave roared. "Pretty please, confound you. Now untie me, for cat's sake." Freddy walked over to him and leveled a reprimanding finger. "Such a tone of voice!" he admonished sternly. "Say it nicely, just as you were taught in school, now." Dave turned forty different colors of the rainbow, but he finally managed to swallow his wrath. "Pretty please," he said. "I will remember this moment always. And I mean _always_, you cluck!" Freddy laughed, and in half a minute had Dave free. As he pulled the last rope loose, he stepped quickly backward and set himself for the expected rush. But Dave simply rubbed his hands and wrists and glared at him. "Relax!" he growled. "I'm going to save this one up, you betcha! And when the right time comes, will you sing a song and dance a dance for me! Kidding aside, though, Freddy, that was something. I really mean it. Boy! Can you always come up with something new! But don't think that means I'm going to forget, you little bum. My turn will come." Freddy grinned at him impishly, and then both stopped their horse play and turned serious eyes toward the Colonel.