`` this is the worst possible time with the war and all , but ... can we start over ? you got a sense of humor , too . alexander tapped the top twice and it came to life , flapping its wings and taking to the air . looking back , i suppose it could n't have ended another way . so he was in your class too ? `` i 'm not sure your wife agrees with you . '' this is what i have been trying to tell you , boy . 