Book Four

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The train ended up taking me all the way to Milan. I arrived just before sunrise. The first thing I saw when I left the train tracks was a Café. It had just opened. The man behind the counter served me a cup of coffee and some bread. He then poured me a glass of strong alcohol.

"No charge," he said, "Tell me a little about the front. How is it going up there?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is that the Army was running away from the Germans when I left."

"Does that mean the war is finished?"

"I doubt it."

"You know, if you need to hide, I've got a place where you can stay."

"Thank you. I have somewhere I have to go today, but I will keep your place in mind for the future."

"One other thing. It's obvious that you've removed your stars from your coat. You wouldn't wear it any longer. Do you have papers? I can get you some if you don't."

"Identification papers? I don't think I'll need them, but ... again, it's good to know where I can get some." I then got up to go.

"Remember. I'm always here if you need anything."

"Thank you," I said and then left.

I took a carriage to the hospital. The doorman was very happy to see me. I shook his hand and asked if Miss Barkley was there. He told me she was not. She had gone to a town called Stresa with Miss Ferguson. I thanked him and asked that he not tell anyone he had seen me.

I then got back into the carriage and went to the home of a friend of mine named Simmons. He was the fellow studying opera singing that I had met earlier in the year while recovering from my injuries in Milan. He answered his door still wearing pajamas.

"I'm in a bit of trouble, Simmons," I said to him.

"Come in and tell me all about it."

"How can I get to Switzerland?"

"You can't. The Italian government won't allow it. Why? Are the police looking for you?"

"I'm not sure yet. Would you have some clothing I could wear? All I've got is what I have on now."

"Of course. We are just about the same size. What happened to you? Why aren't you at the front?"

"Where can I change my clothing?"

"Just go in the bedroom there and take whatever you want."

"As soon as you are dressed, we'll eat and then send you up toward Switzerland."

"Actually I have to go to Stresa first."

(end of section)