“Hang on to your temper, we’re almost home,” said Larry, guessing the pain that Bob tried not to show. “About the German government, Bob; they say it’s still pretty wobbly. If anyone nips the German pro-Bolsheviki in the bud it will be the Allies. And we’d better go to it.”
“Berlin was riotous enough when Alan and I came through,” said Bob. “We were shot at from all directions.”
“No wonder Elizabeth wanted to leave,” remarked Larry.
Lucy glanced up at him, still keeping her troubled silence. Larry asked, disapprovingly:
“What’s the matter with you, anyway, Lucy? Do you think you’re a jolly companion to-day? I’d as soon take a walk with a dumb animal.”
“Thanks,” said Lucy, shaking off her gloomy preoccupation with an effort. “Talk to Michelle, can’t you?”
Larry glanced behind him at Michelle and shook his head in discouragement. “She looks as solemn as you do. Bob, I thought nurses’ aides were sent here to cheer up the patients. If this goes on they’ll all have a relapse.”
“You are not a patient, Captain Eaton,” smiled Michelle. “On the contrary, it is you whom we expect to cheer us. I am sorry to look so serious. I was thinking that this week I go away to France, and that before leaving I would like well to understand these strange happenings.”
Bob said with conviction, “Michelle, before this week’s over, I promise you’ll know it all. I’m as sick of floundering as you are. I’m going to plunge in and fish out Franz’ secret.”
“Only, don’t go in over your head,” advised Larry. “You’re flying against the wind when you face that wily old Johann. Hello, I’ve lost my simile.”