The gun dug into his side. “You try, chum, and you’ll get a bullet in the kidneys. It’s nothing to do with you, so shut up!”
Miss Kolin picked up another bottle. There was blood running from her nose now. She faced the Sergeant again.
“Du Schuft!” she said venomously, and hurled herself at him.
He brushed the bottle aside and hit her again in the face with his fist. When she fell this time she did not try to get up, but lay there gasping.
The Sergeant went to the door and opened it. The sentry who had summoned Arthur was waiting there. The Sergeant beckoned him in, pointed to Miss Kolin, and gave an order in Greek. The sentry grinned and slung his rifle across his back. Then he went over to Miss Kolin and hauled her to her feet. She stood there swaying and wiping the blood from her face with her hand. He gripped her arm and said something to her. Without a word, and without looking at any of them, she began to walk towards the door.
“Miss Kolin-” George started forward.
She took no notice. The sentry pushed him aside and followed her out of the room. The door closed.
Sickened and trembling, George turned to face the Sergeant.
“Easy, chum,” said Arthur. “None of the hero-to-the-rescue stuff. It won’t wash here.”
“Where’s she being taken?” George demanded.