“Kamerad!” he cried. “Kamerad!”
He was so near the tank that Hal could see the tears streaming down his cheeks.
“I haven’t got the heart to shoot him,” Bowers called to Hal. “Climb out, sir, and see what he has to say.”
Hal knew as well as any soldier in the Allied armies that tanks, British, French or American, were not expected to make prisoners unless the infantry was in immediate support, and for this reason he understood what Bowers meant when the marine said he couldn’t shoot the German boy down in cold blood.
The reason may be readily understood, for the crew of a baby tank is composed of only two men. Only now and then is it possible to shepherd prisoners ahead of a tank and it is always bad practice for either of the crew to leave his steel fortalice. In this case, however, Hal took into consideration the youth of the prisoner.
“Better be careful, sir,” Bowers called as Hal opened the door and crawled out. “Remember the Boche who called ‘Kamerad’ to me awhile back.”
“But this is only a boy,” replied Hal, “and he’s crying at that.”
“Can’t help that, sir. They’re all bad actors and none is to be trusted.”
“I guess I’m safe enough,” declared Hal, as he advanced.
“Got your gun?” called Bowers.