“We got a pair of new lieutenants takin’ the places of a couple that got wounded,” Weller said. “Good fighters, these replacements, Schoenfargle an’ Ouvarski.”
André grew more silent as the captain’s leaving day drew near.
St. Sauveur was to André a pretty little town where his family were. As each day went by he felt more anxious about his mother. And finally he decided he must follow Dobie and look for her.
On the last evening, Captain Dobie said, “I’m leaving Slim here for a few days, on orders, André. He’ll be in touch with me, so send us word if anything is wrong.”
Weller echoed, “Yeah. You do that, kid, and you just tend to the cows, and mind what Father Duprey says.”
André was up and the house astir before sunrise next morning.
Maps, papers, and duffle were stacked waiting in the hallway when Slim appeared at the door and announced, “Jeep’s ready, Captain.”
This was the bad moment for André.
Dobie hobbled out to the jeep and Weller followed. Several of the neighbors, including Father Duprey and Victor, had come to say good-by.
Patchou kept up a nervous barking, shocked by the departure of friends, until André put an arm around him.