When they passed through Ste. Mère, the town seemed almost quiet, although the litter and destruction on all sides were heartbreaking.
Beyond the town, the roads were clogged.
Victor was not challenged as they wove through marching troops and rolling equipment.
“That looks very unpleasant ahead of us,” Victor stated disapprovingly, when they had crossed the Merderet River bridge.
Shell bursts, dust and smoke hung over the once orderly fields and patches of woods. Noises burst out loudly behind clumps of trees and died away.
Presently, Victor announced: “We proceed but a short distance farther along this road. At an oak tree ahead we turn left to the village where my daughter is.”
It was then that André put forward his own plans. He watched Victor’s look of shocked surprise anxiously. Suppose Victor would not let him go?
“But,” Victor said, “you know I cannot accompany you into St. Sauveur now. Surely you comprehend that!”
André said firmly, “I did not expect it, Victor. I go on with Patchou only. Captain Dobie is near here, so I won’t be alone.”
Even as André said this, he began to doubt whether Captain Dobie would welcome him. He also began to wonder whether he could find the captain’s new post.