The priest replied, “It was necessary to follow the loneliest roads through the confusion. One did not know where the shells or the snipers’ bullets would strike.
“I slept well enough under hedges,” the priest continued. “I was very kindly given food by many villagers. Sometimes I took refuge in a church or house. At times I was able to help with the wounded and ill. And sometimes I stopped to comfort the children.”
Father Duprey rose and put a kindly hand on André’s shoulder. “I am glad that you were spared, son. Go home now, and do not worry. Even about Marie. The Gagnons are a family that for two hundred years has not been easily crushed.”
André went slowly down the parsonage steps.... On the first night of the invasion his parents had been safe. But that was four days ago, he thought.
A loud shout stopped him. Streukoff beckoned from the jeep. “Hey, kid! Say, I gotta deliver you and get a receipt from Captain Dobie. Git in.”
André looked shocked. “The general was joking, wasn’t he? I can walk the short distance home. I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long.”
“Oh, that’s all right. I needed the rest,” grinned Streukoff. “But I’m getting that receipt, boy. A general never forgets.”
Captain Dobie looked up from his desk irritably when Streukoff entered the room and saluted. André followed well in the rear.
“Yes?” Dobie snapped.
After hearing the general’s request, he barked, “You want what? You brought André home? From where!”