“They’re not at all sure that he hasn’t seriously hurt his foot. They may have to operate. They may have to do it to-day.”
“And if they do he can still send a wire. Mrs. Slaney, time is very precious. I can’t leave those two men there without making some effort.”
“They were only war trophies.” Then to my relief she took the pencil reluctantly. “What do you want me to write?”
“Simply his address. I’ll do the rest.”
She put the pencil down.
“Hadn’t I better write to my son? Yes, that would be better. I’ll write straight away now, and then I can explain things so much better.”
“I’m going to write to your son, Mrs. Slaney, you needn’t do that. But the wire’s to go too.”
She gave in, and ten minutes later I was sending the wire.
Then I went to the Castle.
The Castle yard was full of lorries, there were soldiers and Auxiliaries everywhere, and men in mufti walked busily about, though as far as I could see they had no business.