“Would you ride on a truck?”
“Of course if necessary, but I think we prefer to walk, thank you. I always did enjoy hiking. You don’t know whether or not the car has gone on?”
“It went on less than five minutes before you came out. Four women in it, the same ones you carried before.”
“Thank you, Sergeant. May I offer you a package of cigarettes?”
He said she might, and thanked her, a broad grin on his face.
“The old party hasn’t passed out a thing since we started,” he informed her.
“I know it. She informs me that none will be distributed from the canteen until we reach the Rhine. Thank you very much for your kindness.” Grace returned to their cellar, where she found Elfreda awaiting her with more or less impatience. Their mess kits and other supplies were packed.
“Where is the car? I didn’t hear you drive up,” questioned Miss Briggs.
“Mrs. Chadsey Smythe took the car and a soldier driver, and went on, I am informed.”
“What?”