The old man did look closely. He stretched one hand through the window and touched Tony’s face. Then he began to smile, and his eyes began to shine.
“Tony, my little Tony!” he cried.
“Quiet, Uncle,” Tony warned. “Don’t bring the Germans here!”
“The Germans!” And Tony’s uncle cursed. “The Germans! Soon they will taste some of their own medicine. Are the Americans really so close, Tony, that you could come to me here?”
“Yes, Uncle, and they will be here in another week,” Tony said. “But you can help us. Where can we talk?”
“I’ll come outside with you,” the old man said. “Yes, through the window. I can still crawl through the window.”
“Will the Germans come and look in your room?” Tony asked. “Are they likely to miss you?”
“No, they never look for the old man,” Tomaso said. “They never even think about the harmless old man, except when they want their rooms cleaned or their boots polished.”
Suddenly the old man laughed. “Harmless old man, they think! If they knew what I’ve done!”
He no longer seemed to be the broken and tired soul that he was before. He stuck one leg out the open window and climbed through with an agility that surprised Dick. Tony helped him to the ground, and then closed the window almost shut behind him. Then the uncle looked questioningly at Dick.