The Gestapo officer was shouting loudly, but he was no match for the general, who bellowed so loudly that the medals on his chest danced up and down.
The firing squad suddenly came to life. They shouldered their rifles, about-faced, and marched away. Stan and O'Malley walked over to the group.
The general ceased shouting and looked at the two Yank airmen. He puffed out his cheeks and said:
"A thousand apologies, gentlemen. I am ashamed. Italy is shamed. This could not be." He faced the colonel. "These are my prisoners, Colonel. I am taking them with me."
Colonel Kittle saluted and nodded. The Gestapo officer whirled and raced away.
"We will go quickly," the general said to the boys, "before the suckling pig receives more orders from his superiors." He bowed deeply to the colonel and faced about.
"I have given our promise to go with him," Allison said. "It was the only way to save your necks."
They marched away beside the general. Beyond the buildings they came to a big car with an army driver. General Bolero himself opened the door, and the boys seated themselves in the rear seat. The general climbed in the front seat with his driver. He sat very stiffly but every once in a while he sputtered like the fuse on a firecracker.
The car rolled up a shady road, past many guards, and on into a wide highway. Stan turned to Allison.
"How did you work it?" he asked.