"This is a strange war for the Italians," he said.
"It is," Stan agreed.
The brothers shrugged their shoulders and started to chat with the Yanks in smooth English. They had learned the language in Great Britain. O'Malley sat back and said nothing. Stan and Allison carried on the talk. The war was not mentioned again. Allison and the brothers talked about schooldays in England.
At last Lorenzo got to his feet. The others joined him. They all bowed.
"We leave you now but will see you at dinner tonight."
After they had gone, O'Malley burst out, "You sure did get tricked by that ol' brass hat."
"I don't think so," Stan said.
"I say, old man, you better change your mind. If you don't, I'll wager you a dinner we see action before you do." Allison was smiling.
"Sure, an' you talk riddles," O'Malley snorted.
"There's only one place the general can put you for safekeeping right now. He'll have to turn you over to the Germans. This part of the country has been taken over by the Nazi gang." Allison spoke slowly. "The general hates the Nazis. Figure it out for yourself."