he hiding men behind the wine casks. Every time a German orderly was
sent for wine they knew he was coming before he had even entered the
short passageway leading into the main room. Usually the men were sent
in pairs, sometimes three or four came. The men always had liberal
samples of the wine before filling the decanters for the officers.

The cellar was damp and smelled of rotting wood and stale wine. The
space behind the wine casks was limited and legs developed cramps as the
night and the next day wore on. Belts had to be tightened over empty
stomachs, but there was no complaining. Tony regained his strength and
with it his belief that they would escape.

"We can't very well climb back out of that chute," Allison said for the
tenth time. "We'll have to plan some other strategy. It's three P.M.
right now and we still don't have any ideas. We have to be up at that
wheat field by midnight."

"I'll slip out into the hallway and have a look," Stan offered.

"And get caught," Allison said sourly.

Further talk was halted. The hinges of the door creaked dismally. Four
men entered and turned on the small light over the row of old wine
barrels. They talked and had a few drinks before filling the pitchers
they carried. There was much laughing and joking. When they had gone,
Allison translated their conversation.

"We finally have some information," he said. "The Germans blame the
Italian peasants for our disappearance. They are sure the peasants
spirited us away and they are taking reprisals."

"That is like them," General Bolero said sadly.

"And here is the big news. The Germans figure we have escaped and will
reach the British lines in the south. They expect a bombing raid upon
this spot, similar to the one on the Bolero villa. So tonight they will
evacuate under cover of darkness and they will put this place, wine
cellar and all, to the torch before they go." Allison laughed.

"When are they going?" Stan asked.

"They plan to get out as soon as darkness comes to cover their movements
from our air force, which seems to have taken over the sky. As soon as
they have evacuated they will destroy the place. I gather the high
command has ordered that every place evacuated is to be destroyed in
revenge for Italy's quitting the war."

"So. We have to get out of here by dark," General Bolero said. "And that
we will do."

"I hope so," Stan said.

"We will evacuate with the Germans," the general said. "That is our onl