of you
Americans. I wish you to extend your parole." He lifted a hand as
O'Malley opened his mouth to say no. "I feel that you should do this
after the manner in which you have been treated." He smiled at Stan.

"For how long, sir?" Stan asked.

"I cannot say exactly, but not for very much longer. I am leaving my
boys here and they will be with you during the time you stay here." His
smile faded and he suddenly looked tired and old. "I ask this for a
personal reason. Perhaps I am selfish."

"You saved our lives, sir," Allison said. "I'm giving my parole for a
while longer."

"I'll give mine, sir," Stan promised.

They looked at O'Malley. "An' I'm gettin' away if I can," he declared.

The general bowed. "You know, of course, that I must place you in
custody of a guard?"

"Sure," O'Malley replied. "Sure, but I'm gettin' itchy feet."

The general nodded. He handed the fat envelope to his eldest son,
Lorenzo.

"You will keep this for me. Above all it must not be given to the
Germans." He got to his feet. "Now I must be getting back to
headquarters. I trust you have been comfortable, gentlemen?"

"We have, thank you, sir," Allison said.

Gravely the general shook hands with the three Yanks and with each of
his sons. At the doorway he paused and they all gave him a snappy
salute. After he was gone the Bolero boys were silent. They stood at the
balcony looking down on the shady road until his car disappeared inside
the German camp. Lorenzo turned to Stan and there was a tight smile on
his lips.

"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 o