Read Online The White Knight by Gilbert Morris - Free Book Online

little about the man except that he was an American and had a reputation for being an exceptional fighter pilot, but he intended to find out more.
    They reached the base and Ritter ordered the driver, “Over there at those quarters.”
    â€œYou mean the officers’ quarters?”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    The driver pulled the vehicle over in front of a line of low buildings. Ritter got out and said, “Get out, Lieutenant.”
    Luke got out carefully and stood there breathing hard. It was all he could do.
    â€œCome this way.”
    Ritter led the way into the building and called to a sergeant. “Sergeant Mueller, which one of these rooms is empty?”
    â€œThe one on the end, sir. Lieutenant Schiller has been transferred.”
    â€œI am putting this man in your charge, Sergeant Mueller. I want you to see to it that he’s cleaned up. Then give him something fit to wear, some clean clothing, and then come report to me.”
    â€œYes, sir!”
    â€œHe’s a prisoner of war. He will be treated as such. Keep two guards at his door.”
    â€œYes, Major Ritter.”
    â€œLieutenant,” Ritter said to Winslow, “I will speak with you after you’ve had a chance to clean yourself up.”
    â€œYes, Major.”
    Ritter left the officers’ quarters and went to the office of Dr. Karl Bittern, the physician of the Condor Legion.
    Dr. Bittern rose when he saw Ritter in his doorway. “Well, I heard the news,” the doctor said. “I thought we had lost you.”
    â€œYou almost did, Doctor.”
    â€œI heard you were shot down.”
    â€œI was indeed.”
    â€œA first time for you.”
    â€œThere’s always a first time.”
    â€œAre you all right?”
    â€œI’m fine, but I have a prisoner I want you to see. He’s been treated rather badly.”
    â€œA pilot?”
    â€œYes. An American. He’s been injured. I want you to give him the very best treatment.”
    â€œWhy are you so interested in an enemy flier?”
    â€œHe had me under his gun, Doctor. He could have killed me, but he let me go, so I’m in his debt,” Ritter explained. “You understand me? I want him to have good treatment.”
    Usually Ritter’s expression was pleasant enough, but at times he could look very dangerous—as he did now. Dr.
    Bittern cleared his throat. “Why, of course, Major. I’ll give him the very best care.”
    â€œThank you, Doctor.”
    Ritter left the doctor’s office and went to the cookshack. The cook was a small, round man named Adolph Keller who obviously enjoyed sampling his own wares.
    â€œSergeant Keller, we have a prisoner. I want you to fix up a nourishing meal for him. Something tasty. Your very best.”
    â€œFor a prisoner?”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œYes, sir. Where is he?”
    â€œHe’s in the officers’ quarters. I would appreciate it if you would take very good care of him.”
    â€œI will give him a feast indeed, Major.”
    ****
    The two guards who had been assigned to watch Luke Winslow’s door were opposites. One was tall and lanky with a sullen-looking face, the other short and rotund with a silly grin. The tall one complained bitterly, saying, “I’ll rot before I treat this American like we’re told. Just give me a chance and I’ll beat him to a pulp.”
    The shorter man laughed. “That’s right. You’ve had a full life, I guess. Just you tell Major Ritter that you don’t like the way he’s doing things.”
    â€œI don’t know what’s wrong with the major, but I’m—”
    â€œShut up. Here he comes!”
    The two men straightened to attention and saluted as Ritter came to stand before them. “Open the door,” he ordered. He stepped inside without another word.
    â€œLieutenant Winslow, you’re looking somewhat better.”
    Indeed, Winslow did