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those I loved.”
    Ritter got to his feet. “As I say, we cannot discuss politics. The war is almost over. You will be treated well while you are our prisoner.” He paused and sought for words. He wanted to say “Thank you for sparing my life,” but the sharp planes of Winslow’s face, the tightness of his mouth, the bitterness in his eyes made him understand that such a comment would not be taken well. “I will see to it that you have what you need.”
    The major walked out of the room and found that his hands were not entirely steady. Something about the American disturbed him greatly, and he nodded to the two soldiers and walked out of the building. The tall one grunted, “We ought to shoot the prisoner, I say.”
    â€œNo need of that. The war’s over.”

CHAPTER SIX
    An Unexpected Trip
    Luke was sitting on his bunk reading a book when the door opened. Major Erich Ritter entered and at once Luke put the book down and stood up. “Thanks for the book,” Luke said. “I’m enjoying it very much.”
    Ritter shrugged. “I didn’t know whether you would like it or not. It’s the only book in English I could find.”
    â€œIt’s always been a favorite of mine— Great Expectations, a fine novel by Dickens.”
    â€œI have not read many novels,” Ritter said, sitting down on one of the chairs and putting the newspaper he’d been carrying on the table. “What is it about?”
    Luke sat down as well. “It’s about a young boy who makes a mistake about a woman and spends his life trying to live with it.”
    Ritter smiled. “A common story.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou like books of fiction?”
    â€œSometimes they’re better than real life. Much easier than reality, I think.”
    â€œI prefer reality.”
    â€œI thought you might.”
    â€œBecause I’m German?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œWhy, then?”
    â€œYou just don’t seem to be a romantic. You seem like a man who wants only what he can touch.”
    â€œI think that is right.”
    â€œI, on the other hand, am a romantic.”
    â€œAny man who fights in a war not his own is a romantic, I suppose.” Ritter picked up the newspaper. “I brought a paper for you. Look at the headline.”
    Luke took the paper. Republican Army Surrenders. He looked up and said, “The war is finally over.”
    â€œIndeed it is. We’re all leaving by early next week.”
    â€œGoing back to Germany?”
    â€œOf course.”
    Luke handed the paper back but Ritter said, “Keep it. You may want to study it.”
    â€œI don’t read Spanish all that well.”
    Ritter shifted his weight. “I’ve come to say good-bye and . . . and something else.” The German seemed ill at ease and had trouble finding the words he was searching for. “Thank you for sparing my life.”
    Luke’s eyes locked with those of Ritter. “I still don’t know why I did it,” he said.
    â€œFor whatever reason, I’m grateful. But here’s what I’ve come to say. You’re free to go home now.”
    â€œYou mean right now?”
    â€œAnytime you choose. You can go back to your unit, or if you prefer, I can get you a berth on a ship. There’s one leaving tomorrow for America.”
    â€œI have a friend I need to take with me if he’s still alive.”
    â€œThat will be acceptable.”
    â€œAre you sure about this?”
    â€œOf course!”
    â€œI was about to be shot, and now I’m free to go.”
    â€œIf you wish, you can go find your friend and return here for the night. Tomorrow I will personally see to it that you both get to the ship.”
    â€œI don’t want any favors from you, Major.”
    â€œDon’t be foolish, Winslow. It’s all over.”
    â€œNo. It’s over in Spain, but the conflict is not over. Hitlerwill