went on regarding him intently. The
junior officer seated himself beside Stan and waited. Finally the
colonel spoke in German. The young officer frowned, then began
translating.

"The colonel wishes to compliment you. The Americans have done very well
in Africa."

"Thanks," Stan answered warily.

"He sees no reason why you should not be classed as a prisoner of war."
The young officer's lip curled. He turned to the colonel and waited.

The colonel spoke for some little time. When he stopped talking the
young lieutenant faced Stan.

"We wish to know the approximate number of fighter and bomber craft
based upon Africa. It would be helpful if you could add information
regarding additional troops moved in to assist in the action against
Italy."

Stan smiled. "My compliments to the colonel. Tell him I am not at
liberty to give such information."

The officer scowled. He translated and the colonel smiled back at Stan.

"That will be all," the young officer snapped. It was plain the young
officer did not like the way his commander was handling matters.

Stan was marched back to his cell. The young officer hurried away. When
he was out of hearing, Stan spoke in low tones to his pals. He now
noticed that the Italians seemed interested and were trying to listen.

"The old boy with the scar is commander. He's a Prussian officer of the
old school and does not think much of the Nazi methods. He seems to have
convinced himself that we are really officers and told the truth about
our clothes."

"I'll get more dope," Allison said. "I can understand their talk."

A few minutes later the young officer returned and took Allison to the
office. O'Malley and Stan sat waiting for his return. The Italians sat
with their backs against the wall in silence. Fifteen minutes passed and
then Allison returned. The boys went into a huddle.

"The colonel is not in favor of using the third degree on us. He says he
has reports on us from the Italians and knows we are prisoners of war.
He said all this in German. The young lieutenant seems to be in with the
Gestapo. I gathered that they hate each other." Allison paused and
grinned. "The old boy told him off plenty, but the kid is stubborn. He's
going over the head of the colonel, so we may have trouble."

"Sure, an' I'll bet the colonel can get tough, just the same," O'Malley
cut in.

"Yes, he's as hard as nails but he has the old rules well trained into
him. He'll do whatever the big s