Evening star., 1941-07-17

from Maj Porter's workshop last
made. and she had not gone back
softly as she went into the officer S
house her father had opened.
But Phil didn't concern himself
about her. There were maneuverS
that morning. Theoretically, enemy
parachute troops had captured a
small island a mile down the coast.
A detail under Phils command
was sent to take the position. The
posts garrison was divided into two
forces, and Phil assaulted the island
from commandeered small boats.
They made a landing in the face
of heavy fire from the enemy
force. A smOke-screen lay like a
black blanket over the little island
and the fire Of blank cartridges
kept a steady clatter going. Phil
Howard had his men deploy, and
he sent 1t. Mason with a dozen men
to flank the enemyS position. Phil
himself took cover behind a jutting
coral rock in the face OF sudden
machine-gun fire.
The mock fighting had been going
on for perhaps 20 minutes when
Sergt. Burke, an old sailor, emerged
from the low-hanging smoke herd
ing a man in civilian clothes before
him. He carried camera. He was
grinning. Burke wore grim ex-
preston. but his old soldiers eyes
twinkled humorously. Phil Howard
regarded them curiously. The civil
ian seemed familiar, but he didn't
Immediately recognize him.
Sergt. Burke saluted and said, Il
found this man within our lines.
sir. He was taking pictures. I think
he's a spy"
Good work, sergeant" said Phil
Howard, grinning.
Shall I shoot him, sir?"
Theoretically, yes. But actually,
leave him in my charge"
Van Arden Again.
Burke grinned. Saluted and re-
turned to maneuverS.' Phil Howard
looked at the prisoner. He was
tall bronzed man in his early 3Os.
He was quite handsome and, smiling
as he now was, he had debonnair
charm.
He said, The sergeant has
great sense of humor, eh, captain?"
"Burke's an old soldier" Phil re-
piled. He takes maneuvers like a
kid takes candy, with lot of pleas
ure." Then he held out his hand
and said, We've met, haven't we,
Van Arden?"
Yes. 1t was a couple of years
ago-at San Juan. Puerto Rico. You
took me in round of golf, that
time"
Things are little different these
DAYS. A bit more grim"
Van Arden nodded agreement.
He asked if he might take some
more pictures, explaining that he
was a camera addict, and Phil gave
= his consent. Van Arden moved away
into the smoke, and Phil forgot
h1ra
= The mock fighting shifted along
the outer side of the island. Sergt.
Burke came and reported that 1t.
Mason's assault had succeeded only
in pushing the enemy into a new
defense line. Phil and Burke fol-
lowed the lines until they reached
the top of a 10-foot slope. Below,
Phil knew, there was the wreckage
of a house; four crumpled walls,
actually, left by a hurricane. He
glanced down at the house, and his
nerves jumped.
Van Arden was there, his back
to a wall, and soldier held him
like that. The soldier had a bay
onet on his gun and the point was
at Van Arden's throat. Van Ardens
face was a mask of fear, and sweat
beaded. Phil said. "Burkel" and
started down the slope. hearing the
sergeant mutter on oath as he saw
and followed.
Van Arden Relieved.
The soldier Veretti was his
name-became aware of them at
once. He leaped back, the bayonet
still in hand, and the fear that had
been on Van Ardens face was trans
fixed to his. He was a small wiry
man. his face swarthy and secretive.
He glanced quickly about, as if to
escape, but then he stood his ground
with trapped look in his eyes.
Phil said, Sergeant. place this
man under arrest" And he took his
service automatic from its holster,
fitted it with a clip of loaded
cartridges. and handed it to Burke.
Burke kept his gun in his hand
and ordered Veretti to drop the
bayonet. Veretti hesitated a long
moment, then flung the weapon
down. He looked at Van Arden;
there was no hate in his eyes, mere
ly an ice-cold consideration.
Pal, he said, I'll see you again"
Then Burke gave him a shove,
pushing him toward the boats.
Van Arden was mopping his face
with handkerchief. Fear was gone,
but he still had a strained look. He
pocketed the handkerchief, brought
out cigarettes. His debonair man
ner had returned by the time he
had lighted up.
Howard he said, Il thought I
was a goner. franks for showing
up in the nick of time" He lifted
hand and rubbed his throat. Now
I know what cold steel can feel
like
Just what is this about, Van
Arden?"
1T was personal matter. Moth
ing more. Now, if you don't mind,
III go to my boat and get out of
here before I meet another soldier" 4"
Phil walked with him. He had
boat, an outboard motor, tied up
to an uncovered tree root. There
was fishing tackle in the boat. He
got in and started the engine.