Evening star., 1943-02-14

some of his bruises 1t waSnt very smart, Out 1t
stinctive thing do trying to hang onto your possessions
Hendricks rubbed aching spot on his neck the jap
adjusted the band on his yellow wrist.
The brief tropc dusk giving way to roaring night
The toenta downpour beat against Hendricks body he
staggered onward under the proddng of his capos Abe
wrist was shackled to his
The laps are in big hurry to get out of this neck of the
woods Aberts said softly. They're too damned our
lines for comfort Bet they've already had skmish with our
fellows There aren't many of em there should be Have
YOU noticed some of EN- sort OF mussed up?'
Hendricks nodded 1--WE might into OF patrols
mo talking please" The officers hand flew to imple-
ment the request Hendricks staggered slightly The Jap
gave an order and the group halted
They stood there the driving rain vague tired shadows
Then the darkness slaed by the oreshorened beam Of
fashlight The Jap officer staring at his compass
Another Jap shook his head and raised his voice what
seemed be protest Angry the officer whrled him and
sent him reeling with a vicious slap.
Alberts said They're not watching Let's beat it."
kALBERTs right For moment they were unguarded
The officer jabberng and gesticlatng Even saced
they they stood chance Of escaping through that dense
bacness Hendricks started to turn Then he sened The
ashgh rayed down upon the Japs left hand upon the
pass and that left wrist cleaned Hendricks hand
some watch.
Alberts was pulling mpatiently Let's get going!"
No. Hendricks whispered. No ="
Alberts cursed yellow, huh With all the white guys
the force got be tied you You - crashing blow
across his mouth slenced him.
The Japs could march Hendricks handed them that They
pushed relentessy through that seemingly mpenetrabe
growth and blacness cutting their through with BUSH
knives and an occasional flash of light
They formed living bridge the Hendricks
listened to distant Abert he whispered excitedy
they lay painting the bank DO hear that WATERFALL
Nuts to waterfalls" Aberts growed
vicious kick senced him YEARLY the Americans
There vivid sunrise only passing of darkness when
the became steam 1t though they had been tramp
ing along treadm. The awful incredible of
that lush growth maddenng But finally they to
clearing
IT for relief but hardly for all their excited
Jabbeng The Jap officer oWned One of his pointed to
limb which had been recently chopped from
The officer studied his compass worey Hendricks could
feel the tension mounting He watched unty greenad
figure began climbing tree. Trying to get their bearings
from the sum-" he told Alberts
Aberts snared.
The Jap returned from his vantage point chtterng The
officer lips twisted he dashed the compass against the
He shouted peremptory orders
His shouts answered by Others veritabe symphony
Hendricks thought beautiful symphony of American voices
Hendricks pulled Abets down the first shots rang out
1T won't be long now" he cried
1t wasn't The Japs caught hatfooted without cover
Alberts said hoarsey, You framed this
Not exactly -
But you figured this going happen Why didn't you
tell me?"
The Jap had elephant Besides figured you'd catch
on You saw him look the compass and go off at right
angles ="