Madeleine led the way down the path, back to where the car was concealed.
"Are the roads safe?"
Claude shrugged at Leclerc’s question.
"Who knows? There are bound to be soldiers all over the place, now that the explosives have gone off. But we must risk it if we are to save Albert."
Without another word the three people climbed into the car. The engine was gunned into life and they headed back towards the south, where the sky was alight with the flames of their night.
Jean-Paul listened intently, his nerves on edge as he waited to hear the sound of the returning car. At last the sound of the engine reached his ears, and he opened the door in relief. He did not know how much longer he could have stood the inactivity of waiting while his friend lay injured. His relief showed in his voice.
"Doctor! Thank goodness you’ve come!"
Leclerc climbed out of the car and joined the others in the hut. He faced his friend across the expanse of the room.
"What happened, Jean-Paul?"
He indicated the bed.
“A rock fell onto his shoulder while he was climbing a cliff. It caused him to fall. His left leg is broken, but we don't know what other injuries he has."
Leclerc began to examine Tony, starting at the head and working down to the broken leg.
"I'll leave the bandage for the moment,” he said as he gently felt Tony’s shoulder. “His left collar bone is broken and there is much bruising." He frowned as he examined the torso. "He has broken some ribs. I hope they haven’t caused any internal bleeding." He continued his explorations. "The left leg is broken in two places, and there is a great deal of bruising." He looked across at Jean-Paul. "It would be better if this man were not moved. Will he be safe here?"
Jean-Paul shrugged. "As safe as anywhere else, I suppose. This hut is normally only used in the summer, so no one should come here. As for the Germans, I have no idea where they will search." He looked at his watch. "Its three a.m. now. I think it would be best if we all stay here until morning, then make our way back into Saint Nazaire with the workers. Madeleine," he turned to the woman as he spoke, "will you be able to stay here and look after Albert?"
Madeleine nodded." "Of course."
"Good. I'll come back when I can. What do you say, Leclerc?"
The doctor nodded slowly. "That will be all right. I’ll have to come back, so I’ll bring food and medication." He turned to look at the patient. "Now I must get back to work."
Leclerc worked slowly and steadily, straightening the broken leg and splinting it with a broken broom handle. The broken ribs were bandaged, the collar bone treated and the arm placed in a sling. Finally he removed the bandage, washed the gash on Tony’s head and stitched it together. At last he looked up from his work.
"That's the best I can do for him, Jean-Paul. What he really needs is hospital treatment."
"We can't get him to a hospital."
"I know. What about getting him back to England?"
Jean-Paul shrugged. "I don't know. I'll bring his radio tonight. If he’s well enough he can get in touch with his superiors and organise something."
Jean-Paul stood over his friend gazing gravely down. What were his chances of getting back to England for treatment? Jean-Paul did not know what contingency plans, if any, Tony had and he knew the days ahead would be long and difficult.
When Jean-Paul returned to his cottage, he found his wife and daughters filled with fear at his prolonged absence, and they were immensely relieved at his safe arrival.
"Oh Papa! I'm so glad to see you!" Theresa flung herself into her father’s arms and hugged him tightly.
“We were so worried about you.”
Jean Paul looked across at his wife and smiled tiredly.
“No need to worry about me now. I’m safe.”
"Where’s Albert?" Theresa pulled away as she spoke. "Why hasn’t he come home with you?"
"Albert has moved on to work somewhere else." Jean-Paul's eyes found those of his wife as he spoke. Marie frowned, but said nothing. He looked down and saw the concern in the eyes of his older daughter, concern and a determination to find out what was really happening. He sighed deeply before turning to Jeanne.
“Well, my little one, have you collected the eggs this morning?”
Jeanne shook her head.
"Well, off you go, then." Jean-Paul patted her affectionately on the bottom as she ran towards the door. "I’d like an egg with my breakfast today."
When the little girl had gone and the door was closed behind her, Jean-Paul turned back to his wife and older daughter.
"I will be honest with you two, but you must say nothing of what I reveal to you to anyone, especially Jeanne. It could be very dangerous. Do you understand?"
His words were meant chiefly for Theresa. She nodded.
“Yes, Papa.”
"Then this is what happened. Albert and I, with some friends from Saint Nazaire, blew up a German submarine base last night."
Marie’s face went white, and her mouth gaped, but Theresa was not silent. Her face was radiant, eyes sparkling.
“Oh, Papa! I'm so proud of you!" She ran to her father and kissed him. "Is Albert hiding? Will you be safe here?"
Jean-Paul frowned. "The Germans are likely to search thoroughly for us, but they don’t know who we are. They’ll probably centre their search on the city. Albert is further up the coast, and as long as no-one says anything I think he will be safe."
"Will he come back then?"
Jean-Paul took her hand and sat her on his knee. "I don’t think so, little one. You see, Albert was hurt, very badly. We must care for him until the Germans stop looking for us, and then try to get him to a hospital."
Marie’s eyes filled with tears.
"Poor Monsieur Tony,” she said softly. “Will you try to get him back to England?”
Theresa was thunderstruck. "Mamma! You called Albert Monsieur Tony, and you mentioned England as well!"
Marie raised her hand to her mouth in horror. "Oh Jean-Paul, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking."
Jean-Paul frowned. "There’s no harm done Marie, but you must be more careful. Another slip like that could cost him, and me, our lives."
Marie said nothing while Theresa frowned for a moment, deep in thought. "Papa, you have work to do on the estate and you’ll be missed if you’re not there. Is it the same with your friends?"
Jean-Paul nodded. "Yes."
"Then who will look after Albert?"
Jean-Paul smiled grimly at his daughter. "You have a keen mind, little one. A doctor has already seen him and will visit again. One of my friends is staying with him today, and I’ll go to him tonight. I’ll spend most nights with him." He looked across at Marie, who nodded.
"That’s how it should be, Jean-Paul."
"Can your friend look after him every day?"
Jean-Paul shook his head. "No, she must go back to work tomorrow. We will do the best we can though to care for him."
"What about me?"
"You?"
“Yes, Papa. I could go and look after him. The Germans wouldn’t miss a little girl like me, and if other people asked, you could say I’ve gone to stay with someone, maybe Aunt Yvette."
Jean-Paul frowned. "I don’t know."
“Please, Papa.”
"It sounds a good idea, Jean-Paul."
The Frenchman looked at his wife. "You wouldn’t object?"
"Not for Albert. As long as we can be sure that Theresa is safe."
"That is just it. Until the excitement from last night’s raid dies down and the Germans stop searching, it will not be safe."
"But Papa!"
Jean-Paul held up his hand. "Wait. I was saying that until the search is over it will not be safe. After that you can help to look after Albert."
Theresa’s face was solemn.
"Thank you, Papa. I understand how dangerous it is. I will not let you down. I promise."
Jean-Paul looked at his daughter. Only
eleven years old, yet she seemed so mature. He was proud of her, and hoped that he was doing the right thing in including her in his plans. His heart was gripped with a sudden fear for the safety of, and a deep love for, his brave little daughter He smiled to chase away his fears, and gently pulled her plait as he had done when she was smaller.
“Theresa, you are a good French girl. I’m proud of you and..."
The door burst open and they all turned fearfully towards it, only to see Jeanne carrying a large basket laden with eggs.
"Here you are, Papa!"
Jean-Paul laughed with relief.
"Good. I don’t think I have ever felt so hungry!"
65
That night was dark as Jean-Paul made his careful way by bicycle, down the coast to the small fishing hut where he had left Madeleine and Tony. He watched from the trees for a time to make sure that all was safe. It was dark, silent, seemingly deserted. Slowly he crept forward, and put his ear to the door. There was no sound. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Either everything was all right and Tony and Madeleine were sleeping, or the Germans had found them and were waiting in ambush. There was only one way to find out. His grip tightened on the Bren gun in his hand, and he slowly opened the door.
The hut was lit by the pale glow of an oil lamp. Jean-Paul entered quickly, closing the door behind him so no light would escape. He swung his gun round the interior of the room, his eyes taking in the occupants.
"Please don’t point that thing at me!" Leclerc’s face was white. "I’m on your side. Remember?"
Jean-Paul smiled. "Sorry doctor. Just being careful. Where’s Madeleine?"
"I came late this afternoon and sent her back to Saint Nazaire. I thought it would be better for her to travel before the curfew."
"You were right. Thank you for staying with Albert." He turned towards the inert form on the bed. "How is he?"
"He regained consciousness a while ago, and is sleeping now. I gave him something for the pain." He frowned. "I don’t think he has any internal injuries, but I wish I could get him to a hospital."
"That’s not possible, doctor." Jean-Paul was worried. "I don’t know how we’re going to care for him while the Germans are still searching for us. I can come at night, but we will all be missed during the day. For the next few days we should do nothing out of the ordinary. It may even have been a mistake to leave Madeleine here today. She might have been missed in the city."
Leclerc shrugged. "There’s nothing we can do about that now." He looked at Tony. "I don’t like to leave him alone, but I’m afraid that will be necessary. If you stay until just before dawn, I’ll come back as soon after surgery as I can, midmorning at latest, and be here until early afternoon. Can you come back before nightfall?"
Jean-Paul nodded. "It’s a good job it’s now late in the year, and night comes early. Will he be all right for those few hours alone?"
"He should be, but who knows?" The doctor rose to his feet. "I must be going before I’m missed."
Jean-Paul shook him warmly by the hand. "Thank you, doctor. I don’t know what we should have done without you."
Leclerc smiled. "No thanks are needed. I’m glad to help."
The doctor slipped silently from the hut.
Jean-Paul checked that the fire burning in the small hearth was not giving off any smoke, then turned towards the bed. The fire gave some heat but not enough. Tony’s still form was lost beneath a pile of blankets, more of Leclerc’s work, Jean-Paul assumed. As his gaze fell on Tony’s face he noticed that the Englishman’s eyes were open.
"Albert! How are you feeling?"
Tony grinned weakly. "Never felt better!" His voice was weak. It seemed an effort for him to speak. "I heard you talking with the doctor."
"I’m sorry I woke you."
"No, that's all right." Tony closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. They were worried, questioning.
"What happened last night?"
"We managed to get you back up the cliff and down here. The doctor is a good man and he has done all he can for you but, frankly, you should be in hospital."
"The base?"
Jean-Paul smiled. "It went up like a rocket on Bastille Day! We heard the explosion and saw the flames from three miles away. I don’t know how much damage was done, and the Germans certainly aren’t telling, but by the way they’ve been rushing around today, it must have been serious! They’re questioning people and searching local farms and such like, but they have nothing to go on.”
"Have they been this way yet?"
Jean-Paul shook his head. "They seem to be concentrating more on the area round the base. I get the impression they think it was perhaps a commando team coming in from the sea, as there were so many munitions involved and they’ve found no sign of us. I suppose they will continue searching for a few more days, though they must realise that if they didn’t get us straight away, they’re not likely to catch us at all."
"As long as they don't find me here." Tony’s face was anguished. "I’m a liability, Jean-Paul, a danger to you all. You should have left me at the bottom of the cliff."
"And how was I supposed to explain that to your grandmother at the end of the war? No, my friend, I couldn’t leave you just as, if our places had been reversed, you couldn’t have left me."
Tony smiled weakly. "You're right. Thank you." He groaned. "I hurt all over, Jean-Paul. What’s going to happen to me now”
"I’ve thought of that. I’ve brought your radio and hidden it in the trees. You could call England and ask them to send a plane, or a submarine if they can, for we are right down on the beach here. Can they do that?"
"It’s possible, Jean-Paul, but I’ll have to wait a while before using the radio."
"Why?"
"The Germans will be monitoring more closely for the next few days. I won't be able to move after using it, so we must wait until some of the panic has died down. And I don't think I have the strength at the moment to encode a message and transmit it."
"I’m sorry, Albert. I didn’t think."
"That's all right. At least the radio will be close by when I need it. Can you bring a map of the area next time you come, so I can work out map references?"
Jean-Paul nodded.
Tony’s eyes closed. The talking had tired him more than he had thought possible. He felt the acute pain of the injuries to his head, shoulder, ribs and leg, and behind all that the dull ache of his many cuts and bruises. He had never felt so much pain before. The insecurity of the situation filled him with dread, yet underlying those feelings was a satisfaction at a job well done, and he knew that if he did nothing else in this war, this one action would avenge David’s death, and prove to his father that he was not a coward.
"All I want now is to rest," he muttered. And with that he slipped into a troubled sleep.
“The Germans have been searching for three days now. Have they found anything?” Marie’s anxiety showed in her eyes.
Jean-Paul shook his head. “No. For all the passes they’ve checked and the restrictions they’ve put on the movements of people, they’re no nearer finding us than on the night of the attack.”
“How long will the searches go on?”
Jean-Paul shook his head. “I don’t know, but they already seem to be removing some of the restrictions. The Germans probably don’t think there were any locals involved. The Resistance isn’t that organised. If they think the people who did it have got away, they should stop searching soon.” He smiled reassuringly at his wife. “I went into the city today. One of my friends said things are returning to normal, or as normal as can be expected. They’ve not been near the fishing hut yet, so I am guessing that Albert’s hiding place is safe.”
“How is he?”
“He seems to be mending, but the doctor is still worried that he might have internal injuries. He wants him to get to a hospital.”
“But that’s not possible.”
“No. And I can’t keep asking the doctor to go out the
re every day. It could draw attention to him, and he has other patients to look after.”
“Then it is time for Theresa to go and look after Albert.”
Jean-Paul turned his solemn gaze towards his wife. “I think so. If you still agree.”
Marie nodded. “Of course I shall worry about her. But it is a duty. He is Madame’s grandson, and he has done so much for us.”
“Then I’ll take her with me tonight.”
“Hello, Theresa. I'm glad you're here. I'm getting bored lying here all day with no-one to talk to."
"Don’t worry, Albert. I’ll talk to you or read to you. And I can help you with your food, or whatever else you need."
Tony nodded. "You’re a good girl, Theresa."
“Are you feeling any better?”
Tony smiled. “Much better, thank you.” Four days of enforced inactivity had allowed Tony’s body to begin the slow process of repair. The minor injuries were mending well, but he still suffered greatly with the cracked and broken bones, although the painkillers given to him by Leclerc helped.
Tony turned his attention back to the girl’s father. "Could you fetch my transmitter for me? I’ve encoded a message that I need to send home." He looked at Theresa, who smiled.
"I guessed you must have some way of contacting home. I won’t say anything."
Jean-Paul slipped quickly outside and returned with the radio.
"Bring the chair across, and place the transmitter on it," Tony instructed. Theresa put the chair next to the bed, within easy reach of Tony’s good hand, while her father placed the case on it. "Now open the case for me please." Jean-Paul opened the case and, following Tony’s instructions, fitted the crystal into the set and placed the headphones over his ears.
"Right. Now I want you both to leave. Go way back into the woods and stay there. If the Germans manage to track me down they’ll be here quickly. If they’re not here in one hour we should be safe, and you can return."
Jean-Paul nodded and led his daughter from the hut. Tony watched them go and waited for five minutes to give them some time to get clear. Then he tapped out his code.
Heronfield Page 34