corner of the seat in such a way as to offer the smallest possible
target, and he slapped petulantly at the Major's helping hand.
Protesting shrilly and brandishing an expensively plated and engraved
pistol, it was clear that his presence in the Rolls was by no means
voluntary.
Jake stooped over the body of the girl and slipped one arm under her
shoulders and the other beneath her knees, careful not to inflict
further hurt. Jake stood up with her in his arms while she clung to
him like a child.
This action caused the big stern-faced Major to turn all his attention
on Jake, to level his rifle at him and call a peremptory order in
Italian. It was clearly an order to stand where he was, and, looking
into the muzzle of the rifle and into the pale expressionless eyes,
Jake knew that the man would shoot without hesitation if he were not
immediately obeyed. There was a deadliness, a quiet aura of menace
about him that chilled Jake as he stood with the slim warm body in his
arms, and he collected his senses and his words.
'I am American,'he said firmly. 'American doctor. 'There was no
recognition in the Major's expression, but he turned his head and
glanced at the officer who stirred receptively, half-rose in his seat,
then thought better of it. He sank back again, speaking carefully
around the bulk of his Major.
'You are my prisoner,' he cried, his voice unsteady, but his English
clear and unaccented. 'I place you in protective custody.' 'You are
contravening the Geneva Convention.' Jake tried to make his tone
indignant, as he sidled towards the invitingly open rear doors of the
car.
'I must inspect your credentials.' The officer was recovering rapidly
from his recent indisposition. Fresh colour flooded the classically
handsome face, new interest flashed in the dark gazelle eyes, and the
smooth baritone voice gained strength and a fine ringing timbre.
% Colonel Count Aldo Belli, command you to account to me.' His gaze
switched to the huge steel body of the car.
'This is an armoured vehicle of war. You fly false colours, sir.' As
the Count spoke, he realized for the first time that neither the big
curly-headed American nor the big oldfashioned vehicle which towered
over them was armed. He could clearly see the empty gun-mounting in
the turret and his courage came flooding back. Now at last he leaped
to his feet, throwing out his chest, one hand on his hip, the other
aiming the pistol at Jake.
'You are my prisoner' he declaimed once more, then from the corner of
his mouth he growled at the front seat, 'Gino, quickly. A shot of me
capturing the American.'
'At once, Excellency. 'Gino was focusing the camera.
'I protest,' shouted Jake, and sidled another few paces towards the
inviting rear doors of the car.
'Stay where you are,' snapped the Count and glanced at Gino. 'All
right? 'he asked.
'get the American to move a little to the right,' Gino replied, still
peering into the view-finder.
