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IAMDAVID By ANNEHOLM FirstpublishedasDAVIDby Gyldendal,Copenhagenin1963. FirstpublishedintheNewWindmillSeries1991 HeinemannEducationalBooksLtdOxford ISBN0435123718 CoverPage When"theman"helpsDavidtoescapefromtheprisoncampwherehehaslivedallhislifeDavidcan't quitebelieveit.Everythingintheworldoutsideisstrangeandwonderfulthebrilliant,vividcoloursof theseaandmountains,thetasteoffruit,peoplelaughingandsmiling.Butashetravelsaloneacross Europe,Davidistenseandwatchful,knowingthatatanymoment"they"mightcatchupwithhim. Davidlayquitestillinthedarknessofthecamp,waitingforthesignal. "Youmustgetawaytonight,"themanhadtoldhim."Stayawakesothatyou'rereadyjustbeforethe guardischanged.Whenyouseemestrikeamatch,thecurrentwillbecutoffandyoucanclimbover you'llhavehalfaminuteforit,nomore." Silentandwatchful,DavidtrampsacrossEuropeknowingthatatanymomenttheymightcatchupwith him.Heseemsasstrangetootherpeopleastheyaretohim.Assoonasanybodyshowsinterestinhim, Davidknowshemustmoveon... ABOUTTHEAUTHOR AnneHolmwasborninDenmarkin1922.Annebeganherwritingcareerwithavolumeofpoetrywhen shewastwenty.Afterapauseofsomeyearsshewrotethreenovelsforadultsandthenin1963,she wroteherfirstbookforchildren,IamDavid.Thisbook,underthetitleDavidwasthewinnerofthe1963 GyldendalPrizefortheBestScandinavianChildren'sBook.Ithasnowbeentranslatedworldwideand hasbecomeabestsellerandachildren'sclassic.Annewrites: "IcannotnameanyspecialexperienceasabasisforDavidexceptthegeneraloneofnothavingbeen quiteseventeenwhenthelastwarbrokeout,andseenwhereviolence,terrorandhateleadsyouI madeDavid,andsenthimtravelling,inordertotellsomebodywhomightwanttoknowwhat,tome,is themostimportantofallthingsinlife,ifthatlifeistobeworthanythingtooneselfandothers." AnneHolmwasmarriedtoawellknownnumismatist,andhasasonandtwograndchildren.Ofherself andherlifeAnnesays: "Iwrite...Ihavebeenwritingallmylifeit'sadisease,Isuppose...ForyearsonendIhavebeenbusy withlotsofotherthingsIlikeddoing,butIalwaysgobacktomytypewriter..."

 1 Davidlayquitestillinthedarkness,listeningtothemen'slowmuttering.Butthiseveninghewasaware oftheirvoicesonlyasavaguemeaninglessnoiseinthedistance,andhepaidnoattentiontowhatthey weresaying. "Youmustgetawaytonight,"themanhadtoldhim."Stayawakesothatyou'rereadyjustbeforethe guard'schanged.Whenyouseemestrikeamatch,thecurrentwillbecutoffandyoucanclimbover you'llhavehalfaminuteforit,nomore." Inhismind'seyeDavidsawonceagainthegreybareroomheknewsowell.Hesawthemanandwas conscious,somewhereinthepitofhisstomach,ofthehardknotofhatehefeltwheneverhesawhim. Theman'seyesweresmall,repulsive,lightincolour,theirexpressionneverchanging;hisfacewasgross andfat.Davidhadknownhimallhislife,butheneverspoketohimmorethanwasbarelynecessaryto answerhisquestions;andthoughhehadknownhisnameforaslongashecouldremember,henever saidanythingbut"theman"whenhespokeabouthimorthoughtofhim.Givinghimanamewouldbe likeadmittingthatheknewhim;itwouldplacehimonanequalfootingwiththeothers. Butthateveninghehadspokentohim.Hehadsaid,"AndifIdon'tescape?" Themanhadshruggedhisshoulders."That'llbenoneofmybusiness.Ihavetoleaveheretomorrow, andwhatevermysuccessormaydecidetodoaboutyou,Ishan'tbeabletointerfere.Butyou'llsoonbe abiglad,andthere'sneedinagoodmanyplacesforthosestrongenoughtowork." Davidknewonlytoowellthatthoseotherplaceswouldnotbeanybetterthanthecampwherehenow was."AndifIgetawaywithoutbeingcaught,whatthen?"hehadasked. "Justbythebigtreeinthethicketthatliesontheroadouttothemines,you'llfindabottleofwaterand acompass.FollowthecompasssouthwardstillyougettoSalonica,andthenwhennoone'slookinggo onboardashipandhide.You'llhavetostayhiddenwhiletheship'satsea,andyou'llneedthewater. Findashipthat'sboundforItaly,andwhenyougettheregonorthtillyoucometoacountrycalled Denmarkyou'llbesafethere." Davidhadverynearlyshownhisastonishment,buthecontrolledhimself,andhidinghisfeelingsmerely said,"Idon'tknowwhatacompassis." Themanhadshownhimone,tellinghimthatthefourlettersindicatednorth,south,eastandwest,and thattheneedle,whichswungfreely,alwayspointedinthesamedirection.Thenhehadadded,"Thehalf minutethecurrent'scutoffisintendedforyou.Ifyoutrytotakeanyonewithyou,youcanbesurethat neitherofyouwillgetaway.Andnowclearoffbeforeyou'remissed." Daviddidnotknowwhatpossessedhimtosayithehadneveraskedthemanforanything,partly becauseheknewitwouldbeofnouse,butchieflybecausehewouldnotwhenyouhatedsomeone, youdidnotaskhimforanything.Buttonighthehaddoneit:whenhereachedthedoor,heturned round,andlookingstraightintothatcoarseheavyfacesaid,"I'dlikeapieceofsoap." Foramomenttherehadbeencompletesilenceinthatbaregreyroom.Thenthemanpickedupacake ofsoapthatlaybythesideofthewashbasininthecornerandthrewitonthetable.Allhesaidwas, "Nowgo." SoDavidhadgone,asquicklyasitwaspossibletogowithoutappearingtobeinahurry.

Themen'smutteringwasfainternowsomeofthemmusthavefallenasleep.Thecamp'slatestarrival wasstilltalking.Davidrecognisedhisvoicebecauseitwaslessflatandgratingthantheothers. Wheneverthenewcomerdozedofftosleep,hewasseizedwithanightmare,andthentheywouldall wakeupagain.Thenightbefore,thishadhappenedjustbeforetheguardwaschanged,butifhetook longertofallasleepthisevening,thenitmightbepossibleforDavidtoslipoutbeforetheotherswere wakenedagain. Davidwasnotyetsurewhetherhewouldmaketheattempt.Hetriedtoworkoutwhythemanhadtold himtodoit.Itwascertainlyatrap:justashewasclimbingover,thesearchlightwouldsuddenlyswing roundandcatchhiminitsbeam,andthentheywouldshoot.Perhapssomethingpleasantwasgoingto happentomorrowandthemanwantedhimshotfirst.Davidhadalwaysknownthatthemanhatedhim, justasmuchasDavidhatedhiminreturn.Ontheotherhand,nothingpleasanthadeveryethappened inthecampthatDavidcouldremember,andhewasnowtwelveyearsolditsaidsoonhisidentity card. AndthenquitesuddenlyDaviddecidedhewoulddoit.Hehadturneditoverinhisminduntilhishead wasinawhirlandhestillcouldnotunderstandwhythemanhadtoldhimtoescape.Supposeitwerea trapandtheyshothim,itwouldallbeoverquicklyanyway.Ifyouwerefiredatwhiletryingtoescape, youwouldbedeadwithinaminute.Yes,Daviddecidedtotry. *** Therecouldnotbemanyminutesleftnow.Overintheguardroomhecouldhearthemmovingabout andgettingdressed,andhecouldheartheguardyawningashispacegrewslower.Thencamethe soundofnewstepsandDavidpressedhimselfevenmorecloselyagainstthewall.Itwastheman;the faintsleepyyellowlightfromtheguardroomshoneforamomentonhisfaceashepassedthewindow. Hewentuptotheguard,andDavidsuddenlyfeltquiteemptyinsideandwassurethathewouldbe unabletomovewhenthetimecame.Thenhesawbeforehimtheendlesssuccessionofdays,months andyearsthatwouldpassifhedidnot.Thewaitingwouldkillhimintheend,butitmighttakeyears. Anditwouldgrowworseandworse,allthetime:Davidclenchedhisteethsohardthathefeltthe musclesofhisthroatgrowtaut.Thenthemanstruckamatch. Nineteen,twenty...thehalfminutewouldbeupwhenhehadcountedslowlytothirty...Davidsethis footinagaphigherupthebarbedwire...Whenwouldthesearchlightcome?theycouldnotbecertain ofhittinghiminthedark...andiftheydidnothurryhewouldbeover. Amomentlaterhehadtouchedthegroundontheotherside,andasheranhesaidangrilytohimself, "Whatafoolyouare!There'splentyofgroundtocoveryetallthisgreatflatstretchwithoutsomuch asthestumpofatreeforshelter.they'llwaittillyou'venearlyreachedthethicket...they'llthinkit moreamusingifyoubelieveyou'vealmostgottosafety." Whydidn'ttheyhurryup?Thethoughtpoundedthroughhisheadaseverymomentheexpectedtosee thegroundlitupinfrontofhim.Thenhestopped.Hewouldrunnomore.Whenthebeamoflight caughthim,theyshouldseehimwalkingawayquitecalmly.Thentheywouldnotenjoyitsomuch,they wouldfeelcheated.ThethoughtfilledDavidwithtriumph. Whenhewaslittle,ithadbeenhismostburningdesiretogetthebetterofthem,especiallyoftheman. Andnowhewould!Theywouldbeforcedtoshoothimastheywatchedhimwalkingquietlyawayand takingnonoticeofthem! Davidwassotakenupwithhisvictoryoverthemthathehadgoneadozenyardspastthespotwhere thethickethidhimfromthecampbeforeherealizedthatnoonehadfired.Hestoppedshort.What couldhavehappened?Heturned,foundaplacewherethethicketwasthinenoughtopeerthroughand

lookedacrossatthelowbuildingsoutlinedagainstthedarksky,likeanevendarkersmudgeof blackness.Hecouldfaintlyhearthetreadoftheguard,butitcamenonearerandsoundednodifferent fromusual,onlyfartheroff.Nothingatallappeareddifferent. Davidfrownedinthedarknessandstoodforamomentundecided:itcouldn'tpossibly...?Hetrotted on,followingtheedgeofthethickettowardsthebigtree,runningfasterthenearerhegot,andwhenhe reachedthetreehethrewhimselfdownontheground,searchingfranticallywithhishandsroundthe trunk. Therewasthebundle.Davidleanedupagainstthetreeshiveringwithcoldalthoughitwasnotcoldat all.Thebundlewasapieceofclothwrappedroundsomethingandtiedinaknot.Hefumbledwiththe knot,buthisfingerswereclumsyandwouldnotrespondandthenhesuddenlyrealized thathedarednotundoit.Therewouldbesomethingdangerousinsidethebundle...Hetriedtogather histhoughtstogethersufficientlytothinkwhatitmightbe,buthisimaginationdidnotgetbeyonda bomb. Itwouldmakelittledifference,hethoughtdesperatelyabulletorabomb:itwouldsoonbeover, eitherway.Frantically,hisfingersawkward,hestruggledwiththeknot. Buttherewasnobombinthecloth.Itwasasquarehandkerchieftiedcrosswiseoverabottleofwater andacompass,justasthemanhadsaid.Hebarelymanagedtoturnasidebeforehewassick. Afterwardshefeltcarefullyallroundthesquareshapedbundle.Abottle,acompasstherewas somethingelse.David'seyeshadgrownaccustomedtothedarkness:inthebundletherewerealsoa boxofmatches,alargeloafofbreadandapocketknife. Sothemanhadintendedhimtoescapeafterall!Asearchpartywouldbesentoutforhiminthe morning,butnotbefore.Thenightwashis,anditwasuptohimtomakethemostofit. Allthishadtakenonlyafewminutes,buttoDaviditfeltlikehours.Hishandclosedtightlyroundthe soaphehadnotletgoofitforamomentsincehefirstgotit.Herecalledthehourshehadspentthat eveninglyingonhisplankbedlisteningtothemutteredconversationofthemenandthinkingoverwhat themanhadsaid.Heremembered,too,thatitwouldbeonlyamatteroftimebeforehewascaught again;butthat,likeeverythingelse,nolongerseemedimportant.Allthatmatterednowwashisbundle andthefreedomofthenightthatlayahead.Slowlyhetuckedthepieceofsoapintoacornerofthe handkerchief,laidthebottle,breadandknifeontop,tiedtheendstogether,tookafirmgripontheknot andlookedatthecompassinhishand. Thenheran. Whenhelookedbackafterwards,allhecouldrecallofthefivedaysthatfollowedwasrunningand lookingallthetimeatthecompasstomakesurehewastravellingintherightdirection.Everynighthe ran,andheranallnightlong.Onceheslippedintoawaterholeandthemudcakedonhimasitdried. Oncehewassotornbybranchesthatbloodoozedfromthescratchesonhisface,handsandlegs.He wouldneverforgetthatnight.Hehadcometoaclosethicketofthornbushes,andtheneedleindicated thatheshouldgostraightthroughit.Hehadhesitatedamomentandthentriedrunningafewyards alongtheedgeofit,butthecompassneedleimmediatelyswunground.Perhapshecouldhave recoveredhisdirectionalittlefartheron,butheknewsolittleaboutcompassesthathedarednotrisk it.Andsoheplungedintothethicket,elbowsuptoprotecthisface.Thefirstbranchthatstruckhimhurt painfully,andsodidthefirstgashalonghisarm,butafterthathenoticednothingandjustcrashedhis waythrough.Thenightswereusuallycompletelyquiet,butthatnighthecouldhearawhimperingmoan thewholetime.Notuntilafterwardsdidherealizethatthesoundshadcomefromhimself.

 Heranallthetime,sometimesfairlyslowlysothatittookhimhourstogoashortway,sometimesso quicklythathefelthisbloodpounding.Everymorningwiththefirstglimmerofdaylighthelaydownto sleep.Itwasnotverydifficulttofindsomewheretosleepinthatsparselyinhabiteddistrict.Davidhad noideawhatthecountrysidelookedlike:forhimitwasonlyaplacewherehemustrunthroughthe nightandhidebyday. Twootherincidentsremainedinhismemory:theyweremomentswhenfeargrewtoasharppointed terrorthatseemedtopiercehimrightthrough.Thefirsthappenedjustasitwasgrowingdarkone evening.Davidwasawakenedbysomethingwarmandhairytouchinghishand.Helaystill,tensewith fear.Itwassomeminutesbeforehecouldbringhimselftoturnhishead,andthenhesawasheep. Butitspelleddanger,nevertheless,forwheretherearesheeptheremustalsobepeople,andthat eveningDaviddidnotstoptorecoverhisbreathforsomehoursafterwards. Yethewasgladenoughtocomeacrossmoresheeplaterthatnight.Davidwasusedtohardworkand satisfiedwithverylittlefood,andhehadbeenassparingashecouldwiththebreadandwater,but aftertwowholedaysthebottlewasemptyandthebreadeaten.Hecouldmanagewithoutbreadbutit wasdreadfultobesothirsty.Intheendhecouldthinkofhardlyanythingbutwater.Butwherewashe togetit? Atthatpointhealmoststumbledovertwoshepherdswholayasleeponthegroundwrappedintheir cloaks.Hisheart,whichhadbeenthumpingsoloudlyallthroughthenight,missedabeat,soterror strickenwashe.Buthestoppedhimselfjustintime:barefeetmakenonoiseandthetwomenhad heardnothing. Davidwasabouttostepback,slowlyandcautiously,whenhecaughtsight,inthemoonlight,ofabucket withalidandtheembersofaburneddownfire.Food!Andwheretherewasfood,therewasprobably water,too! ThatnightDavidwentnofarther.Hekeptwatchtilldaybreak,farenoughofftogivehimachanceto escapeshouldthatprovenecessary,andyetnearenoughtobebackinamomentassoonasthetwo shepherdswereoutofsightinthemorning.Therewaslittledoubtthatthiswastheirregularcamping placeforthenight,fortheylefttheirbundlesandthebucketbehind.Perhapstheywouldsoonbeback, butthatwasariskDaviddecidedhemusttake.Withoutfood,oratleastwithoutwater,hewouldnot beabletolastmanymorehours.Hewasfamiliarenoughfromhisexperiencesinthecampwithwhat happenedwhenamanwasleftwithoutfoodandwater. Whathadnearlyprovedacatastropheendedasastrokeofgoodfortune.Therewassomesoupleftin thebucket,andinoneofthebundleshefoundachunkofbread.Hebrokethebreadunevenly,leavinga smallpiecebehind,andthenfillinghisbottlewithsouphereplacedthelidandknockeditoffagainwith hiselbow.Hedidnotknowwhethersheepatebreadandsoup,buthewantedtomakeitlookasifthey hadbeenthere. Afterthatnighthetookcaretorunatamoreevenpaceandtostopmoreoften,butforshorterperiods, torecoverhisbreath.Hemustnotagainriskbeingsotiredthathesawnothingandstumbledonblindly. Davidedgedcautiouslyforwardonhisstomach.Itwasthesecondtimehehadfoundhimselfclosetoa town,andforthesecondtimethecompasswasdirectinghimtocrossamainroad.Hedarednot disobeyit;itwasalmostasifsomepartofthemanhimselfweretravellingwithhim. HeoughttohaveaskedhowlongitwouldtakehimtoreachSalonnica.Hehadonlytwomouthfulsof soupleftnowandasinglebiteofbread.

 Andtherewerepeopleabout.Thatmeanthehadnotnearlysomuchofthenightathisdisposalhe wouldhavetowaituntiltheyhadgonetobed.Hetoldhimselfthatheshouldhaveknownallalongthat hewouldoccasionallycomeacrosstowns...Heforcedhimselftolieabsolutelystill. Buthewasnotsleepyanylonger,andwhenhewasnotsleepylyingstillbecamealmostunbearable,for thenitwasdifficultnottothinkandDavidknewthathemustnotthink.Hehadlearnedthatthen. Theonlythingtodowastotakenonotice:youcouldlookandlisten,butyoumustnotletwhatyou heardorsawpenetrateyourthoughts.Youmustnotletyourthoughtsdwelluponanythingmore importantthanwhetheritwouldrainorturnoutfine,whetheryouhadlongtowaitforyournextmeal, orhowlongitwouldbetilltheguardwaschanged.Andyoumustnotbetoointerestedinthosethings eitheryoumustmerelymakeuseofthemtofillyourthoughtsandpreventotherthingsfromslipping intoyourmind. Sincetheeveningofhisescape,thethingsthathadformerlyoccupiedhisthoughtswerenolonger there,andothershadtakentheirplace.Hegavehismindtohurryingalongasfastaspossibleduringthe night,tostoppingassoonasthedarknessbegantoliftsothathecouldfindagoodhidingplacebefore daybroke,tolookingafterhisbundleandavoidingthetemptationoftakinganextrabiteoranother droptodrink,togoingintherightdirectionallthetimesothatthecompassneedledidnotshiftits position.Thesethingsservedtofillhisthoughtstotheexclusionofothermatters.Butwhenitcameto lyingstillandyetbeingwideawakethatwasdangerous!Sohebegantothinkaboutafeelinghehad hadseveraltimesduringthepreviousnightthatthegroundhewastravellingoverwaschanging, becomingmoreupanddown...thatmountainswouldbartheroadtoSalonica. Don'tthink,don'tthink!Davidclenchedhishands,grippingatuftofgrass.Hemustn'tthinkatall,forif hedid,therewasonlyonethingtothinkaboutthathewouldnotbeabletorunanyfarther.Whyhad theynotcaughthimthenighthecrossedthebridge?Hecouldnotswim,sothebridgehadbeenhisonly wayovertheriver,andhehadbeenquitesurehewouldbecaughtthere.Yes,thathadbeentheonly restfulmomentinallthoselongdaysandnightscrossingthatbridgeandfeelingcertaintheywould catchhim. Butnoonehadcome. David'sfeetwerenolongerpartofhim.Whenhehimselfcarednomore,hisfeetfollowedtheirown pathindependently,stealingalongnoiselessly,confidently,guidinghisbodysothathekepttothe shadowsandavoidedobstacles,stoppinghimintime,orurginghimonwheneverhefelthewould ratherliedownandwaittillhewascaught. Andhisfeethadcarriedhimoverthebridge. Heclenchedhisteeth."Salonica!"hewhisperedandwentonrepeatingthewordoverandoveragainto himselfuntilitseemedtofillhisbrain."GosouthtillyoureachSalonica.Thinkofnothingelse!" Atthatmomentthesoundofacarpullingupcausedhimtostiffen.Washefarenoughfromtheroad? Thenheheardvoices.Hewassoterrifiedhenearlyjumpedoutofhisskin.Hewasquiteunusedtothe soundofvoicesbythistime;thelasthehadheardweretheguard'sandtheman's. Buttheseweredifferent,andtheywerecomingnearer!Davidrelaxedcompletelysothathewould makeaslittlenoiseaspossible,andashedidsohethoughtthatinamomentallwouldbeover everything. Themensatdownalittlewayoffandlitcigarettes,anditgraduallydawneduponDavidthattheywere

notlookingforhimatall.Hebegantolistentowhattheyweresaying.Hefounditdifficulttofollow themsincetheirspeechdifferedfromtheman's,butafterawhileDavidwasabletodistinguishwords thatwerefamiliartohim. Theydroveadeliveryvan,likethemenwhobroughtsuppliestothecamp.Theywerearguingnow,but withnogreatheat:oneofthemwantedtodriveon,andtheotherwantedtovisitsomeonefirstinthe townDavidhadseennearby.Intheendhegothisway;thefirstmansaidhewouldgowithhim,but onlyforhalfanhourasitwasalongwayhome. Likeanechoofhisownthoughts,Davidcaughttheword"Salonica"! Thenextthinghewasfullyawareofwasthathewassittinginthevanasitbegantomoveoff. *** Themenhaddriventowardsthetown,andDavidhadallowedhisfeettocarryhimmechanicallyafter thevan.Ithadstoppedontheoutskirtsofthetown,andwhenthetwomendisappearedintoahouse, David'sfeetgatheredspeeduntilhereachedit. Andnowhehadalift!Therehadbeenlightsinthehousesbutnoonehadseenhim.Thevandoorhad notbeenlocked,andalthoughthebackofthevanwaswellfilledwithpackingcases,therewasroom enoughforDavidtosqueezehimselfbetweentwoofthemandsquatonthefloor.Andnowhewason hisway...Itwaspitchdarkinside,bothbecauseitwasnightandbecausethepackingcasescoveredthe littlewindowinthepartitionthatseparatedthebackofthevanfromthecabwherethemenwere sitting.Eveniftheyopenedthedoorfromtheoutside,theywouldnotbeabletoseeDavidwithout movingallthepackingcases.Itwasastrangefeeling,sittingquitestillandbeingcarriedalong.David hadseencarsandlorries,buthehadneverriddeninone,norinanyotherkindofvehicle,andjustasit occurredtohimthathehadnoideahowhewasgoingtogetoutagain,hebegantofeelsleepy dreadfullysleepy.Hestrovetokeepawakeaslongashecould,buttheevenpurroftheengineandthe swayingandjoltingofthevanprovedtoomuch.Hewasasleep. Hehadnoideahowlongheslept.Hewokebecausetheenginesoundeddifferent,asifitwerestarting up.Butsurelyitcouldnothavebeenverylong?Hehadlostthehabitofsleepingatnight.Withinfinite care,inalmostimperceptiblysmalljerks,hepushedasidethepackingcasenearestthecabwherethe menweresitting,untilhehadmadeanarrowopeningthroughwhich,whenheputoneeyetoit,he couldseeastripofthelittlewindow.No,itwasstillnight:itwasdarkwherethemenweresitting,too. Ifhecouldonlygetoutbeforeitwasday,beforetheyopenedthevanandfoundhim... Hesuddenlyknewwhatitfeltliketobeinoneofthecellstheyhadtalkedaboutinthecamplocked in,doubledupininkyblacknesswithoutbeingabletomove,withoutbeingabletodie. "Johannes!"hewhispered."Johannes..." Eversincehewassmall,forthreewholewintersandsummers,hehadknownthathemustnotallow himselftothink,andaboveallthathemustneverthinkaboutJohannes.Andnowhehaddoneit. Davidlethisheadsinkuponhischestandtriedtofightagainstthefloodofmemorythatpouredover him,theterror,thehatred,thefrighteningquestionsthatburnedlikefirewithinhim.Andthroughitall, Johannes...Johannessmiling;Johanneswho,ifhisvoicehadgrownlifelessandgratingliketheothers, hadneverchangedinsidehimself;JohannestowhomyoucouldsayanythingandJohanneswhoat lasthadfallentothegroundandremainedlyingthere,dead.

NeversincethatdayhadDavidthoughtabouthim.thatnight,whentheywereallinbed,hehadgone outintotheyardandlookedatthespotwhereJohanneshadfallen.Hehadbeenstandingtherefora longtimewhenthemanhadcomealongandseenhim. "Hediedofaheartattack,"hesaid."Clearoffnowandgettobed!" SincethatdayDavidhadneverthoughtaboutanythingbutmealtimesandthechangingoftheguard.At firstithadmadehimill,butlaterhehadgrownusedtoit.Whyshouldithavecomebacktohimjustat thismomentwhenallthatmatteredwasgettingtoSalonica? Thevoicecamefromsomewherefaraway."I'mgoingwithyoutoSalonica."Davidwasnotevensureit wasJohannes'voice,sofarawaydiditsound;butheknewitmusthavebeenbecausehesuddenlyfelt exactlyashehaddonewhenhewassmallandJohanneswaswithhim. "Thankyou,"hewhispered. Andafterthatitwaseasy.Hefoundapackingcasethathadnotbeenproperlynaileddown.It containedsomekindoffood,roundandfirm,thattastedlikeabitofcheeseDavidhadoncehadinthe camp.Hecutoffapiecewithhisknife,asbigapieceashecouldgetintohishandkerchief.Themen stoppedthevanwhileitwasstilldarkandleftitwithoutopeningthedoorattheback.SoDavidjumped outandfoundhimselfinthemiddleofalargetown,and,beingcarefultowalkintheshadowofthe housesfortherewasnocalltobefoolhardyevenifJohanneswerewithhimhehadnodifficultyin findingtheharbourwheretheshipslay.Therewasawatertapontheway,too:Davidwatchedaman turnitonanddrink,andwhenhehadgoneandthestreetwasquietagain,Davidwasabletowalkover toitandfillhisbottle. Theshiphewastofindneedednosearchingforeither:itlayrightinfrontofhimandonitssternhesaw theword"Italy"paintedinlargewhiteletters.Anditwasmadefasttothequaysidewithagreatthick rope,readyforDavidtoclimbupassoonasthemanonwatchhadgonetotheotherendoftheship.All Davidneededtodowastofindalengthoftwinetotiehisbundleabouthiswaistwhilehewasclimbing. Thewatchmandidnothearhim;nooneheardhim,anddowninthebottomoftheshiptherewasa greatdarkroomfilledwithsomanypackingcasesthathecouldbarelysqueezehimselfin. AtfirstDavidwasanxioustodiscoveriftherewereanywindowsdownthere,butthenherealizedthat hewasnowbelowthewaterlineandsoofcoursethereweren'tany...Thetimehadnowcomeforhim toopenthelastofhistreasures,hisboxofmatches. Hetookcaretoshieldtheflamewithhishandsashehadsooftenseenthecampguardsdo,andtouse nomorethanoneortwomatches,sincehemustbesparingwiththem. Hesawcaseaftercase,stackedrightuptothedeckabove...andthereweresacksaswell.Hefounda cornerwheretherewereonlyacoupleofsacks,andwherehecouldstaywellhiddenevenifsomeone cameintothehold.ButthatwashardlylikelytohappennotbeforetheyreachedItaly.Thesacksand caseswereallclearlyboundforItaly.Justasthesecondmatchdiedout,Davidcaughtsightofalarge halffilledbottlestandingontheedgeofacase.Heputhisbundledownonthesacks,stretchedon tiptoetoreachit,uncorkeditandthrusthisfingerinsidetheneck.Hesniffedhisfingercautiously. Perhapshecoulddrinkit.Davidtookthebottledownandsettledhimselfcomfortablyonhissacks.It wouldbeagoodthingtohaveifheweretobeatseaforanylengthoftime. ThenoiseoftheengineswokeDavid,butnotuntiltheshipwaswellunderwaydidhelosethestrange dreamlikesensationthathadbeenwithhimeversincethemomentinthevanwhenhehadsuddenly recalledJohannes.Thenheknewwhathadhappened.Sittingboltuprightonhissack,hiseyesatfirst wideopenandthenclosedinthedarkness,heknewthatJohanneswasnolongerwithhimhehad

stayedbehindinSalonica! Davidstruggledwithallhismightagainstthefearthatgrewwithinhim.Hetoldhimselfoverandover again,"Hepromisednothingmore:heonlysaidhewouldstaywithmetillwegottoSalonica." Butitdidnothelp.AllthecoldnessanddarknessandinfinitelonelinessoftheworldfilledDavid'smind untilitseemedreadytoburst.thenheknewnomore. Andsothedayspassed.Davidlostcountofthem,foritwasdarkallthetimeandtherewasnothingto distinguishdayfromnight.Oncewhenhewokehepickedupthestrangebottlebymistakeforhisown, andafterthathetookadrinkfromiteverytimestayingawakeanylongergrewtoomuchforhim,forhe discoveredthatdrinkingfromitverysoonmadehimfeelsleepy.Ittastedgood,tooalittlestrong perhapsbutnotunpleasantandthenhecouldsleepawhilelonger. Sometimeshetoldhimselfthathehadonlytoscrambleovertothedoor,openitandgoupthestepstill hemetsomeoneandallhistroubleswouldbeover.Hewisheddesperatelythathecouldstopbeing alive...buthisfeetwouldnotbudge,hislegsrefusedtocarryhimthelittledistancehehadtogobefore hecouldgivehimselfup.Hewantedtodoit,buthisbodywouldnottakehim. Whenatlasthewasdiscovered,hewastakencompletelybysurprise:hewokeuptohearavoicejust abovehisheadsaying,"Mammamia,whatareyoudoinghere?" Davidjumpeduplikelightning,butmadenoattempttorun.Themanhadveryblackhair,likeall Italians."Nothing,"answeredDavidinItalian. Thesailoropenedhismouthtoshoutbutthoughtbetterofitandinsteadscrambledovertothedoor andshutit.Thenhecameback.Hewasnotsurewhyhedidthis.Perhapsbecausetheboywassoquiet averythin,verydirtyboywhostoodasstillasdeathandwhohadthecalmestfacehehadeverseen. Heoughttocallsomeoneandgettheboyhauledupintothelightofday.Then,bythelightofhistorch, helookeddownintotheboy'sstrangedarkeyesandknewhecouldnot.Becausethatwasjustwhat thoseeyesexpectedhimtodo.TheItaliansailortriedtoshakeoffthefeelingthattheboywasgoingto die.Hisgrandmother'seyeshadlookedlikethatthedaybeforeshedied.Buthemightbewrong,of course:foronethinghisgrandmother'seyeshadbeenbrownandthisboy'swerewell,itwasnoteasy toseeinthatdimlightverydarkgrey,perhaps,orgreen. Sohesaidthefirstthingthatenteredhishead."Haveyoubeendrinkingmywine?" "Yes.I'dnomorewaterinmybottle.Ididn'tknowitwaswine.Thankyou." TheItalianshookhiscurlyblackhead.Neverhadhemetsuchachild!"Firstheswigsmywinewithout knowingwhatitis,andthenhethanksmeforitasifitweren'tsheerrobbery!"Andhewassoquiet.A boycaughtwhenhewasuptomischiefusuallymadeoffasfastashislegswouldcarryhim...turned andtwistedandlookedallroundforawayofescape.Hedidnotjuststandstillandlookyouintheface! "Wheredidyouthinkyou'dgetto?"heaskedhelplessly. "ToItaly." "Hm.Well,IsupposeIshallhavetohandyouovertothecaptain..." ButtheItalianknewverywellthathewouldnotbeableto."Idon'tthinkyou'reallthere,"hesaid.He darenotlayhandsonhim:hecouldnotbringhimselftodoit."Ontheotherhand,weshallbein

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Salernothisevening.It'shardlyworththetroubleofdraggingyoualongtothecaptainandhavingallthe fuss...Youcanjumpoverboardjustbeforewegetin,andthenIshan'thavehadanythingtodowithit ...I'llseeaboutgettingyououtofhere." "Ican'tswim,"theboysaidquietly. "Mammamia!Thenyouaren'tallthere!Iwon'thaveanythingtodowithit.I'llgiveyoualifebeltand youmusttrytodriftashore." "Thankyou." TheItalianwenthiswayshakinghishead. Davidsleptnomore.Hewashungrybutthenhehadbeenhungrythelastfourtimeshehadwakened andhehadrunoutoffood.Thatwasastrangeman.Itwasreallyverykindofhimnottoletthe captainarresthim;hecouldnotknowthatDavidwassotiredhecouldhardlyholdoutanylonger.And nowhemusttaketothewater!Hedidnotknowanythingaboutlifebelts,buttheItalianseemedto thinkhecoulddriftashoreinone.Soperhapshewouldrunonhiswayforyetanothernight,perhaps severalnights,beforetheyfinallycaughtupwithhim. ButalthoughDavidfeltcertainheknewwhattheendwouldbe,hisbodysetaboutgettinghimready. Automaticallyhestuffedhisraggedshirtintohisnolessraggedtrousers,tiedhisbundlesecurelyand satdowntowait. Itwassometimebeforethemanreturned.Whenhedidcome,Davidmadenomove.Perhapsthesailor hadhadsecondthoughtsaboutthelifebelt...butDavidwasbeyondcaring. TheItalianhadbroughtthelifebelt,however,andapieceofbreadaswell.Davidatehalfofitonthe spotwhilethemanwasshowinghimhowtousehisarmstomakesurehedriftedintherightdirection. Davidwatchedandrealizedhewouldbealmostuptohisneckinwater.Hefrownedthetalkabout directionhadputhiminmindofhiscompass...supposegettingwetwerebadforit?Hehadbettertie hisbundleroundhisneck,likethat. Themanloweredhimoverthesideoftheshipontheendofaropeandtoldhimnottosplashaboutin thewateruntiltheshipwassomewayoff,otherwisehemightbeheard.Thewaterwasnotparticularly cold.Davidlookedbackattheshipasitsailedswiftlyon.Foramomenthethoughthewasgoingto drown...itmightverywellbeaneasywayofsendingpeopletotheirdeath,abeltlikethat...Itlooked likeacartyre,hethought.Buthedidnotdrown,andhefounditwasnotevennecessarytoflinghis armsaboutashehadbeentoldtodo,fortheshiphadcreatedastrongwashthatdrovehimnearerand nearertothedarklineofthecoast. ButbeforelongDavidrealizeditwasnotquitesoeasy...Severalhourspassedbeforehetouchedland, andbythattimehewassocolditmighthavebeenthedepthofwinterandsoexhaustedhewasquite incapableoffeeling:onlyhisfeethadthewilltocarryhimfarther. Davidstumbled,staggered,crawled:onwardsinthedarkness,uphillallthetime,thegoinghardand stony:itmustbeamountainslope...Thenhecametoaroadandstaggeredacrossitwithouteven rememberingtoseeiftherewerepeopleabout...thenfartheruphillwheresomethingwasgrowingin lowstraightlines...thenoveranotherstretchofmountainsidewithhardsharpedgedstonesthathurt hisfeet.Andthenhecouldgonofarther. Buttherewasnoonetodisturbhissleepthatnight,andwhenhewokehewasnolongertired.Hewas notevencoldhewaspleasantlywarm,infact.Helayawakeforawhilewithhiseyesshut,baskingin

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thewarmthofhisownbodywhilehelistenedasusualforsoundsabouthim.Butallwasquiet.Then openinghiseyeshesatupandlooked. Davidwasfamiliaronlywithvarioustonesofgreyandbrown,andofcoursetheblueofthesky.Well, yes,hehadonceseenalittleredflowerthathadstrayedinsidethecampwall.Apartfromthat,colour wassomethinghehadonlyheardof:hehadseenonlyapaleandmuddiedreflectionofitinthe uglinessofthecampandtheequallyuglyquartersoftheguards. Hedidnotknowhowlonghestayedthereonthemountainside,sittingmotionless,justgazing...only wheneverythinggrewstrangelymistydidhediscoverthathewascrying. Farbelowhimlaythesea,aseabluerthananyskyhehadeverseen.Thelandcurvedinandoutalong itsedge:inandout,upanddown,allgreenandgolden,withhereandtheretheredofflowerstoofar offtobeclearlyseen.Downbytheseaaroadranalongthefootofthemountain,andnearitlayvillages whosebrightcoloursgleameddazzlingly.thereweretreeswithmanychangingtintsofgreen,andover itallshonethewarmingsunnotwhitehotandspitefulandscorching,asthesunhadshoneuponthe campinthesummertime,butwithawarmgoldenloveliness. Beauty.DavidhadonceheardJohannesusetheword.Itmusthavebeensomethinglikethishemeant... perhapsthatwaswhyhehadcomebackandgonewithhimtoSalonica,sothathe,David,couldsail acrosstheseatillhecametoaplacewherethingswerebeautiful. Histearscontinuedtoflow,fasterandfaster,andhebrushedthemangrilyawaysothatthemistbefore hiseyesshouldnotveilthatbeautyfromhim. Suddenlyheknewthathedidnotwanttodie. Hedidnotwanttobecaught,hedidnotwanttodie.Hislegshadcarriedhimtotheplacewherethe vanstoodwaiting,andwhentheweightoflonelinesshadgrowntoomuchforhimJohanneshadkept himcompanytoSalonica.thestrangemanwiththeblackheadofhairhadhelpedhimtoreachland withalifebelt.Andnowthathehadlearnedaboutbeautyhewantedtolive... 2 ForalongtimeDavidcontinuedtositandgazeuponthebeautifulscenerythatlaybeforehim.He lookedagainandagainuponthebluenessofthesea,uponthecoastlinecurvingalongitsshore:hesaw thecoloursofthelandscape,itsmanykindsofgreenintermingledwithgoldandred,fadeintoone anothertowardsthehorizonuntileverythingmeltedintotheblueofseaandskyfarawayoverthe mountains. Davidlookeddownathisownhandlyinginthegrassandknewatoncewhathewasgoingtodofirst. Thegrasswasgreenalthoughsummerwasfaradvanced;theremustbewaternotveryfaraway. Helookedfirstatthesun,thenathiscompass,andthenatthesunagain:itwasveryearly...hestillhad agoodhourbeforeheneedfindahidingplacefortheday.Hetookholdofhisbundleandjumpedup. Andtherewaswater:alazylittlebrookglintinginthesunlightinthemidstofamuchwiderriverbed whichwoundamongtreesandbusheswherehecouldhideifanyonecamealong.Davidhadhisclothes offinnotime:hehadonlyashirtandapairoftrouserskeptupwithstring.Helaidhistrousersinthe waterandputastoneontoptopreventthemfromfloatingaway.Thenhesoakedhisshirtthoroughly andopenedhisbundle. Hestoodthereamoment,soapinhand.Sometimeswhentheyfirstarrivedincamptheywerequite

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whiteandcleanalloverwithnosmellaboutthem...Hehardlydaredtrythenhemadeanattempt, beginningwithhishands. Itworked...almost.Davidscrubbedawayuntilhewasinasweat;hepickeduphisshirttorubhimself withandthenhegotonmuchbetter.Hereallythoughtdirtwasmuchmoredifficulttogetoff.Thenhe rememberedthesea:beingwetthroughallnightmusthavehelpedconsiderably.Hisheadwasabitofa problem,butDavidwouldnotgiveup:hewasgoingtogetallthatdirtoff,allthatremindedhimofthe campandsmeltofit. Helayrightdown,dippinghisheadinthewatersothathishairwasthoroughlywet,rubbedsoapall overituntilhisarmsgrewtired,thenduckedagainandrubbedawaywithhisshirtuntilhishairno longerfeltsticky.Heturnedcoldbuthetooknonotice;hisonethoughtwastobequite,quiteclean.His shirtgraduallytookonabrightercolour,andthenhesetabouthistrousersaswell.They,too,became brighter.Finallyhesatdownwithhisknifeandwhittledawayatatwiguntilhehadasharppointof cleanwood.Heprickedhimselfacoupleoftimesintheprocess,butintheendevenhistoenailswere clean. Thesunglistenedonadropofwaterasitfellfromhishandtohisknee.Davidwipeditoffbutitleftno tidemark:therewasnomoredirttorubaway.Hetookadeepbreathandshivered.HewasDavid. Everythingelsewaswashedaway,thecamp,itssmell,itstouchandnowhewasDavid,hisown master,freefreeaslongashecouldremainso. Davidtookalookrounditwouldnotdotogoonsittingwherehewas.Alittlehigherupthehillhe caughtsightofahouseamongthetrees,andalittlefartherdownlaytheroad.Therewouldsoonbe peopleaboutandhemustfirstfindasafehidingplace. Hefollowedthestreamalittleway,thenturnedoffandwentstraightdowntowardsthecoast.The goingwassteep,butDavid'sthicksoleswereusedtofindingplaceswherehecouldgetagoodfoothold, andhisbodywaslitheandquickandhefoundnodifficultyinkeepinghisbalance.Justbeforehecame totheroadhestoppedirresolutely:hecouldhideintheundergrowthdownthere.Butthatmeanthe wouldhavetolieflatallday,andwhenhewasnotsleepingitwouldbeveryirksometolieinroughly thesamepositionallthetime. Nowthathewasclosetotheroad,hecouldseethattherewerehousesatregularintervalsalongboth sidesofitnotrightonit,butalittleaboveorbelowwithgatesleadingontoit.Beautifulhouses,pink andpaleyellowandwhite,withgailypainteddoorsandgreentreesandclimbingplantsgrowingon theirwalls.Butwheretherewerehousestherewerepeople. Alittlefartheronthegroundfellawaysosteeplyfromtheroadthattherewerenohousesforsome distance...itlookedasifhewouldhavetocrossover. Hisheartbegantobeatquickly.Theroadwoundamongthehillsandyoucouldnotseemuchofitatone timebecauseitkeptbendingsharplyroundthespurs.Evenifhewerecertaintheroadwasclearatthe moment,someonemightcomealongjustashebegantocross.Notcars,norpeoplewalkingonthehard surface,forDavid'shearingwasgood;buthewouldnotbeabletohearanyonewalkingonthegrass vergeuntilhewasrightontopofhim.Wasitalltolastonlyasinglemorning,allthebeauty,allhis desiretolive?Wasitalltobetakenfromhimagainbyasinglestranger,noworinhalfanhour'stime? Butifhestayedwherehewashisdangerwouldbejustasgreat.Amongthetreessomethingwas growinglowonthegroundinlongrows:itmusthavebeenplantedtheretogrowinsuchstraightlines, andsomeonemightcomealongtotendit.Somethingbrightlycoloured,notyellownorredbutbothat once,caughthiseyeinthegreengrass.Itwasroundandrathersoft.Davidpickeditupwithoutthinking andwalkedthelastfewyardstotheroad.

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 Themorningwasstillyoungandeverywherewasquietinthesunlight;therewasnoonetobeseen.He crossedtheroad.Notslowly,norhurriedly.Afterwardswhenhishearthadstoppedbeatingsofast,he realizedthathisdecisionhadchangedeverything.Eversincethenighthehadfoundthebundlelying underthetreeasthemanhadtoldhimitwouldbe,hisfeethadcarriedhimalong,decidingthewayfor him. Thistimeitwashewhohadmadethedecision.Hisfeethadnotwantedtotaketheriskofcrossingthe road,andhehadmasteredthemandforcedthemtodoit.ThethoughtgaveDavidagoodwarmfeeling ofstrengthandfreedom.Fromnowonhewouldthinkforhimselfandmakehisowndecisions,andhis feetandhandsandbodywouldbehisservantstodohisbidding. Rightdownbytheedgeofthewaterhewasshelteredfromtheroad,andthenearesthousewassome wayoff.Daviddidnotthinkanyonewouldbeabletoseehimfromthere,buthewasnotsureandit wasnecessarytobesure.Ifhecouldgetovertothatrock,hewouldbeinakindofcavewithtwowalls andabitofaroof.Butitwastoofarforhimtojumpacross.Davidputhisbundledownandstretched hislegovertheedge,feelingaboutwithhisfootforsomesupport;butitwasverysteepandslippery. Onlyayardseparatedhimfromthebesthidingplacehehadeverseen! "Iwillgetover!"hesaidtohimself.Itmustbepossible,theremustbesomeway...Perhapshecould findabigstoneanddropitintothecleftsothathecouldclamberacross?Butstruggleashewould,he couldnotbudgetheonlyboulderthatlookedbigenough.Ifhehadarope...buttherewasnothinghe couldmakeitfasttoontheotherside,andtheonlythinghehadthatatallresembledaropewasthe bitofstringroundhistrousers. Thensomethingbrowncaughthiseyealittlefartherdownonhissideofthecleft.Awoodenpacking caseorratherabitofone:aplank. Davidsuppressedhisexcitement.Itwasnotbigenough,hetoldhimself.Butheoughttotry,justto makesure.Whenhisheartwasbeatingnormallyagain,hesetoffafterit.Theplankwaslongenough! Hecouldlayitacrosslikeabridge,andliftitawayafterhehadcrossedoveritsothatnoonecould followhim! Butwasitstoutenough?Hefoundtwosmallerstonesandlaidthemoneundereachendoftheplank: thenhesteppedcarefullyontoit.Itcreakedalittle,butitwouldtakehisweight. Itwasverybareontheotherside.Barebutsafe,andtherewasroomenoughtoliedown;andowingto theformationoftheprojectingrock,hewouldbeinshadowmostofthetime.Hecouldseeashort stretchoftheroadabovefromwherehewaswithoutbeingseenhimselfandhecouldseethewhole coastlinetowardstheeast. Davidtookhiswettrousersoffandspreadthemandhisshirtouttodryinthesun,andthenhe unpackedhisbundleandarrangedhispossessionsneatlybyhissidehiscompass,hisknife,hisbottle, thebitofbreadthemanonboardtheshiphadgivenhim,andfinallytheroundyellowthing.Heheldit firmlybutcarefullywhilehescratcheditwithhisfingernailandboredhisfingerrightthroughtheskin. Itwasmoistinside.Hesniffedhisfingerandlickedititsmelledgoodandhadabittersweettaste.So hetookthepeelrightoffandpulledtheinsideapart.Itwasquiteeasytoseparateintosmallpieces, eachlikeahalfmoon.Hewashungry,andhehadabitofbreadaswell.Hewonderedifthatroundthing werefittoeat. Takingabite,hechewedandswallowedandwaitedtoseewhatwouldhappen.Butnothinghappened, nothingexceptthatittastedgood.Itdidnotmakehimill.

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Davidatehalfthepiecesandchewedabitofbread.Thenhetriedtheorangecolouredpeel,butthat tastedsharpandunpleasant.Hetriedtopushthethoughtawaybutitkeptreturning:"Idon'tknow anything!HowcanIstayfreewhenIdon'tknowwhateverybodyelseknows?Idon'tevenknowwhat's goodtoeatandwhat'spoisonous.TheonlyfoodIknowaboutisporridgeandbreadandsoup." Foralittlewhilehelostcourage.Whyhadhenottalkedtotheothersinthecamp,listenedtotheir conversationandaskedabouttheworldoutside?Notaboutfood,ofcourse,fortherewasaruleinthe campthatnoonemighttalkaboutfood:foronceinaway,itwasnotoneoftheirrules,butonemade bytheprisonersthemselves.Whenyouhadnothingbutbreadandporridge,andnotenoughofthat, youdidnotwanttotalkaboutthekindoffoodyouusedtohavewhenyouwerefree.Buttherewere otherthingshecouldhaveaskedabout.AslongasJohanneshadbeenwithhim,hehadaskedquestions allthetime,buthewasonlyalittleboythenandhadaskedaboutallsortsofthingshehadnousefor now. Helookedoutovertheblueseaanddownalongthecoastfullofbrightcolourandsunshine,and clenchedhisteeth. HemustthinkaboutJohannesandtrytorecallalltheyhadtalkedabout.Hemustthink,too,whathe hadheardtheotherprisonerssaybeforetheyhadbeentoolonginthecamptosayanythingmoreand merelyletthedaysdragby. Sometimeshehaddiscoveredthattheyweretryingtoescape:theylaidtheirplans,carefullyweighing theprosandcons,calculatingwhattheythoughtwaspossible,andmakingsuretheyknewwherethe worstdangerslay.Theirattemptsatescapewereneversuccessful,butthatwasnottheirfault:itwas becausetheirchancesweretooslender. Daviddecidedtofollowtheirexample.Hewouldmakeaplanofaction,weighingwhatheknewagainst whathedidnot,andcarryitoutwithoutallowinghimselftobedepressedbydoubtsormisledbyhope. Onhissidewasthefactthatalthoughhewasverythinhehadstrong,toughmuscles.Hehadsharpeyes andears,andhewasusedtodoingwithverylittlefood. Hestopped.Wasthereanythingelsetohiscredit?Yes,hewaspreparedforthem:heknewtheir methods,thetrapstheyset,thesuddencraftyfriendlinesswhichmeanttheywerehidingsomething, theirpointlessbrutality.Hewasfamiliarwithtreachery,andheknewwhatdeathlookedlike. Butwhatadvantagewashisknowledgeofdeathwhenhewasnowdeterminedtolive?Davidfrowned. Thenhethoughtofanotherpointinhisfavour:hecouldunderstandwhatpeoplefromdifferent countriesweretalkingabout.Learningtodothathadbeenagreathelptohiminthecamp.Whenhe couldnolongerpassthetimethinkingofmealtimesandthechangingoftheguard,therewerevarious languageshecouldlearn.Davidreckoneduphowmanyheknew.Firstofcoursewhattheyspokehe couldreadthat,too.ThenheknewFrench...thatwaswhatJohanneshadspoken.Andbesidesthat, GermanandItalianandEnglish.HeknewsomeSpanishandabitofHebrew. Beingabletotalktothesailorwhohadfoundhimonboardtheshiphadbeenagreatadvantage...and nowthathewasinItaly,hisknowledgeofthelanguagewouldbeaverygoodthing.Davidfeltgreatly encouragedperhapshewouldrecallotherthingsheknewashegraduallygrewaccustomedto thinkingagain. However,therewereplentyofthingsheknewnothingof.Heknewthereweremaps,buthehadnever seenoneandhewasquiteignorantofwherethevariouscountriesofEuropelayorwheretheir boundariesran.Hewasnotatallsurewhichofthosecountrieswerefree:hethoughttherecouldnotbe many,andhehadbetterreckonwiththepossibilitythattheywereeverywhere...eveninfree

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countries. Thentherewasthebusinessoffoodhewouldhavetoliveonwhathecouldfind,andeverytimehe wouldhavetoriskeatingsomethingpoisonousinhisignoranceorpassingbywhatwasedibleandgoing hungry. Worstofall,therewerepeople.Ifhewantedtopreservehisfreedom,hewouldhavetokeeprightaway fromthem.Butatthesametimeherealizedhewouldhavetogettoknowsomethingabouthow peoplelivedoutsideaprisoncamp,sinceanunknowndangerwasmoredangerousthanonethatcould bereckonedwithbeforehand. AndsoDavidtookanotherdecision.Whenitwasdarkhemustgointothetownthatlayfartheralong thecoastdownbythesea.Inthedarknesshecouldalwaysslipintoagatewayorroundastreetcorner, ashehaddiscoveredinSalonica;buthewouldhavetogowhiletherewerepeopleaboutthestreetsso thathecouldfindouthowtheylived;andperhapsaboyamongacrowdofpeoplewouldappearless suspiciousthanaboyquitealoneinatownwhereeveryonewasasleep. Inanycase,itwouldnotbeasdangerousnowasitmightbelater,fornoonecouldyetknowwhereto lookforhim.Perhapstheywouldnotlookforhimatall? HereagainDavidranintotheblankwallofhisownignorance.Hedidnotknowwhohewas,didnot evenknowwhatcountryhecamefrom.Hehadalwayslivedinthecamp,andevenJohannes,whoknew somanythings,hadnotbeenabletofindoutanythingabouthimforthesimplereasonthatnoone knewanything. Davidwonderedwhathelookedlike.Intheman'shuttherehadbeenamirror,butitwashungtoohigh. DavidhadthoughtatonetimethatperhapshewasJewish...Asarule,thepeopletheyimprisoned werethosewhowantedtodecideforthemselveswhattheyshouldbelieveandbefreetowritebooks andarticlesaboutit.Butthatcouldnotapplytohim.Jews,ontheotherhand,weresometimes imprisonedjustbecausetheydidnotlikeJews...Theysaidtheydid,butitwasnottrue. ButJohanneshadsaidhewassureDavidwasnotJewish. Onecouldnotalwaysfindoutwhytheyhadarrestedpeople,andifsomeonehadhappenedtofindhim somewhereandtakenhimalongtothecampwhenhewasquitesmall,thenitmightbethathewasnot ofsufficientconsequenceforthemtomakeanyparticularefforttorecapturehim.Buthecouldnotbe sureofthat...itwouldbesafertoassumethatitwasimportantforthemtofindhimagain. Davidrealizedthathemusthaveastory.Heknewfromhisexperiencesinthecampthatitmightbea matteroflifeanddeathto"haveagoodstory"andsticktoithowevermuchonemightbequestioned. Intheevening,whenhehadseenthekindoflifepeoplelived,hemightperhapsbeabletohitupona storyhecouldmakeuseofifanyonequestionedhim.Notthatheintendedthatanyoneshouldspeakto himifhecouldavoidit,butitwasbesttobeprepared. *** Noonetookanynoticeofhim.Whilehewasontheroad,amanhadturnedroundtolookathim,but Davidhadtoldhimself,"Youmustn'tlookasifyou'reafraid!"andhadgoneonhiswayquitecalmly.And downhereinthetownnooneatallturnedtolookathim.Itwasasmalltown,notlikeSalonica.The streetsweresmallandnarrowandveryhilly.Therewastalkeverywherepeoplewalkingalongwith basketsandparcels,peoplestandinginshopswherethelightswerelit,allweretalking.Thefirsttime Davidwasawareofithecouldhardlybringhimselftomoveonalmosteverybodywaslaughing!Itwas nottheuglylaughterhewasusedtowhentheylaughedattheprisoners...itsoundedpleasant,even

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beautiful,asiftheywereallcontent,andfeltfriendlytowardsoneanother. Davidknewofcoursethatitcouldnotbetrue,butperhapstherewerenotsomanyofthemherein Italy,orperhapstherejustwerenotanyinthistown.Andthepeoplewerebeautiful!Davidhadseen goodlookingpeoplebeforetheywereoftengoodlookingwhentheyfirstarrivedinthecamp,but onlyJohanneshadpreservedbeautyinhisfacerightuptothetimehedied.AndthefewwomenDavid hadseenlookedquitedifferentfromthosehere...theyhadbeenhardofface,astheyalwayswere,and ...and...yes,asiftherewerescarcelyanydifferencebetweenthemandthemen. Butheretheywerebeautiful,theirhairlong,blackandwaving,manyofthemwithsmooth,suntanned faces,andalldressedinbeautifulclothesofmanycolours,liketheseaandthetreesandthegolden fruit. Davidsawthesamefruitagain,awholepileofitinagreatbasketoutsideashop."Arancia",itwas called.DavidtranslatedthewordintoGerman:"apfelsinen"hehadheardofitafterall.Ifonlythe letterswerenotsodifficulttoread!Johanneshadtaughthimtheshapesoftheletterstheyusedin othercountries,butthatwassolongago.Ifonlyhehadabooksothathecouldpractisereadingthose letters! Goingdownintothetownhadbeenagoodmove.Noonetookanynoticeofhim,andhecouldlearna lotbylookingintheshops.Hecouldfindoutwhatfoodlookedlike,andmanyotherthings,too,thathe hadneverseenbeforeanddidnotknowtheuseof.theyhadanenormousnumberofpossessions, thesepeople... Davidfeltquitedizzywithlookingatsomanythings,andhestoppedamoment.Infrontofhimaman andawomanwerewalkingalong,andastheytalkedandlaughedtogethertheywereeatingsomething theyhadboughtfromashop.Whentheyfinished,thewomanthrewawaythepapertheyhadbeen eatingf.Hisheartbeatingfaster,Davidpickeditupinthedark:therewasoftensomethingprintedon thepaperthingswerewrappedin. Hehurriedontothenearestlightyes,therewasprintingonit,somethinghecouldpractisereading! Tomorrowwhenitgrewlight...Hedarednotstandstilltoolongoutsideabrightlylitshop:besides,he didnotfeeltoowell,hehadaheadacheandfeltsick.Hehadbettergobacktohisrock. Helookedupanddiscoveredhewasstandinginalargesquare.Atfirsthewasfrightened,forhefelt muchsaferinthenarrowstreets,butthenheforgothisfearashesawinfrontofhimontheotherside ofthesquareaverybigbuildingwithacrossontop. Achurch!"Ifthere'sacross,thenit'sachurch",herememberedJohanneshadoncetoldhim.Buthedid nottellhimthatachurchcouldbebeautifulitswallsbuiltofdifferentkindsofstonethatformed intricateandlovelypatterns,itsgreatdoorsapproachedbyamagnificentflightofsteps.Davidlookedat thechurchforalongtime.Hefeltithadsomemeaningforhim,buthecouldnottellwhat.Hisheadfelt veryheavyasifhehadbeenrunningallnightlong:hemustreturntohishideout. Slowlyheturnedhisbackuponthesquareandwentdownintothenarrow,brightlylitstreetsagain.He stoppedoutsideashopwheretheybakedroundflatloaveswithwhathehadlearntwerecalled tomatoesontop.Hewashungry.Notveryhungryatthemoment,buthewouldbebythemorning. Perhapsinthemorninghewouldfindanotherorange. Heturnedtogo. "Hi,wantone,eh?"

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Davidturnedroundwithastart.Themanwasstandingintheopendoorwayofferinghimoneofthe loaves.Davidautomaticallyputouthishandandthenhequicklywithdrewit.Atrap.Hewouldtake thebreadandthenthemanwouldfetchthem... Helookedupintotheman'sfaceandsawitwasjustlikethesailor'sthesameslightlystupid expression,thesamegoodnaturedeyes.Davidhesitated;perhapshewouldnothavehimarrested. ThereweresomegoodpeopleJohanneshadtoldhimsoandhehadheardthesamethingfrom otherprisoners:theyhadoftenspokenofthosewhohadhelpedthemandhiddenthemforlongperiods whentheywereafterthem. Themanlaughedinaheartyfriendlyway,thewayeverybodylaughedhere."Well!Perhapstheyoung fellowisn'thungry!"hesaid."Yes,Iam,"Davidanswered."Thankyouverymuch!"Hetookthebread andoffhewentwithquickunhurriedsteps.Themanfrownedandlookedathimalittlepuzzled.Then heshruggedhisshouldersrightuptohisearsandletthemfallagain,asifhewereshakingsomething off,andwentbacktohisloaves. NeverinthewholeofDavid'slifehadadaypassedsoquicklyasdidthenextone.Stillfree,hehadgot backtohisrocksagain,eatenhalftheloafthemanhadgivenhimandlaindowntosleep.Whenhe wokeitwasday,andeverythingwasjustaswarmandbeautifulinthebrightsunshineasithadbeenthe daybefore.Hehadrunuptothelittlestreamforawashbeforeanyonewasabout,andeventhefact thathissoaphadgrownmuchthinnerfromovermuchusethedaybeforedidnotreallytroublehim. Perhapsitwasbecausehehadwashedhisshirtandtrouserswithitaswell.Hedecidedtomakedowith washinghishandsandfeetandfacethatdayandtogosparinglywithhisprecioussoap.Thenheran downhillagain,nearlyforgetting,inhiseagernesstogetbacktohispieceofpaper,tolookcarefullyup anddowntheroadbeforehecrossedit.Thatmustnothappenagain!Hemadehimselfcounttoa hundredbeforehepickeduphispaperinordertoremindhimselfhowimportantitwasnevertodo anythingwithoutthinking. Thescrapofpaperwasdifficulttoread.Theeveningbeforehehadreadseveralnoticesinthetown,but thiswasinpropersentenceswithmanywordstogether.Davidmurmuredthenamesofthelettersto himself,firstonebyoneandthenrunningthemtogetherthreeorfouratatime,andafterabitthe soundsbegantotakeshapeaswordshealreadyknew.Thenhebeganreadingtohimselfwhatwason thepaper.Onthewholeitproveddisappointing:someofitwasaboutthingsyoucouldbuy,butnoneof itwasanyusetoaboyescaping.Therewassomethingaboutmotorcars,andthelastbitwasabouta king.Butatthatpointthepaperwastornacross,andDavidcouldnotevenfindoutwheretheking camefrom. Fromwhathehadheardinthecamp,Davidhadgatheredthatthecountriesthathadkingswerefree andtheirpeoplehadnoneedtobefrightenedofthem. Buttherewerenotmanycountrieslikethat,andtheknowledgewasnotofmuchusetohimsincehe didnotknowwherethosecountrieswere. However,hisbeliefthathemightperhapsavoidcaptureseemedtohavegrownstrongersincetheday before.Hehadseensomuchinthetownthatheknewdeepwithinhimselfthathewouldhavetogo downthereagain,buthewouldnotyetadmitittohimself.Hewaspulledbothways:hehada passionatedesiretogobackandlearnmoreaboutwhatthingswerelikeoutsidethecamp,andatthe sametimehewasafraidhemightforgettohidehisfears. Aslongasitwasstilldaylighthewouldthinknomoreaboutpayinganothervisittothetown.Hehad plentyofotherthingstooccupyhim:allthathehadseenthepreviousday,allthathewantedtoknow andwouldhavetofindoutforhimself.Andtherewashispieceofpaper:evenifitcontainednothingof anyusetohim,hecouldalwaysreadtheletters,comparingthewordsastheyappearedinprintwith

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thewaytheysoundedwhentheywerespokenuntilhewassurehecouldreadproperly.Andinbetween times,whenhisheadbegantobuzzwiththeweightoftoomanyproblemsthatseemedtohaveno solution,therewereallthethingsthathewouldnevertireoflookingat.Theblueseastretchingfarther thaneyecouldreachandthelandwithitseverchangingcoastline...thegreenhills,thebareredrocks ...thebrightlycolouredhousesgleaminglikefruitshereandthereinthesun. WheneveningcameDavidwentdowntothetownagain.Andagainthenextevening,andthenext... andeachtimehelearntsomethingnew,enoughtooccupyhisthoughtsalldaylonginhisrockyhiding place. Hehadhituponagoodstory.Duringhissecondeveninghehadreadsomethingonawallaboutacircus. Heunderstooditwasakindoftheatrethattravelledabout:ifhewasquestionedhewouldsayhecame fromoneandwasgoingtorejoinitsomewhereelsesomewherefarenoughawaytopreventpeople findingoutimmediatelyifitweretrue. Buthehadhadnooccasiontotryhisstoryout. Hewentdowntothetownagainduringtheevening.Hewasgraduallygettingtoknowitinsideout thenarrowcrookedstreets,theopenspacedownbytheseafront,thesquarewherethechurchstood. Healwayswenttherelastofallsothatonthewaybacktotherockhewouldhavefreshinmindthe beautifulwallwithitspatternsofmanycolouredstone.Hehadnotsummonedupenoughcourageto enterthechurchalthoughhewouldhavedearlylovedtoseewhatitlookedlikeinside. Davidwouldsometimesstandintheshadowsoutsideashopandlistentotheconversationwithin.It waseasyenoughfortheyalwaystalkedveryloudlywithfrequentburstsoflaughter.Inthatwayhe learntwhatmanythingswereusedfor,thingsthatwerestrangetohimbutseemedtobetakenfor grantedbythepeopleroundhim. Hehadnotyetheardanyonetalkaboutthem:sometimesthefactthattherewereobviouslynoneof theminthetownledhimtoberatherlesscareful.Healwayswalkedonifanyonelookedathim,buthe sometimescameveryneartoforgettinghisfears,andhequiteopenlyfilledhisbottleatthepump downbytheseafrontandacceptedseveralloavesfromthemanwhomadethem.Atfirsthewould standforalongtimehiddenintheshadowsoutsidetheshoplisteningtothebaker'sconversationwith hiscustomersbutitwasneveraboutthem,andheneveraskedDavidanyquestionsexceptwhether hewerehungry,andthenhewouldgivehimaloafandafriendlysmile. AndsoitwasalmostoutofhabitthatDavidnowhidinthedarkoutsideandlistened.Thateveningthe manwastalkingofsomeonecalledGuglioandthegoodcatchhehadhad.ForamomentDavid'sheart stoodstillwithfear...Thenherealizedtheyweretalking,notofpeople,butoffishcaughtatsea. Hestoodtherealittlelonger,inhisreliefforgettingtolisten.Thenhesuddenlyheardthemansay, "Who'sthatboythatcomeshereeveryeveningforaloaf?Doyouknow?" "Whatboy?" "Athinraggedboy,butalwaysveryclean.Helooksabitforeign." Davidpressedhimselfflatagainstthewallandstoodthereasifgluedtothespot.Anothermanwas speakingnow,onewhospokedifferentlyfromtherest,moreafterDavid'sownfashion,"I'veseena strangeboyeveryeveningthisweek:hestandsandlooksatthechurch.Iassumedhe'dcomeoverfor theharvest.SignorMissianitakesonanumberofcasualworkersaboutthistime." Thenawomansaidsomething."Noone'scomeyetfortheharvest,padre:Thrsewouldhavetoldme.

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I'veseentheboy,too.Itmustbethesameone.Hedoesn'tlookliketheothersandhealwaysmovesoff whenyoulookathim.He'sgotverystrangelookingeyes..." "Inwhatwaystrange?"thatwastheonetheycalled"padre"speakingagain:"padre"meant"priest" "I'veonlyseenhimstandinginthedarkontheothersideofthesquare...Doeshelookasifhe'supto mischief?" "No,no,Idon'tknowaboutthat,padre,buthe'sastrangeboy.Ifyousmileathim,hedoesn'tsmile back;hedoesn'trunoff,either;hejustturnsandwalksaway.Andhiseyes...they'resoquietlooking. Perhapsweshouldgetholdofhimandaskhimwherehecomesfrom." Davidheardnomore.Withnomoresoundthanapuffofwindhewasdownthestreetandinsidethe firstopendoorthroughalongdarkpassageandoutagaininanotherstreet.Neverbeforehadhe founditsodifficulttowalkalongcalmlyasifhefeltnofear.Heincreasedhisspeed,outofthetown,out totherockshemustgetawayatoncebeforetheybeganlookingforhim. Theymightbesendingforthemalready...Davidwaitedalong,longtime,hidingbythesideoftheroad, beforeheventuredscramblingdowntohishidingplace.Thelasttwoeveningshehadlefthisbundle there,andnowhemusttakeitwithhim.Butfirsthehadtomakesurenoonewasfollowing. Whenhereachedthesafetyoftherocks,helaydown,butnottosleep,onlybecausehislegsfeltasif theywouldnotbearhisweightanylonger.Ashelaythere,hecouldseethelightsfromthetownbelow. Theylookedbeautifulinthedark.Buthehadbeenrightwhenhesensedtherewasdangerthere:he mustgetaway,thatverynight. Thethoughtfilledhimwithdespair.Hehadbeguntofeelthatitwashistown,thattherockbelongedto him.Hekneweverylittleirregularityinitssurface,andeverymorningwhenheundidhisbundle,he wouldarrangehisthingsinthesameway.Thelittlestreamhigherupacrosstheroadhadbeenhis alone,andeverymorninghehadfoundanorange. Allthebeautyoftheplacehadbeenhis:theseaandthecoastlinethatcurvedalongitsshores;allthe beautifulcolours,thebluesandgreensandreds;andthegayhouses,brightlycoloured,too,and gleaminglikefruitsinthesunlight. Beforehehadcometothetownhehadknownaboutnothingbutdeath:herehehadlearnttolive,to decidethingsforhimself;hehadlearntwhatitfeltliketowashincleanwaterinthesunshineuntilhe wascleanhimself,andwhatitfeltliketosatisfyhishungerwithfoodthattastedgood;hehadlearntthe soundoflaughterthatwasfreefromcruelty;hehadlearntthemeaningofbeautyandnowhemust leaveitandneverreturn. Davidcriedbutnotforlong.Hesatupandlookedoncemoreatthelightsofthetown.Hehadalso learnttothinkagainwithoutbeingafraidofdoingit. Andhecouldgoonthinking;hewasstillfree,andifhethoughtabouteverythingcarefully,asclearly andsensiblyashecould,andrememberedallhehadlearntinthisplace,thenfreedommightbehisfor alongtimeyet. Hehadbeenrightinsupposingthattheywereeverywhere,evenwherehewasnow.Buthehadalso foundittruethatsomepeopleweregoodandkind.Andiftheynolongerdaredtopretendthatthey hadnotseenhimabout,thenitwashisownfaultforstayingtheretoolong.Buthemustneverstayin oneplacemorethanoneevening.Hemustcontinuetoavoidpeopleasmuchaspossible,andhemust remembernottolookatthem.

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Davidwishedheknewwhatwassostrangeabouthiseyes.Whatdidtheymeanwhentheysaidthey werequiet?Perhapsonedayhewouldcomeacrossamirrorandfindoutwhathelookedlike.David sighedalittle.Aboycouldnotverywelldisguisehimself.Grownmencouldgrowbeardsorshavethem off;andifyouhadmoney,youcouldchangeyourclothes,orwearglasses,ordyeyourhair.Butwhen youwereaboywithneitherbeardnormoney,itwasnogoodthinkingaboutdisguisingyourself. Davidpackedeverythingexcepthiscompassintohisbundleandstoodup.Whenhehadcrossedover theplankhedrewitafterhimandcarrieditrightuptotheroadwaysothatnoonewouldseewherehe hadbeenliving.Hestoodstillforamomentandlookeddownatthelightsofthetown. Thenhesetoffquietlyupthemountainslopetowardsthenorth. 3 Tiredoutandscratchedtopieces,Davidwasgladwhenitbegantogrowlight.Hewasnolongerusedto travellingatnighttimeanddecidedthatassoonashehadgotfarenoughawayhewouldtravelduring thedayinstead.Travellingbynightwastooexhaustinginaterrainwhereateverystepyoumightrun intosomethingortripoveritplants,treeroots,anunexpectedslopeoraholeintheground.Hehad noticed,too,thataslongaspeoplewerenotabletotakeagoodlookathimtheypaidhimlittleenough attentionhewasjustaboypassingby.Theremustbelotsofboysintheworld.Themanythingshe musthavefailedtonoticeinthetowncontinuedtofrethim.Theremighthavebeenboysthere,too, buthehadbeensobusylearningaboutwhatwasintheshops,listeningtowhatpeopletalkedabout andreadingnoticesthathehadnotbeenawareofthem.Hecouldreadanythingnow,aslongasitwas inprint,andthatwasagreatadvantage. Hewaitedtillitwaslightenoughtoseewhethertherewerehousesnearbyandthenfoundagood clumpofbushestosleepin. Whenhewokehehadashock.Itwasstilldaylight,andashesatuphefoundhimselflookingstraight outtosea!Helookedanxiouslyathiscompass.Perhapsithadbroken?Buttheneedlemovedasit should.Foramomenthethoughthehadlosthiswayinthedarkandhadwanderedroundinacircletill hewasbackagainintheneighbourhoodofthetown. Thenanotherthoughtoccurredtohim:perhapsthecoastlinecurvedrightroundandhehadcrosseda stripoflandwiththeseaonbothsidesofit.Yes,thatwasit!Davidrosequicklytohisfeetandmadehis waydowntowardstheshoreuntilhecouldseealongthecoast.Thenhefoundhehadbeenright.The pointwherelandandseaandskyfadedintooneanother,blurredintothesameshadeofblue,nowlay intheoppositedirectiononhisrightashestoodfacingthesea,insteadofonhisleftasithaddone fromhisrock. Butwhatnow?Hemustgonorthwards:thatwaswhatthemanhadtoldhim.Forthefirsttimesincehe hadarrivedinItaly,Davidcouldthinkaboutthemancalmlyanddispassionately.Hehadtoldhimtogo northtillhecametoacountrycalledDenmark.Butwhyshouldhedowhatthemantoldhim?Wasnot heDavid,hisownmaster,whodecidedforhimself?Inthecamp,ofcourse,youhadtoobeytheman. Hewasthecommandant,andithadneveroccurredtoDavidnottoobeyhim.Hehadseenonlytoo oftenwhathappenedifyoufailedtoobeyevenanordinaryguard. Butnowtherewasnolongeranyreasontoobeyhim.Orwasthere?Thebundlehadlainunderthetree, andwhenhehadgonesouthhehadcometoSalonica.AndtherehadbeenashipsailingforItaly.He hadnotyetdiscoveredanytrapthemanhadsetforhimbutperhapstherewasoneinthatcountry calledDenmark.ItwasallverypuzzlingandDavidcouldfindnoanswer.

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"ButI'venoneedtoworryaboutthatnow,"hesaidtohimself."IfthebitofItalyI'vebeeninsofarjuts outintotheseaasIthinkitdoes,thenI'dbettergomoretotheeast,forthat'sthedirectiontheland seemstofollow." Onthissideofthepeninsula,too,theroadwoundalongonakindofshelfabovethesea.Davidcrossed it,keepinghiseyesfixedonthegroundhemightfindanorange,andhehadnotmuchfoodleft.He didfindonehefoundatreecoveredinthem!Hehadnotrealizedthattheygrewontrees.Therewas notmuchtrafficupontheroad,onlyanoccasionalcarpassingby,andthelowestbranchesofthetree werewithinreachandeasytoclimb.Davidpickedtwoorangessoastohaveoneinreserve.Thenhe foundacomfortableplacetositonaflatrockandsettleddowntohisbreakfast.Alittlebitofbread, waterfreshandclear,notmuddyandtastelesslikethewaterinthecampandthenanorangeto finishwith. Buthehadbetterbeonhisway;iftheyhadbeguntosearchforhimhemustgetawayquickly.theyhad nophotographstheycouldrecognizehimbythatwasapointinhisfavour.Hestoodupandashe stumbledoveraloosestonehiscompasswentflyingovertheedgeoftherockwherehehadbeen sitting.Beforehecouldputhishandouttocatchititwastoolate. Allhecoulddowastofollowitwithhiseyesuntilitdisappearedintotheseasofarbelowthathecould notevenheartheplop. Theseawasverydeepundertherocks,andDavidknewhewouldneverfinditagain.Hesatforalong timestaringattheplacewhereithaddisappeared.Hewaslostnow.Nowhewouldgoroundincircles andkeepcomingbacktothesameplace.Andtheywouldfindhim. Hehadhadsolittle.Nowhehadnothing;nothingatalltosafeguardhisfreedom. "God!"hesaidsoftly."Oh,God!" Hedidnotknowwhy.Itwaswhatthemensometimessaidinthecampwhentheyweremostindespair. Butasforhimself,hehadnoGod. Andnocompasseither.Freedomwasprecious,andhehadnothingtodefenditwith. ThenDaviddecidedthathemusthaveagod:itmighthelp.ButwhichGodshouldhechoose?Itwas importanttofindtherightone.Ifonlyhehadlistenedmorecarefullytowhatthemenhadtalkedabout inthecamp!Hehadbeeninterestedonlyinlearningnewwords.Ifhehadaskedmorequestions,he wouldhavelearntalotmore. Whatgodsdidheknowof?TheonetheJewshadmadesomanydemandstoinreturnforhishelp?And whathadDavidtogive?Nothing!AndifyouwerenotaJew,perhapsyouhadnorighttochoosehim. TheGodoftheCatholicsseemedtoleavethingstoawomancalledMary.NotthatDavidhadanything againstwomen,butasheknewsolittleaboutthemitmightbebettertochooseonewholookedafter thingshimself.JohannesshouldhavetaughthimsomethingaboutGod.Instead,hehadonlytoldhim aboutaman,alsocalledDavid,whohadlivedalongtimeago.Daviddugintohismemory:whenhe thoughthardhecouldrecallmanyofthethingsJohanneshadsaid.Wasnottheresomethingabouta god,too,inthatstoryaboutDavid?Somethinginratherdifficultwordshehadalwayslikednewwords thatwerelongandstrange:heenjoyedfindingoutwhattheymeant. Suddenlyitcamebacktohim.ThatotherDavidhadsaidofhisGod,"Hemakethmetoliedowningreen pastures,Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters." Hewastheonehewouldchoose!

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 Clutchinghisorangetightly,hefirstlookedroundtomakesuretherewasnoonewhocouldoverhear him,andthensaidinalowvoice,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,IamDavidandI chooseyouasmyGod!ButyoumustpleaseunderstandthatIcan'tdoanythingforyou,becauseI've alwaysbeeninawickedplacewherenoonecouldthinkorlearnorgettoknowanything,andIknow nothingaboutwhatpeopleoughttodofortheirGod.ButtheDavidJohannesusedtotalkaboutknew thatevenifhecouldn'tseeyou,youwerethereandwerestrongerthananymen.Iprayyouwillhelp mesothattheywon'tcatchmeagain.ThenperhapsIcangraduallyfindoutaboutyousothatIcando somethinginreturn.AndifyouknowwhereJohannesisnow,willyoupleasethankhimformeforgoing withmetoSalonica,andtellhimthatnowI'mfreeIcanthinkabouthimagain.IamDavid.Amen." Perhapsitwasamistaketosay"amen"becausethatwaswhatCatholicsdid,butDavidknewitwasa holyword,andifyoudidnothaveanendingGodwouldnotknowwhenyouhadfinishedyourprayer. Hefeltasenseofreliefandaddedstrengthjustashehadthemorninghehaddeterminedtogoon living.Hewasgladhehadthoughtofit:agodwouldbealotbetterthanacompass...though,ofcourse, itwouldhavebeennicetohaveboth. Duringthecourseoftheeveninghehadalmostreachedthepointwherethecoastlineboretotheleft, andfromthepositionofthesunhecouldseethatifhecontinuedinthesamedirectionhewouldbe goingroughlynorthwest.Everyevening,andeverymorning,too,whenhewokeup,hewouldbeable totellbythesunwhichwayhewasgoing:hewouldmanageevenifhehadlosthiscompass. Ithadbeenagoodday.Everywherehadbeenbeautiful,andinalittletownhehadfoundoneofthose watertapsthatpeopledrankfrom.Perhapstherewasoneineverytown.Andhehadnotmetthem anywhere.Therehadnotbeenanycarsofthesorttheyrodeineither,andDavidonceagainfeltsure thathewouldpullthroughandmightremainfreeforalongtimeyet. Breadwashischiefproblem.TherewassomuchtoeatinItalythatpeoplewouldleavefoodlyingabout withoutrealizingitanorangeoratomatobutneverbread,andbreadyouhadtohaveifyouwere nottostarve. Davidsatdownbytheroadside.Peopleoftendidthat,sohefeltfreetodoso,too.Afterawhilehetook theprecautionoflyingflatonhisstomachandfacingtheroad,makingsurehecouldquicklyduckoutof sightifanythingcamealong.Helaythinkingaboutvariousthings.Duringthecourseofthatdayhehad discoveredthatunlessatownwereverysmallitsnameappearedonanoticesomedistanceahead,and iftherewereonlyonefigureafterthenamethenthetownwasnotveryfaroff.Thefigure,hethought, perhapsmeanthowmanykilometresyouhadtogo.Hethought,too,thatifhedidnotfindanybread thenextday,hewouldhavetoaskGodforsome.Meanwhileduskwasfallingrapidly,andacar suddenlypulledupwithinafewyardsofwherehelay. Davidducked.Amangotoutofthecarandbeganrummagingintheboot.Davidraisedhisheadhe wasquiteanordinaryman,notoneofthem.ThemanmadeasuddenmovementandDavidheardhim mutter,"Blast,myspectacles...!" HespokeinEnglish,notItalian.Ashewatchedhimgropingaboutinthehalflightalongtheedgeofthe road,Davidrosetohisfeet.Whenpeopleworespectacles,theycouldnotseeanythingwithoutthem. "I'llhelpyoutofindyourspectacles." Themanstraightened,benttowardshimandpeeredintohisface.Davidcasthiseyesdown,drewback slightlyandwishedhehadthoughtfirst.Butthemansmiledandsaid,"Thankyouverymuch!It'snot muchgoodlookingforglasseswhenyouhaven'tgotthemon,isit?"Davidanswered,"No,"politely,and

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setaboutsearchingtheedgeoftheroadcarefullyuntilhecameacrossthem.Themanhadsteppedover tothecarandwastalkingtosomeoneinsideasDavidstoodbywiththeglassesinhishand.Washeone ofthemafterall?Couldheescape?Howfarcouldheget?Itwasonlyasecondbeforethestranger turnedroundandsaid,"Can'tyoufindthem?Ifyoucan't,mywifewilldrive..." Davidsteppedslowlyforward."Heretheyare,"hesaid,andaddedhesitantly,"Sir."Themanputthe glassesonandsmiledagain,andDavidfeltsurehewasnotoneofthem.Hehadquiteadifferentlook abouthim:Davidcouldnotimaginehimstrikingorshootinganyone.Henowfeltinhispocket,took somethingoutandofferedittoDavid.Acoinlayinhishand."Youmusthavesomethingforyour trouble,"hesaid. "No,"saidDavidquickly,steppingback."Imeanno,thankyou." Thestrangerlookedalittledisconcerted,thenhesmiledandsaidinthatcaseDavidmustaccepthis thanksandaskedifhewouldliketosay,"Howdoyoudo?"tohiswife. Daviddidnotreallywantto,butashedidnotknowhowtosayso,hewentwithhimtothecar.A womansatinside:shewasnotbeautifullikethewomenofItaly,butshehadapleasantcleansmelland itwasnotyettoodarkforhimtoseethatshewassmiling.SoDavidsaidgoodeveningtoher. ThenthemanspoketoherinFrench.HeaskedherifshehadeverbeforecomeacrossalittleItalian trampwhospokeEnglishwithanOxfordaccentandwasoffendedwhenhewasofferedmoney. Davidwasjustabouttosaythathehadnotbeenoffended,whenhedecidednotto.Sincetheyalready thoughtitstrangethathespokeEnglish,itwasbetternottoletthemseethatheunderstoodFrenchas well. Theyaskedhimwhathewascalledandwhohewas.DavidrepliedthathisnamewasDavidandhewas onhiswaytojoinacircusfarthernorth.Fortunatelytheydidnotseemveryinterested,andapparently takingahintfromthebrevityofhisanswertheyquestionedhimnomore.Insteadtheytoldhimthey camefromEngland,wereonholidayandwouldshortlyhavetoreturn.Thenthewomansuggestedthey shouldhavesomethingshecalled"sandwiches".Theseturnedouttobefoodslicesofbreadwith somethingbetweenthem.TheyaskedDavidifhewouldlikeone,andhesaid,"Yes,please." TheyseemedpleasedwhenDavidacceptedtheiroffer,andDavidthoughttheymightbewillingto answeraquestionifheputonetothem. "IsthereakinginEngland?"heinquired. Themantoldhimthatatthemomenttherewasaqueenbecausethelastkinghadhadnosons,only daughters.Shewasagoodqueen,hesaid,andbeautiful,too,andshehadaveryfinegoldencrown. Davidlookedathiminsurprise.Whatdiditmatterwhatshehad?Allthatreallymatteredwasthatthe peopleofEnglandwerefree,aspeoplealwayswereinthosecountriesthathadkingsor,ofcourse, queens. Heatethelastmouthful."I'vefinished,sir.CanIgonow?" Thewomanleanedovertowardshim."Yes,ofcourseyoucan.But...David,Iwouldliketoseeyou smile." Davidfeltawkward:herfacehadananxiouslook,asifshewerewaitingforhimtogivehersomething. Buthehadnothingtogive.

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 "I...I'msorry:Idon'tknowhowtodoit."Heturnedawayslightlyandaskedagain,"CanIgonow,sir?" InalowvoicethewomansaidrapidlyinFrench,"Donald,wecan'tlethimgolikethat.He'saboutthe sameageasourownboys.HemightbeEnglish.Youcanseehe'snotanordinarylittletramp.Those eyes...can'tyouseehiseyes?" Themanlaidhishandonhersandbrokein."Yes,Ican,andtheboy'sfrightened:thelongeryoukeep himhere,themorefrightenedhegrows.Wecan'tgetmixedupinit,Alice,andI'msurehe'snot English." ThentoDavid,"You'renotEnglish,David,areyou?" Almostbeforehehadfinishedspeaking,Davidansweredquickly,"No,sir.Therewasamaninthe...in thecircuswhowasEnglish."Hehadverynearlysaid"inthecamp"butcorrectedhimselfintime."Won't youletmego?Ididn'ttakeyourfoodbeforeyousaidIcould." "Ofcourseyoumaygo,David."Theman'svoicesoundedalmostlikeJohannes'."Iftherewereanyway inwhichwecouldhelpyou,youwouldtellus,wouldn'tyou?" "Yes,sir.Thereisn't.Thankyou.Goodbye."Hewasinsuchahurrytogetaway,hestumbledoverhis words.Thenoffheranbeforetheycouldstophimagain.Heranbackalongtheroad,andbeforehe reachedthefirstbendhelaydownintheditchandlookedbackatthecar.Itstayedtherealongtime beforeitdroveoff. Itwasgrowingquitedarknow. Davidbegantoclamberslowlydowntheslopetowardstheseatofindhimselfaplacetosleepinforthe night.HewasthinkingaboutthestrangersEnglishpeoplefromafreecountry.theywereobviously kind,andyettheydidnotseemwillingtolethimgo,especiallythewoman.Sheseemedtothinkshe oughttokeephimthere.Davidcouldnotunderstandit...butwhenhesearchedhismindforwhathe knewaboutcountriesthatwerefree,hefoundtheanswer:inthosecountriestheyhadakindofpolice forcetohelpthosewhohadnotdoneanythingwrong.Shewasonlythereonholiday,andperhapsshe hadnoideahowdifferentthingswereinothercountries.Thethoughtwascomforting:hehadbeen alarmedattheideathatshewoulddeliberatelysetouttoensnarehimtherewouldbeasortof treacheryingivinghimfoodandsmilingathimandthenseekingtoholdontohim.Butifshewere ignorantofthesituation,thentherewasnothingsinisterinwhatshehaddone.Onlyhemusttakemore careandremembernottolookatpeoplelongenoughforthemtonoticehiseyes.Itwouldbehelpfulto findamirrorifheknewwhatwaswrongwithhiseyeshemightbeabletodosomethingaboutit.And hewouldhavetolearntosmile:peoplehadsometimessmiledathiminthetown,andthentheyhad lookedputoutasiftheyregrettedhavingdoneit.Ifyoucouldsmilebackeverytimepeoplesmiledat you,perhapstheywouldtakelessnoticeofyou. Davidwasjustonthepointoffallingasleepwhenwhatseemedaveryimportantideastruckhim.The Englishmanhadwantedtogivehimmoney!Hehadrefusedit,tobesure,butonlybecausehehadhad sucha...suchastrongimpulsetodosomethingquitevoluntarilyforanotherperson...nottobe orderedtodoit,buttodoitwithoutanyonesayinghehadto.Ithadfeltalmostlikepossessing something,somethingsobigthathecouldgivesomeofitaway.Ifhehadtakenthemoney,itwouldnot havefeltthesame.Butinfuturehemightbeabletofindthingstodothathecouldgetmoneyfor:then hecouldbuybreadeveryday.Hewouldnotbeabletoavoidpeople,ofcourse,butifonlyhecouldget tothebottomofwhatwaswrongwithhiseyesandlearnhowtosmile,thenperhapshewouldmanage afterall.

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Andmanagehedidduringthefollowingweeks.Onlytwodayslater,inatowncalledNaples,hefounda mirror.Awomanwalkingalongthestreetdroppedit.Acornerbrokeoff,andshepulledafaceandleftit there.Davidwaitedtillshewasoutofsightandthenpickeditup:youcouldstillseeyourselfinit, anyway.Clutchingitinhishand,hewalkedontillhecametoaplacewherethereweretreesanddried grassrightinthemiddleofthetown.Therewasaseat,andthereDavidsatdownandheldupthe mirror. Atfirsthishandshooksomuchhecouldnotseeproperly,butverysoonafaceappearedclearlyinthe mirrorhisown! Itdidnotlookugly.No,hehonestlycouldnotseewhatwouldbewrongwithit.Itwasthin,butsowere manypeople'sfaces.Thecolourofhishairperhapswasnotquiteright:maybeitshouldhavebeena darkerbrown.Heheldthemirrorclosetohisfacetotakeagoodlookathiseyes.Johanneshadhadblue eyes.HereinItalytheyallhaddarkbrownorblackeyes.Butyoucouldhaveothercolours.Davidstrove torecallwhattheeyesofthemeninthecamphadlookedlike,butallhecouldrememberclearlywas thattheyweredull,whereashisownnowlookedasbrightaseyesshoulddo.Wastheresomething wrongwithdarkgreyeyes?Perhapstherewasatouchofgreeninthemifyoulookedcarefully.Hestill couldnotunderstandinwhatwaytheywerestrange,sohedismissedthethought.Hewouldjusthave toturnawaywhenanyonelookedathimforanylengthoftime. Manytimesadayduringthedaysthatfollowedhetookouthismirrorandpractisedsmiling,buthe couldnotgetitright:hecouldnotmakeitlookthewayitdidwhenotherpeoplesmiled,andintheend hegaveitup. Hecontinuedasfarashecouldtogonorthwards.Notthathewantedtodoasthemanhadtoldhim, butheobviouslyhadtogosomewhere,andthatwasthedirectiontheEnglishpeoplehadtaken. Withoutbeingfullyawareofit,Davidhadsomeideaatthebackofhismindthathemightperhapsgoto England. Duringhisfirstdaysoffreedomhehadhadbutonethoughtfrommorningtonight:whenhewokeupit hadtakentheform,"Iftheyhaven'tcaughtmebythisevening..."andashelaydowntosleep,"Ifthey don'tcatchmetomorrow..."Henowbegantobelievethathemightremainfreeforalongtimeto comeperhapsuntilwinterovertookhim.Andasheopenedhiseyesinthemorningtothewarmthof thesun,hewouldsometimesfeelsurethathewouldreachacountrywherehecouldliveinsafety. Theideaofearningsomemoneyhadbeeagoodone.HehadearnednomoneyinNaples,buthehad fetchedcoffeeforpeoplewhosateatinginarestaurantandthewaiterhadgivenhimaloafofbreadfor hispains.Andinasmalltownfarthernorthhehadbeengivenmoneybysomestrangerswhowere afraidofhavingtheirluggagestolenfromthecarwhiletheywentintothechurch.Herealized afterwardsthathedidnotknowwhathewouldhavedoneifanyonehadattemptedtotakethebags, butfortunatelynobodyhadtriedandhehadbeengivensomuchmoneythathewasabletobuy enoughbreadfortwodays. David'schiefdifficultywasthatpeopleaskedsomanyquestions,butashegainedinexperiencefromall hesawabouthim,hewasgraduallyabletoimproveuponhisstoryofthecircus.TheItaliansdidnotask somanyquestions,butitwaseasiertoearnmoneyfromthetouristswhowereonholidayfromother countries,soDavidembroideredhistaleuntilhethoughtitsoundedabsolutelygenuine.Whenhewas askedwherehewasgoingtorejointhecircus,hewouldinventanamesothathoweversuspicioushis questionersmightbeafterwardstheywouldnotbeabletotracehim. Thesuncontinuedtoshinewithapleasantwarmthdaybyday,butitwasnowbeginningtogrowcoldat nighttime.Davidwasquitedetermined,however,nevertoenterahouse.Housesweredangerous places:youneverknewbutwhatsomeonemightbestandinginthedoorwaybarringyourexitthevery

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momentyouwantedtoslipaway. Everytimehecametoatown,hewouldwalkroundtillhefoundthechurch.Hepromisedhimselfthatif hewerenotcaughtandcametoacountrywherehecouldliveinsecurity,hewouldgoinsideoneand seewhatitlookedlike.Notthathereallyexpectedthathewouldbeabletopreservehisfreedomlong enoughforthat:itwasbestnottohopetoomuch.Butsometimeswhenhehadhadenoughtoeatand foundacomfortableplacetosleepinandsatgazingatthehillsandvalleysandthesunshiningonthe distantmountains,hecouldnothelpfeelingthatperhapshemightbelucky. Itwasnowalongtimesincehehadseenthesea,buttheredidnotseemtobeonedulloruglyplacein thewholeofItaly.AllhislifeDavidhadseennothingbutthesameugly,flat,greyscene,andnowhe nevergrewtiredoftrampingthroughtheeverchangingcountryside.Everytimehecametoabendin theroadhewasafraidthebeautywoulddisappear,buteachtimeanewbeautywasrevealedinthe greenandundulatinghillsandvalleys.Davidhadnowlearnedwhatsomeofthetreeswerecalled.There wereoliveswiththeirgnarledtrunksandpalegreygreenleaveswhisperingandquiveringinthelightest breezeasiftheywerealive,andtherewerecypresses,tallandslender,pointingstraightupintothesky. Bestofallwerethoseplaceswhereariverflowedthroughthevalley.Therehecouldsitforhourson endwonderingwheretherivercamefromandwhereitranto. There,too,hecouldwash.Hispieceofsoaphadgrownquitesmallnow,althoughhedidnotuseitevery day.Hedarednotwashinthetownswhenhefilledhiswaterbottleatthepump,forhehadneverseen anyonewashingthereanditmightbeforbidden. ItwasSundaytoday,thedaythepeopleweremostfulloflaughterbuttheshopsshut.Butthatdidnot mattertodaysinceDavidhadnotearnedanymoneyfortwodaysandcouldnothaveboughtbread anyway.Hehadfoundabunchofgrapes,however,andhewasusedtodoingwithverylittlefood.It wouldsoonbeevening,andhewassittingbytheroadsidethinkingoveraplanhehadhadinmindsince thedaybefore.Hecouldnotmakeuphismindwhetherhedaredtryit.Thedaybeforehehadseena manwalkingalongtheroadandwhenacarcamealonghehadhelduphishandandstoppedit.The driverhadputhisheadoutandaskediftheotherwantedalift,andthemanwhohadbeenwalkingsaid yespleasehedid. Butyouhadtosaywhereyouweregoingandsupposethedriverbecamesuspicious?Ifhedidyou werecaught:youcouldnotgetout.Davidtrembledatthethoughtbutstillcouldnotquitegiveupthe idea.Acartravelledatanimmensespeed,andifhekeptgoinginthesamedirectionhemustatsome pointleaveItalybehind.Itwasverybeautifulthere,butasthedayswentbyDavidseemedtoprizehis freedommoreandmore.Whenhehadfirstarrivedandwaslivingontherocksbythesea,hisfreedom hadnotmeantsomuchtohimsincehehadnotexpectedittolastaboveadayortwo.Butnowhecould nolongerthinkofgivingitup. Davidwonderedwhetheritwerealwayslikethatwhetherwhenyouhadsomethingyounotonly wantedtokeepit,butwantedsomethingelseaswell...Itseemedgreedy,buthecouldnothelpit. Freedomandacountrywherehecouldliveinsafety:Davidwantedboth."Butnothingmore,"hetold himself."Justthosetwothingsandthatwillbeenough.Johannessaidgreedypeoplecanneverbe happy,andIwouldsomuchliketoknowwhatitfeelsliketobehappy.Johannessaidthatwhenyou verymuchwantsomethingyouhaven'tgot,younolongercareforwhatyouhavegot.I'mnotsurethat Iunderstand,butIsupposehemeantthatthingsareonlyworthhavingifyouthinktheyare." Davidtriedtoforgetthathealsowantedanewpieceofsoap.Ifhecouldpreservehisfreedomand reachafreecountry,hemustbesatisfiedwiththat.Andifhecouldbringhimselftoaskforalift,he wouldgettoanothercountryallthemorequickly.Ifonlyhecouldfindoutthewhereaboutsofthose othercountries!Hedarednotaskanyone,forifyousaidyoubelongedtoacircusthenyouwouldbe

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expectedtoknowyourwayabout. David'sthoughtsweredisturbedbythesoundofacar.Itsoundedwrong,asthoughtheenginewerenot runningproperly.Helayflatdowninthegrassandwatcheditcrawlalongatnomorethanawalking pace.ItwasAmerican,notItalian:hehadlongsincetaughthimselfthemeaningoftheletterson numberplates. Americansweremostlikelygoodpeople,fortheyweretheonestheyhatedmost.Allthatwaswrong withthem,Davidthought,wasthattheyspokeEnglishverybadlyandalwaysactedasiftheywere proudofpossessingsomuch. Therewasonething,however,thatthesetwoAmericansdidnotpossess:theyhadnopetrol,andthat waswhytheircarwouldnotgo.Davidstoodupandtookasteptowardsthem. Thewomanwastalkinginaloudangryvoicethatdidnotsoundatallpleasant,andDavidwasrather morenervousthanheusuallywasbeforespeakingtosomeone.Butshestoppedwhenheaskedthe manifhecouldhelpbyfetchingpetrolforthem. Theywerebothverygladtoaccepthisoffer,andDavidsuggestedthatheshouldtaketheircanandgo tothevillagefartherupthesideofthehill."ButIhaven'tanymoneytopayforthepetrol,"hesaidashe tookthecan. Asthemanwasabouttotakesomemoneyoutofhispocket,thewomansaidquickly,"He'snothingbut ayoungbeggar,Dick!Youcanbequitesureifwegivehimmoneyweshallneverseehimagain!Hecan fetchhelpfromagarageupthere..." ShedidnotofcourseintendDavidtounderstandwhatshesaid.Hewonderediftheythoughthewas stupid;theycertainlyseemedtothinkhecouldunderstandthemonlywhentheyspokeveryslowly. Themanaskedhimwhetherhecouldnotgetamechanictodrivedownwiththepetrol."Thecan'sabit heavyforyoutocarry,"hesaid. Davidturnedhisbackonthewoman."Thepeopleheredon'tlikedoingverymuchonSundays,andsoI can'tbesureIcanfindanyonewillingtodrivedown,"heexplainedpolitely."ButI'llseeifIcangetthe petrolbypromisingtopayforitlater.Unless,ofcourse,yourwifethinksIwanttokeepyourcan." Themanlookeduncomfortable."Rubbish,boy,"hesaid,"thenyou'dhavetogotwice!Mywifewasonly thinkingyoumightdropthemoneyinthedark..." AsDavidtookthenotehewasoffered,helookedthemanstraightintheface:"Willyoulookaftermy bundlewhileIgo?ThenIcancarrythecanbetter..." Boththemanandthewomanwentredintheface,andDavidsetoffwithoutwaitingforananswer. theywereashamedofthemselves,andthatwasallDavidwanted.Hehadnevertakenanythingwhich heknewbelongedtosomeoneelseonlyfruitgrowingontreesandbushesandthingshefound.One hadnorighttotakeotherpeople'spossessions:thathewassureof...Supposesomebodytookhis bundle! WhentheyheardupatthefillingstationinthevillagethatitwasanAmericancarthathadrunoutof petrol,theyinsisteduponsendingoneofthegaragehandsdownwithenoughtofillthetank,andas Davidhadtoreturnanywaytofetchhisbundle,themangavehimaliftonhisVespa. DavidhandedtheAmericanhisunusednoteandtakinghisbundleturnedtogo.

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 "Waitabit,boy,youmusthavesomethingforyourtrouble." Davidwouldhavebeenonlytoogladtoearnsomething:hewasindesperateneedofmoneytobuya loafofbreadforthenextday.Buthecouldnotbringhimselftotakeitnow.Hedidnotwanttoearnit fromsomeonehedidnotlike. "No,thankyou,"hesaidfirmly."Iliketoearnmoneysometimes,butonlywhenIwantto.Idon'tneed anytoday." Thatwasnottrue,butitfeltgoodtosayso.Itwaslikesaying,"IamDavidandIbelongtomyself,andno onehasanyrightoverme." HeranoffinthedarknessawayfromtheroadandpretendednottoheartheAmericancallinghimto comeback. Hewasveryhungrywhenhewokethenextmorning.Hewasinneedofwater,too,forhehadonlya fewdropsleft.Hehadleftthevillageoftheeveningbeforesomewaybehindhim,buthecouldsee another,biggerone,downinthevalley.Hemightbeabletoearnsomemoneythere,buthewasbyno meanscertainofit.Theeveningwasthebesttimetoearnmoney,andthebesttimetobeintown,too, becausehecouldthenescapequicklyintotheshelterofthedarkness. Butthistimehewouldhavetogointotownindaylight:hecouldnotwaituntileveningtogetmore water.Heopenedhisbundletodrinkwhatwasleft. Atthebottomofhisbundlehefoundastrangebox,thesortusedforcigarettes.Andintheboxthere wasmoneymoremoneythanDavidhadeverseen:twothousandlire! Onelirawasnotverymuch:youcouldgetpracticallynothingforonelirabuttwothousand!Apart fromthemoneytherewassomethingwrittenonaslipofpaper.Aletter...Davidhadneverhadaletter, andhealmostwishedhehadnotgotonenowforhefounditverydifficulttoreadhandwriting,andhe hadnevertriedreadingEnglish. Buthewouldnotgiveup.Afteranhourhewasfairlysureheknewwhatwasintheletter.Itwasthe Americanwhohadwrittenit,andhesaidhewasquitesureDavidwouldnotacceptmoneyandsohe hadhiddenitinhisbundle.Healsosaidtheyweresorrytheyhadthoughthemightsteal."Notall strangeboysarehonest,youknow,"wrotetheAmerican,"butwearesorrywesuspectedanhonest boy.Wedidnotmeanyoutounderstandwhatwesaid,andwewouldbegladifyouwouldmakeuseof thismoneytoshowyouhavenohardfeelingstowardsus."AndthencameanamethatDavidcouldnot read. David'sfirstthoughtwasthathewouldnowbeabletobuyanewcakeofsoap.Hehadmoneyforbread formanydays,andtherewouldstillbeenoughforsoapandperhapsacomb,too! Hetoldhimselfthathemustnotbegreedy.Johanneshadnotlikedpeopletobegreedy,anditwouldbe sensibletokeepsomeofthemoneybyhimformorebreadlateron.Hewouldbuysoap,andperhaps oneortwootherthings,butnomore.Andhewouldnotbeinahurry:hewouldfirstconsidercarefully whathemostneeded. Theresultwasthatheboughtaloafofbread,acakeofsoapandacomb.Combinghishairwaspainful, fornooneinthecamphadhadacombforaverylongtimeandDavid'shairhadnotbeencombed since.Helookedintohismirrortoseewhathelookedlike:hishairlookedasifitweregrowinglighterin colour.Anditwasverylong.

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 Davidreflectedseriously,andthenheboughthimselfapairofscissors,andapencilandasmallpadof notepaperaswell:thescissorstocuthishairwithsothathewouldnotlookconspicuousandthepencil andpaperbecauseformanydaysnowhehadwishedhecouldwrite.Johanneshadbeguntoteachhim once;perhapsifhecouldpractise,hecouldlearntodoitproperly.Itmightstandhimingoodsteadto beabletowriteoneneverknewwhenitmightproveuseful. Hewasnotusedtohavingmoremoneythanthepriceofaloafofbread,andhefoundhisunexpected wealthaproblem.Hehadnowspentalmosthalfofitthescissorshadbeenexpensive.Still,hewould haveenoughtobuybreadformanydaystocome,andhehadagreatdesiretotrysomecheese.Ifhe couldgetabitforfiftylire... Ittastedgood,evenbetterthanherememberedit:hehadhaditonceinthecampandagaininthevan ontheroadtoSalonica.Whenhehadsatisfiedhishunger,hebegancuttinghishair.Hewassitting underanolivetree,andheplacedhismirroronthelowestbranchsothatitleanedupagainstthetrunk. Cuttingthetuftsatthebackofhisneckwherehecouldnotseewhathewasdoingprovedatricky business,butatlengthhewassatisfiedwiththeresult. Hewonderedifhedaredtryouthisplanofgettingalift.Ifhechoseoneofthoselorriesthat transportedfoodstuffs...theyneverdrovethem. Buteverytimealorryapproachedhelackedthecouragetotry,althoughhehadmadeuphismindtodo it.Hewassofrightenedhecouldfeelhisheartbeatfasterandhisthroatgrowtight.Thenhethoughtof God. "Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,"hesaidsoftly,"I'mDavid.AndI'mfrightened...notjust ordinaryfearthatyoualwayshaveworsethanthat.IwanttobegaliftsothatIcangetquicklyto anothercountry,butIdaren't.Ifyou'restrongenoughtodosomethingaboutwhatpeoplethinkand feelrightinsidethemselves,thenwillyoupleasetakethisfearaway,justlongenoughformetowaveto alorry?Andifitisn'tgreedytoaskfortwothingsatonce,willyouletitbeagoodmanthatcomesinthe nextone?Ihaven'tyetfoundanythingIcandoforyou.IamDavid.Amen." ItseemedthatGodwasstrongenough,forwhenthenextlorrycamealongDavidwasnolongertoo frightenedtogetupandstepintotheroadway. Thelorrydriverlookedexactlylikethesailorwhohadshieldedhimaboardtheship!Davidwaved,the manpulledupandaskedwherehewasgoing,andDavidanswered,"ToPerugia,"ashehaddecidedhe wouldwhenheformedhisplan.Perugiawasalongwayitwouldtakehimthreedaystowalkthere. Andsotherehewas,sittinginthelorrybythesideofthestrangerwhowassolikethesailor.Whenhe hadoncetoldhistaleaboutthecircus,themanaskedhimnoquestionsatall,obviouslypreferringtodo thetalkinghimself.HewascalledAngelo,andhegaveDavidamassofdetailedinformationabouthis homeandfamily.Hehadbothfatherandmotherandmanybrothersandsisters,andthentherewasa womancalledRitawhomhewantedtomarrywhenhehadsavedenoughmoneytobuyalorryofhis own.ButhisfatherwantedhimtomarrysomeonecalledClorindaandherfatherhadavineyard. Hetalkedaboutitatgreatlengthasifhewerenotsurewhichofthemheshouldmarry,andheasked Davidwhathethought. Davidconsideredthematter."Aretheybothgoodpeople?"heaskedfinally."Forifthere'sany difference,yousee,Ithinkyou'dbettermarrytheonethat'sgoodandkind.Youcouldbuyavineyard yourselfperhapswhenyou'veearnedenoughmoney.ButIthinkyou'vegottodecideforyourself. Perhapsyourfatherhasn'tthoughtwhetherthey'rekind...Youmustmakequitesureaboutitbefore

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youchoose." Angelofrownedthenhesmiledandnodded."Ithinkyou'reaverycleverboy,"hesaid."I'lldowhat yousay..." Thenhechatteredonabouthisplansforthefuture,andDavidlistened,butnotwiththesameattention asbefore.Angelowasstupid.Hewasagoodman,buthewasstupid.Davidwaspuzzled,forhehad alwaysthoughtthatgoodpeoplemustbeclever.Hethoughtaboutitforalongtime.Couldhehave beenmistaken?Heknewsolittleaboutanything.Butno,Angelowasagrownman,andherewasone thinghewasquitefreetodecideforhimself,andyethewasreadytoletothersmakeuphismindfor him...thatcouldonlybestupidity. Whentheyhadbeendrivingforseveralhours,AngelopulledupandsharedhisfoodwithDavidhe gavehimadrinkfromhisbottleofwineaswell,andalittlelatertheycametoPerugia.Itwasalarge townsituatedonthetopofahill.ButDavidaskedtobeputdownonthewayupthehill,andwhen Angelohaddrivenon,hewalkedbacktothepointwherethemainroadcontinuedintothecountryside. Hehadnoneedofeitherbreadorwater,andhepreferredtoremainintheopen. Hisplantostopalorryandaskforalifthadgoneoffverywell.Perhapshewouldstopanotherthenext dayprovidedhewerenottoofrightened.Buthewouldhavetodoitonhisown:whilehehadnot foundanythinghecoulddoinreturn,hecouldnotgoonaskingGodforthingsitwouldbegreedy,and Godmightverysoongrowtiredofaboywhowasalwaysfrightenedandcouldneverdoanythingfor himself.AndsupposehegrewtiredofhimtheverydaysomethinghappenedthatDavidcouldnot possiblydealwithbyhimself! Daviddidnotknowthattheverynextdaysomethingwouldhappenthathecouldnottacklealoneand hestillwouldnotaskforhelp... 4 Davidhadneverseenaforestbefore.Hehadhadaliftthatmorningandcomealongwaybycar,and althoughhewantedtowastenotime,hethoughthemightspendanhourortwofindingoutwhata forestlookedlike.Helikeditatfirst,butafterawhilehebegantofeeluneasy.Youcouldhidebehind thetreetrunks...butsocouldthey!Hefeltmoreateasewhenhewasoutintheopenagain. Hecouldnotyetmakeuphismindwhethertheywerereallyafterhimornot.Iftheywere,itwasnot becauseheknewanything.Johanneshadalwayssaid,everytimeanewprisonerenteredthecamp, "Don'ttelltheboyanythingtheymaytrytowormoutofhimafterwards."Lateron,whenJohanneswas dead,othershadsaidthesamething.Andthemanhadknownthat.Buttherewasalwaysthepossibility thathewasausefulhostage:suppose,forexample,hehadhadafatherandthatfatherhadbeentheir enemy,thentheymighthavethreatenedhimwiththefactthattheyhadDavidintheirpower. NotthatDavidreallybelieveditcouldbeso:hecouldnotimagineeverhavinghadafather.Buthehad toreckonwiththepossibilitythattherewassomereasonthatmadeitnecessaryforthemtofindhim, andthatwasasnearashecouldget. Hewassuddenlyawareofastrangesound.Helookedquicklyroundandthrewhimselfdownbehinda clumpofbushes.Therehewasagain,walkingalongandthinkingwithoutevenlookingwherehewas going!therewasahousecloseby.Hecouldseeitamongthetrees...alargehouseandbeautifultolook at,almostlikeachurch. Whatwasthatsound?Itwasstrange...yes,andwonderful,too!

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 WhenhewasinNaples,hehadseenaballoon.Ifyoucouldturnintoaballoon,thatsoundwaswhat youmightfeellike...asifyouhadagreatspaceinsideyouanditwasallfilledwithair,aheavenlyairfull ofsweetvoicesthatmadeyouflyupandupandyourheartbeatfasterandfaster...notbecauseyou wereafraid,butbecauseyouwere...happy?Wasthatwhathappinessfeltlike? AndDavidknewhewaslisteningtomusic.therehadoncebeenamusicianinthecamp,andbeforehe hadbeentherelongenoughtolapseintosilence,hehadtalkedaboutmusicandtriedtoexplainwhatit soundedlike.ButDavidhadnotunderstood. Heunderstoodnow,however.Thatsoundthatseemedtofloodrightintoyourverybeinganddrawyou upwardsandupwardsthatwasalltheinstrumentsplayingtogether.Andthatthindelicatesoundthat madeyourheartbeatsofastthatmustbetheviolin! "Whatthehell!Youyoungthief,forcingyourwayintopeople'sgroundsinbroaddaylight!I'llshowyou, you...ComehereandI'llgiveyouadamngoodhiding!" ThevoicefelllikeanexplosiononDavid'sears.Thewonderfulsoundofthemusiclaymurdered,crushed andkickedtodeathbyanevilvoice.Hejustmanagedtocatchsightofaboy,ablackhairedboywith spitefuleyes,beforehewasfullyoccupiedintryingtowardofftheblows.Itwasimpossibletogetaway, fortheboywasasbigashimself,andtoescapewouldmeanhittingback.Davidshieldedhishead againsttheboy'sblowsandclenchedhisteeth.Theblowsbegantolosesomeoftheirforce,andtheboy seemedtohesitate. "Soyouwon'thitback,eh?Scaredtofight,Isuppose?" Daviddidnotanswer,andtheboysetabouthimagainbutlessviolentlythistimeratherasifhefelt hehadto. "Useyourfists,youyoungswine!" "No." Theboyappearedtohavegrowntiredofstrikinghim,atleastforthemoment,andDavidsatupwith bloodstreamingfromhisnose. "Youseemtoenjoyagoodhiding.Maybeyoulikemeforgivingyouone!"Theboy'svoicewassneering. Davidregardedhimcalmly."No,Idon't.IhateyouandI'dhateyoujustasmuchifithadbeenanyone elseyou'dhit.Iwouldn'tcareifyoufelldeadrightnow:atleastI'dbesureyou'dneverlookatanything beautifulagain!" Thestrangeboylookedastonished."Whydon'tyoufightthen?"heaskedcrossly. "BecauseifIhityouback,I'dbenobetterthanyouare.I'dbejustasrottenandworthless,andI'dhave norighttobefree!" Thestrangeboygrinnedathim,buttherewasalookofuncertaintyabouthimandhiseyesshifted uneasily."You'renotallthere!"hesaid."Whodoyouthinkyou'retalkingto?" "Idon'tthink.Iknow.I'mtalkingtosomeonewholikesbruteforce.Andthat'swhyIdon'twanttotalk toyouanymore.Youcanhitmeagainifyoucancatchme!"

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WiththatDavidjumpedupsmartlyandranoff.Hecouldnotrunveryquicklybecausehewasbeginning toachealloverwheretheotherhadstruckhim.Butthestrangeboydidnotfollowhim:heonly shouted,"Idiot!You'readaftcoward!" Davidhadtheimpressionthathewasshoutingsoloudlyforhisownbenefit. Davidwassick,andeverytimehethoughtabouttheyoungstrangerhefeltlikebeingsickagain.He founditdifficulttounderstandthatpeopleshouldbesomuchbetteroffhereinItaly,wheretheyhadso muchfoodtoeatandweresurroundedbysomuchbeauty,andyetcouldstillloveviolence.Thatboy wasjustliketheguardsinthecamp,theonlydifferencebeingthattheguardsdidnotleaveoffstriking tilltheirvictimsfainted.theboy,ofcourse,hadhadonlyhisbarehandstostrikewithandhadtiredof theefforttoosoon. ForamomentDavidwastemptedtothinkthatperhapstherewerenogoodpeopleatalloutside concentrationcamps,butthenheremindedhimselfofthesailorandAngeloandtheotherpeoplewho mighthavebeenignorantbutwerecertainlynotbad.Andthenwhenhewaslivingamongtherocks overhangingtheseatherehadbeenthemanwiththeloaves.Hehadnotbeenbadeither:hehadjust notbeenbraveenoughtoletaboygowithoutgivinghimawaynotformorethanafewdaysatany rate. Yes,hefelttheremustbesomewherewhereeverybodywaskindanddecent,afreecountrywhere peopledidnotbelieveviolencewasagoodthing.Andhewouldfindafreecountryifhecoulddoit beforehewerecaughtagain.Butfirstofallhemusthaveathoroughwash.Hethoughtfromthelieof thelandthattherewasprobablyarivernearby. Therewasalargeone,too,althoughitwaspartlydriedup.Davidtookhisclothesoffandlaidthemin thewater.Hescrubbedhimselfthoroughlyallover.Hissoapwouldsoonbewornthinatthatrate,but hedidnotcarehemustnotleaveaspotunwashedwheretheboyhadtouchedhim.Notuntilall contactwithhimhadbeenwashedawaywouldDavidbeabletofeelfreeagain. Hewashedhishair,too,andthentookhisclothesoutofthewaterandlaidthemouttodry.Helay downbesidethemandmadeanefforttocalmhimselfandforgettheboy.Muchbettertorecallwhat themusichadsoundedlike...hadtherebeenalargeorchestrainsidethatfinehouse?Orhaditbeena radio? Hewasstartledbythesoundofvoicesnotfaraway.Hepulledhiswetclothestowardshim.Alarge boulderprovidedgoodcoverononeside,andinfrontofhimthetrunkofanoliveandrowsofclose growingvines,oldandgnarled,completelyhidhimfromviewwhenheduckeddown. ItwasthesoundofchildrenplayingandDaviddecidedhewouldwatchthem.Heusuallyhurriedaway whenhesawchildren.Hewasafraidofthem.Hehadneverspokentochildrenandhedidnotknow howtobegin.Fromtheveryfirstdaywhenhehadmadehishomeamongtherockshehadmadeuphis mindtoavoidchildren:theyweremuchmoredangerousthangrownupsexceptthem,ofcourse. Grownupscouldnotreallyrememberwhatchildrenwerelike,soJohanneshadoncesaid.Butother childrenwouldverysoondiscoverthatheknewnothingofthethingstheytookforgranted.Onething alonewouldgivehimaway:hehadnoideahowtoplay.Peoplewerealwaystalkingaboutchildren playing,butplayingseemedtomeansomanydifferentthingsthatDavidhadgivenuptryingtofindout whatitwas. Thereweresomanymoreimportantthingstolearnabout,andaslongasheavoidedchildrentherewas noneedforhimtobeabletoplay. Butsincehecouldnotgetawaybeforetheywent,hemightjustaswellwatchthem.Hepartedthevines

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cautiouslysothathecouldsee. Thereweretwolittleboys,muchsmallerthanhimself,andagirlwhowassomewhatbigger,perhaps tenoreveneleven.Shoutingandlaughingandallthreetalkingatonce,theywererunningroundasmall buildingnotthesortofplacepeoplelivedinbutwheretheykepttoolsandwheelbarrowsandbaskets forfruitpicking. Davidcouldnottakehiseyesoffthegirl.Shehadblackcurlyhair,verylongandtiedwitharedribbon, andeverythingaboutherwassobeautifulnotjustherfinereddress,buteverything.Herlaughter soundedlikethelighttinklingofpolishedglass,andwhenshemovedsheremindedDavidofaflower swayinginthewind. TheysaidtheyweregoingtoplaysomethingtheycalledDavyCrockettandtheIndians.Firstthelittle boysweregoingtoplayatbeingIndians.Theywouldcapturethegirl,shutherupintheshedandgooff. ThenwhentheycamebacktheywouldpretendtobeDavyCrockettandsetherfree. Davidthoughtitsoundedsillybutthatwasprobablybecausehedidnotreallyknowwhatordinary childrenwerelike. Thegirlhadgoneintotheshednowandsotherewasnothingmoretowatch.Hewasverytired,too, andthoughthemightjustaswelltakeanapbeforethelittleboysreturned.Thenperhapstheywould gooffwiththegirlandDavidcouldgoonhisway. Davidwaswakenedbyshoutingandcrying...andastrangesmellintheair. "She'sonfire!She'sonfire!Itwasyourfault,Cechayouthoughtofit!Youknowverywellweweren't toplaywithfire..." Itwasthetwolittleboys.Anditwastheshedthatwasonfire!AshedwasfeminineinItalian. "Whatshallwedothen?RunandgetCarlo,Cecha.Oh,ifonlyshedoesn'tgetburntwhileyou'regone ..." Boththelittleboyswerecrying.OneofthemsetoffrunninginthedirectionDavidhadcomefrom;the otherjuststoodthereandwept. Shewasburning...thegirl!Itwasnottheshed,itwasthegirltheyweretalkingaboutthelittlegirl wholookedsolikeaflowerwasinsidethatfire! Davidsprangupandtookastepforward.thenheturnedround,andgrabbinghisclothesflungthem intotheriverandjumpedinafterthem.Theywerenowsoppingwetagain... SomanythoughtsflashedthroughhismindasheranthatitseemedlikehourstoDavidbeforehe reachedtheshed.Amaninthecamphadonceescapedfromaburningbuildingbywrappingwet clothesroundhisheadtokeepthesmokeoutandpreventhimselffromlosingconsciousness,andhe hadnotgotburntabouttheface.Ifonlyhecouldgetheroutnow.Thewallwasnotyetburningso fiercely,butthedoorwasaregularbonfire.Andallthosedryleavesandstalkstheroofwasmadeof hewouldhavetohaveheroutbeforethefiregotaproperhold... HewasjustgoingtocallonGodtohelphimwhenathoughtoccurredtohim.Godcertainlywouldnot wantthatlittlegirl,solikeaflowerandsobeautifultolookat,todie.Here,then,wassomethinghe coulddoforGodinreturn!

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Hecouldnotsayitaloudbecausehewasrunningtoohard,andsohesaidittohimself:"Godofthe greenpasturesandrunningwaters,pleasedon'thelpme.Iwanttodoitbymyselfsothatyou'llknow I'vefoundsomethingIcandoforyou...I'mDavid.Amen." Bythattimehehadreachedtheburningshed.Thelittleboywhohadstayedbehindwasstillcrying... andDavidcouldhearothervoicesdownbytheriver,buthehadnotimetolookround.Withallthe speedhecouldmusterheundidhisbundleandtookouthisknife,pickeduphiswetclothesagainand withonehandheldhistrousersupinfrontofhisnoseandmouth.Thenhesprangintotheblazingfire. Theflameshadhardlyreachedtheinside,butitwasfullofsmoke.Inthemiddleofthefloorsatthelittle girltiedtoanoldchair.Thetearswerestreamingfromhereyes,andbetweenfitsofcoughingshewas shoutinghoarselyforhelp. David'sfirstimpulsewastorunstraighttoher;thenherealizedhemuststoptoconsiderwhattodo.He mustthinkquickly,butascarefullyasifhehadallthetimeintheworld.Hemusthavetimetocut throughherbonds.Theblazefromthedoorwasnowbeginningtospreadrapidly,theflameslicking alongthefloorwheredryleaveslaybythewall.Therewerenowindowsintheshed...theywouldhave togetoutagainthroughtheburningdoorway.Nearitstoodapileofbasketsandboxes,whichDavid removedasfarawayashecouldfromthedoor,leavingatrainofthreeorfourpiecesofwoodbehind him.Thenheseizedabirchbroom,alreadysmoulderingslightly,andsweptallthedryleavesawayfrom theotherwallstowardsthepileofbasketssothat,ashehoped,thefirewouldbeencouragedtoburnin thatdirectioninsteadoffillingthewholeroomatonce. Inthemeantimehewascoughing,too.Hecouldnotholdhiswetclothesuptohisfaceandshiftthe basketsandsweeptheflooraswell. Thenheturnedhisattentiontothegirl."Shutyoureyes,"hesaid."Andyourmouth."Hewoundhiswet shirtroundherface,takingcarethatshecouldbreathefreelyinsideit.Thenhestartedcuttingthrough herbonds.Luckilytheywereonlyacoarseloosetwine.Iftheyhadboundhertothechair,itwouldnot havebeensoeasy!Buttheknifewasnotverysharp,andhehadtosawbackwardsandforwardsseveral times,andthelittlegirlwasbeginningtowriggleherfeet.Davidgrippedthemfirmlytoshowhershe mustsitstill.Hedarednotspeakandriskgettingmoresmokeinsidehislungs,andtheheatwasquite unbearable,buthewasgoingtodoit,hewasgoingto...hemust. Thecordswerecutthroughatlast.Thelittlegirlroseunsteadilytoherfeetandpulledtheshirtfromher face.Theireyeswerehotandsmarting,andtheyhadtoblinkallthetime,butDavidsawshewas lookingathimwithbigblackeyes.Thensheshutthemandstumbled,andwouldhavefallenifDavidhad nottakenholdofher.Shehadfainted.Thatmeantshecouldnotrunoutwithhim:hewouldhaveto carryher. ForonemomentDavidfelthehadpromisedGodtoomuch...hewouldnotbeabletodoit.Perhapsshe haddiedfromthesmoke.Helaidherdownonthefloorandputhiseartoherchest,asthemeninthe camphadalwaysdonetoseeifoneoftheirfellowswasstillalive.Hecouldhearherheartbeating. Davidwoundhisshirtaboutherheadagain,andpulledhistrousersoverhisown.Theywerewellworn, soitwaseasyenoughtostickhisfingersthroughaholeandmakeitbigger.Hewouldhavetoseewhere thedoorwas.Ifhecouldnotcarryherthroughthefire,hewouldthrowherclear.Hewouldbeableto managesomuchbeforehesuccumbedtotheflames.Hewasterrifiedofbeingburnttodeath,but perhapsitwouldbeoverquickly,almostasquicklyasbeingshot.Itwouldbebetternottothinkaboutit atthemoment:hemustconcentrateongettingherupagainandtryingtorun.Shewasheavy.Itwasa goodthingshewasnotasbigashimself,forifshehadbeenhecouldnothavedoneit.Forasplit secondDavidhesitatedinfrontoftheraging,cracklingfirewhichhadbeenadoor.Thenhemade straightforit.

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 Andthenitwasallover.Hehadgotthroughandhehadthelittlegirlwithhim.Hecouldnotremember afterwardstheorderinwhichthingshappened.Therewerethetwolittleboysoutsideandseveralother peopleaswell.Hewasovercomewithcoughing,andwouldcertainlyhavefallenifhehadnothadthe littlegirltolookafter.Theothersshoutedandwantedtotakeher,buthepushedthemaside,and seatinghimselfandthelittlegirldownontheground,freedboththeirfacesfromhisclothes.Theywere scarcelyevendampnow. Thenhediscoveredthatthelittlegirl'shairhadcaughtfire.Oneofherlongcurlshadhungoutsidehis shirt.Sothefirethoughtitwouldcheathimofhisprize!Davidfailedtohearacardrawup,nordidhe hearhisownshoutofanger.Hecasthisclothesaside,andseizingthelittlegirl'shairinbothhands squeezedittight,smotheringthefireandnotevenawarethathewasburninghimself.Theflameswere nearlyout,andhepressedherheadagainsthischesttodestroythelastsparks.Thenhehadanotherfit ofcoughingandinadazewipedhiseyeswithhisfreehand.Thenhelookeddownattheblackcurly headagain.No,thefirewasalloutnow...andithadnottouchedthelittlegirl,onlyherhairalittle. Shewasonthepointofcomingroundagain,ashecouldseefromtheslightflutterofhereyelids.He hadbeatenthefireandkepthispromise.Thegirlwholookedlikeaflowerwasstillalive.Sheopened hereyesandtheylookedstraightintoDavid's,wonderingly,notasifshewereafraidbutasifshewere nowquitesurethateverythingwasallright. "Whoareyou?"sheasked. Not"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"or"Whatareyoucalled?"or"Whatdoyouwant?",thequestions peoplegenerallyaskedhim,but"Whoareyou?" "I'mDavid." Shewassmilingnow,onlyslightly,butenoughtoshowagleamofsmallwhiteteethbetweenherred lips.Davidfeltsomethinghappeninsidehimasifheheardmusic...somethingwonderful.And somethinghappenedtohisface,too,amovementthattookhimbysurprise. "David?"repeatedthelittlegirl,notasifshehadnotheardhim,butratherasifthesoundofhisname weresomethinggoodtoholdonto.Shedidnotstopsmiling,andDavidrealizedthathehimselfwas smiling. "Yes,"hesaid. OneofthosewhowerestandingroundthemandwhomDavidhadnotnoticedbeforewasdryinghis eyes:anditwasnotoneofthelittleboys,itwasagrownman.Butitwasafamiliarvoicethathefinally heard,avoicethatsaid,"AndIsaidyouwereacowardlypig!I'veneverbeforeseenanyonedosucha bravething.Father,youdidn'tseewhathappened.Thetwolittl'unshadtiedherup,andhewentright throughtheburningdoorwayandcutherfreeandcarriedheroutagainthroughthefire." "Yes,Isawhimcomingout,Carlo.He'ssavedMaria'slifeandonlyjustinthenickoftime.Look,the roof'scaughtfirenow.Weshouldhavebeentoolate,Carlo.Ifhehadn'tbeenhere,Mariawouldhave beenlost." "EvenifI'dbeenhereinplentyoftime,Idon'tthinkI'dhavedared.AndI...Father,Ichasedhimoffthis afternoon." "Theboy'sburnthimself,Father.Justlook,hisarmsandlegsareallblack,andhe'sgotnoclothes..."It wasoneofthelittleboyswhohadatlengthstoppedcrying.

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 Davidheardtheirvoicesfromfaraway.Hecouldnotbringhimselftotakehiseyesoffthelittlegirl's face,forheknewitwasshewhohadmadehimsmile.Andsupposehissmilewentwhenhestopped lookingather,thenhewouldneverfindouthowonecametosmile.Onesmiledforjoy,ofcourse!Or wasithappiness?Johanneshadsaidtherewasadifference...joypassed,buthappinessnever completelydisappeared:atouchofitwouldalwaysremaintoremindoneithadbeenthere.Itwas happinessthatmadeonesmile,then. SotheresatDavidontheground,burntandblackwithsoot,starknakedbutfullofhappinessand triumph,clingingtotheprizehehadcheateddeathof.Hehaddonewhathesaidhewoulddo.He, David,hadpromisedGodhewouldgiveHimthelittlegirl,allbyhimselfandwithouthelpandhehad doneit.AndGodwasclearlypleasedwithhisgift:hadnotHeimmediatelyshownhimhowtosmile? Andthelittlegirlwhowassobeautifulandsofttotouchshedidnotaskalotofquestions:she seemedquitesatisfiedthathewasDavid. "ShallIcarryherforyou,David?" Davidlookedupstartled.Themanwhowasthechildren'sfatherwassmilingathim.Buthewasnot holdingouthishandstotakethelittlegirl.HeseemedtounderstandthatshenowbelongedtoDavid whohadrescuedherfromthefire,andhewouldnottakeherwithoutpermission. Davidsuddenlynoticedhowpainfulhishandswereandhowdreadfullytiredhewas."Yes,please,"he said. Thelittlegirlresistedslightly,andassoonasherfatherhadliftedherupsothatshecouldnolongersee David,shecalledout,"David..." Davidbegantogetup,andtheviciousboywhowascalledCarlosteppedtowardshimasiftohelphim tohisfeet.Hedidnotlookviciousnow,butDaviddrewbackfromhistouchandstoodupbyhimself. "Youneedn'tbefrightened,youknow,"Carlosaideagerly."Ididn'tknow,yousee.Ithinkyou'rethe bravestboyI'veeverseenandI'mterriblysorryI...Igaveyouahiding.I'msorry." "I'mnotfrightened,"saidDavidcurtly.thenhemovedawaytowherethelittlegirlcouldseehimand said,"I'llgowithyoutothecar." Thegirlsmiledagainandheldoutherhand.Davidhesitated,andthentookitinhisown."David'shand hurtshim,Maria,"saidherfather.Butthelittlegirldidnotletgo.Shetightenedhergripalittlesothat Davidhadtogowithher."David,"shesaid. Davidcouldfeelhimselfsmilingagain,andhewonderedwhethersmilingwassomethingyoucouldnot help,somethingthathappenedofitsownaccord.Whentheyhaddrivenoff,hewouldseeifhecould makehimselfsmilebythinkingofthewaythelittlegirllookedasifshewereaflower,andasifshe werepleasedhewasDavid. Buttheywouldnotlethimgo.Noneofthemwould,neitherthetwolittleboyswhowerecarryinghis clothesbetweenthem,northetwobigones,CarloandtheotherwhowascalledAndrea.Andtheir fathersaidtherecouldbenoquestionofitbutDavidmustgohomewiththem. Davidtriedtoexplainthathehadtobeonhisway,butwhenheheldouthishandforhisclothes,the twolittleonesstartedjumpingroundhim,laughingandshouting,"Youcan'thave'em!Youcan'thave 'em!Notbeforeyoucomehomewithus!"TheboywhowascalledAndrealaughed,too,andslung David'sbundleacrosshisshoulder.

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 Davidbegantogrowangry.Theymightbegladhehadrescuedthelittlegirlfromthefire,butthatgave themnorighttotellhimwhattodo.Nobodyhadthatright. Thenthechildren'sfathersaid,"Myname'sGiovannidiLevanadel'Varchi,andthesearemychildren, AndreaandCarlo,thetwolittleones,CechaandGuglio,andofcourseMaria.Weshan'tkeepyoulongif you'vealottodo,butyoumustn'tdenymethepleasureofthankingyouproperlyforwhatyou'vedone. AndwhatdoyousupposeMaria'smotherwouldsayifIletyougowithoutgivinghertheopportunityof thankingyouforsavingMaria'slife?No,David,youmustn'taskmetodothat." David'sangervanished.Theydidnotwanttotellhimwhattodo,theywereonlyaskinghimtodo somethingforthemtogivethempleasure.Hecouldnotbeartospoilanybody'spleasure. Themanwiththelongnamewassmilingathim,butDavidcouldnotmanagetosmileback:hecould onlydoitwhenhewaslookingatthelittlegirl.Sohesaidearnestly,"Iwon'taskyoutodoanything,and ofcourseI'lldoasyouwish,signor." Heputhishandoutforhisclothesagain,andthistimetheboysgavethemtohim,buttheirfathersaid hastily,"No,boys,letDavidhavethetravellingrugfromthebackseattowraproundhim.It'ssofterand won'tirritatehisburnssomuch..." Davidlookedatthebeautifulruganxiously:itwasacheckpatterninmanydifferentcolours."ButI'm blackfromthefire,signor.Ishallmakeitdirty..." Thechildrenallcriedoutthatitdidnotmatterintheleast,soDavidwaswrappedcarefullyinthe travellingrugandhelpedontothefrontseatnexttoMariawhosnuggleduptohimalthoughitwasa bigcarwithplentyofroominit. Luckilyhehadhituponanewnamefortheplacewherethecircuswassupposedtobe,fortheboys pliedhimwithquestionsuntiltheirfathertoldthemtoleaveDavidinpeace. Theydrovethroughatallgatewayandfoundthemselvesinagardensobigthatitseemedtohaveno end,andthehousewherethechildrenlivedwasthesamemagnificenthousethatDavidhadseen earlierthatafternoon. Davidthoughtasquickaslightning...Ahousewasdangerous.Butthentheyweregladhehadrescued thegirl.Aslongastheydidnotdiscoverwherehecamefrom,theywouldnotwishhimanyharm.Andit wouldbeanenormousadvantagetofindoutwhatahousewaslikeinside.Nevertheless,asDavid walkedupthebroadflightofstepsinhisbarefeetandsteppedoverthethresholdwithitsmagnificently carveddoor,hefeltavaguedisquiet.Whatwouldhappenthere?Nothingtoharmhimbutsomething allthesame...somethingdifferentfromwhathewasusedto,somethinghehadnotexpectedoreven knewexisted.Davidcouldnotexplainwhyhefeltillatease,andthrustthethoughtaside.Hehaddone itnowhehadenteredahouse. Hewasconfusedwithsomanyimpressionsthathecouldnotgraspanythingproperlyatfirst.Thehouse wasfullofthings,andtherewerewomeninblackdressesandwhiteapronswhomustbemaids.And therewasaverybeautifulwomanwhoturnedouttobethechildren'smother,andshelaughedand criedalmostinthesamebreath,anditwasverydifficulttoescapehercaresses.Thentheytelephoned foradoctor,andDavidsaidhewouldliketowash,buttheywouldnotlethimnotbeforethedoctor hadbeen,theysaid,forhemustnotgetwateronhisburns,anditwasnouseDavid'ssayinghedidnot thinkhewasverybadlyburnt. ThenthedoctorcameandsaidDavidwasright.MariahadcometonoharmatallbecauseDavidhad

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carriedhersoquicklythroughthefire.Davidcouldthankthethicksolesofhisfeet,hesaid,thathehad gotoffsolightlyfromhisactofheroism.Hewasalittleburntaboutthehandsandarmsandlegs,butit wouldnotbelongbeforeherecovered. Davidknewthatdoctorsweregoodmentheywereseldomallowedinsidethecamp,andtheother prisonershadalwaystoldhimthatdoctorsweretheretohelppeoplewhentheywereill.Sohe submittedquietlywhilethedoctortouchedhimandwipedthedirtawaywithsomethingfromabottle. Ithurtallthetime,andthenthedoctorputsomethingelseonhisburns,andthathurt,too.Butthe doctorexplainedthatifhedidnotdoit,theburnswouldbemorepainfulthenextday.Davidmustjust gotosleepnow,andthenhewouldfeelbetterwhenhewokeupagain. Thedoctorwasright,too.Daviddidfeelbetter.Hefeltfine,infact,althoughhishandswerestillrather painful.Heopenedhiseyesandrememberedthathewaslyinginabed!Heshiftedhispositionslightly, butthebedstillfeltwonderfullysoft.Hesatuptoseewhatitwaslike,andthebedgaveunderhis weightandgentlyrockedhim.Sothatwaswhatabedwas:abigboxonlegs,madeofdarkpolished woodwith...withpillowsandsheets. Yes,itwasgoingtobemostinterestingtoseewhatahouselookedlike!Andhethoughtofallthewords hewouldnowbeabletouse.Heknewmanywordshehadneverusedbecausehewasafraidthatnot knowingthethingstheyreferredtohemightusethemwronglyandshowhisignorance.Sheets.Fancy sleepingeverynightinasoftbedlikethatwhereyoudidnotfeelcold...andbetweensoftwhitesheets, knowingeverythingroundyouwasperfectlyclean! Johanneshadtaughthimalwaystoremembertosaythankyoutopeopleforanythinghewasgiven,and hehadbeenverystrictaboutit.HehadinsisteduponDavid'ssayingthankyoueventothemwhen theygavehimfood,forexample.Davidhadnotwantedto...nottothem.ButJohanneshadsaid, "Politenessissomethingyouoweotherpeople,becausewhenyoushowalittlecourtesy,everything becomeseasierandbetter.Butfirstandforemostit'ssomethingyouoweyourself.YouareDavid.Andif youneverallowotherpeopletoinfluencewhatyou'rereallylike,thenyou'vesomethingnoonecan takefromyounoteventhey.NevermindwhatothersarelikeyoumuststillbeDavid.Doyou understandwhatImean?" Afterthathehadalwayssaidthankyouwhenhewasgivenfoodnottomakethemthinkhedidnot hatethem,butsotheycouldseehewaspolitebecausehewantedtobe. Andifyouwantedtobepolitetopeopleeventothemthenyoucouldalsoremembertobepoliteto God.Itwouldnottakemorethanaminute,andhecouldexaminetheroomafterwards. Davidstaredhardatthesheetsothatnothingintheroomshoulddistracthisattention,andthensaid quickly,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,IwanttothankyoubecauseI'velearnedabout happinessandfoundouthowtosmile.Andthankyou,too,forbeingpleasedIrescuedthegirlforyou.I hopeIcanfindsomethingdifferenttodoforyounexttime,becausethatwasverydifficultandIwas veryfrightenedofthefire,andIwouldrathernotdoanythinglikethattoooften.Willyoupleaseletit doforthenextthreetimesImayneedyoutohelpme.IamDavid.Amen." Assoonashehadsaidamen,hewasoutofbed.Onthefloorwasalarge,patternedcarpet,softtowalk on.Chairsandatablethoseherecognized,ofcourse,buthehadneverseensuchmagnificentones andalargewardrobeandapieceoffurniturewithdrawersinit:itwasnotawritingtable...achestof drawers,perhaps.Andeverythingwaselaboratelycarvedindesignsofleavesandfruitandanimals' heads.Thewindowwaswideandtall,andonbothsidesofithungcurtainsofsomesoftthickmaterial dyedthesamecolourastheleavesofanolivetree. Davidmovednoiselesslyabouttheroom,examiningeverythingclosely,touchingandreturningtolook

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again.Therewasabowlonthetable,andtwotall,slenderobjectswhichhepondereddeeplyovertillhe cametotheconclusionthattheymustbecandlesticks.Theywereshiny...silver?Yes,theymustbe silver.Davidrepeatedthewordslowlytohimself,enjoyingthesoundofit.Silverwassomethingvery richandfine.Theylookedlikesilver,atleastfromwhatDavidhadheardaboutit. Hisglancetravelledupwards.Therewasapicture!Notthesortyousawpastedontheoutsidewallsof shopsandhouses,butonethatshowedabeautifulscene.Davidstoodonthebedandstretchedupto seeitbetter.Itwasapainting.Hewassureofit.Itwasjustlikewhatthemeninthecamphaddescribed tohim. Davidsatdowninbedquiteovercome.Ifonlyhecouldrememberitall!Hehadbeensosmallwhenhe hadanycuriosityaboutwhattheworldwaslikeoutsidetheconcentrationcamp.AndJohanneshadnot likedthementotellhimtoomuchaboutit."Whattheboydoesn'tknow,hewon'tmiss,"hewouldsay. Davidhadonceheardhimsaythatwhentheythoughthehadfallenasleep.Theyhadalwaysanswered hisquestions,buttheywouldleaveitatthat,andafterwards,whenJohanneswasdead,hehadspoken tonoone. Hewasluckythereforetohavelearnedatleastsomething,andnowitwasuptohimtorememberallhe couldandkeephiseyesopensothatthechildrenandtheirparentswouldnotdiscoverhowlittlehe reallydidnow. Hewonderedwhetherheshouldstaywherehewasuntilsomeonecameandsaidhemightgo downstairs.Orshouldhejustgetupandgodown?Buthisclotheswerenotthere,andhecouldnot walkaboutthehousewithnothingon. Beforehehadtimetoconsiderfurther,thedooropenedgently,andthechildren'smotherpeepedin. "Soyou'reawake,"shesaidsmiling."I'vebroughtyousomeclothesincaseyouwanttogetup.Youmay stayinbedifyou'drather.Areyourhandsstillpainful?Andyouranklesaretheyanyworse?" Davidansweredthathisankleshurtmost,buthewasnotingreatpainanywhereandwouldliketoget up."Butthey'renotmyclothes,"hesaidashesawwhatthechildren'smotherwaslayingacrossthe chair. "No,they'rebeingwashed.TheseareAndrea's,butIthinkthey'llfityou." Davidlookedatthemanxiously."Imighttearthemonabranch,"hesaid. "Mydearboy,andafterallyou'vedoneforus!" Davidwonderedifheshouldexplainthathehadnotrescuedthelittlegirlontheiraccount,butentirely forhisownsakeinordertorepayhisdebttoGod.Hedecidednotto,however:perhapsshewouldnot understand,andperhapsshedidnotknowabouthisGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters.Itwas safernottosaytoomuch. Heputtheclothesonorrather,thechildren'smotherhelpedhimto,fortheywereveryfineclothes withbothbuttonsandathingcalledazipfastenerwhichDavidwasnotatallsurehowtomanage. Thereweretrousers,shortbrownoneslikethosethechildrenhadbeenwearing,andashirtnotone likehisown,butapropershirtwithbuttons.Itwasgreen.Therewerestockings,too,andthekindof shoestheycalledsandals.Davidhadnevertriedwearinganythingonhisfeetbefore.Andtherewere pocketsinthetrousers. Davidstoodquitestill,andhiseyesbegantofeelhotasifhewantedtocry.Hehadneverthoughthe

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wouldeverwearclotheslikethose,andhehadanirrepressibledesiretoseewhathelookedlike,tosee whetherhelookedlikeanordinaryboyatlast. Thewomanseemedtoguesswhatwaspassingthroughhismind,forsheopenedthewardrobedoor, andthereontheinsidewasalargefulllengthmirror. Itwasbigenoughforaboytoseehimselffromtoptotoeorforagrownman,cometothat.David regardedhimselfcritically.Hedidnotthinktherewasanythingoddaboutwhathesaw.True,hehadnot blackhair,butotherwisehelookedlikeanyotherboywhowasnotparticularlyfat.Andhehadgrown quitebrownfrombeinginthesunsomuch. Withoutthinking,hesaid,"Ilookquitelikeanordinaryboynow,don'tI?" "Ofcourseyoudo,"sheanswered,butshedidnotsoundasifshealtogethermeantit.Thensheadded, "Andyoulookaveryhandsomeboy,andabraveone,too.Come,thechildrenareimpatienttoseeyou, andyoumustbehungry." ShewalkedsoquicklythatDavidcouldnotseeanythingproperly.Hewasawarethattherewas furnitureeverywhere,andcarpetsandpaintings,buthehadnoopportunitytoseewhattheylooked like.Theydescendedalongbroadstaircaseandcametootherrooms.Oneofthemhadadoorthatled ontothelargegarden,andtheretheyfoundthechildrenandtheirfather.Mariawaslookingrather pale,butherfathersaidshehadinsistedupongettingupandcomingdownstairssothatshecouldsee Davidagain. Davidfoundhimselfsmilingoncemoreashelookedather. "Drinkyourmilknow,children,andthenyoucantakeDavidouttoplaybutnottooroughly,mind: youmustbecarefulofhisburns." Theysaidhemuststaywiththemforawhile,atanyrateuntilhisarmsandlegswerequitewellagain, andhewaswelcometostayevenlongerifhewerenotexpectedbackwiththecircusimmediately. Daviddidnotreallyknowwhathewouldratherdo.Hewantedtogo,butatthesametimehewantedto staytolearnallhecouldaboutthehouse. Helookedupintentlyatthechildren'sfatherandmother:theywerebothsmiling."CanIgonow,this verymoment,ifIwantto?" Thechildren'sfatherstoppedsmilingandlookeddisappointed."Yes,ofcourse,David,ifthat'swhat you'dratherdo.Butweshouldallbeverygladifyouwouldstaywithusforawhilesothatwecould showyouhowgratefulweare." Davidconsidered.Ifonlyitwerenottoodangerous,hewouldliketostaywiththemalittleandlearn moreabouttheirwayoflife."IfIcangowheneverIwantto,thenI'dliketostayforabit,"hesaidat length."Yes,thankyou.Idon'thavetojointhecircusjustyet.Butpleasedon'tbesograteful,foryou seeIwantedtorescuethelittlegirlfromthefire,andyou'vealreadythankedme." "Yes,butweshallcontinuetobegratefultoyouaslongaswelive,David.It'ssomethingweshallnever forget,"thechildren'sfathersaidquietly. Davidfeltvery,verytiredthatevening.Hewastosleeponcemoreinthatsoftbed,andyetitwasalong timebeforehefellasleep,soexcitedwashewithallhehadseenthatday.Hecouldnotrememberthe halfofit:therewasnotroominhisheadforsomanynewthingsatonce.Buthedidrememberthe

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food.Neverwouldheforgetwhatitwasliketoeatinsuchahouseitwasalmostlikelisteningto music! Johanneshadoncetoldhimaboutit,andwhenhesawitheremembered.Oneoftheprisonershad madesomeremarkabouteatinglikepigs,andsoDavidhadaskedwhetherpeopleatedifferently outsidethecamp. Buthehadneverbeenabletopicturewhatitwaslike,andnowhehadseenforhimself.Yousatata tablecoveredwithaclothsowhitethatitgleamed.Andtherewereplatesoneforeachpersonwith flowerspaintedonthem,andcandlestickswithcandlesinthemandflowersinabowl.Andtheglasses youdrankfromwerefineanddelicateandtinkledifyouhappenedtotouchthemwithaknifeorfork. Andtheknivesandforksandspoonswereallofsilver,andeveryonehadhisown,aswellasanapkinto wipehisfingersonshouldtheybecomegreasy.Davidwasafraidhewouldnotknowhowtoeat properly,buthewatchedthechildren'sfatherandmotherfirstandthendidastheydid.Itwasluckyhe wasusedtobeingcarefulinhismovements,forotherwisehewouldcertainlyhavespilledsomething. Andtherewasmorefoodthanyoucouldpossiblyeatatonetimeallkindsofdifferentthings,and everythingtastedwonderful.Daviddarednoteatverymuch,forheknewtherichfoodmightmakehim illsincehewasnotusedtoit. Buttothinkofeatingassomethingbeautiful!Well,ifthatwashowtheprisonersintheconcentration camphadbeeninthehabitofeatingbeforetheyweretakenprisoner,hecouldwellunderstandwhy theysaidtheyatelikepigsthere. Thefoodwasallbroughtinbytheservantsandclearedawaybeforethenextcoursearrivedandyou weregivencleanplatesandknives.Andthechildrensaidtheyatelikethateveryday,andseveraltimes aday. Thenextdayhewouldenjoyitallagain. 5 Davidthoughtlivinginahousewasverydifficult.Itwasnotthehouseitselfthatwaslovelytobein butthepeople.Theyconstantlyseemedtoexpecthimtosayanddothingshewouldneverhave thoughtof,andwhatappearedsensibleandnaturaltohimseemedtosurprisethem... Otherwisebeinginahousewaslovelyquitewonderful.Davidcontemplatedthetwowordswith satisfaction,repeatingthemseveraltimestohimself.Hehadbeeninthehousemanydaysnowandwas learningallthetime.Hehadlearned,forexample,tousethosetwowordstheymeantsomethingthat wasgood.Itwassatisfyingtoknowseveralwordsforthesamethingforthenhecoulddescribeexactly towhatdegreeathingwasgood.Itwasjustthesamewiththeword"beautiful".Youcoulddivideitinto three:ifsomethingwereonlyalittlebeautiful,itwas"nice";ifitweremorebeautiful,yousaid"lovely" andfinally"beautiful". Beingabletousewordsproperlywasagreatadvantage,forthemorewordsyouknewthemeaningof, thebetteryoucouldthink.Andbesides,peoplewerenotsosurprisedatwhatyousaidifyouusedthe rightwords.Thechildren'smotherhadlaughedwhenhesawthebathroomandsaiditwas"beautiful andgood".Heshouldhavesaiditwas"lovely",ofcourse. Hewouldalwaysrememberthebathroomwithitsgleamingpalegreenbathandallthatclear,clean waterthatcamewhenyoujustturnedatap.Youcouldhaveasmuchhotwaterasyoulikedandsitinit rightuptoyourneck.Andtherewassoap,largepiecesofit,thatsmelledmuchbetterthanthetwo cakeshehadboughthimself.Itrubbedintoabeautifulsoftlatherthatmadeyouquite,quiteclean.And

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whenyouhadfinished,therewerelarge,soft,cleantowelstodryyourselfon.Andtherewerelittle stickstocleanyournailswith,andyoucouldbrushyourteeth.Davidhadnevertriedthatbefore,and thefirsttimehemadehismouthsoredoingit.Butitwaswonderfultobesoclean. Therewerebooksinahouse,toonotjustone,butmany.Whenhehadfirstarrived,thechildren's fatherhadaskedhimiftherewereanythingheparticularlywanted.Davidhadconsideredcarefullyand thensaid,"IthinkmostofallI'dlikeabooktoread".Hewantedtohearmusicagain,too,butthebook wasmoreimportant.Hesaiditmustbeabookpublishedbefore1917.Thechildren'sfatherhadsmiled andaskedwhy,butDavidhadnotdaredtotellhimitwasbecausehewantedtobesurethatwhatwas initwastrueandnotsomethingtheyhadmadeup. Themealshehadinthehousedelightedhim,bothbecausetherewassomuchtoeatanditalltastedso good,andevenmorebecausethetablelookedsobeautifulwiththeglassesandthesilverandthewhite cloth,andwithafineplateforeverybody. Butpeoplehefounddifficult.Theyseemedtohavenoideaofwhatwasgood.Thechildren'smother wasquitepleasedthathelikedthebathroom,butthechildrenthemselveshateditatleast,theboys did.Perhapshewaswrong,butnomatterhowhardhetried,hecouldnothelplikingithimself.Hehad nothingagainstbeingdirty:yougotdirtyinthecourseoftheday.Youjustcouldnotavoidit.Buttobe freetowashthedirtoffwheneveryouwantedtoyes,thatwaswonderful!Andyetthechildrendid notseemtounderstandthat,andhedarednottellthemhowdisgustingitwaswhenmenwhohad beencleanwithcleanshinyhairandcleanteethgrewsomattedandingrainedwithdirtthateverything aboutthemsmeltrepulsiveandlookedloathsome. Forifhetoldthemthat,thenofcoursetheymightdiscoverwherehecamefrom,andthentheywould beobligedtosendforthem. Thechildrencouldnotunderstandeitherwhyhewassoanxioustoreadbooks.Theyalwayswantedhim togooutwiththem,thoughhelongedtobeleftalonetositandreadthebooks.Therewasnoendto whatyoucouldlearnfrombooksifonlyyouhadtimeenough.Hecouldreadmorerapidlynow,butnot reallyquickly.Hehadfirsttochoosehisbooks.Ifonlyhecouldreadallofthem!ButDavidknewhehad notverymuchtime:hemustgoonbeforewintercame.Andsoitwasimportantforhimtoreadbooks wherehewouldfindinformationthatwouldbeusefultohim. Itwasbecauseofthebooksthathehadalreadystayedthereformanydays.Thepeople,thechildren especially,madehimnervousandhehatedbeinginthesameplacewithCarlo.Thehousehecould leave,thoughnotwithoutregret. Hehadlearnedthathecouldneverbecomeanordinaryboy.Theknowledgewaspainful,buttherewas nopointindeceivinghimself.Hewouldliketohavelearnedtobeaproperboy,tobeasaboyshouldbe outsidetheconcentrationcamp. Andyet...thechildrenweresostupidDaviddidnotunderstandthematall.Hedidnotunderstandwhy theydidnotlikewashing.Hedidnotunderstandwhytheypreferredtolivewithoutknowinganything. Theydidnotseemtothinkitwasnecessary,asiftherewerenodifferencebetweenadonkeyanda humanbeing.Davidwasveryfondofdonkeys:theywerehesoughtfortherightwordnice.Butit wasverymuchbettertobeahumanbeingabletolearnthings. Hedidnotunderstandeitherwhytheydidnotregardmealtimesasgraciousoccasions.Theywould oftenspillthingsonthewhitecloth,andsitsorestlesslyandbesoclumsyandawkwardwiththeir knivesandforksthattheysoonbroughtdisordertothebeautifullyarrangedtable. Butthemostdangerousthingaboutthemwasthatyoucouldnotfollowwhattheywerethinkingabout.

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Theyalwayswantedtobeplaying,andDavidhadparticularlywantedtolearnhowtoplay.Andhecould playalittlenow.Heknewhowtoplayball.Aballwasroundandsatisfyingtohold,andithadcolours, goodbrightcolours.HelikedthrowingittoAndreaandcatchingitagain.RacingwithAndreawasgood, too,andclimbingtreesandjumpingoverarope,higherandhigher...Helikedthesortofgamesthat madehimawarehowwellhisbodywouldobeyhim.Andthesortwhereyouhadtomakesomething, turningafewbitsofwoodintothingsyoucoulduse. Butthechildrenoftenwantedtoplayatbeingotherpeople.Onewouldpretendtobethegrocerand anotherwouldcomeandbuyfromhim.Ortheywouldbeamotherandfatherandchildren;orthey mightbepirates.WhentheysaidDavidcouldchoosefirstwhathewantedtobe,healwaysanswered thathewouldbeDavid,whohadcometowatchthem. Oncetheywantedtoplayagamewheresomeofthemhadtobesoldiersandtaketheothersprisoner. "AndI'llbecaptainoverthesoldiers!"shoutedCarlo,hastilyadding,"That'sifyoudon'twanttobe, David." Davidlookedstraightathim."Iwillnotplayanythingevilandhorrible,"hereplied. MariasaidatoncethatifDavidwouldnotplay,shewouldnoteither,butAndreasaidwithsome irritation,"You'reastrangechap,David.What'swickedaboutthat?" Davidwaiteduntilhewassurehisvoicewouldnottremble."I'mnotverygoodatplaying,butIcansee whenyouplayyoutrytoimitatewhat'sreal,andIwon'thaveanythingtodowithpretendingtotake peopleprisoner...it'shorribleandevil.Noonehasanyrighttotakeotherpeopleprisoner.Everybody hasarighttohislifeandfreedom." "Yes,but,David"Andrea'svoicewasnolongerirritated,onlyinterested"whatifthere'samurderer, shouldn'thebeputinprisoneither?Orathief,orsomethinglikethat?" Davidfrowned."Idon'tknow.Yes,amurderer,heshouldgotoprisontostophimmurderingmore people;butnooneshouldlayhandsonhimorstarvehim.Noonehasanyrightoverotherpeople." "Yes,butFatherandMotherhavearightoverus,"Andreasaid. "No,it'snotarightatleast,Idon'tthinkso.It'smoreofa...aduty.Imean,sincethey'reyourparents, theymustgiveyoufoodandclothes,andteachyouallthethingsyoudon'tknow,sothatyoucan manageforyourselveswhenyou'regrownup.Whattheydoissomethinggood.That'snotwhatImean byrightoverpeople.Havingrightoverothersissomethingshameful.It'susingforce." Atthatpointthetwolittleboysbeganyawning."Aren'twegoingtodoanything?"theyasked impatiently."Davidcandecidewhattoplayifhewantsto." Davidfeltrelieved.HehadtoanswerAndrea,ofcourse,andtrytoexplainthingstohim.ButAndreastill didnotseemtounderstandwhathewasdrivingat,andDavidwasalwaysafraidthatifhetalkedtoo muchhemightbeledintosayingsomethingheshouldnot.Andanywayhedidnotcaretotalkwhen Carlowasthere. Thefirstdayortwo,CarlohadtriedtowheedlehimselfintoDavid'sgoodbooks,butDavidwasonlytoo familiarwiththatkindofapproach.HespoketoCarlopolitelywheneveritwasnecessary,justashehad alwaysdonetothem,butCarlohadbynowrealizedthathecouldnotexpectanymoreofhim. Neverthelessitwasunpleasant.Carlowassogoodatdeceptionthatyoucouldhardlycredithewasonly

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aboy.HehadmadesuchanefforttoconvinceDavidthathewasnotbad,andwhenhehadrealized thatDavidwasnotgoingtolethimselfbeimpressed,hepretendedtobehurtbyit.Itwasagoodthing Davidhadseensomuchdeceptioninthecampthathewasnottakenin,asAndreaandthetwolittle boysandMariawere.TheydidnotknowCarlowasevil.BecauseofthatDavidfeltuncomfortableinhis presence. Davidlikedthetwolittleboys.Hedidnotunderstandthem,andhefeltquitesurehehadneverbeenso smallhimself.Buttheywerenice,ratherliketwolittleanimalstumblingaboutnoisilyandneverstillfor amoment.Heknew,too,thatifhehadbeenaproperordinaryboy,hewouldhavelikedAndreavery muchindeed.Hewasfriendlyandfair,andwhenyoupointedoutthatsomethingwasbeautiful,he couldseeitwas.HedidnotruinthingsthewayCarloandthetwoyoungeronesdid.Butitwouldbe dangeroustobetoofriendlywithhimDavidmightforgettobecarefulwhathesaid,andthenAndrea wouldthinkhimoddandbegintoaskquestions. ItwasonlywithMariathatDavidfeltquiteatease.Sheneverlefthim,andshecouldalwaysguesswhen anyonesaidsomethingtomakehimuneasy.Atsuchmomentsshewoulddivertattentionfromhimby sayingsomethingherself,orshewouldanswerforhimsothatallhehadtosaywas,"Yes,that'swhatI meant." Yetheneverfeltignorantwhenhewaswithher.Shewantedtoknowwhathethoughtabout everythingandsheneverseemedtothinkhimstrange.Thereweremanythingshecouldhelpherwith, too,forshewasnotverystrong.Andthenshewassoprettytolookat,andeverythingaboutherwasso gentleanddelicate,thathefelthehadtotakecareofher. Whenhewantedtolistentomusic,shewouldputthegramophoneonforhim,andshewasalways readytogoroundthehousewithhimandtellhimaboutit. Mostofthethingsinitwereveryoldtwoorthreeorevenfourhundredyearsold,andthechildren's fatherandmotherhadhadthemfromtheirfatherandmother,andtheyinturnhadhadthemfrom theirfatherandmother,andsorightbacktothetimethethingswerenew.Andtheyhadalwaysbeen thereintheoneplace.HecouldtalkforhourswithMariaaboutthepeoplewhohadlivedtherelong agoaboutwhattheyhadlookedlike,whatclothestheyhadwornandwhatfoodtheyhadeaten,and whattheyhadthoughtabout. SometimesMariawouldtellhimaboutschool,andthenDavidwouldagainberemindedofhow differenthewas.Mariadidnotcaremuchaboutgoingtoschool,andDavidthoughtitsounded wonderful.tothinkthattherewerepeoplewhoseonlyworkinlifewastoteachchildrenthethingsthey didnotknow!Tobeabletoaskabouteverythingyouwantedtoknowwithoutappearingoddand suspicious!Itwasquiteplainthatitwasnotoneoftheirschools,sincehegatheredfromMariathatthe childrenwerenottoldwhattheyweretothink.Theylearntproperthingsabouthistoryandthe countriesoftheworldandtheyweretaughttoreadquicklyandwritewithoutmakingmistakes. Davidnowbegantowishhehadinventedadifferentstoryabouthimself,forhistaleofacircushadled thechildrenandtheirparentstobelievehewasfamiliarwithmanycountries.Ifhehadchosenanother story,hewouldhavebeenabletoaskthemaboutothercountries,wheretheylayandwhattheywere like.Nowhecouldnotanditwasdifficulttofindoutwhathewantedtoknowfrombooks. Anditwasnowgrowingchillyofanevening:itwasthetimeofthevineharvesttimeforhimtohurry onhisway. Thenonedayhesawtheglobe.ItstoodinAndrea'sroom,insideacupboard.Daviddidnotknowatfirst whatitwas.Hesawabigballfastenedtoarod.Hewascuriousandaskedwhyitwasfastenedlikethat.

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"It'saglobe,ofcourse!"Andrearepliedinsurprise."It'stheworld.Look,youcanturnitroundsothat youcanseeeverything." David'sheartbegantobeatwithexcitement.Andreahadthewholeworlddrawnonaballwithallthe countries! Buttherewerenoboundariesmarkedonit:youcouldonlyseewherethemountainsandvalleysand riverswere.Davidfeltquitesickwithdisappointment.ButAndreawasalwaysreadytotalkwhenever Davidwantedtodiscusssomething."There'sItaly,"hesaid,pointingtoalongstripoflandjuttingout intothesea."Andthere'sFrance,"addedMaria,pointinginherturn.Whentheysawhowinterested Davidwas,theypointedtoSpainandGermany,Austria,SwitzerlandandEngland. Buttheywentthroughthemsoquickly!Davidwonderedifhecouldpossiblyrememberalltheytoldhim andwishedhecouldseehowfareachcountrystretched. "CanyouseeDenmark?"heasked. Itwasquitealittlepatchofland,andDavidsawitwasalongwayfromItaly.Hecouldnevergosofar beforewintersetin,beforetheyfoundhimagain. Buthewouldhavetoleave.Davidlayinhissoftwarmbedandknewthathemustgothenextday,orat leastwithinadayortwo.Thehousebelongedtothefamilyandhehadnopartinit. TheywerestillallverygratefulthathehadrescuedMariafromthefire.Andhewassuretheywerekind, allexceptCarlo,thatis.Butsomethingwassuretohappensoonwhichwouldmakethemrealizehow differenthewas.Thechildren'smothersometimeslookedathimquestioningly,andshenolonger attemptedtocaresshim.Shewouldtouchhishairlightlywhentheyweregoingtobed,butDavidknew itwasnolongerbecauseshewantedto.Shediditonlyoutofkindnesssothatheshouldnotfeeltoo differentfromherownchildren.Davidwasnotatallclearhowheknewthis:hejustknewit. Itwasnotthathelikedanyonetotouchhim.Hehatedit:itmadehimfeeltenseinside.Butsometimes whenhesawthechildrenandtheirparentstouchoneanother,hefeltastabofpainandremembered Johannes.Perhapshehadbeenlikeeverybodyelsetostartwith;perhapsitwasonlywhenJohannes diedthathebecamedifferent. Davidtriednottothinkaboutit,buthehadtoadmitthatwhenMariatouchedhimhedidnothateit. Sometimesshewouldtakehimbythehandwhentheywalkedsidebyside,andherhandwassmalland soft,notintheleastlikeaboy's.AndwhenMariaheldhishand,itwasasiftheywerespeakingof pleasantthingstogetherwithoutsayinganything.Yetitalwaysmadehimalittleuneasy,likesomething importantthathadescapedhismemory. Davidturnedoverinbed.Therewassomethingelsehehadforgottenwhatwasit?Somethingabout Denmark,somethinghehadbeenonthepointofrememberingthefirstdayhewasthere. Ithadsomethingtodowithwhatthemanhadsaidabouthishavingtogonorthtillhecameto Denmark.Suddenlyheknewwhatitwasmilk! Thechildren'sparentswereverygoodtothem.Theygavethemeverythingtheyneededandtalkeda greatdealaboutwhatwoulddothemgood.Everydaythechildrenweregivenmilkandthingscalled vitamins.Davidwasgiventhem,too.Andhehadhadmilkbefore... Twiceaweek,foraslongashecouldremember,onTuesdaysandFridays,hehadhadtogoacrossto theman'squarters,andthemanhadgivenhimsomethingwhitetodrink.Ittastedhorrible,buttheman

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toldhimhemustdrinkitorelsehewouldshootoneoftheprisoners.Healsothreatenedtoshoota prisonerifDavidevertoldanyonewherehewentandwhathedid.NothinghappenedexceptthatDavid drankthehorriblewhitestuff.AtthetimeDavidhadthoughtthatitshowedhowstupidtheywereas wellasevil.Itdidnotmakehimill,andhedidnotdieeither.Themanmusthaverealizeditwasnot poisonousenoughtokillhimandyethewentongivingittoDavidtodrink. Themilkhewasgivenheredidnottasteunpleasant,anditwaswhiter,too,butitwasthesameforall that.AndthefirsttimeDavidhappenedtobiteoneofthepillsthatwerecalledvitaminsanddrankhis milkrightontopofit,ittastedhorribleinjustthewayitusedtointhecamp. Sothemanhadgivenhimsomethingthatwasgoodforhim!Somethingtomakehimstrongandnot alwaysillandweakliketheotherprisoners. Why?Davidsatupinbedwideawake.Whyhadhebeenforcedtodrinksomethingthatwasgoodfor him?Ifhehadbeenofsomeimportanceasahostage,thenobviouslyhemustnotbeallowedtodie... butinthatcasewhyhadthemantoldDavidtoescape?Ithadallhappenedasthemanhadtoldhim: therehadbeenthebundlelyingbeneaththetree,andhehadgottoSalonica,andtherehadbeenaship there... Davidgotupanddressed.Hecouldnotsleep,hecouldnotstayinsidethehouse.Hemustthink... Butnomatterhowmuchhethought,hecouldnotfindananswer.Hewalkedquietlydownstairsinto thegardensothatnooneshouldhearhim.Butalthoughhestaredrightoutintothedarknessand thoughtaboutthemanashardashecould,hestillcouldnotmakeheadortailofit.Themanhatedhim. Davidknewallabouthate,andhewassurethemanhatedhim. Animportanthostagewouldhavetobekeptalive...buthemustnotbeallowedtoescape,musthe?If onlyheknewmoreaboutit.IfonlyheknewsomethingaboutDenmark.IftherewereakinginDenmark, thenhewouldhavetotrytogetthere.Theremustbesomereasonwhyhewastoldtoescape.Forone momenthethoughtheknewwhatitwas.Youcouldnotbribehonestpeople,buttheytookbribes. Beingbribedmeantdoingsomethingyouknewwasforbiddenjusttogetsomethingforyourself. ButwhowouldbribethemantoletDavidescape?HewasjustDavid,aboywhohadalwaysbeena prisoner.Someonehestoodhostageforwithoutknowingit?Butwhocoulditbe?Andifhehadbeenan importanthostage,thenthemanwouldneverhavedaredtolethimescape.Inthatcountry,theywere allterrifiedofoneanother.Perhapsifthebribewerebigenough...butifthatweretheanswer,then theywouldbehuntingforhim,everywhere,andhewouldhavetobeonhisguarddayandnight. Itmustnotbetrue.David'shandsclutchedhisfastbeatingheart.Theremustbeareasonhecouldnot understand:hedidnotwanttobeanimportanthostageforhecouldnotgoonbeingasfrightenedas hewas.Thenextmorninghewouldaskthechildren'sfatheriftherewereakinginDenmark.Andifso, thenhewouldleaveatonce,andhewouldtravelbycarasoftenaspossibleorhewouldnotmanage thejourney.Butitwouldnotdoforhimtobelievehewasanimportanthostage,forifhedidhewould notdareaskforaliftorearnmoneyorbuybreadoranything. Buthenevergotasfarasaskingthechildren'sfatheriftherewereakinginDenmark. Hedecidedhewouldcreepbacktobedagain;butjustashewasgoingpastthebiglivingroomthat gaveontotheterrace,thelightwasswitchedonandthechildren'sfatherandmotherenteredandsat down. Davidpressedhimselfagainstthewallandstoodstill.Whentheybegantalkinghewouldcreepoffinthe otherdirectionsothattheywouldnotspothim.

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 Throughtheslatsintheshuttershesawthechildren'smothertakeuphersewing.Sheputitdownagain almostatonceandturningtoherhusbandsaid,"Giovanni,Ithinkyou'llhavetodosomethingabout David." Davidmovedwithinfinitecareawayfromtheslattedshutters:sometimeswhenyouwerelookingat peopletheybecameawareofit.Heleanedagainstthewallandshuthiseyes. "WhatshouldIdoabouthim,Elsa?Istheresomethingthematterwithhim?" Davidwouldneverforgetwhattheysaid. "Thematter...Yes,I...Imean,howlongdoyousupposeheshouldstayhere?" "Haveyouanythingagainstthelad,mydear?" "Yes...no...Oh,I'mboundtoloveachildwho'ssavedmyownchild'slife.ButIdon'tunderstandhim.If itdidn'tsoundsoabsurd,I'dbeinclinedtosayhefrightensme." "He'sanunusualchild,thatIgrantyou.ButIcan'tseewhatyouhaveagainsthim." "I...well,letmeputitthisway.I'venothingagainstDavidasDavid,butIdoobjecttohimascompany formyownchildren.Hemustleavehere,assoonaspossible." "Can'tyoutellmeexactlywhatitisabouthimthatyouobjectto?" "Idon'tknowwhoheis.Idon'tknowwherehecomesfromandIdon'tknowwherehe'sgoingto.I don'tbelievehe'struthful.Thatstoryofhisaboutbelongingtoacircusitdoesn'thangtogether properly,Giovanni!Ifhebelongstoacircustherearethingsheoughttoknowwhichheobviously doesn't.Andatthesametimethestory'ssocarefullyworkedoutasifhewereahardenedlittleliar." "Witheyeslikehis,Elsa?" "Yes...Andhiseyesfrightenme,too.they'retheeyesofanoldman,anoldmanwho'sseensomuchin lifethathenolongercarestogoonliving.They'renotevendesperate...justquietandexpectant,and very,verylonely,asifhewerequitealoneofhisownfreechoice.Giovanni,achild'seyesdon'tlooklike that!There'ssomethingwrongthere.Andhissmileifitweren'tsoincredible,I'dbetemptedtosayhe looksasifhe'dneversmiledbeforeheseteyesonMaria.Heneversmilesattherestofus:hejustlooks atuspolitelyandwithdeadearnestness,andwhenhesmilesatMaria,it's..." "It'sverybeautiful,Elsa.I'veseenitmyself.Itcomessohesitantlyandyetsotenderly." "Oh,youmakemefeelsoheartless!ButImustputmyownchildrenfirstandthinkoftheirwelfare.And there'ssomethingwrongwithachildwhosmileslikethat.Wheredoeshecomefrom?Youcantellhe hasnorelatives,buthemakesitquiteclearhedoesn'tlikeustoquestionhim.Heanswerspolitely,but hisfacebecomeswatchfulandherepliesasbrieflyashecan.It'snotthatIwanttopry,Giovanni,but youmustadmithe'sastrangechild!Hearriveshereoutoftheblue,dressedinapairoftrousersanda shirtbothinsuchashockingconditionthateventhepoorestbeggarwouldscornthem.Heownsaknife andanemptybottlewhichheobviouslyregardsasvitalnecessities.AndyethespeaksItalianlikea Florentinenobleman!" "Yes,andFrenchlikeaseniormemberoftheFrenchAcademy!"

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"Hedoeswhat?" "IfoundhimwithaFrenchbooktheotherdayandheaskedmetoreadafewlinestohim.Inaturally thoughthewantedthemtranslated,butheonlywantedtocomparethesoundofthewordswiththeir appearanceinprint!He'sobviouslyneverseenFrenchwritten,buthespeaksitlikeanative.Andlikea verygiftedandwelleducatednative,too!" "Yes,andthenIsupposeheexplaineditawaybysaying,"Therewasamaninthecircuswhowas French"?" "Exactly.Heavenknowswhatkindofacircusitis!" "I'mquitesurethereisnocircus.Can'tyouseethere'ssomethingmysteriousandwrongaboutitall?At firstIimaginedhe'drunawayfromschoolorsomethingofthesort,buttojudgefromhisspeechyou'd thinkhecamefromafamilythatwouldhavemovedheavenandearthlongenoughagotofindhim.Yet there'snotbeenawordaboutasearchbeingmadeforachildofanyofthepeopleweknow.Sowhere doeshegethisspeechfrom?Andhedoesn'tspeaklikeachildatall.Hisconversationiscompletely adult,andheoftenfailstounderstandwhatthechildrenmeanuntiltheyexplaintohim...Hereally makesyouthinkhe'dneverbeforespokentoanotherchild!" "Whereverhecomesfrom,Elsa,wearedeeplyindebtedtohim,andsinceitworrieshimtobe questionedabouthisbackground,thenIthinkweoughttolethimalone.AndIcan'tseeeitherthatany ofthethingsyou'vementionedmakehimunsuitablecompanyforourchildren.Hetalksbeautifully,he hasreallycharmingmannersoftenbetterthanourownyoungsters'.Elsa,Elsa,whydon'tyouuseyour eyes?Hecan'tbeabadinfluence.David'sthegentlestboyI'veeverseeninmylife!Andhe'shadan effectonourownchildrenIhaven'tonceseenthemfightingsincehecame!" "No,andit'sonthetipofmytonguetosayIwishyouhad!YouaskmewhatIhaveagainstDavid:I objecttohisattitudetoCarlo,andIobjecttohisrelationswithMaria.Haven'tyouseenthatDavidhates Carlo?Notlikeboyswhofightandthenforgetaboutitbecausethereisreallynothingserioustofight over.DavidhatesCarloasagrownmanhates.Hetalkstohimonlywhenhehasto,andthenhespeaks politelyandcoldlyandrefusestolookathim.TrywatchingCarloalittlemorecloselytomorrow!He's grownquitesubdued,andwhenheseesDavidandAndreachatteringtogether,hejuststandsthere lookingmiserable.Heseemstoknowthatifhejoinedin,Davidwouldimmediatelybringthe conversationtoapolitecloseandgooffelsewhere.Carlo'sagoodboy.He'salittlewildandsomewhat domineering;butotherwisethere'snoharminhim.Doyousupposeitgivesmeanypleasuretoseemy eldestsontryingtoingratiatehimselfwithalyinglittlevagabondandbeingrebuffedwithhatredand contempt?" "No,ofcoursenot.Butdon'tyouthinkyoumightbemistaken?SupposeweaskedDavid..." "AndIlikehisinfluenceoverMariajustaslittle.Mariaworshipsthegroundhetreadson.Everything Davidthinksandsaysanddoesisright.Sheisawareoftheexistenceofherownbrothersonlywhenit suitsDavid.WhatshelikesbestisbeingalonewithDavidtheotherdayshesatquitestillforawhole hourlisteningtothegramophonewithhim:Mozart'sviolinconcerto!Whatdoyouthinkofthat?And Maria'saboutasmusicalasasuckingpig!" "Well,yes,but...itcan'tdoanyharm,mydear.Smallgirlsoftenadmireboysalittleolderthan themselves.AndyourememberthatitwasDavidwhorescuedherfromthefire.It'squitenaturalfor hertoadmirehim.SheusedtoadmireCarloandAndreaaswell." "Butnotinthesameway.Sheadmiredthetwobiggerboysbecausetheywerestrongerandmore daring.WithDavidit'shimselfthatsheadmires.Sheseemstowanttoknowandunderstandeverything

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hethinkssothatshecanlearntothinkthesamewayherself.Giovanni,Iwon'thaveit!I'velistenedto thetwoofthemtogetherwhentheydidn'tknowIwasthere.WiththerestofusDavidissilentand reticent,buthetalkstoMariabecauseitneveroccurstohertoquestionhim,excepttoaskhimwhathe thinksaboutthings.Hetellsherthemostabominablethingsaboutwickednessandmiseryand brutality...andtreachery.Andhe'stoldherhowyoucandiesothatitdoesn'thurt.Idon'tknowwhere hegetsitallfrom,andIdon'tcareeither.Thatboymustgo!" "IshouldneverhavethoughtDavidhadabrutalmindoraninclinationtocruelty." "Hehasn't.Hetellsheraboutsuchthingssothatshecantakecareofherselfandsothatshemayknow howfortunatesheis.ButI'llnothaveMaria'sinnocent,carefreechildhoodspoiltbyaknowledgeofevil shehadnoideaof.Childrenhavetheirowntroublestheymustn'tbeexpectedtobearthemiseries andsorrowsofthegrownupworld." "Well,sinceyoufeelsostronglyaboutit,then...Butdon'tyouthinkperhapsIshouldspeaktotheboy aboutit?" "DoyouthinkthatanythingatallthatanyonecouldsaytoDavidwouldalterbyonejotwhathethinks? DoyouthinkanybodyintheworldcouldstopDavidbeingDavid?" "No,mydear,Idon'tthinktheycould,andImustsayIrespecthimforit.Theladisn'tobstinateor headstrong,andhewantstolearn,buthereservestherighttothinkforhimselfandhe'llnotsurrender hispersonality.Andthat'sgood:itshowsstrengthofcharacter." "Giovanni,I'mnotheartless.Ireallyamgrateful,andI'llwillinglydoanythingfortheboybutkeephim here.Idon'tbelievethere'sanyrealharminhim,andIcanseethatagreatdealofwhatyousayabout himisright.Ifheweren'tachildIshouldmostprobablylikehimforthoseverythings.ButIdon't understandhim,andIwon'thavehiminfluencingmyownchildren.Can'tyoufindoutsomethingabout him?Trytotellhimwewishhimwellandseeifyoucandiscoverwherehecomesfrom?Ifhe'sdone somethingwrong,thenyoucoulduseyourinfluencewiththepolice.Wecouldsendhimtoahomeora monasteryorsomethingofthesort,andpayforhiseducation.Buthe'llhavetotellyouthetruthsothat wecandecidethebestthingtodo." "Allright,Elsa,asyouwish." "You'renottocountthecostthatdoesn'tmatter.He'stohavethebestofeverythingclothes,food, educationforMaria'ssakeandbecauseIcouldhavelovedhimsomuchifhewouldhaveletme..." Davidsatdownonthewindowsillandstaredintothedarkness.Everywordthechildren'sparentshad saidtooneanotherwasdeeplyengraveduponhismind.Hehadknownthathemustgo,andgosoon, butthefactthatdangerwassonearathandwassomethinghehadnotrealized.Andnowhehadbeen madeawareofallthatwasamisswithhim...andheknewhecouldneverputitright.Hedidnotreally thinkhewassoamiss,butotherpeopleobviouslythoughtso. Inthemorningthechildren'sfatherwouldtrytoquestionhim,andhewouldcallinthepoliceinthe beliefthathecouldstilltakecareofDavidevenaftertheyhadlaidhandsonhim. Hemustleavethatverynight. Davidtookhisbundleoutofthecupboard,togetherwithhisbottle,hisknifeandhissmallscrapofsoap. Foronemomentheconsideredtakingalargerpieceofsoapfromthebathroom.Hewouldliketohave takenaspongeandhistoothbrushaswell,andacandleandsomefreshmatches.Butthenhedecided notto.HewouldhavetogoinAndrea'sclotheswhichhewaswearing,forthechildren'smotherhad

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nevergivenhimbackhisownandshehadsaidhemighthavethem.Butapartfromtheclotheshe wouldtakenothingatallwithhim. Theywerenotevilpeople.Theyhadbeenkindtohim,andeventhoughtheywerereadytogivehimup now,theywereactingoutofignorancesincetheyhadnoideawhatwouldhappenwhentheycaught himagain.Hewouldhavetoberightawayfromthehousebeforetheyarrivedthenextday,buthe wouldwritealettersothathecouldatleastsaythankyou.Hehadthepaperandpencilhehadbought. Itwouldtakealongtime,andhewouldhavetohurrysothathecouldbewellonhiswaybefore morning,butitcouldnotbehelped. Davidsatdownandthoughtforalongtime.Thenhewrote,very,veryslowlyandverycarefully. "Iheardeverythingyousaid.Ishallgonow,assoonasI'vefinishedwriting.Ionlywantedtostayhereas longasyouwishedmeto.IshallhavetokeepAndrea'sclothesbecauseyouhavenotgivenmebackmy own.Iwanttothankyouforlettingmelistentomusicandreadbooks,andbecauseeverythingisso beautifulhere.Andthankyouforthefoodyouhavegivenmeandforlettingmesleepinabed. "Ihavenevermurderedanyoneandneverusedforce,norstolenfromanybody.I'vetakennoone'sjoy orhappinessorfreedomorpropertyawayfromhim.AndI'veneverbetrayedanyone.Iamtellingyou thisbecauseyouwanttoknowsomethingaboutmeandtoletyouknowthatthat'sallIamgoingtotell. IfthepolicecatchmeIshalldie,butIshalltellthemnomore.Itisimportantnottogiveintopeople wholoveviolenceandthinktheyhavetherighttotakeawayanotherman'slifeandliberty.Andifyou don'tletthemchangewhatyouthinkandbelieve,thenyouhavewon.Amanoncetoldmethat.And thatiswhyIshallgoonbeingDavid,always,foraslongasIamstillalive. "IamgladItoldMariathatevilexists.Idon'twanthertobeafraid,butit'ssomethingyouhavetoknow about.Can'tyouunderstandthatchildrenhavearighttoknoweverythingthat'strue?Ifthere'sdanger, youhavetorecognizeit,orelseyoucan'ttakecareofyourself. "IamwritingbecauseIwanttosaythankyouforthethingsyouhavegivenme,andtotellyouofmy ownfreewillallthatI'mgoingtotell,ever. "David" Ithadtakenhimalongtimetowritetheletter.Davidlookedattheclockonthechestofdrawers.Itwas nowhalfpastoneinthemorning.HewantedtowritesomethingaboutMaria,somethingthatwould makethemtakegreatcareofher,buthedidnotknowhowtodoit. Suddenly,asifshehadoverheardhisthoughts,shewasstandingthereinthedoorway.Shewaslooking frightened. "David." "Sh!"Davidwhisperedinalarm.Mariacameintotheroom,shuttingthedoorbehindher. "David,Iwokeupsofrightened.IthoughtyouwereinthefireandIcouldn'tfindyou." "I'vegottogoaway,Maria,"Davidsaid. "Oh,no,David!Why?" Davidtoldhereverythingherparentshadsaidwhilehewasstandingoutsidewithinearshot."Soyou seeImustgonowwhileit'sstillnight,"heconcludedwhenshehadheardeverything.

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 FortunatelyMarianeverdoubtedthatwhathesaidwasright.Shemadenoprotest:shejustlookedat himandwhispered,"David,you'llcomeback,won'tyou?Evenifit'snotforalongtimesayyou'll comeback?" Davidlookedatherdumbly.Thenhesaid,"Ican'tsaythat.IfIcancomebacksomeday,thenIwill... butIdon'tknow,soIwon'tpromisebecauseapromiseisimportant." "But,David,whowilltellmeabouteverythingwhenyou'regone?" Ah,yes,whowouldlookafterMaria?Butifhedidnotgo,theywouldcomeandtakehim,andhewould notbeabletolookafterheranyway. ThenDaviddidsomethinghehadneverdonebefore:ofhisownfreewillhetouchedsomebodyelse.He laidhishandsonMaria'sshouldersandlookedstraightintohereyes.Thenhesaidslowlysothatshe couldrememberwhathesaidandtrytounderstandit,"Youmustdoityourself,Maria!Youmustteach yourselfallaboutthings.Whenthere'snooneelsetodothingsforyou,youhavetodothemfor yourself.Youmustlistencarefullytothepeopleyouthinkaregoodyourfatherandmotherandthe peoplewhoteachyouthingsinschool.Thenyoumustthinkoverwhattheysayanddecidehowmuchof ityoufeelisright.Butyoumustbecareful,becausewhatisrightisnotalwayswhatyouwant,andifyou makeamistake,youregretitafterwards." "But,David,I'mnotcleverenough.Oh,whydoyouhavetogo?I'dmuchratheryoustayed!Willyou takemewithyou?" "Itwouldnotberight.Yourfatherandmotherwouldbefrightened,andyou'venorighttomakeanyone afraid.Inaway,it'slikeusingviolence.Besidesyouwouldn'tlikeit.Ioftenhavenofoodandnowhereto sleep." "Thatwouldn'tmatterifyouwerethere." "Youcanthinkaboutme,Maria,andthenIshan'tbequitegone." "Willyouthinkaboutme,too?" "Yes." "Always?" "Yes." "David,willyouholdmefastbeforeyougo,soIcanremember,whatitfeltlike,whenyouwerenearto me?" Davidnodded.Heputhiscomb,pencilandpaperinhisbundle.Hehadeverythingnow.Meanwhile, Mariastoodwatchinghim.Thenshesaid,"David,waithereamoment." Davidstoodandwaited,quitesurethatMariawouldnevergivehimaway.Amomentlatershewas back,holdinginherhandalittlecrossofgoldcoveredwithtinylittleseedpearls."That'sforyou,David, totakewithyou." Thecrosshungonaslenderchain,andshestoodontiptoetofastenitroundDavid'sneck.

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"Thankyou,"Davidsaid."NowI'mgoing."Heputhisbundledownonthetable,puthisarmsaroundher andheldhertight,justforashortmoment.Itwaslikethedaywhenhehadrescuedherfromthefire. "Goodbye,Maria." "Goodbye,David." Davidwentquickly,and,withoutlookingatheragain,shutthedoorsoftlybehindhim. 6 Davidtrampedonandon.Hewassofamiliarwiththefirstpartofthewaythatthedarknessdidnot troublehimhehadoftenbeenalongthatroadwiththechildren.Hetoldhimselfhewouldtakehis shoesoffassoonasitwasmorning,forhehadnoticedwhilehewasinthehousethatshoesworeout, andheoughttosavethemforlateronwhenitgrewcolderorhewasforcedtotravelatnightwhenhe couldnotseethestones. Hethoughttoo,abouttheroutehehadtotake.HewouldhavetogointoatowncalledFlorence,forof coursehehadnofood.LuckilyhestillhadalotofthemoneygiventohimbytheAmericanhehad fetchedpetrolfor,sohehadnoneedtostopinthetowntoearnmore.Butthinkingaboutfoodmade himfeelveryuneasy,foritledhimtothinkaboutmilkandvitamins,andthentowonderagainwhether hemightperhapsbeanimportanthostage. Buthehadlearntalotfromhisstayinthehouse.Theglobehemustremembertothinkaboutthe globeallthetimesothathewouldnotforgetwhereAndreaandMariahadpointed.Hemustgetto Switzerlandfirst,andthentoGermany,andfinallytoDenmark.Hisclotheswereagreathelp,toothey weremuchbetterthantheoneshehadhadbefore,andthereweremoreofthem.Theywouldhelpa lotnowthatitwasgrowingcoldduringthenights. Yethewasstillunhappyinspiteofrecallingalltheadvantageshehadgainedfromlivinginthehouse. Asthedayswentbyhefeltnobetter,althoughalltheplaceshecametowerejustasbeautifulasthose hehadpassedthroughbeforehecametothehouse.Therewerebeautifulroundgreenhills,andvalleys andrivers,andtreesofallkinds.Everythinglookedthesameasbeforeandyetseemeddifferent. Forthefirstfewdayshedarednotrisktravellingbycar:hewouldnottryaskingforaliftuntilhewasa longwayfromthehouse.HemadehastetoleaveFlorence,too,althoughthereweresomanythingsto seethereabroadriverwithgreatbridgesoverit,andononebridgeanarrowstreetcompletewith oldhousesoneitherside.Andtherewasasquarewithbigstatuesinit,andachurchthatlookedlike... Davidcouldfindnothingtocompareitwith,itwassobeautiful. WhilehehadbeenlivinginthehousehehadheardthatinFlorencetherewerethousandsof magnificentpaintingsthateverybodycouldsee,andhewouldhavelikedtogoandlookatthem.Butthe greatthingwastogetrightawayfromthehouseasquicklyashecould. Sofarnoonehadquestionedhim.Aslongashehadmoneytobuybread,hehadnoneedtotalktothe tourists,andtheyweretheoneswhoaskedthemostquestions.TheItaliansonlywantedtoknowwhat hewascalledandwherehewasgoing.Davidwasverycarefulwhathesaidaboutthecircusnow,butin spiteofeverythinghestillthoughtitwasthebeststoryhecouldfind. Hethoughtseveraltimesofwhatthechildren'sparentshadsaidabouthim.Hewasupsetbyit,butnot verymuch,forhehadknownallalongthathewasstrangeandwrong.Buthedidnotthinkthe

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children'smotherhadexplainedveryclearlyjustwhatwaswrong.Hismannerofspeech,forinstance: hehadofcourseheardmanyItaliansspeaksomewhatdifferentlybutthenthechildren'sparents spokejustashedid!JustliketheItalianpriestintheconcentrationcamp.AndtheFrenchhespokewas certainlygoodFrench,forthatwasJohannes'ownlanguage,thelanguageDavidwassofamiliarwith thattheFrenchwordwouldoftenoccurtohimbeforehecouldremembertheItalian.AndasJohannes, whowaswiserandbetterthananybodyelse,spokeFrenchinthatway,thenitmustbetheproperway. TospeakthebestkindofItaliancouldnotbewrong,evenifyouwereatramp.Thewayyouspokehad todowiththewayyouthought,notwithpossessions. AndasforhatingCarlo,yes,itwastrueenoughhedid.Hecouldwellunderstandthechildren'smother notlikingit,forofcourseshedidnotknowCarlowasevil.ButhecouldnothavestoppedhatingCarlo, notevenifMariaherselfhadbeggedhimto.Youmustalwayshatewhatwasevil,orelseyougrewjust likethem. HewouldbegaliftthenextdaysothathecouldgetquicklytothetowncalledBologna:forsinceheleft Florencethemountainshadbecomequitehighandtheupwardclimbwastakinghimlonger. DavidbegantothinkaboutSwitzerland.Therehewouldfindloftymountainscappedwithsnow.That muchheunderstoodfromAndreawhentheyhadlookedattheglobetogether. Butheseemedunabletodirecthisthoughtsproperly:theywerefullofheavinessandforeboding.Just beforethebendintheroadhehadnoticedasmalltownnotfarahead,andhenowdecidedhewould trytopluckupenoughcouragetogointothechurch. Thehouseshadafriendlylookaboutthem,andasitwasaboutnoontherewashardlyanyoneinthe streets.Davidstoodintheopenspacethatwasalwaystobefoundinfrontofachurchandwonderedif hedared.Hehadwantedforsuchalongtimetoseewhatachurchwaslike.Achurchwasaplacewhere youtalkedwithGod.InItaly,ofcourse,hewouldonlyfindtheGodoftheRomanCatholics,butstill supposehisownGodwereonavisitthere!AndsupposehereallymetHim!ButperhapsGodsdidnot visitoneanother...However,afainthopethathewouldfindsomecomforttheredrovehiminside. Thedoorwasveryheavy.Hehadtopushhardtoopenit. Thelightinsidewasverysubdued.Davidremainedstandingjustinsidethedooruntilhiseyeshadgrown accustomedtothechangefromthebrightsunlightoutsidetothesoftobscuritywithin. Itwasveryquiet.Andbeautiful.Itremindedhimalittleofthehouse,thoughinmanywaysitwasvery different.Therewerepaintingsandcarvedwoodworkandcolouredglassinthewindows.Infrontof someofthepaintingsalongthesideofthechurchcandleswereburning. Butthesilencewasnotcomplete.David'seyes,nowaccustomedtothedimlight,perceivedadark figurekneelingbeforeoneofthepaintings.Themanwassayingsomething,verysoftly. Davidcreptquietlytowardshim.Ifitweresomeonepraying,hewantedtolisten.Hemightlearn something.Buthecouldnotunderstandthewords.Itwas...yes,itwasLatin,andapartfromafew words,heknewnoLatin. Thefigurerose."Goodday,myson.Areyoulookingforsomething?" "No,sir,"Davidrepliedpolitely.Hesteppedbackhastilyandglancedoverhisshouldertomakesure wherethedoorlay.

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"Youneednotbefrightenedofme.Asyoucansee,I'mapriest." Davidrealizedhewasright.Priestsalwaysworelongblackgownsoutsidetheconcentrationcamp. Andapriestwasneveroneofthem.Davidceasedlookingtowardsthedoor,andlookedatthepainting instead. "IsthatyourGod,sir?" "No,that'sSaintChristopher." "He'snotaGod?" "There'sonlyoneGod,myson." Davidfrowned.Thatwasn'tright:heknewtherewereseveral. "Whatareyoucalled,myson?" "I'mDavid." "Soyou'reDavid.Andwho'syourGod,David?" "He'stheGodofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters..." Thepriestlookedathimandsmiled.""TheLordismyshepherd.Ishallnotwant.Hemakethmetolie downingreenpastures.Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.Herestorethmysoul.Heleadethmein thepathsofrighteousnessforHisName'ssake.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowof death,Iwillfearnoevil,forThouartwithme."...It'sthesameGod,David." Davidhadlistenedattentively.Helovedthesoundofthestrangewordsthatpeopledidnototherwise use,andthepriestseemedquitefamiliarwithhisGod. "Itcan'tbethesameone,signor.HewastheGodofsomeonewhowasalsocalledDavid." "Yes,that'sright.ThewordsIspokecomefromthetwentythirdpsalmofDavid.Igatheryoumustbea strangeranddon'tbelongtoourChurch.But,believeme,David,it'sthesameGod.WemencallHimby somanydifferentnames,butwhenwepraybecauseweneedhelporcomfort,it'sstillthesameGod thathearsourprayers." Perhapswhatthepriestsaidwastrue.Howcouldhebesure,whenthereweresomanythingshedid notknow?Butwhenyouhadmadeachoice,thenyoumuststandbyit,andifthepriestweremistaken, youmustn'tletyourselfbeinfluencedbyit. "I'dratherkeepmyownGod,ifyoudon'tmind,signor.He'sverystrong,andhelpsyouwhenyou're frightened.Andyoushouldn'tchangeyourmindonceyou'vemadeyourchoice,foryoumustrespect whatyou'vesaid..." Davidsaidthisverypolitelyforhedidnotwanttohurtthepriest'sfeelings. Butthepriestdidnotseemtomindintheleast.Hecontinuedtosmileandsaidinavoicesogentleit soundedalmostlikeJohannes',"Youareperfectlyright,David,andyou'vechosenwell.Youshall certainlynotwant.Doyouknowwhat"want"means?"

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"Yes,it'sthesameasbeinginneed.ButIliketheotherwordbetter:itsoundsmoremorelikemusic." Davidthoughtthepriestwasgoingtoputhishandouttowardshimandhestiffened.Buthewaswrong: thepriestdidnottouchhimbutmerelysaid,"I'mgoinghomeforsomethingtoeat,David.Ifyou're hungry,youcancomewithme.OrperhapsIcanhelpyouinsomeotherway?" Davidconsidered.Apriestwasneverdangerous,anditwouldbefoolishnottoaccepthelpinfindingout whathewantedtoknow. "Thankyou,"hesaid."I'mnothungry,butifyouhaveamapthatshowswhatItalylookslike,thenI'd liketoseewhereSwitzerlandbegins." BeyondBolognathecountrysidewaslessbeautiful.Thelandscapewaspracticallyflatandtheroadgrey anddusty.Someofthebyroadsmighthavebeenpleasanter.Davidhaddiscoveredtheyoftenwere. Buthewasinahurry,andtherewasmoretrafficonthemainroads.Hehadwrittendownonapieceof paperthenamesofthetownshemustpassthroughonhiswaytoSwitzerland,andasitwasgrowinga littlebitcoldereverynight,Davidonlystoppedwhenheranshortofbread. Hehadnowspentallthemoneyhehadstartedwith,anditwasonlyinthetownsthathecouldearn more.Buttherewerenolongersomanytouriststobefound,andDavidwonderediftheywouldallgo backhomewhentheweatherbecamereallycold.Iftheydid,hewouldbeindangerofstarving,forthe Italianswereabletodomostthingsforthemselvesanddidnotneedaboytohelpthem.Moreover, althoughhewasbythistimeaverylongwayfromthehouse,thethoughtneverlefthimthattheymight haveputthepoliceontohim.HeconsidereditsafertokeepawayfromItalians,exceptformotorists andlorrydrivers. Theywerequitesafe.Theyhadnotimetobeinterestedinstrangeboys;theyweretoofullyoccupied withthinkingwheretheyweregoingandwhattheyweregoingtodowhentheygotbackhome.Aslong asyoulistenedtowhattheytoldyouaboutthemselvesandtheirfamilies,theyweresatisfied.They alwayssaidhowniceitwastohavesomeonetotalkwith,butDavidthoughttheyreallymeant"talkto" ratherthan"talkwith",fortherewasneveranyneedforhimtosaymuchmorethan"yes"or"no".But thatsuitedhimverywell.Aslongastheywereonlyinterestedinthemselves,therewaslessdangerof theiraskinghimtoomanyquestions.Andtheynearlyalwayssharedtheirfoodwithhim. OnedriverintroducedDavidtorailwaystations.Hehadveryoftenseentrains,butithadneveroccurred tohimthattheyhaddefinitestoppingplacesorthatthereweresuchthingsasstations.Thatwasbefore hegottoMilan.DavidtoldthemanhewasridingwithhowhehadbeentakenillinNaplesandhowhe wasnowonhiswaytojointhecircusagain.Themaninquiredifhehadenoughmoney,andwhenDavid repliedthatheoccasionallyearnedalittle,themantookitforgrantedthatheusuallydiditonrailway stations. SowhenhearrivedinMilan,Davidwasputdownatthestation.Andwhatagoodwayofearningmoney itwas!Thepeoplewhowereboardingthetrainsorgettingoffthemoftenneededsomeonetocarry theircases,andonthestationtherewerestillmanytouristswhocouldnotspeakItalianandwereglad ofsomeonewhounderstoodwhattheysaidandcouldfindoutwhichplatformsthetrainswouldleave fromorwheretherestaurantwas.Davidspentawholeeveningonthestationandearnedenough moneytobuybreadforseveraldays. Itwastherehesawthepaper. Hewasnolongersointerestedinnewspapers.Wheneverhecameacrossoneorhadaloafwrappedin one,hewouldreaditaspracticeinreadingquickly.Butagreatdealofitwasaboutthingsheknew nothingof,andinanycasehehadnomeansofknowinghowmuchofwhathereadwastrue,especially

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whenhedidnotknowwhohadwrittenthearticles.Iftheyhadwrittenthem,thenitwasbestnotto believethem. Suddenlyhesawhisownname! Hehadbeenrestingonaseat,forthelastcasehehadcarriedhadbeenveryheavyandhewasnow tired.AnItalianwassittingbyhim,andwhenhegotuptogohelefthispaperlyingontheseat. Andthereonthebackpage,heread:"David.Donotbeafraid.Wearenotsearchingforyou.Butwe shouldbegladifyouwouldcomebackandlivewithus.Webelieveeverythingyousaid.Thechildren's parents." Itwasaddressedtohimtherewasnodoubtaboutthatandforalittlewhilehefeltcompletely happy. Itwascoldintheditch.Hedarednottrytobegaliftintheeveningbecausepeoplethoughtitwrongfor aboytobeontheroadsatthattime.IthadtakenhimalongwhiletoleaveMilanbehind,andnowhe couldfindnowheretosleepbutthisditch.Itwasagoodthinghehadgrownusedtobeingcoldinthe camp.OncemoreDavidthoughtaboutthatletterinthepaper.Hewasgladtheyhadwrittentohim. Theyweregoodpeople,allofthemallexceptCarlo. Yetheknewhecouldnotgobacktothem.HewouldalwayshateCarlo,andhewouldalwaysbe differentandoutofplace.Andhewouldnotbeabletotellthemwhattheywantedtoknow,forifhe didtheywouldbeforcedtosendhimbacktothem. SuddenlyDavidknewwhynothinghadseemedquiterightsincehehadleftthehouse.Herecalledhow uneasyhehadfeltashehadgoneupthebroadfrontstepsthefirstdayhewasthereasifsome dangerlayinwaitforhimbehindthosedoors.Ifonlyhehadgoneonhiswayandneverenteredthe house!Hehadbeenhappybefore...yes,happy.Whenhehadlivedamongtherocksandtrampedthe roads,hehadbeenhisownmasterandcoulddoashepleased.Hehadhadbeautyallabouthim,hehad enjoyedthetasteofbreadandfruit,andhecouldhaveawashwheneverhewantedandgowhenhe liked.Butwhenheenteredthehouse,hehadseenwhathecouldneverpossess.Nothingwouldever againappearquitesogoodandsatisfyingasithaddonebefore.EvenifhehadnothatedCarlo,itwould nothavehelped.Thechildrenandtheirparentsbelongedtooneanother,andDavidcouldneverbelong. Hewasnot...right.Hewasdifferentfromotherchildrenwhohadnotbeenbroughtupina concentrationcamp.Therewasnowherehebelonged.Nowthattheynolongerbelievedhewasreally bad,theywoulddotheirutmosttomakeitappearthathedidbelong.Butitwouldnotbethetruth.He wouldcontinuetobehimself,David,aboywhowasafugitiveanddidnotknowwherehewasfleeing to. Heshouldneverhadenteredthehouse.Maria...WheneverhehadlookedatMariaandshehadmade himsmile,hehadbeenawarethattherewassomethinghehadforgotten,somethingimportant. Hehadforgottenthemostimportantconditionthatmadeitpossibleforhimtogoonliving:thathe shouldneveragaingrowfondofanyone.WhenJohannesdiedhethoughthewoulddietoo.Butwhen hehadrecoveredandknewhewasnotgoingtodie,herealizedhemustnever,nevercareforanyone againnever.Onlyifyouwereindifferentcouldyougoonliving.Thatwaswhathehadkeptinmind throughalltheyearsthatfolloweduntilhesawMaria. Andnownothingwouldeverbethesameagain:eveniftheywerenotlookingforhim,evenifhecould preservehislibertyandcouldavoidbeingtoocoldortoohungry.Itwouldneverbethesameagain, becausehewouldalwayshavetoremainhimself,aboywhobelongednowhere.

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"God,"hesaid,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters.I'mnotprayingforhelp,becauseI'm Davidandthat'ssomethingthatcan'tbealtered.ButIwantyoutoknowthatI'vefoundoutthatgreen pasturesandstillwatersarenotenoughtoliveby,andnorisfreedom.Notwhenyouknowthere'slove andyouhaven'tanyoneyoubelongtobecauseyou'redifferentandareonlyaboywho'srunaway.I'm sayingthistotellyouyouneedn'thelpmeanymoretoescapefromthem.Itdoesn'tmatter.Thankyou forthetimesyouhelpedmewhenIstillthoughtlifemightbealittleworthliving.IamDavid.Amen." Davidmusthavefallenasleep,forwhenhelookedabouthimagainitwasmorningandthesunwas shining.Itmusthavebeenshiningforsometime,forhenolongerfeltperishedwithcoldashehad duringthenight. Hegotup,pickeduphisbundleandstartedtowalk.Hemightjustaswellwalkassitthereandwait. Hethoughtofnothinginparticular.Therewasnolongeranyneedtothinknowthathedidnotcare whathappened. Thefrontierlayinthenextvillage,andDavidknewatoncethathehatedit.Therewasabarrieracross theroadandsoldierswhoexaminedpeople'spassportsbeforetheywereallowedtodriveon.Itall lookedveryfriendly,andnooneseemedtobeafraid.Theyallhadtheirpapersinorder,ofcourse,so theywereallowedtoproceed.ButDaviddidnotlikethelookofit.Ifhehadtobearrested,thenit shouldbeinthebeautyofthemountains,nothereataroadbarrier. Hemadehiswayoutofthevillageagainandalonganarrowbyroad,andnotuntilhehadbeenwalking foranhourdidheturnnorthwards,awayfromtheroad.Hehadheardintheconcentrationcampthat thiswasthewaytocrossafrontier,atsomepointwherenoonecouldseeyou.Sometimesyouwere caughtinspiteofthat,butthenitwasbychanceandnotbecausetherewasabarrierthere. Foralongtimehetrampedonawayfromtheroadupoverthevineyards,keepingasnearashecould reckonfromthepositionofthesuninanortherlydirection.Itwashardgoingbecausenowtherewere mountainsagain,buthewantedtobequitesurehehadcrossedthefrontierbeforehereturnedtothe roadsagain.ThenhecametoavillagecalledMendrisioandimmediatelyconcludedhehadgoneastray forthepeopleinthestreetstillspokeItalian.Butthenhesawanoticeoveradoorwaywiththeword "Svizzera"onit,andaflagthatwasnottheItalianflag."Svizzera"herecalled,wastheItalianwordfor Switzerland.SotheyspokeItalianinSwitzerlandtoo. Daviddecidedtotaketheroadagain;itwasonlythebarrierthathewantedtoavoid.Heknewnothing aboutSwitzerland,notathing.TherehadneverbeenaSwissinthecamp:pureluck,perhaps...notthat itmatterednow. Lateintheafternoonhecametothelakeagain,oritmighthavebeenanotherlake.Itwasvery beautiful,almostasbeautifulasthecoastwherehehadlivedamongtherocks.Dottedupanddownthe mountainsideslaygaylittlevillages,andboatsweresailingonthelake.Afterhehadbeenwalkingalong theshoreofthelakeforsometime,theroadranoverabridgetotheothersideofthewater.Thenext townshouldbecalledLugano;hewouldbuyaloafthere,andperhapssomecheeseaswell. ButDaviddidnotreachLugano.Theroadlaybetweenthemountainsandtheedgeofthelake,anda littleabovetheroadhecaughtsightofanorangetree.Hebegantoscrambleupthehillsidetoseeif therewereanyfallenoranges.Hefoundone,andstoodtheregazingdownatthelakewhichlooked verybeautifulfromupthere.Hemadehiswayamongthetreesstillfartheruptheslope,andtherehe satdownonalowwallwhichhadbeenwarmedbythesun.Hetookouthisknifeandbeganpeelingthe orange,gazingnowandthenatthelakebelow. "Hallo,boy!"

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 Davidturnedroundtolook.Hedidsoquitecalmlyforhedidnotmindwhocamenow.Thenhestood up.Itwasawoman.Thechildren'sfatheralwaysstoodupwhentheirmotherenteredtheroom,andhe madetheboysstanduptoo. "I'dlikeyoutoletmepaintyou,ifyou'vetime." Davidlookedather."I'veplentyoftime,"hesaidpolitely."ButIdon'tknowwhatit'sliketobepainted. Wheredoyouwanttopaint?" Thewomanhadbegunputtingsomethinguponaneasel.Acasewasstandingatherside."Here,"she said. Davidwalkedovertoherandlookedattheeasel."Oh,Ididn'tknowyouwantedtopaintapicture.Can youpaintbeautifulpictures,signora?" Thewomanlaughed."No,they'reterrible!Butjusttryingissomething,isn'tit?Youalwaysgoonhoping thatonedayyou'llmanageit." "Yes.Butonedayyoumayrealizeyou'llneverbeableto." Thewomanlookedathimasifsheweregoingtosaysomething,butDavidfeltsurethatwhatshedid saywasnotwhatshewasgoingtosay.Shemerelyaskedifhecouldsitstill. Davidsaidyes,andshelaughedandsaidshewassurethatwasalie,butaquarterofanhourlatershe beggedhispardon:heobviouslycouldsitstill.Buthecouldmovehisheadandtalknowifhewantedto, aslongashekepttherestofhisbodystill. Davidansweredpolitelythathehadnothingtotalkabout,andthewomandidnotappeartofind anythingoddaboutthat.ShewentonpaintingandleftDavidtowatchherathisleisure. Shewasnotayoungwoman,butshewasnotold,either.Shewasthin,andDaviddidnotreallyknow whetherhelikedthelookofher.ShewasnotItalianforshedidnotspeakthelanguageproperly:she couldsayanythingshewantedto,butshedidnotalwaysknowwhatwasmasculineinItalianandwhat wasfeminine.Herhairwasquitefair,andhereyesweregrey.Shewasnotprettyorgoodlooking,and yettherewasnothingaboutherfacethatwasunpleasant.Andshewasintelligent:youcouldalwaystell frompeople'sfaceswhethertheywereintelligentornot. Shedidnotthinkitnecessarytoquestionortalktohim,andwhenshesaidanythingshespokeproperly, notinthesillymannersomepeopleadoptedwhentheywerespeakingtochildren,asifyouwerebound tobestupidjustbecauseyouwereachild. Severalhourspassedby.Thesunsanklowerandlower,andtheshadowsgrewlonger.Suddenlythe womansaid,"You'reafool,boy.Whydidn'tyousayitwaslate?Youmustbedeadbeatwithallthis sittingstill!" "No,Idon'tmind,"Davidreplied. "Well,ifyou'rehungry,you'dbetterhelpmepackup,andthenwecangohomeandgetsomethingto eat." Shelivedinabeautifulhouse.Itwasnotverybig,butitshonewithafreshcoatofyellowcolourwash.It hadgreenshuttersandlittlebalconiesoutsidethewindows,andtherewasagardenallrounditwith

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cypressesandpalmtrees.Theinsideofthehousewasverypretty,too.Picturesandotherinteresting thingshungonthewhitewashedwalls,andthefurniturewasveryfineandquitedifferentfrom anythingDavidhadeverseenbefore. Thewomansaidhecouldsetthetablewhileshepreparedamealforthemifhecouldmanageit,that is.Buthewasnottobreakanything. Itwasfun.Thechildrenhadoftensaidsomethingwasfun,andDavidhadneverquiteunderstoodwhat theymeant.Butbeingleftaloneinabeautifulroomtofindtherightthingstoputonthetableand settingthemouttohislikingthatwascertainlyfun. "Heavenpreserveus!"exclaimedthewomanasshecamein.Davidhadnotbeenabletofindawhite cloth,norwerethereanysilverplatestoputundertheonesyouatefrom.Buthediscoveredapieceof cloththecolourofthemountainswherehehadlivedbytheseasomethingbetweenredandbrown. thewomanhadprettyplates,andherknivesandforksweresilver.Shehadbeautifulfineglassware, too,tuckedawayatthebackofacupboard,andDavidhadplacedoneofthetwocandlesticksfromthe chestofdrawersatoneendofthetable.Andtherewasablackbowl,beautifullyshaped,whichDavid hadsetbesidethecandlestick.Hepickedapinkflowerfromoutsidethewindowandlaiditinthebowl. "Wheredidyoulearntosetatable,youngman?" Davidlookedather."IlikeittolookprettyImeanbeautiful,whenIeat,"hesaidseriously. "Ibegyourpardon.I'dnointentionofbeingnosy,andyou'reperfectlyright:whatonedoeseveryday shouldbedonebeautifully.It'sverysensibleandproper." Yes,shewasacleverwoman.Shehadnoticedthathehadnotgivenheradirectanswer. Davidwasgraduallygrowingtolikeherbetterandbetter.Theytalkedofmanythingswhiletheyate, foodandfurnitureandcolours,andsheneveronceseemedsurprisedbyanythinghesaid.Andshe spoketohimallthetimeasifhewereapersonwhounderstoodwhatshewassaying.Daviddecidedto askherallthethingshewantedtoknow.Hewouldnottellherwherehecamefrom,butitnolonger matteredifhearousedsuspicion...anditwouldbeagoodthingtoriskaskingquestions,justforonce, withoutwonderingifheweregivinghimselfaway. ButnomatterwhatDavidaskedabout,shejusttoldhimwhathewantedtoknowwithoutaskinghim anythinginreturn.FinallyDavidsaid,"IsthereakinginDenmark?" "Yes,thereis.ImustseeifIcanfindapictureofhim.HowdidyouknowIwasDanish?Ofcourse,you probablylivedowninthevillage." "No.Ididn'tknowyouwere.Ionlywantedtoknowwhethertherewasaking." "Well,IamDanish,anyway.Myname'sSophieBang." "I'mcalledDavid." Thewomanhadnotaskedhim,buthethoughtitwasonlyrightthatsheshouldknowwhohewaswhen shehadtoldhimwhoshewasherself. "David?"saidthewoman."Onerarelyhearsthatname,outsideBritain." "Doyouthinkit'saBritishname?"

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 "No,itcomesfromtheBiblemostnamesdooriginally.It'sfoundinmanyplaces,butI'veonlyknown onepersonofthatnamemyselfandhimIneverevensaw..." Davidlookedatherwithinterestandwaitedforhertotellhimmore,butshesaidhastily,"Butthere's noreasonwhyIshouldtellyouaboutthat:itwasaverysadstory,astoryofgreatwickedness." Sotheyspokeofotherthings.Sheshowedhimamagazinewithabigpictureonthefrontcover,a photographofthekingandqueenofDenmark.Davidexamineditclosely.Thekingwaswearinga uniformwithepaulettesonhisshouldersandmanyordersonhisbreast,andthequeenwasdressedina longsleevelessgown.Onherheadsheworeasortoflargepieceofjewellery. "Well,doyouthinkit'sagoodphotograph?"askedSignoraBang. "Idon'tknowwhatakingandqueenoughttolooklike,"Davidreplied."Buttheydon'tlooklikepeople whowouldbreaktheirpromisesorthinktheyhadarighttotakeotherpeople'slivesorfreedomaway fromthem.Sotheymustbeallright...Thankyouforshowingthemtome." Davidlayinabedagainthatnight.SignoraBanghadtoldhimhecouldstayovernightifhehadnothing elsetodoandthenspendthenextdaywithher.Davidhadtoldhistaleofthecircus.Hedidnotlike tellingit,butwhatelsewashetosay?Andhehadtosaysomethingwhensheaskedifhewereexpected anywhere. Ithadbeeninterestingtotalkwithher.Ifithadhappenedbeforehehaddecidedlifecouldneverbe worthliving,hismeetingwithherwouldhavegivenhimalotofpleasureandsatisfaction.Hewas beyondcaringnow.Butshehadbeautifulthingsaroundheranditwasbeautifulbythelake,sohemight aswellspendthedaythere.ShehadtogotoRomethenextday,shehadtoldhim. Davidfounditdifficulttogotosleep.Hewasnotquitesomiserableanylonger.Afterall,hehadalways knownitdidnotmatterwhetheryoudiedornot:itwasonlyafterhehadmadehisescapethathehad cometothinkhereallydidwanttolive.Buthecouldnotgetbacktohisoldhabits.Hewentonturning thingsoverinhismind,andcouldnolongerthinkofnothingashehadtrainedhimselftodointhe concentrationcamp. Whenhewokethenextmorninghecouldhearthesignoratalkingtosomeoneandhedecidedtostayin beduntilshewasaloneagain.theywerespeakinginFrench,andtheotherpersonwasamanwho wantedhertogooutsailingwithhim.Shetoldhimshecouldnotbecauseshehadavisitor,aboyshe waspainting.Themanaskedifitwereoneoftheyoungstersfromthevillageandthesignorasaidno,he belongedtoacircus.Butshedidnotadd,asDavidexpected,thathe"wasastrangeboy".Shesaid, "Someone'sbrokenhisspirit." Themansaidaboy'sspiritwasnotsoeasilybroken,andthesignorarepliedthatshedidnotthinkithad beendoneeasilybuttheyhadsucceededintheend. Themanthoughtsheoughttodosomethingaboutit.Ifthechildwerereallywretched,hesaid,andwas wanderingaboutbyhimself,itwastheirdutytoinquireintohiscircumstancesandhelphim.Butthe signoraonlysaid,"Whatcanonedotohelpabrokenheart?Andasforhiscircumstances,I'venorightto interfere.Hecouldbegivenmoneysothathecouldgobytraintojoinhiscircusandwouldn'thaveto walk,butneitheryounorIhaveanymoneytospare,Pierre,anditwon'tdotheboyanyharmtowalk. Anyway,Igatherhethumbsliftsmostoftheway...that'swhattheygenerallydothesedays." Whenthestrangerhadgone,Davidwentdownstairsandfoundthesignorahadbreakfastreadyforhim. Thenhesatforheragain,andwhiletheywererestingafterlunch,shesaidhecouldlookthroughher

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books. Hedidnotsettledowntoreadinganything,however.Therewasalargephotographalbumonthe bookcase.Therewerephotographsfrommanycountriesandsomeofthemhadnamesoftheplaces writtenunderneath.Therewerephotographsofpeopleaswell,andinsomeofthemhecouldrecognize thesignora.Someofthepictureslaylooselyinthealbum,andfromthebackofthebookonebigger thantherestfellout. Daviddidnotknowhowlonghehadbeensittingwithitinhishandwhenthesignoracamein. "Who'sthat?"heaskedashesawher,andshowedherthephotograph. "That'safriendofmine.She'scalledEdithHjorthFengel." "Willyoutellmeabouther?" "Whatfor?" "Becausehereyeslookasif...asifshe'dknownagreatdeal,andyetshe'sstillsmiling." "You'reasharpboy,David.Herstory'smostlyasadone.Shelivedabroadwithherhusbandinacountry where...wherethepoliticalsituationmadeitnecessarytobeverycareful.Andherhusbandwasn't... It'saverygrownupstory,David,whichIhopeyou'restillnotoldenoughtounderstand.Onenightthe policearrestedthemallthreeofthem,herhusband,herselfandtheirlittleboywhowasthenonlya yearoldhewastheonewhowascalledDavidjustlikeyou,andwhomIneversaw...Theykilledher husbandandthechild,andEdithonlygotawaybecauseoneoftheguardsknewherandwasinlove withher.Hegotpapersforherandsmuggledheracrossthefrontier,andnowshelivesathomein Denmarkandisas...well,aswellasyoucanbewhenyou'veoncebeenthroughgreatunhappiness.All sufferinghasanend,David,ifonlyyouwaitlongenough.Trytorememberthat.Sorrowhasitslifejust likepeople.Sorrowisbornandlivesanddies.Andwhenit'sdeadandgone,someone'sleftbehindto rememberit.Exactlylikepeople." 7 ThewindwasblowingicycoldandthesnowwasfallingsothicklythatDavidcouldnotseehishandin frontofhim.Heknewhehadverylittlestrengthleft,andyethestruggledonstepbystep.Hewas determinednottodie.HewouldgoonandonuntilhecametoDenmarkandfoundthewomanwhom heknewmustbehismother.Hewouldletnothingstandinhiswaynow.Neithersnownorcoldnor mountainscouldstophim.HewasDavid,aboyontherun,butonewhoknewwherehewasgoingto. ThedaybeforehehadhadaliftinacarfromLugano.ButwhentheyreachedaplacecalledFaido,the driverwouldnotgoanyfarther.Theweatherwasbad,hesaid,andthepasswouldbeclosed.Davidhad sleptinastableoutsidethetown,andthatmorninghehadtrudgedon,theroadclimbingupandupand theairgrowingcolderandcolderuntilatlastthesnowcame. TheDanishwomanhadtoldhimhecouldgobacktoherwhenshereturnedfromRome.Shehadsaidhe wastoaskiftherewereanywayinwhichshecouldhelphim,andshehadaddedthatifhedidnotcare forthecircusandhadnonearrelativestogotoshewouldhavehimtolivewithher.ButDavidhadonly halflistenedtowhatshewassaying. Fortunatelyhewaswellusedtohidinghisthoughtsandfeelings.Hehadansweredpolitelyand rememberedtothankher,andhadbehavedjustasifnothinghadhappened.Andhehadtoldherhe

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hadanuncleinthecircuswhowasverynicetohim.Hehadtoldherallthelieshecouldlaytongueto, andhenolongerfeltitwaswrongofhim.HehadtogettoDenmark,andhewouldhavetoliehimself outofanysituationthatstoodinhiswayormightleadthemonhistracks.Hadn'ttheFrenchmantalked aboutinvestigatinghiscircumstances?Nothingandnooneshouldstophimnow.Yetheknewhimself thattheDanishsignorawouldhaveunderstoodifhecouldhavetoldher. Hehadaskedherthenameofthecampguard,anditwastheman.Davidunderstoodeverythingnow... ornearlyeverything.Themanhadsavedthewoman'slifebecausehelikedher,inthewaygrownup peoplelikedthosetheywantedtomarry.Hehadnotsavedherhusbandbecausehehatedhimforbeing herhusband.HehadsavedDavid'slifebecausehewasherchild.Hehadnottoldherthechildwasstill alive,however,perhapsbecausehecouldonlygetpapersforone,thoughDaviddidnotthinkthatcould bethewholereason.Theyalwayswantedrevenge.Becausethewomandidnotcareforhim,theman hadgothisrevengebyturningDavidintoaboyfromaconcentrationcamp...Yes,that'showitwas.And yetthemanhadseentoitthathedidnotdie.Hehadgivenhimmilkandvitaminsandhadalways insistedthat"theboyknowsnothing". Davidbegantounderstandalotofthingsnow.theyhadletJohannesstarveandfreezeandmadehim work,evenwhenhefellill,butapartfromthattheyhadnotilltreatedhimastheyhadtheother prisoners.AndDavidhadbelievedthattheycouldnotlayhandsonJohanneswhenhelookedthem straightintheeye.Buthenowsawthatthatwasnottheonlything...Themanhadseentoitthat JohannesshouldbetheretolookafterDavid. Johannessaidthattheolderonegrew,themorecomplicatedandinvolvedone'sfeelingsbecame,and sometimestheywerequiteopposedtooneanother,as,forexample,whenyouwouldliketostay awakebutfeltatthesametimethatyouwantedtofallasleep.thatwashowthemanhadfelt.Hehad hatedDavidonaccountofhismotherwhowouldhavenothingtodowithhim,andatthesametimehe hadlookedafterhim,alsoonaccountofhismother. AndthatwashowDavidhimselffeltabouttheman.Noonehadbribedtheman.Therewasnooneto doitsincenobodyknewofDavid'sexistence.Andifyouknewanythingaboutthem,thenyouknew, too,thedangerthemanhadriskedinlettingaprisonerescape.Andyethehaddoneit. David'sstepsgrewslowerandslower.Hehadlostallfeelinginhisfeetnowandhewassoakedtothe skin.Thesnowcontinuedfalling.Hefeltanirresistibleurgetoliedown,ifonlyforamoment.Buthe darednotgivewayhemightdieofcoldoutinthesnow.Hecouldnolongerfollowtheroad. Everythingwascoveredinsnow,andhecouldseenothingatallthroughthethicklyfallingflakes.There hadnotbeenasignpostforalongtime. Atlasthismindgrewnumb,andasontheroadtoSalonica,hisfeetcarriedhimalongquite unconsciously. Suddenlytherewasnowhereinfrontofhimtosetthefoot.Davidthrewhimselfbackwards,felland rolledover.Aprecipice!Hehadnearlywalkedovertheedge!Beforehehadbecomesoexhaustedhe hadbeenwellawareofthedanger.Beforethesnowhadbegunfallinghehadseenhoweasyitwasto missone'sfootingandgohurtlingdownthemountainside. Notforonesecondcouldheaffordtorelaxhisattention.Henolongerdaredtowalk,sohecrawled onwardsonallfours,feelinghiswaycarefullywithhishandstomakesurehewasnotneartheedgeof theprecipice. Hedidnotknowhowmanyhourspassedinthisway.Heachedallover,andthesnowcontinuedtoswirl abouthiminahowlinggalethatseemedtocutrightintohishead.Hewasblindedanddeafened,and thepainofhisachingbodygrewsointensehefelthecouldnotlastanotherminute.Itwasworsethan

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anythinghecouldthinkof...worsethanthecamp,worseeventhanthem.AndhecouldnotcallonGod tohelphim,forthewordswereblownawayinsidehishead,sweptawayintothehowlinggaleandthe blindingwhitehellallaroundhim. Therewasnowayoutbuttodie.Davidstruckhisheadagainstsomethinghard.Hefell,andthenit snowednomore.Avoicecried,"Whatkindofayoungthief'sthisstaggeringaboutinthissortof weather?"WithdifficultyDavidopenedhiseyessufficientlytorealizehehadcomeacrossoneofthem. Thenheknewnomore. ThatwinterwasthelongestDavidhadeverexperienced. Thefarmerwasanevilheartedman.Davidhadescapedfromthewindandthesnowonlytobea prisonerinthisman'shouse.Itwasthestabledoorhehadstruckhisheadagainst,andthatstable becamehisshelterforthewinterandnoverygoodsheltereither.Alldaylonghehadtoworkand slaveashardashecould,andabitharderifpossible.Thefarmerwasjustlikeoneofthem.Heused threatstoforceDavidtowork,andsaidhewouldhandhimovertothepoliceifhedidnotobey. Davidhadnowlearnedhowthemembersofafamilyspoketooneanother,pleasantlyandsmilingly. Therewasnothinglikethathere.Thefarmerwascoldandbrutaleventohiswifeandtwochildren,but Davidcouldnotfeelanyparticularsympathyforthem,forthewifewasaclumsy,silentwomanwitha sharpedgetohertongue,andasforthechildrenDavidhadneverthoughtitpossibleforanyonewho wasstillachildtobesoevil. Theboywastheyounger,andhelookedjustlikehisfather.Hehadstiff,strawcolouredhairandvery paleblueeyes,andwhenheplayedheeitherdestroyedsomethingorgotintomischief.Hewascruelto theanimals,thoughheknewhewouldgetahidingifhewerefoundoutnotthatthefarmerhad anythingagainstviolenceassuch,buttheanimalswereworthmoneyandsotheymustnotbeill treated.Yettheboycouldnotkeephishandsoffthem:hisgreatestpleasurewascausingpaintoaliving creature. Johanneshadoncesaidthatviolenceandcrueltywerejustastupidperson'swayofmakinghimselffelt, becauseitwaseasiertouseyourhandstostrikeablowthantouseyourbraintofindalogicalandjust solutiontoaproblem. NeverthelessitmadeDavidfeelsicktoseetheboy'scruelty.Andthegirlwasnotmuchbetter.True,she wasnotcrueltothebeasts,butshewasnotkindeither.WhenDavidconsideredthatshewasaboutthe sameageasMaria,hewasshockedatthedifferencebetweenthem.Mariawithherreadysmile,fullof affectionthatshelavishedoneveryone,grownups,children,animalsevenonarunawayboy...and thenthisgirlwhodidnothingtopleaseanyonenotevenherownmother! TheyalltreatedDavidlikeadog.Theythrewhisfoodtohimandcalledhimnames.Buttheydidnotlay handsonhim.Theylefthimlyinginthestableuntilhehadrecovered,andthentheyputhimtowork. Butwhenduringoneofthefirstdayshespenttherethefarmerhadbeenabouttostrikehim,hiswife hadtoldhimtolettheboybe.Shehadsaid,"You'realwayssostupid,Hans!HecanworkI'llnot meddlewiththatandthestable'sgoodenoughforhim.Ayoungthieflikehimknowswhichsidehis bread'sbutteredandhe'llnotmakeafussaboutthat.Butifyoulayhandsonhim,he'llmurderusallin ourbeds.Youcantellbythelookofhim!Andtheyoungsters'ddowelltokeepoutofhiswayifthey don'twanttogetbeatenup,thatyoumaybesureof!You'vegotfreelabourforthewinter,andthat'll havetodo.Thenwecanhandhimovertothepoliceinthespring." Davidthoughttheywereallstupidevil,butstupidaswell.Iftheyhadtouchedhim,hewouldhave beenforcedtogooutintothesnowagainandfreezetodeath,buthewouldneverhaveusedphysical

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violenceagainstthem.Hehatedthem,andhewouldratherhavelethimselfbekilledthanbelikethem. Inawayitwasamusing.Yes,"amusing"wastherightword.Apartfromhittinghim,theyintendedtosee toitthatlifewasmadeaswretchedforhimastheycouldmakeit,andyetitwasstilltohisadvantage! Heknewnowthathecouldneverhavelastedthroughthewintertrampingtheroads.Hewouldhave diedofhungerandcold.Atleasthehadshelterhere,andfoodeveryday. Thestablewascold,andsometimesthesnowwasblownintodriftsuntilitlayashighastheroof outside.Butasithardened,thestablegrewwarmerinside,andtheanimalsaddedalittletothe warmth. Hewasnotgivenmuchfood,onlydrybreadorcoldscraps,yethehadmoretoeatthaninthecamp, andittastednoworsesometimes,infact,alittlebetter. Theythoughttheyweremakinghimsufferbyleavinghimtosleepaloneinthedarkstable,butnight washispleasantesttime! Davidwasnotafraidofthedark.Therewereonlycommoneverydayobjectsabouthim,andtheanimals asleep.Itseemedquitenatural:thedarknessalterednothing.Whathewasafraidofwaspeople. Atnighttimethestablewashis.Inthecamphehadneverbeenalone,andDavidlikedtobeleftby himselftothinkinpeace. Thenthedogcame. Davidhadalwaysthoughtofdogsasenemiestheirtools.Itwasoneoftheirpastimestomakethe dogsbitetheprisoners.SincehisescapeintoItalyhehadofcoursenoticedthatgoodpeoplekeptdogs too,buthehadalwaysgiventhemawideberth,justincase. Butshutupinthestable,hecouldnotavoidthedog.Itcameonenightwhenitwassnowinghardanda galewashowlingoutside.Davidlayquitestillandmuchagainsthiswillletitsniffallroundhim.the farmerandhisfamilyspokeapeculiarkindofGerman:perhapsthatwasthereasonDavidspoketoitin Italian. "I'mafraidofyou,"hesaidsoftlyinassteadyavoiceashecouldmuster."You'resuretonoticeIcome fromthecamp,andthenyou'llbiteme.Andthere'snothingIcandoaboutit."Davidcouldseethedog asitwentonsniffingroundhimlikeabigblackshadowagainstthedarkness.Thenitlaydownbyhis side,pushingandturninguntiltheywerelyingbacktoback.Ityawnedveryloudly,thenitgaveasigh andfellasleep. Itdidnotbitehim,andDavidwasnotnearlysocoldinthenight,forthedogwasbigandkepthim warm.ItwascalledKing. Itoftengrowledatthefarmer'schildren,andDavidknewitwasnotveryfondofthefarmer,either, thoughherarelystruckit,nodoubtbecauseitwasagoodsheepdog,andinthesummerwhenthe animalswereouttograzehecouldnotdowithoutit. ButwheneverthedogsawDavid,itwouldwagitstail,anditwenttosleepwithhimeverynight. Davidgraduallybegantogrowfondofit.Oneeveningashelayawakewonderingifthewinterwould evercometoanend,heheldhishandouttothedogwhenitcametoliedownbesidehim.Hedidit withoutthinking.Perhapshehadmisseditandwantedittocomeandshareitswarmthwithhim.He

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foundhimselftouchingitshead,feelingtheroundnessofitsskullunderhishandandlikingthefirm warmfeelofit.Thedogdidnotmove,andDavidlethishandglideslowlyoverthedog'sthickcoat,just once. Thenhetookhishandawayandlaystillagain. Thedoglifteditsheadandturnedtowardshim,andDavidfeltitswarmwettonguecarefullylickinghis hand. AndsoDavidandthedogbecamefriends. ButDavidwasbeginningtogrowimpatient.Itseemedasifthatwinterwouldgoonforever,andhe wantedtobeupandonhisway,onandonuntilhecametoDenmarkwherehewouldtrytofindthe womanwhohadchangedeverything.Thenhewouldnolongerbejustaboywanderingaimlesslyand alwaysappearingstrangetootherpeople,butonewhoknewwherehewasgoingto. Hetriedtoavoidtakingitforgrantedthatshewouldbegladhewasstillalive,forheobviouslycouldnot besureshewould.Havingalwaysassumedthathewasdead,shemightfinditdifficulttogetusedto theideathathewasDavid. Buthefounditdifficultnottolethisthoughtsrunawaywithhim!Nowandthenhewouldfindhimself inawonderful,happydaydreamwhereshewouldseeatoncethathewasDavidandwouldwantto lovehimjustasthechildren'sfatherandmotherlovedthem.thenhewouldhaveaplacewherehe belongedandcouldaskaboutallthethingshedidnotknow.Shewouldsay"myson"whenshespokeof him,andheneedneverbeafraidagain. Andashisthoughtsranon,hewouldtellhimselfthatshewassurroundedwithfinethings,understood musicandlovedandappreciatedbeauty.Hethoughtofallthethingshecouldtellher.Hewouldnot wanttosayanythingaboutthemostdreadfulthingshehadseen,buthewouldtalkaboutJohannesand allthathehadseenandlearntsincehisescape.AndaboutMaria.ItwouldbelikestayingwithSignora Bang,onlymuch,muchbetter,fornowhewouldbelong. TherewasakinginDenmark,tooitwasafreecountry.Ifitallturnedoutlikethat,therewasnothing hecouldthinkofgoodenoughtodoinreturnfortheGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters. Itcouldnotbequitelikethat,notquitesowonderful,butitwouldbegood.Davidlongedforthewinter topasssothathecouldbeonhiswayagain. Thenonemorningthesuncreptintothestablethroughatinylittlewindowhighupundertheroof,a windowthathadbeencoveredthickwithfrostallthetimehehadbeenwiththefarmer. David'sheartbegantobeatfaster.Ashelaythereperfectlystillhehadtheimpressionthatifhemoved, thatweaklittlerayofsunshinemightdisappear.Hehadnotseenthesunforsuchalongtimethathe hadalmostforgottenitsexistence. Ifhegotupandstretchedashighashecould,hemightjustbeabletotouchthepalelittlebeamoflight withhishand.Suddenlyitwasthemostimportantthingintheworldtoreachuptothesunlight,but howeverhardhestretchedthesunwouldnotreachfartherthanthetipsofhisfingers. Thateveningashelayawake,heheardthefarmerpushthegreatbarintoplaceacrossthestabledoor! ThenDavidknewthatspringwasontheway.Itwouldcomefirsttothevalleybelow.Thefarmertook goodcarenowthatDavidshouldhavenoopportunityoflookingdownthere,sothatheshouldnotsee

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thesignsofspring.Lateritwouldcometothemountainpastures.Davidworkedhardeveryday,andso thefarmerwouldkeephimimprisonedinthestableaslongashecould.Andwhenhecouldnolonger hidethefactthatspringhadcomeandtherewasnomoresnowtohelphimtoguardDavid,hewould callinthepolice.Thatwouldbetheend.Theywouldcomeandtakehimbacktothecamp. Davidstaredintothedarkness.Hewouldnevergetaway,never.Thebarwasasthickasatreetrunk, anditwouldtakehimmany,manynightstohackthroughitwithhisknife.Andthefarmerwouldsee wherehehadworkedatittheveryfirstmorning. "Godofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters,whyhaveyoudoneit?"askedDavid."WhathaveIdone wrong?IrescuedMariafromthefireandsavedherlifesothatIcouldthankyou...Andallthroughthis longwinterIhaven'tcomplained,andIhaven'taskedyoutomakeitbetter,thoughI'vegottwolotsof helpleftoverfromthattimewithMaria...Youmustknowthefarmerandhisfamilyareevilpeopleand Ihatethem.AndIthoughtperhapsitwasyouwhogotSignoraBangtopaintmesothatIcouldfindthe pictureofthewomanwhowasmymother.Ichoseyou,andIcan'talterthatnow,butIwantyouto knowthatIthinkyou'recruel,justlikethefarmerhere,andCarlo,andallthatbelongtothem.AndI supposeyou'llneverhelpmeagain,evenifIdohavesomehelptocome,becauseyou'retiredofme. I'msorryIdidn'tchooseabetterGod.I'mDavid.Amen." Davidfeltalittlebetternow.Itwasgoodtogetitoffhischest.Thenhebegantofeelfrightened. SupposeGodgrewterriblyangrywhenhewascriticized!Supposehekepthostagesjustastheydid... thensomeharmmightbefallMaria.Hecouldn'tdoverymuchtoDavidbutlethimdie.Oh,yes,worse thanthat:hecouldlethimbetakenbacktothecampandmakehimlivethere.Butitwouldbeworse stillifhedidanythingtoMaria. Butitwastruethathewascruel.Davidhadwaitedpatientlyallthewinterandputupwiththings withoutcomplainingandwhimpering.AndthenGodletthefarmerbarthedoor,anditwasonlyat nighttimethatDavidcouldgetaway. Davidwastedtwopreciousnightsbeforeherealizedwherethetroublelay. Andhemighthaveknownrightaway,forJohanneshadoncetoldhim.Theyhadheardoneofthe guardsputtheblameforsomeneglectofdutyontoanotherwhohadretortedthatitwasthefaultofa thirdman,andJohanneshadsaidtoDavid,"Letmeneverhearyousayit'ssomeoneelse'sfault.Itoften is,butyoumustnevershirkyourownresponsibility.There'salwayssomewayinwhichyou'reatfault, too,andyoumustdiscoverthatfaultandlearntorecognizeitandtaketheconsequences...notonly becauseit'stheonlyhonourablethingtodo,butalsobecauseit'stheeasierway.Youcan'tchange others,butyoucandosomethingaboutafaultinyourself." HehadtoldGodplainlywhatthefaultwas!HehadsaidGodwascruellikeCarloandthefarmerandall badpeople,whenperhapsGodjustwantedtoteachhimwherehisownfaultlay!Hehadbeencruel himself.Hewasnottheonlyonewhohadwaitedpatientlywithoutcomplaining.Carlohad,too...and Davidhadtakennonotice.Carlohadsaidhewassorry,severaltimes,andDavidhadrefusedtoforgive him.ButsupposeCarlowasnotreallyevil,supposehewereonlyratherstupid...Hehadnevertriedto gethisownbackwhenDavidwouldnottalktohim.Onthecontrary,thechildren'smotherhadtold theirfatherthatCarlohaddonehisutmosttobegoodfriendswithDavidandhadbeenveryupsetwhen Davidwouldnotrespond. Davidsatupinthedark.Hemustgetawayfromhere.Theremustbesomeway,andhewouldhaveto findit.Herememberedtheaddressofthehouse;hecouldwritealetterandbuyastamp.Ifhelet himselfremainaprisoner,CarlowouldnevergettoknowthatDavidhaddiscoveredhewasnotperhaps reallyevilatall,butonlystupid.

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Thedoorwasimpossibleandthewindowwastoosmall... Butifspringwerenotintoogreatahurrytocomeupthemountainside,thenhemightbeabletotake advantageofthesnow!Hecouldcutaholeinthestablewall,intheendfarthestfromthehousesothat noonewouldhearhimatwork,andthendigatunnelthroughthesnowwhichlaypileduptotheroof, andsogetoutthatway,somedistancefromthehouse! DuringthedaysthatfollowedDavidwassosleepyinthedaytimethathemadeamessofeverything.He hadtostayawakeallnightinordertogetonwithhisplan.Fortunatelythestablewasawooden building.Hisknifegrewblunterandblunter,butatlasthemanagedtohackoutabigsquareholelarge enoughtogetthrough. Hereplacedthelooseboardseverymorningandputabucketinfrontofthemsothatthefarmershould notdiscoverthehole.Thenhebegandiggingoutthesnow.Thebucketcameinusefulandheemptied thesnowhedugoutintothebeasts'feedingtrough.Itwasagoodthingthefarmerwassostupidorhe wouldcertainlyhavewonderedwhytheanimalswerenolongerthirsty!However,itwasabiggerjob thanDavidhadimagined,andhehadtogetalittlesleepeverynight.Hewasverymuchafraidthespring wouldcometooearlyandthesnowbegintothaw,perhapsevencollapseontopofhiminthetunnel. HewasalsoafraidthatintheendthefarmerwouldbegintoaskhimselfwhyDavidwassosleepyinthe daytimeinsteadofjustgrumblingathim. HestillkepthishandsoffDavid.Onedayhewouldhavestruckhimifthedoghadnotplacedhimselfin frontofDavidandstoodtheregrowling.Davidwaspuzzled,butwhenherealizedthedogwasreadyto protecthimagainstthefarmer,hewentintothestableandcried.Hewasovercomebythethoughtthat acreaturewantedtoprotecthimalthoughhehaddonenothingtodeserveit. ButthatveryeveningDavidoverheardthefarmertellhiswifethattheyoungsterwouldhavetobe handedovertothepolicerightawaybecausehehadgotaholdofthedog. Whatsillynonsense,Davidthoughtangrily.Hehadnever,neverhadaholdoveranybody,orwantedto have.Andifheevergotsuchahold,withoutbeingabletohelpit,hewouldnotmakeuseofit.Ahold overothers,bruteforce,violence,thatwasalltheyeverthoughtof. Hewouldhavetogetawaythatnight. Thetunnelwastwicehisownlength.Hedidnotknowifitwerelongenough,butitwouldhavetodo hehadnomoretime.Whenitwasdarkandthefarmerandhisfamilywereatsupper,Davidslippedout andthrustalongbroomstickthroughthesnowbehindthestablejustwherehereckonedthetunnel ended.Halfthebroomstickstuckupoutofthesnow! Thatmeanthewouldbeabletogetthroughthatnight.Butitalsomeantthatifthefarmerspottedthe stickhewouldundoubtedlyguesswhatDavidwasupto... Davidwaitedwithbeatingheartforthefarmer'sfootstepswhenhecametobarthedoor.Wouldhe takeawalkroundnowthatitwasnolongersnowing? Butthefarmerwentstraightinagainitwasstillverycoldout. Davidfoughtdownhisfeelingofnauseahealwaysfeltsickwhenhewasmostfrightened.Butthat nighthehadnotimetostop.Hewouldn'tbesick.Buthewasinspiteofthat... Thedogwasuneasythatevening.Firstitlaywatchinghimasheworkedatthetunnel,itseyesshiningin thedark,andthenittriedtohelphimwiththedigging,trottingbackwardsandforwardsandscrabbling

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inthesnowjustwhereDavidwasgoingtoputthebucket.Afterawhileitgottheideaofplacingbothits forepawsonthebucketandpushingsothatitbitintothesnowmoreeasily.Thedogwhinedalittlenow andthenandfollowedDavidwithitseyeswhilehewaslookingforhisbundleandpackinghisthings together.Fortunatelytherehadbeennothinginitthefarmercouldfindausefor!Hehadgonethrough itthoroughlyandthrownitbacktoDavid. Davidtidiedhimselfupaswellashecouldinthedarkness,andcarefullydisentangledMaria'scross whichhehadtiedfirmlyinsidethebeltofhistrouserssothatheshouldnotloseit.Ashefastenedthe chainroundhisneckhesaidsoftlytothedog,"Imustgonow.Thankyouforkeepingmesowarmat night,King,butmostofallforwantingtoprotectmeagainstthem.I'veneverknownwhatitwaslike beforetohavesomeonewhowantedtoprotectme.Goodbye." Hetookafirmholdofthedog'sthickwarmneckandlaidhisheadagainstit,andKinglickedhim enthusiasticallyroundthechin. ThenDavidcrawledintothetunneluntilhecametotheholehemadebywrigglingthebroomstick round.Thedogfollowedhim,butDavidsaid,"No,King.Youmuststayherewhereyougetfoodevery day.Goodbye." Andsohewasoutintheopen.Itwasstillvery,verycold,butbylisteningtotheconversationofthe farmerandhiswifehehadfoundouthowtogetdowntotheroadthatwoundonthroughthe mountains,andperhapsitwouldnotbequitesocoldfartherdownnowspringwasonitsway.Itwas alreadyApril. Davidhurriedalongasfastashedared.thenightwasstill,andclearenoughforhimtoseewherehe wasgoing.Anhourpassedinhalfscrambling,halfwalkingdowntowheretheroadshouldbeand thenhesawit. Menhadbeguntoclearittomakeawaythroughthesnow,butitwouldbesometimeyetbeforeacar wouldbeabletodrivealongit.Davidcouldseewheretheroadlay,however,andhewasabletowalk withouttoomuchdifficulty.Andthegoingwouldsoonbeeasier,forheknewhewashighupinthe neighbourhoodofapasscalledtheStGotthard,andfartherdownspringwouldbemoreadvanced. Helookedbackoverhisshoulderatthewhitemountain.Thewinterhadcometoanendatlast,then andhehadhisfreedomoncemore.Hewasgladhehaddiscoveredthemeaningofthebarreddoor. Everythinghadgonesmoothlysincethen.Yes,hehadmadeagoodchoiceafterallwhenhehadchosen theGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters!Hewasverypowerful,andthefactthatHeexpectedyou tothinkforyourselfanddosomethinginreturnforHishelpdidnotmatter,aslongasyoucouldwork thingsout. Daviddidnotknowhowlonghehadbeenawareofthedarkdotuponthemountainside.Itwasmoving towardshim. Hewasnotyetfree!Heturnedandran.themoonwasshiningnow.Ifhecouldreachtheturnofthe roadwhereitsweptroundaspurofrock,hemightbeabletodighimselfintothesnowbeforethe farmerarrivedonthescene. Davidneverknewhowhemanagedtodoit.Everythingwentblackinfrontofhiseyesashelayinthe snow. Thenawarmwetfeelingonhisfacewokehimup. Itwasnotthefarmerafterall!Itwasthedogwhowantedtogowithhim!

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 Ittrottedalongbyhisside,sometimesrunningonaheadbutalwaysreturningtokeephimcompany, andeverytimehespoketoit,itwouldwagitstail. Davidbreatheddeeply,hardlynoticingthecoldbiteintheair.HewasDavid.Hewasfreeandstrong.He wasonthemoveagain,butthistimeheknewwherehewasmakingfor.Theremightbemany difficultiesaheadbeforehereachedhisgoal,butdifficultiescouldbeovercome.Hestillhadonemore promiseofhelpleftoverfromGod,andhehadthedogwhowasgoingwithhimofitsownfreewill.The longwinterhadpassed,andhewasgoingdowntomeetthespring. 8 Thespringwasbeautiful.Itwasstillcoldthefirstnighthehadtospendout,buthefoundastableand heandthedogsleptclosetogether.Thenextdayspringhadreallyarrived. Hehadsomedifficultywithhismoney.HestillhadmoneywithhimfromItaly,forhehadearnedquitea lotinMilanandhehadnotspentitallbeforewinterovertookhimandhefoundhimselfaprisonerat thefarm.Butwhenhewentintoashop,hewastoldthathismoneywasnogoodinSwitzerlandandhe wouldhavetochangeitinabank.Hehadbeenafraidtogo,incasethefarmerhadputthepoliceonto him.Buthehadgonenevertheless,forhehadtohavebreadandKingwasnotusedtobeingsohungry. ButhehadalsomanagedtoearnsomemoneywhichhecoulduseinSwitzerland.Hehadbeenlucky,for hedidnotfinditeasytogetworkamongtheSwisstheyalllookedsodour,asiftheyneverlaughed. Theircountrywasverybeautiful.Thesunshoneuponthewhitesnowcapsofthegreatmountainpeaks andturnedthemtoaglowingpink.Inthevalleysthegrasswasastartlinggreen,andthehouseswere surroundedbytreescoveredinwhiteandpinkblossom.ThefirsttimeDavidsawit,hefoundhimself smiling. ThefinedelicateblossombroughtMariatomind.Atreeinfullbloomwasamongthemostbeautifulof things,andDavid'ssmilecameunbidden.Yes,itwasgoodtobealive. Whenhehadprovidedhimselfwithmoneyhecoulduse,heboughtastampandanenvelope.Theletter wasnotveryneat,forhehadwrittenitsittingonthegrasswiththepadonhisknee.Buthecouldnot feeleasyinhisminduntilitwasdonehedidnotwantGodtothinkhehadforgottenthelessonofthe barreddoor! SoDavidwrote: "ToCarlo. "Carlo,IwantyoutoknowI'mnolongersosureyou'rebad.Perhapsyou'reonlystupid.AndsoI'llstop hatingyou,becauseIonlyhatethosethatareevil.ButifyoueveruseforceagainandIgettoknow aboutit,thenIshallhateyouagain.Willyouthankyourparentsforwritingtheletterinthepaper.Isaw it.AndwillyousayI'vewrittentoyou.TellyourparentsandAndreaandthetwolittleonesandMaria. TellMariafirst,andtellherI'veseenatreefullofbloomthat'smademethinkofher. "David" Hewrote"Carlo"ontheenvelope,andthenthechildren'sfather'sfullnameandthenameofthetown nearwherethehouselayandlastofall"Italy".Ittookhimsometimetofindoutwhataletterbox lookedlikeinSwitzerland,buthefinallysucceeded.

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 Everythingwentsplendidly.ForawholedayDavidwalkedalongthesideofalakethatlaygreenerthan thegreenesttreeamongthehighmountains.Davidenjoyedthewalksomuchhedidnotbotherwitha lift.Butperhapstherewasanotherreason,too,forhedidnotfeelquiteateasewiththeSwissthey didnotlookasfriendlyastheItalians.Andallthetouristtrafficwasgoingintheoppositedirection. Railwaystations,hehadfound,hadafurtheradvantage:therewasoftenamaptherewhichhecould lookat.Heknewhehadtokeeptothenorth,butapartfromthathehadonlyaroughideaoftheroute hemustfollow. HemanagedtoearnsomemoneyonthestationatLucerne.Hehadtospendmorenowthathehadto feedthedog.Hehopedtherewouldsoonbetouriststravellingnorthwards.Hehadcometoacitycalled Basle.Itwassomewhatoutofhisway,buthehadnoticedinLucernethatBaslelaypartlyinFrance:the FranceJohanneshadcomefromaplacecalledAlsace.Andalthoughhewantedtogetonasfastas possible,hethoughthemuststoptolookatit. ButhefoundhewouldhavetocrossagreatrivertogettoFrance,andthefrontierranalongitthrough thetown.TherewasaroadbarrierandsoldiersandpassportstobeinspectedandsoDaviddidnotgo intoAlsace. InsteadheacceptedaliftfromaSwiss,afterall.HehadleftBaslealongtheroadthatwassignpostedto Germany.Thegreatloftysnowcappedpeakshadbeenleftbehindnow,andthemountainshadbecome roundandgreenandmuchlesshigh.Butthecountrysidewasstillbeautiful,andDavidlikedthelookof thehouses.TheywerequitedifferentfromthoseinItaly:theywerenotasprettybuttheywerevery, veryclean,andtheylookedverygaywiththeirwindowboxesfullofflowers. Thenhefoundhimselfatanotherfrontierpost.therewerepoliceabout,buttherewereonlyacouple ofthemandtheywerebusilyoccupiedexaminingaman'spapersatallmanfromSwitzerlanddrivinga bigcar.SoDavidturnedoffthenarrowroad,andwhenhewasoutofsight,heranupthehillsideand backtotheroadontheothersideofthebarrier,intoGermany. Buthehadnotbeenwalkingaboveaminuteortwowhenacarpulledupinfrontofhimtheonehe hadjustseenatthefrontierpost!Davidwasfrightened.Hehadnotlookedatthemanclosely.Perhaps hewasoneofthem...Whyelseshouldhehavestopped? Kingseemedtosensehisfear:thedogplaceditselfinfrontofhimandgrowledattheman. "Well,mylittlevagabond,youslippedacrossthatfrontierprettynimbly,eh?" Kingstoppedgrowling,andDavidlookedupquicklyintotheman'sface.Youcouldhardlysayhelooked asifhewereinthehabitoflaughing:onthecontrary,helookedworriedanddepressed,butkindand friendly,too.Perhapsitwasbecausehisfacewaslinedinapeculiarwaythathelookedsosad. "Yes,"saidDavid.Whatelsecouldhesay? "Hm.Whereareyougoingto,then?" "Brunswick." "Well,I'mnotgoingasfarasthat,butIcangiveyoualifttoFrankfurtifyourdogcanbehavehimself." Davidthankedhim,andsaidhethoughtKingwouldsitstillbuthedidnotknowforsure,andtheSwiss smiledandsaidhewashonest,atanyrate.

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 Davidfeltuncomfortable.Thatwastheworstpartofit:hewantedtobehonest,buthewasalways driventotellinglies.Peoplequestionedhim,andthenhehadtofallbackuponthestoryhehad invented.Theonlypointhewasquitefrankaboutwashisname,forhewasDavid,andthatwas somethinghewouldalwaysstandby.TheSwisswascalledGraf,andDavidhatedtellinghimallabout thecircusandbeingtakenillinNaples.Itwentagainstthegraintolietosomeonewhoseemedsokind andgentle. Davidthoughtthefoodthemangavehimquitedelicious.Kinggotsomethingtoeat,too,andwhenthey reachedFrankfurt(itwouldhavetakenDavidagoodmanydaystodothejourneyonfoot)themangave DavidsomemoneyfiveofthecoinstheyusedinGermany:markstheywerecalled. "I'mnotsureyouaren'talittlerascal,"themansaid."Butyou'veaclearlookinyoureyeandyourdog lovesyou,soyoumustbeagoodboywhateveryouare.Youhaven'trunawayfromyourparents,have you?Thetruth,David!" Davidlookedhimstraightintheface."No,Ihaven'trunawayfrommyparents.that'sthetruth.And thankyouforgivingmeandmydogfoodandfordrivingussuchalongway." TheSwissstoodwatchinghimuntilhereachedthecornerofthestreet.Thenheraisedhishandand wavedtohim.HesitantlyDavidraisedhisownandwavedbacksomewhatawkwardly,forhehad neverwavedtoanyonebefore. DuringthedaysthatfollowedDavidgotseverallifts,andKinglearnedtolieperfectlystillacrossDavid's feetsothatnoonecouldaccusehimofbeingrestless.Peoplewerealwaysnervousofhimatfirst,forhe oftenlookedasifhewouldbite,andhewasverybig.Butwhentheysawhowmeeklyhedideverything Davidtoldhimto,theywouldlaughandcallhimasheepinwolf'sclothing,forDavidalwaysspokevery quietlyandpolitelytohiminawaytheyobviouslydidnotthinkitpossibletotalktoadog.ButDaviddid notcare.Kinghadchosentogowithhim,andhewasnotgoingtoshowingratitudebyorderinghim about.Davidhatedordershimself,andloudcommandingvoices,andaslongashewaswithhim,King shouldremainafreedog. Hewasacleverdog,too.Davidhadheardpeoplesayadogwas"ascleverasahumanbeing",butthat, hethought,wasnonsense.Adogwasadog,andamanwasaman,andyoucouldnotbeascleveras somethingquitedifferent.Butadogcouldcertainlybecleverinadoggysortofway,andKingwas clever.Andgood. Everythinghadbeenfinesincehegavethefarmertheslipandthedogjoinedhim.Therehadbeen times,ofcourse,whenhewashungryandfeltcold;butnothinghadhappenedtofrightenhim,andhe hadnotseenanyonewholookedlikethem,andheknewwherehewasgoing. Itwascomfortingtohavethedogwithhim.Hecouldnotcarryonaconversationwithit,naturally,butit wasgoodtoknowitwasthere,keepinghimwarmatnightandalwaysreadytoprotecthim.Davidknew hecouldnotrelytoomuchonthedog'sprotectionforthoughitcouldbite,itcouldnotgetthebetterof amannotoneofthem,atanyrate:theyalwayswentarmed.Butitwasacomfortjusttoknowit wantedto. Davidwastolearnhismistake. Perhapsithappenedbecausehewasintoomuchofahurry.Hewasabletoplanhisroutefromthe mapshefoundonrailwaystations,andhehadbecomequitegoodatworkingouthowlongaparticular stretchofthejourneywouldtakeifhegotaliftorifhehadtowalk.Heknewthatitwouldnottakehim manydaysnowtoreachDenmark.Perhapsithappened,too,becauseforhoursatatimehecould

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almostforgethisfearsnow.Hehadhadfeartoowelldrilledintohimevertobecompletelyfreeofit, butitwasnotsobadnow.ForthemanreallyhadintendedhimtogettoDenmark.Therehadbeenno trap.Andthechildren'sparentshadnotgivenhimawayeither.Therewasonlythefarmer,andDavid thoughthewastoostupidtoimagineDavidmighthaverunawayfromthem. Theymuststillbelookingforhim,ofcourse:theman'sinfluencewaslimitedandhewouldnothave beenabletopreventit.Butnooneknewwheretolookforhim.AndnowDenmarkwasalmostwithin reachDenmarkandthewomanwhowashismother. Hemusthavebeenwalkingforhalfanhourbeforehewassuddenlyawareofhisfearandknewhe shouldhavesenseddangerearlier.Itwasduskandhehadbeentoopreoccupiedwithfindingagood placetosleep. Somethingwaswrong.Thatbuildingfartherdownthehillside...andthemanstandingoutsideit. HecalledtoKingsoftly,inawhisper. Hehadreturnedtothem! Helayasstillasdeathbehindabush.ItwasfortunateKingalwaysdidashewastoldandwasnowlying perfectlystillbyhisside.Howhadithappened?Therewasnodoubtaboutit:hewasbackamongthem. Davidknewthesignsonlytoowell.Hewasonlytoofamiliarwiththewaytheylooked.Itmusthave happenedwhenthedogranoffoverthefields.Davidwouldsometimesplaywiththedog.Itwouldrun offwithastoneorastickinitsmouth,intendingDavidtochaseit.Davidthoughtitwasratherpointless, really,andnotveryamusing,butthedoglikeditandsoDavidwouldjoinintopleaseit. Butheoughttohaveknownsomethingwaswrongassoonastheyhadgotbacktotheroad;thethree peopletheyhadmetonthewayshouldhavearousedhissuspicions.Peoplealwayslookedlikethat wheretheywerelikeprisonersinaconcentrationcamp,weary,greyfaced,apprehensive;dejected andsorrowful,asthoughtheyhadforgottenlifecouldbegood,asiftheynolongerthoughtabout anything. Thedoglookedathimquestioninglyandbeganquietlywhimpering.Davidplacedhishandoverits muzzleanditstopped,butitcontinuedtolookathim.Thebushwastoothin,itsnewgreenleavestoo small.Davidquiteforgothowbeautifulhehadthoughtspringwas,onlythatmorning,withitssmallnew brightgreenleaves.Hisonethoughtnowwasthatyoucouldlookthroughthebushandseehimlyingon thegroundandhewasDavid,aboywhohadfledfromthem. Intheirbarrackstheywouldhavealistofeverybodywhowasundersuspicionandshouldbearrested onsight.Theirguardsalwayshadalistlikethat.Onthatlistwouldbefound:"David.Athinboywith brownhair,escapedfromconcentrationcamp."Andundertheheading"RecognitionMarks"wouldbe: "Itisobviousfromtheappearanceofhiseyesthatheisnotanordinaryboybutonlyaprisoner." Ifthemenhadnotbeentalkingsoloudly,theywouldhaveheardhimalready.Theyweremuchtoo closetohim,andhewouldneverbeabletogetaway.Evenifhewaiteduntilitwasquitedark,they wouldhearhimassoonashemoved. Hisflightwouldendwhereitbeganatthepointofarifle. Forhewouldnotstopwhentheyshoutedtohim.Ifhestoppedtheywouldnotshoot,buttheywould interrogatehiminsteadandsendhimbacktothecamp.Andthere,strongandhealthyashewas,he wouldbeaterriblylongtimedying.

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No,whentheycalledtohim,hewouldrun,andthentheshotwouldbefiredwhichhadbeenwaitingfor himeversincethatnightwhenhehadwalkedcalmlytowardsthetreeonthewaytothemineoutside thecamp.Butthistimehewouldnotbeabletowalkcalmlyawayfromthem.Henowknewhow wonderfullifecouldbe,andhisdesiretolivewouldspurhimon.Hewouldrunheknewit.Andit wouldbeavictoryforthem. Davidrememberedallthepainandbitternesshehadeverknownandhowmuchhecouldremember insuchashorttime!Herecalled,too,allthegoodthingshehadlearnedaboutsincehehadgainedhis freedombeautyandlaughter,musicandkindpeople,Maria,andatreesmotheredinpinkblossom,a dogtowalkbyhisside,andaplacetoaimfor... Thiswouldbetheend.Hepressedhisfaceintothedog'slongcoatsothatnooneshouldhearhim,and wept.Heweptquitequietly,butthedoggrewuneasyandwantedtowhimperagain. Davidstoppedcrying."God,"hewhispered,"Godofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters,I'veone promiseofhelpleft,butit'stoolatenow.Youcan'tdoanythingaboutthis.Idon'tmeantoberude, becauseIknowyou'reverystrongandyoucouldmakethosemendowntherewanttowalkawayfora bit.Buttheywon't.Theydon'tknowyou,yousee,andthey'renotafraidofyou.Buttheyareafraidof thecommandantbecausehe'llhavethemshotiftheyleavetheirposts.Soyoucanseethere'snothing youcandonow.Butpleasedon'tthinkI'mblamingyou.Itwasmyownfaultfornotseeingthedangerin time.Ishallrun...Perhapsyou'llseetheyaimstraightsoitdoesn'thurtbeforeIdie.I'msofrightenedof thingsthathurt.No,Iforgot.I'veonlyonepromiseofhelpleft,andit'smoreimportantyoushouldhelp thedoggetawayandfindsomegoodpeopletolivewith.Perhapsthey'llshootstraightanyway,butif theydon'titcan'tbehelped:youmustsavethedogbecauseitoncetriedtoprotectme.Thankyoufor havingbeenmyGod:I'mgladIchoseyou.AndnowImustrun,forifIleaveitanylongerIshan'thave thecouragetodie.IamDavid.Amen." Thedogkeptnudginghim.Itwantedthemtogobackthewaytheyhadcome,awayfromthespot whereitsenseddangerlurking. "No,"Davidwhispered,"wecan'tgobackit'stoolate.Youmustkeepstill,King;andwhenthey'vehit me,perhapsyoucangetawaybyyourself." Thedoglickedhischeekeagerly,impatientlynudginghimagainandmovingrestlesslyasifitwantedto getup.ItnudgedhimoncemoreandthenjumpedupbeforeDavidcouldstopit. InoneswiftsecondDavidunderstoodwhatthedogwanted.Itdidnotrunbackthewaytheyhadcome. Itwasasheepdogandithadsenseddanger...ItwasgoingtotakeDavid'splace! Barkingloudlyitsprangtowardsthemeninthedark. "Run!"somethinginsidehimtoldDavid."Run...run!"Thatwaswhatthedogwantedhimtodo. Soheran.Hehesitatedamomentandthenranmorequicklythanhehadeverruninallhislife.Ashe ran,heheardthemenshoutingandrunningtoo,butinadifferentdirection...Oneofthemyelledwith painthencamethesoundofashotandastrangeloudbarkfromthedog. Davidknewthedogwasdead. Hewentonrunning.Hewassomedistanceawaynow,andtheyhadnotheardhim.Butheranonuntil hehadleftfarbehindthefieldwheretheyhadlefttheroadanhourbefore.Thenhethrewhimself downinaditchsobbing,andgaspingpainfullyforbreath.

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Hefeltasifhewouldneverbeabletostopcrying,never.Godofthepasturesandwaters,sostrongthat hecouldinfluenceaperson'sthoughts,hadletthedogrunforward,althoughheknewitwouldbeshot. "Oh,youshouldn'thavedoneit!"Davidsobbedagainandagain."Thedogfollowedme,andIwasnever abletolookafteritproperly.Icouldn'tevengiveitenoughtoeatandithadtostealtogetfood.Thedog camewithmeofitsownfreewill,andthenhadtodiejustbecauseofit..." ButthenDavidsuddenlyrealizedhewaswrong.Itwasnotbecauseithadfollowedhimthatthedogwas dead.Thedoghadgonewithhimfreely,andithadmetitsdeathfreely,inordertoprotectDavidfrom them.Itwasasheepdog,anditknewwhatitwasdoing.IthadshownDavidwhatitwantedhimtodo, andthenithaddivertedthedangerfromhimandfacedititselfbecauseitwantedto. Itsverybarkasitsprangforwardhadseemedtosay,"Run,run!"AndallthewhileDavidwasrunning,he hadknownhemustnotturnbackandtrytosaveit.Hemustnotletthedog'sactionbeinvain:hehad toacceptit.Soonecouldgetsomethingfornothingafterall? Davidstoodinthebigcityandlookedaroundhim. Onshopsignsandposterswerewordsnotaltogetherunfamiliartohim,butbyandlargethelanguage wasquitestrange."Denmark,"hetoldhimself."I'minDenmark." Hescarcelyknewhowhecametobethere.Sincethemorninghehadwokenupwiththeknowledge thatthedoghaddiedforhim,hefeltasifnothinghadreallypenetratedhisthoughts. Hehadgotliftsmostoftheway,andthedrivershadsharedtheirfoodwithhim.Theywereall concernedabouthimandremarkedhowillhelooked.Hehadfeltbettersittinginalorry.Allthetimehe waswalking,hethoughthecouldseethedogrunningalongjustinfrontofhim,althoughheknewit couldnotbetrue. AndhehadcometoDenmark.Hehadcomestraightacrossthefrontier.Hehadbeentravellinginabig lorryandthedriverhadstowedhimawayinside.Itwasagainstthelaw,butthedriversaidhehadboys ofhisownathomeandhecouldnotbringhimselftohandDavidovertothecustomsofficersinthe statehewasin.Theofficerswouldhavebeenkindenoughtohim,thedriversaid,buttherewouldhave beennoendofpaperworktogothrough,andwhatDavidneededwastogettothefamilyhespoke aboutasquicklyaspossibleandgetintoagoodwarmbed. InatowncalledKoldingthelorrydriverhadgotholdofafriendwho,hesaid,wouldtakeDavidonto Copenhagen.Davidhadbeguntopickupalittleofthelanguage.Thetwomenhadsaidsomething about"Passportornopassport,abitofaladlikehimcan'thaveanythingseriousagainsthim,andyou canseewithhalfaneyehecan'tholdoutmuchlonger." HehadmetseveralDanishlorrydriversinGermany,allquietmenwithlittletosay,andtheyhadall beenkindtohim. Davidwatchedthecountrysidepassingby.therewerenomountains,nobigrivers.Everythingwassmall andcompact,butbrightandcheerful,too:thehouses,thepeople,thewoods,everything.Davidhad neverimaginedwoodscouldlooklikethese,theircolouringbrightanddelicatelikesunshineononeof Maria'sdresses.TherewasabeautyinDenmark,too,onlyofadifferentkind.Butallthetimehefelttoo tiredtolookatitproperly. Hehadbeenonaship,too.Thedriverboughthimaticketandsohedidnotevenhavetohide.When theycametothebigcitycalledCopenhagen,Davidtriedtopullhimselftogether.thedriversaidifDavid couldjustgivehimtheaddresshewouldputhimdownattherightplace.

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 Buthecouldnot,ofcourse.Hehadtoldthedriveritwasinhisbundleinthebackofthelorry.Itwasnot thetruth.Ifthemanrealizedhehadnoaddresstogoto,hewouldbesuspicious.Thiswasafree country,butyoucouldnotbetoocareful.Iftheyfoundastrangeboywithnowheretogo,theymight considerittheirdutytohandhimovertothem,especiallyifhewerenotDanish.OnethingonlyDavid hadhadinhisheadduringallthedaysthathadpassedsincethedog'sdeathhemustreachthe womaninDenmark.Ifitshouldturnoutthatthedoghadgivenitslifeforhimandalltonopurpose,it wouldbetoodreadfultothinkabout,asifthedog'ssacrificehadbeendespised.Andthatmustnever be. Davidhadwatchedthedrivermakeatelephonecall.Hehadgoneintoalittleglassedinboxaffair,and therewerebookswhereyoucouldfindthenumbersyouwantedtoringupandpeople'saddresses.He onlyhadtoslipawaywhilethedriverwasnotlookingandfindanothertelephonebook. Theypulleduponalargesquare,andthedriversaidsomethingtohimwhichDavidpretendednotto understand.Themanwasgoingtobuywhathecalleda"hotdog"togivehim.Assoonasheleftthe lorry,Daviddroppedtothegroundontheotherside.Therewerecrowdsofpeople,anditwaseasy enoughtohideamongthem. Itwasnotpolitewhenthedriverhadbeensokindtohim,buttherewasnootherwayout.Davidfelt certainthathewouldverysooncometotheendofhisstrength,andbeforethathappenedhemusttry tofindthewoman. Heranalongstreetafterstreet,turningcornersallthetime,untilhefeltsafe.Hehadnodifficultyin findingatelephonekiosk,andtherewerethedirectoriesallinorder! HefoundsixpeoplecalledHjorthFengel,buttherewasonlyonewithanEinfrontofthename.the addresswasStrandvejen758. Itmustbealongstreet,andDaviddecidedtoaskhowtogettoit.Thereweremanypeoplewhocould understandyouifyouspokeEnglish.Hestoodthereforamomentortwowiththebookinhishandand lookedabouthim.Butbeforehecouldmakeuphismindwhomtoask,awomanspoketohim.She askedhimifshecouldhelphiminanyway.DavidansweredpolitelyinEnglishandsheunderstoodwhat hesaid. Shetoldhimtheaddresswasaverylongwayoff.thenshelookedathimandsaid,"ButI'mgoingthat waymyself.Icantakeyoumostofthewayinthecar." SheaskedhimwhatcountryhecamefromandDavidtoldherhewasFrench,sincehecouldnotvery wellsayhecamefromnowhereatall.thensheseemedtorealizehewastired,forafterthatshesaid verylittleandDavidsatlookingoutofthewindow.Soontheycametothesea,andDavidthoughtitwas almostasblueasitwasinItalywherehehadlivedontherocks.Itseemedaverylongtimeagonow. Davidstoodforalongtimelookingatnumber758.Everythingsmeltfreshandpleasant.Therewere treeseverywherewithwhiteandyellowandlilaccolouredblossom.Thesunwasshining,theleaves werebrightgreenandtheseaadeepblue.Denmarkwasbeautiful,tooperhapsallcountrieswere beautiful,wheretheyweren't. Afewyardswouldtakehimtothedoor,andyetDavidthoughthewouldnevergetthere.Hislegscould carryhimnofartherandhewasonthepointofcollapsing.Hehadthoughtforsometimethatperhapsif thewomanwholivedtherewouldtellhimwhattodoandwheretogo,hewouldbeabletomanage, butnowheknewhecouldn't.Ifhishappiestdreamscametrue,hecouldgoonliving:ifnot,thiswasthe end.

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 Frenchwasthelanguagehespokebest.Davidpickeduphisbundle,walkedtothedoorandrangthe bell.Whenthewomanopenedit,heknewshewasthewomaninthephotograph,thewomanwhose eyeshadseensomuchandyetcouldsmile. ThenDavidsaidinFrench,"Madame,I'mDavid.I'm..." Hecouldsaynomore.Thewomanlookedintohisfaceandsaidclearlyanddistinctly,"David...Myson David..."IAMDAVID By ANNEHOLM FirstpublishedasDAVIDby Gyldendal,Copenhagenin1963. FirstpublishedintheNewWindmillSeries1991 HeinemannEducationalBooksLtdOxford ISBN0435123718 CoverPage When"theman"helpsDavidtoescapefromtheprisoncampwherehehaslivedallhislifeDavidcan't quitebelieveit.Everythingintheworldoutsideisstrangeandwonderfulthebrilliant,vividcoloursof theseaandmountains,thetasteoffruit,peoplelaughingandsmiling.Butashetravelsaloneacross Europe,Davidistenseandwatchful,knowingthatatanymoment"they"mightcatchupwithhim. Davidlayquitestillinthedarknessofthecamp,waitingforthesignal. "Youmustgetawaytonight,"themanhadtoldhim."Stayawakesothatyou'rereadyjustbeforethe guardischanged.Whenyouseemestrikeamatch,thecurrentwillbecutoffandyoucanclimbover you'llhavehalfaminuteforit,nomore." Silentandwatchful,DavidtrampsacrossEuropeknowingthatatanymomenttheymightcatchupwith him.Heseemsasstrangetootherpeopleastheyaretohim.Assoonasanybodyshowsinterestinhim, Davidknowshemustmoveon... ABOUTTHEAUTHOR AnneHolmwasborninDenmarkin1922.Annebeganherwritingcareerwithavolumeofpoetrywhen shewastwenty.Afterapauseofsomeyearsshewrotethreenovelsforadultsandthenin1963,she wroteherfirstbookforchildren,IamDavid.Thisbook,underthetitleDavidwasthewinnerofthe1963 GyldendalPrizefortheBestScandinavianChildren'sBook.Ithasnowbeentranslatedworldwideand hasbecomeabestsellerandachildren'sclassic.Annewrites: "IcannotnameanyspecialexperienceasabasisforDavidexceptthegeneraloneofnothavingbeen quiteseventeenwhenthelastwarbrokeout,andseenwhereviolence,terrorandhateleadsyouI madeDavid,andsenthimtravelling,inordertotellsomebodywhomightwanttoknowwhat,tome,is

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themostimportantofallthingsinlife,ifthatlifeistobeworthanythingtooneselfandothers." AnneHolmwasmarriedtoawellknownnumismatist,andhasasonandtwograndchildren.Ofherself andherlifeAnnesays: "Iwrite...Ihavebeenwritingallmylifeit'sadisease,Isuppose...ForyearsonendIhavebeenbusy withlotsofotherthingsIlikeddoing,butIalwaysgobacktomytypewriter..." 1 Davidlayquitestillinthedarkness,listeningtothemen'slowmuttering.Butthiseveninghewasaware oftheirvoicesonlyasavaguemeaninglessnoiseinthedistance,andhepaidnoattentiontowhatthey weresaying. "Youmustgetawaytonight,"themanhadtoldhim."Stayawakesothatyou'rereadyjustbeforethe guard'schanged.Whenyouseemestrikeamatch,thecurrentwillbecutoffandyoucanclimbover you'llhavehalfaminuteforit,nomore." Inhismind'seyeDavidsawonceagainthegreybareroomheknewsowell.Hesawthemanandwas conscious,somewhereinthepitofhisstomach,ofthehardknotofhatehefeltwheneverhesawhim. Theman'seyesweresmall,repulsive,lightincolour,theirexpressionneverchanging;hisfacewasgross andfat.Davidhadknownhimallhislife,butheneverspoketohimmorethanwasbarelynecessaryto answerhisquestions;andthoughhehadknownhisnameforaslongashecouldremember,henever saidanythingbut"theman"whenhespokeabouthimorthoughtofhim.Givinghimanamewouldbe likeadmittingthatheknewhim;itwouldplacehimonanequalfootingwiththeothers. Butthateveninghehadspokentohim.Hehadsaid,"AndifIdon'tescape?" Themanhadshruggedhisshoulders."That'llbenoneofmybusiness.Ihavetoleaveheretomorrow, andwhatevermysuccessormaydecidetodoaboutyou,Ishan'tbeabletointerfere.Butyou'llsoonbe abiglad,andthere'sneedinagoodmanyplacesforthosestrongenoughtowork." Davidknewonlytoowellthatthoseotherplaceswouldnotbeanybetterthanthecampwherehenow was."AndifIgetawaywithoutbeingcaught,whatthen?"hehadasked. "Justbythebigtreeinthethicketthatliesontheroadouttothemines,you'llfindabottleofwaterand acompass.FollowthecompasssouthwardstillyougettoSalonica,andthenwhennoone'slookinggo onboardashipandhide.You'llhavetostayhiddenwhiletheship'satsea,andyou'llneedthewater. Findashipthat'sboundforItaly,andwhenyougettheregonorthtillyoucometoacountrycalled Denmarkyou'llbesafethere." Davidhadverynearlyshownhisastonishment,buthecontrolledhimself,andhidinghisfeelingsmerely said,"Idon'tknowwhatacompassis." Themanhadshownhimone,tellinghimthatthefourlettersindicatednorth,south,eastandwest,and thattheneedle,whichswungfreely,alwayspointedinthesamedirection.Thenhehadadded,"Thehalf minutethecurrent'scutoffisintendedforyou.Ifyoutrytotakeanyonewithyou,youcanbesurethat neitherofyouwillgetaway.Andnowclearoffbeforeyou'remissed." Daviddidnotknowwhatpossessedhimtosayithehadneveraskedthemanforanything,partly becauseheknewitwouldbeofnouse,butchieflybecausehewouldnotwhenyouhatedsomeone, youdidnotaskhimforanything.Buttonighthehaddoneit:whenhereachedthedoor,heturned

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round,andlookingstraightintothatcoarseheavyfacesaid,"I'dlikeapieceofsoap." Foramomenttherehadbeencompletesilenceinthatbaregreyroom.Thenthemanpickedupacake ofsoapthatlaybythesideofthewashbasininthecornerandthrewitonthetable.Allhesaidwas, "Nowgo." SoDavidhadgone,asquicklyasitwaspossibletogowithoutappearingtobeinahurry. Themen'smutteringwasfainternowsomeofthemmusthavefallenasleep.Thecamp'slatestarrival wasstilltalking.Davidrecognisedhisvoicebecauseitwaslessflatandgratingthantheothers. Wheneverthenewcomerdozedofftosleep,hewasseizedwithanightmare,andthentheywouldall wakeupagain.Thenightbefore,thishadhappenedjustbeforetheguardwaschanged,butifhetook longertofallasleepthisevening,thenitmightbepossibleforDavidtoslipoutbeforetheotherswere wakenedagain. Davidwasnotyetsurewhetherhewouldmaketheattempt.Hetriedtoworkoutwhythemanhadtold himtodoit.Itwascertainlyatrap:justashewasclimbingover,thesearchlightwouldsuddenlyswing roundandcatchhiminitsbeam,andthentheywouldshoot.Perhapssomethingpleasantwasgoingto happentomorrowandthemanwantedhimshotfirst.Davidhadalwaysknownthatthemanhatedhim, justasmuchasDavidhatedhiminreturn.Ontheotherhand,nothingpleasanthadeveryethappened inthecampthatDavidcouldremember,andhewasnowtwelveyearsolditsaidsoonhisidentity card. AndthenquitesuddenlyDaviddecidedhewoulddoit.Hehadturneditoverinhisminduntilhishead wasinawhirlandhestillcouldnotunderstandwhythemanhadtoldhimtoescape.Supposeitwerea trapandtheyshothim,itwouldallbeoverquicklyanyway.Ifyouwerefiredatwhiletryingtoescape, youwouldbedeadwithinaminute.Yes,Daviddecidedtotry. *** Therecouldnotbemanyminutesleftnow.Overintheguardroomhecouldhearthemmovingabout andgettingdressed,andhecouldheartheguardyawningashispacegrewslower.Thencamethe soundofnewstepsandDavidpressedhimselfevenmorecloselyagainstthewall.Itwastheman;the faintsleepyyellowlightfromtheguardroomshoneforamomentonhisfaceashepassedthewindow. Hewentuptotheguard,andDavidsuddenlyfeltquiteemptyinsideandwassurethathewouldbe unabletomovewhenthetimecame.Thenhesawbeforehimtheendlesssuccessionofdays,months andyearsthatwouldpassifhedidnot.Thewaitingwouldkillhimintheend,butitmighttakeyears. Anditwouldgrowworseandworse,allthetime:Davidclenchedhisteethsohardthathefeltthe musclesofhisthroatgrowtaut.Thenthemanstruckamatch. Nineteen,twenty...thehalfminutewouldbeupwhenhehadcountedslowlytothirty...Davidsethis footinagaphigherupthebarbedwire...Whenwouldthesearchlightcome?theycouldnotbecertain ofhittinghiminthedark...andiftheydidnothurryhewouldbeover. Amomentlaterhehadtouchedthegroundontheotherside,andasheranhesaidangrilytohimself, "Whatafoolyouare!There'splentyofgroundtocoveryetallthisgreatflatstretchwithoutsomuch asthestumpofatreeforshelter.they'llwaittillyou'venearlyreachedthethicket...they'llthinkit moreamusingifyoubelieveyou'vealmostgottosafety." Whydidn'ttheyhurryup?Thethoughtpoundedthroughhisheadaseverymomentheexpectedtosee thegroundlitupinfrontofhim.Thenhestopped.Hewouldrunnomore.Whenthebeamoflight caughthim,theyshouldseehimwalkingawayquitecalmly.Thentheywouldnotenjoyitsomuch,they wouldfeelcheated.ThethoughtfilledDavidwithtriumph.

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 Whenhewaslittle,ithadbeenhismostburningdesiretogetthebetterofthem,especiallyoftheman. Andnowhewould!Theywouldbeforcedtoshoothimastheywatchedhimwalkingquietlyawayand takingnonoticeofthem! Davidwassotakenupwithhisvictoryoverthemthathehadgoneadozenyardspastthespotwhere thethickethidhimfromthecampbeforeherealizedthatnoonehadfired.Hestoppedshort.What couldhavehappened?Heturned,foundaplacewherethethicketwasthinenoughtopeerthroughand lookedacrossatthelowbuildingsoutlinedagainstthedarksky,likeanevendarkersmudgeof blackness.Hecouldfaintlyhearthetreadoftheguard,butitcamenonearerandsoundednodifferent fromusual,onlyfartheroff.Nothingatallappeareddifferent. Davidfrownedinthedarknessandstoodforamomentundecided:itcouldn'tpossibly...?Hetrotted on,followingtheedgeofthethickettowardsthebigtree,runningfasterthenearerhegot,andwhenhe reachedthetreehethrewhimselfdownontheground,searchingfranticallywithhishandsroundthe trunk. Therewasthebundle.Davidleanedupagainstthetreeshiveringwithcoldalthoughitwasnotcoldat all.Thebundlewasapieceofclothwrappedroundsomethingandtiedinaknot.Hefumbledwiththe knot,buthisfingerswereclumsyandwouldnotrespondandthenhesuddenlyrealized thathedarednotundoit.Therewouldbesomethingdangerousinsidethebundle...Hetriedtogather histhoughtstogethersufficientlytothinkwhatitmightbe,buthisimaginationdidnotgetbeyonda bomb. Itwouldmakelittledifference,hethoughtdesperatelyabulletorabomb:itwouldsoonbeover, eitherway.Frantically,hisfingersawkward,hestruggledwiththeknot. Buttherewasnobombinthecloth.Itwasasquarehandkerchieftiedcrosswiseoverabottleofwater andacompass,justasthemanhadsaid.Hebarelymanagedtoturnasidebeforehewassick. Afterwardshefeltcarefullyallroundthesquareshapedbundle.Abottle,acompasstherewas somethingelse.David'seyeshadgrownaccustomedtothedarkness:inthebundletherewerealsoa boxofmatches,alargeloafofbreadandapocketknife. Sothemanhadintendedhimtoescapeafterall!Asearchpartywouldbesentoutforhiminthe morning,butnotbefore.Thenightwashis,anditwasuptohimtomakethemostofit. Allthishadtakenonlyafewminutes,buttoDaviditfeltlikehours.Hishandclosedtightlyroundthe soaphehadnotletgoofitforamomentsincehefirstgotit.Herecalledthehourshehadspentthat eveninglyingonhisplankbedlisteningtothemutteredconversationofthemenandthinkingoverwhat themanhadsaid.Heremembered,too,thatitwouldbeonlyamatteroftimebeforehewascaught again;butthat,likeeverythingelse,nolongerseemedimportant.Allthatmatterednowwashisbundle andthefreedomofthenightthatlayahead.Slowlyhetuckedthepieceofsoapintoacornerofthe handkerchief,laidthebottle,breadandknifeontop,tiedtheendstogether,tookafirmgripontheknot andlookedatthecompassinhishand. Thenheran. Whenhelookedbackafterwards,allhecouldrecallofthefivedaysthatfollowedwasrunningand lookingallthetimeatthecompasstomakesurehewastravellingintherightdirection.Everynighthe ran,andheranallnightlong.Onceheslippedintoawaterholeandthemudcakedonhimasitdried. Oncehewassotornbybranchesthatbloodoozedfromthescratchesonhisface,handsandlegs.He

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wouldneverforgetthatnight.Hehadcometoaclosethicketofthornbushes,andtheneedleindicated thatheshouldgostraightthroughit.Hehadhesitatedamomentandthentriedrunningafewyards alongtheedgeofit,butthecompassneedleimmediatelyswunground.Perhapshecouldhave recoveredhisdirectionalittlefartheron,butheknewsolittleaboutcompassesthathedarednotrisk it.Andsoheplungedintothethicket,elbowsuptoprotecthisface.Thefirstbranchthatstruckhimhurt painfully,andsodidthefirstgashalonghisarm,butafterthathenoticednothingandjustcrashedhis waythrough.Thenightswereusuallycompletelyquiet,butthatnighthecouldhearawhimperingmoan thewholetime.Notuntilafterwardsdidherealizethatthesoundshadcomefromhimself. Heranallthetime,sometimesfairlyslowlysothatittookhimhourstogoashortway,sometimesso quicklythathefelthisbloodpounding.Everymorningwiththefirstglimmerofdaylighthelaydownto sleep.Itwasnotverydifficulttofindsomewheretosleepinthatsparselyinhabiteddistrict.Davidhad noideawhatthecountrysidelookedlike:forhimitwasonlyaplacewherehemustrunthroughthe nightandhidebyday. Twootherincidentsremainedinhismemory:theyweremomentswhenfeargrewtoasharppointed terrorthatseemedtopiercehimrightthrough.Thefirsthappenedjustasitwasgrowingdarkone evening.Davidwasawakenedbysomethingwarmandhairytouchinghishand.Helaystill,tensewith fear.Itwassomeminutesbeforehecouldbringhimselftoturnhishead,andthenhesawasheep. Butitspelleddanger,nevertheless,forwheretherearesheeptheremustalsobepeople,andthat eveningDaviddidnotstoptorecoverhisbreathforsomehoursafterwards. Yethewasgladenoughtocomeacrossmoresheeplaterthatnight.Davidwasusedtohardworkand satisfiedwithverylittlefood,andhehadbeenassparingashecouldwiththebreadandwater,but aftertwowholedaysthebottlewasemptyandthebreadeaten.Hecouldmanagewithoutbreadbutit wasdreadfultobesothirsty.Intheendhecouldthinkofhardlyanythingbutwater.Butwherewashe togetit? Atthatpointhealmoststumbledovertwoshepherdswholayasleeponthegroundwrappedintheir cloaks.Hisheart,whichhadbeenthumpingsoloudlyallthroughthenight,missedabeat,soterror strickenwashe.Buthestoppedhimselfjustintime:barefeetmakenonoiseandthetwomenhad heardnothing. Davidwasabouttostepback,slowlyandcautiously,whenhecaughtsight,inthemoonlight,ofabucket withalidandtheembersofaburneddownfire.Food!Andwheretherewasfood,therewasprobably water,too! ThatnightDavidwentnofarther.Hekeptwatchtilldaybreak,farenoughofftogivehimachanceto escapeshouldthatprovenecessary,andyetnearenoughtobebackinamomentassoonasthetwo shepherdswereoutofsightinthemorning.Therewaslittledoubtthatthiswastheirregularcamping placeforthenight,fortheylefttheirbundlesandthebucketbehind.Perhapstheywouldsoonbeback, butthatwasariskDaviddecidedhemusttake.Withoutfood,oratleastwithoutwater,hewouldnot beabletolastmanymorehours.Hewasfamiliarenoughfromhisexperiencesinthecampwithwhat happenedwhenamanwasleftwithoutfoodandwater. Whathadnearlyprovedacatastropheendedasastrokeofgoodfortune.Therewassomesoupleftin thebucket,andinoneofthebundleshefoundachunkofbread.Hebrokethebreadunevenly,leavinga smallpiecebehind,andthenfillinghisbottlewithsouphereplacedthelidandknockeditoffagainwith hiselbow.Hedidnotknowwhethersheepatebreadandsoup,buthewantedtomakeitlookasifthey hadbeenthere. Afterthatnighthetookcaretorunatamoreevenpaceandtostopmoreoften,butforshorterperiods,

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torecoverhisbreath.Hemustnotagainriskbeingsotiredthathesawnothingandstumbledonblindly. Davidedgedcautiouslyforwardonhisstomach.Itwasthesecondtimehehadfoundhimselfclosetoa town,andforthesecondtimethecompasswasdirectinghimtocrossamainroad.Hedarednot disobeyit;itwasalmostasifsomepartofthemanhimselfweretravellingwithhim. HeoughttohaveaskedhowlongitwouldtakehimtoreachSalonnica.Hehadonlytwomouthfulsof soupleftnowandasinglebiteofbread. Andtherewerepeopleabout.Thatmeanthehadnotnearlysomuchofthenightathisdisposalhe wouldhavetowaituntiltheyhadgonetobed.Hetoldhimselfthatheshouldhaveknownallalongthat hewouldoccasionallycomeacrosstowns...Heforcedhimselftolieabsolutelystill. Buthewasnotsleepyanylonger,andwhenhewasnotsleepylyingstillbecamealmostunbearable,for thenitwasdifficultnottothinkandDavidknewthathemustnotthink.Hehadlearnedthatthen. Theonlythingtodowastotakenonotice:youcouldlookandlisten,butyoumustnotletwhatyou heardorsawpenetrateyourthoughts.Youmustnotletyourthoughtsdwelluponanythingmore importantthanwhetheritwouldrainorturnoutfine,whetheryouhadlongtowaitforyournextmeal, orhowlongitwouldbetilltheguardwaschanged.Andyoumustnotbetoointerestedinthosethings eitheryoumustmerelymakeuseofthemtofillyourthoughtsandpreventotherthingsfromslipping intoyourmind. Sincetheeveningofhisescape,thethingsthathadformerlyoccupiedhisthoughtswerenolonger there,andothershadtakentheirplace.Hegavehismindtohurryingalongasfastaspossibleduringthe night,tostoppingassoonasthedarknessbegantoliftsothathecouldfindagoodhidingplacebefore daybroke,tolookingafterhisbundleandavoidingthetemptationoftakinganextrabiteoranother droptodrink,togoingintherightdirectionallthetimesothatthecompassneedledidnotshiftits position.Thesethingsservedtofillhisthoughtstotheexclusionofothermatters.Butwhenitcameto lyingstillandyetbeingwideawakethatwasdangerous!Sohebegantothinkaboutafeelinghehad hadseveraltimesduringthepreviousnightthatthegroundhewastravellingoverwaschanging, becomingmoreupanddown...thatmountainswouldbartheroadtoSalonica. Don'tthink,don'tthink!Davidclenchedhishands,grippingatuftofgrass.Hemustn'tthinkatall,forif hedid,therewasonlyonethingtothinkaboutthathewouldnotbeabletorunanyfarther.Whyhad theynotcaughthimthenighthecrossedthebridge?Hecouldnotswim,sothebridgehadbeenhisonly wayovertheriver,andhehadbeenquitesurehewouldbecaughtthere.Yes,thathadbeentheonly restfulmomentinallthoselongdaysandnightscrossingthatbridgeandfeelingcertaintheywould catchhim. Butnoonehadcome. David'sfeetwerenolongerpartofhim.Whenhehimselfcarednomore,hisfeetfollowedtheirown pathindependently,stealingalongnoiselessly,confidently,guidinghisbodysothathekepttothe shadowsandavoidedobstacles,stoppinghimintime,orurginghimonwheneverhefelthewould ratherliedownandwaittillhewascaught. Andhisfeethadcarriedhimoverthebridge. Heclenchedhisteeth."Salonica!"hewhisperedandwentonrepeatingthewordoverandoveragainto himselfuntilitseemedtofillhisbrain."GosouthtillyoureachSalonica.Thinkofnothingelse!" Atthatmomentthesoundofacarpullingupcausedhimtostiffen.Washefarenoughfromtheroad?

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Thenheheardvoices.Hewassoterrifiedhenearlyjumpedoutofhisskin.Hewasquiteunusedtothe soundofvoicesbythistime;thelasthehadheardweretheguard'sandtheman's. Buttheseweredifferent,andtheywerecomingnearer!Davidrelaxedcompletelysothathewould makeaslittlenoiseaspossible,andashedidsohethoughtthatinamomentallwouldbeover everything. Themensatdownalittlewayoffandlitcigarettes,anditgraduallydawneduponDavidthattheywere notlookingforhimatall.Hebegantolistentowhattheyweresaying.Hefounditdifficulttofollow themsincetheirspeechdifferedfromtheman's,butafterawhileDavidwasabletodistinguishwords thatwerefamiliartohim. Theydroveadeliveryvan,likethemenwhobroughtsuppliestothecamp.Theywerearguingnow,but withnogreatheat:oneofthemwantedtodriveon,andtheotherwantedtovisitsomeonefirstinthe townDavidhadseennearby.Intheendhegothisway;thefirstmansaidhewouldgowithhim,but onlyforhalfanhourasitwasalongwayhome. Likeanechoofhisownthoughts,Davidcaughttheword"Salonica"! Thenextthinghewasfullyawareofwasthathewassittinginthevanasitbegantomoveoff. *** Themenhaddriventowardsthetown,andDavidhadallowedhisfeettocarryhimmechanicallyafter thevan.Ithadstoppedontheoutskirtsofthetown,andwhenthetwomendisappearedintoahouse, David'sfeetgatheredspeeduntilhereachedit. Andnowhehadalift!Therehadbeenlightsinthehousesbutnoonehadseenhim.Thevandoorhad notbeenlocked,andalthoughthebackofthevanwaswellfilledwithpackingcases,therewasroom enoughforDavidtosqueezehimselfbetweentwoofthemandsquatonthefloor.Andnowhewason hisway...Itwaspitchdarkinside,bothbecauseitwasnightandbecausethepackingcasescoveredthe littlewindowinthepartitionthatseparatedthebackofthevanfromthecabwherethemenwere sitting.Eveniftheyopenedthedoorfromtheoutside,theywouldnotbeabletoseeDavidwithout movingallthepackingcases.Itwasastrangefeeling,sittingquitestillandbeingcarriedalong.David hadseencarsandlorries,buthehadneverriddeninone,norinanyotherkindofvehicle,andjustasit occurredtohimthathehadnoideahowhewasgoingtogetoutagain,hebegantofeelsleepy dreadfullysleepy.Hestrovetokeepawakeaslongashecould,buttheevenpurroftheengineandthe swayingandjoltingofthevanprovedtoomuch.Hewasasleep. Hehadnoideahowlongheslept.Hewokebecausetheenginesoundeddifferent,asifitwerestarting up.Butsurelyitcouldnothavebeenverylong?Hehadlostthehabitofsleepingatnight.Withinfinite care,inalmostimperceptiblysmalljerks,hepushedasidethepackingcasenearestthecabwherethe menweresitting,untilhehadmadeanarrowopeningthroughwhich,whenheputoneeyetoit,he couldseeastripofthelittlewindow.No,itwasstillnight:itwasdarkwherethemenweresitting,too. Ifhecouldonlygetoutbeforeitwasday,beforetheyopenedthevanandfoundhim... Hesuddenlyknewwhatitfeltliketobeinoneofthecellstheyhadtalkedaboutinthecamplocked in,doubledupininkyblacknesswithoutbeingabletomove,withoutbeingabletodie. "Johannes!"hewhispered."Johannes..." Eversincehewassmall,forthreewholewintersandsummers,hehadknownthathemustnotallow

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himselftothink,andaboveallthathemustneverthinkaboutJohannes.Andnowhehaddoneit. Davidlethisheadsinkuponhischestandtriedtofightagainstthefloodofmemorythatpouredover him,theterror,thehatred,thefrighteningquestionsthatburnedlikefirewithinhim.Andthroughitall, Johannes...Johannessmiling;Johanneswho,ifhisvoicehadgrownlifelessandgratingliketheothers, hadneverchangedinsidehimself;JohannestowhomyoucouldsayanythingandJohanneswhoat lasthadfallentothegroundandremainedlyingthere,dead. NeversincethatdayhadDavidthoughtabouthim.thatnight,whentheywereallinbed,hehadgone outintotheyardandlookedatthespotwhereJohanneshadfallen.Hehadbeenstandingtherefora longtimewhenthemanhadcomealongandseenhim. "Hediedofaheartattack,"hesaid."Clearoffnowandgettobed!" SincethatdayDavidhadneverthoughtaboutanythingbutmealtimesandthechangingoftheguard.At firstithadmadehimill,butlaterhehadgrownusedtoit.Whyshouldithavecomebacktohimjustat thismomentwhenallthatmatteredwasgettingtoSalonica? Thevoicecamefromsomewherefaraway."I'mgoingwithyoutoSalonica."Davidwasnotevensureit wasJohannes'voice,sofarawaydiditsound;butheknewitmusthavebeenbecausehesuddenlyfelt exactlyashehaddonewhenhewassmallandJohanneswaswithhim. "Thankyou,"hewhispered. Andafterthatitwaseasy.Hefoundapackingcasethathadnotbeenproperlynaileddown.It containedsomekindoffood,roundandfirm,thattastedlikeabitofcheeseDavidhadoncehadinthe camp.Hecutoffapiecewithhisknife,asbigapieceashecouldgetintohishandkerchief.Themen stoppedthevanwhileitwasstilldarkandleftitwithoutopeningthedoorattheback.SoDavidjumped outandfoundhimselfinthemiddleofalargetown,and,beingcarefultowalkintheshadowofthe housesfortherewasnocalltobefoolhardyevenifJohanneswerewithhimhehadnodifficultyin findingtheharbourwheretheshipslay.Therewasawatertapontheway,too:Davidwatchedaman turnitonanddrink,andwhenhehadgoneandthestreetwasquietagain,Davidwasabletowalkover toitandfillhisbottle. Theshiphewastofindneedednosearchingforeither:itlayrightinfrontofhimandonitssternhesaw theword"Italy"paintedinlargewhiteletters.Anditwasmadefasttothequaysidewithagreatthick rope,readyforDavidtoclimbupassoonasthemanonwatchhadgonetotheotherendoftheship.All Davidneededtodowastofindalengthoftwinetotiehisbundleabouthiswaistwhilehewasclimbing. Thewatchmandidnothearhim;nooneheardhim,anddowninthebottomoftheshiptherewasa greatdarkroomfilledwithsomanypackingcasesthathecouldbarelysqueezehimselfin. AtfirstDavidwasanxioustodiscoveriftherewereanywindowsdownthere,butthenherealizedthat hewasnowbelowthewaterlineandsoofcoursethereweren'tany...Thetimehadnowcomeforhim toopenthelastofhistreasures,hisboxofmatches. Hetookcaretoshieldtheflamewithhishandsashehadsooftenseenthecampguardsdo,andtouse nomorethanoneortwomatches,sincehemustbesparingwiththem. Hesawcaseaftercase,stackedrightuptothedeckabove...andthereweresacksaswell.Hefounda cornerwheretherewereonlyacoupleofsacks,andwherehecouldstaywellhiddenevenifsomeone cameintothehold.ButthatwashardlylikelytohappennotbeforetheyreachedItaly.Thesacksand caseswereallclearlyboundforItaly.Justasthesecondmatchdiedout,Davidcaughtsightofalarge halffilledbottlestandingontheedgeofacase.Heputhisbundledownonthesacks,stretchedon

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tiptoetoreachit,uncorkeditandthrusthisfingerinsidetheneck.Hesniffedhisfingercautiously. Perhapshecoulddrinkit.Davidtookthebottledownandsettledhimselfcomfortablyonhissacks.It wouldbeagoodthingtohaveifheweretobeatseaforanylengthoftime. ThenoiseoftheengineswokeDavid,butnotuntiltheshipwaswellunderwaydidhelosethestrange dreamlikesensationthathadbeenwithhimeversincethemomentinthevanwhenhehadsuddenly recalledJohannes.Thenheknewwhathadhappened.Sittingboltuprightonhissack,hiseyesatfirst wideopenandthenclosedinthedarkness,heknewthatJohanneswasnolongerwithhimhehad stayedbehindinSalonica! Davidstruggledwithallhismightagainstthefearthatgrewwithinhim.Hetoldhimselfoverandover again,"Hepromisednothingmore:heonlysaidhewouldstaywithmetillwegottoSalonica." Butitdidnothelp.AllthecoldnessanddarknessandinfinitelonelinessoftheworldfilledDavid'smind untilitseemedreadytoburst.thenheknewnomore. Andsothedayspassed.Davidlostcountofthem,foritwasdarkallthetimeandtherewasnothingto distinguishdayfromnight.Oncewhenhewokehepickedupthestrangebottlebymistakeforhisown, andafterthathetookadrinkfromiteverytimestayingawakeanylongergrewtoomuchforhim,forhe discoveredthatdrinkingfromitverysoonmadehimfeelsleepy.Ittastedgood,tooalittlestrong perhapsbutnotunpleasantandthenhecouldsleepawhilelonger. Sometimeshetoldhimselfthathehadonlytoscrambleovertothedoor,openitandgoupthestepstill hemetsomeoneandallhistroubleswouldbeover.Hewisheddesperatelythathecouldstopbeing alive...buthisfeetwouldnotbudge,hislegsrefusedtocarryhimthelittledistancehehadtogobefore hecouldgivehimselfup.Hewantedtodoit,buthisbodywouldnottakehim. Whenatlasthewasdiscovered,hewastakencompletelybysurprise:hewokeuptohearavoicejust abovehisheadsaying,"Mammamia,whatareyoudoinghere?" Davidjumpeduplikelightning,butmadenoattempttorun.Themanhadveryblackhair,likeall Italians."Nothing,"answeredDavidinItalian. Thesailoropenedhismouthtoshoutbutthoughtbetterofitandinsteadscrambledovertothedoor andshutit.Thenhecameback.Hewasnotsurewhyhedidthis.Perhapsbecausetheboywassoquiet averythin,verydirtyboywhostoodasstillasdeathandwhohadthecalmestfacehehadeverseen. Heoughttocallsomeoneandgettheboyhauledupintothelightofday.Then,bythelightofhistorch, helookeddownintotheboy'sstrangedarkeyesandknewhecouldnot.Becausethatwasjustwhat thoseeyesexpectedhimtodo.TheItaliansailortriedtoshakeoffthefeelingthattheboywasgoingto die.Hisgrandmother'seyeshadlookedlikethatthedaybeforeshedied.Buthemightbewrong,of course:foronethinghisgrandmother'seyeshadbeenbrownandthisboy'swerewell,itwasnoteasy toseeinthatdimlightverydarkgrey,perhaps,orgreen. Sohesaidthefirstthingthatenteredhishead."Haveyoubeendrinkingmywine?" "Yes.I'dnomorewaterinmybottle.Ididn'tknowitwaswine.Thankyou." TheItalianshookhiscurlyblackhead.Neverhadhemetsuchachild!"Firstheswigsmywinewithout knowingwhatitis,andthenhethanksmeforitasifitweren'tsheerrobbery!"Andhewassoquiet.A boycaughtwhenhewasuptomischiefusuallymadeoffasfastashislegswouldcarryhim...turned andtwistedandlookedallroundforawayofescape.Hedidnotjuststandstillandlookyouintheface!

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"Wheredidyouthinkyou'dgetto?"heaskedhelplessly. "ToItaly." "Hm.Well,IsupposeIshallhavetohandyouovertothecaptain..." ButtheItalianknewverywellthathewouldnotbeableto."Idon'tthinkyou'reallthere,"hesaid.He darenotlayhandsonhim:hecouldnotbringhimselftodoit."Ontheotherhand,weshallbein Salernothisevening.It'shardlyworththetroubleofdraggingyoualongtothecaptainandhavingallthe fuss...Youcanjumpoverboardjustbeforewegetin,andthenIshan'thavehadanythingtodowithit ...I'llseeaboutgettingyououtofhere." "Ican'tswim,"theboysaidquietly. "Mammamia!Thenyouaren'tallthere!Iwon'thaveanythingtodowithit.I'llgiveyoualifebeltand youmusttrytodriftashore." "Thankyou." TheItalianwenthiswayshakinghishead. Davidsleptnomore.Hewashungrybutthenhehadbeenhungrythelastfourtimeshehadwakened andhehadrunoutoffood.Thatwasastrangeman.Itwasreallyverykindofhimnottoletthe captainarresthim;hecouldnotknowthatDavidwassotiredhecouldhardlyholdoutanylonger.And nowhemusttaketothewater!Hedidnotknowanythingaboutlifebelts,buttheItalianseemedto thinkhecoulddriftashoreinone.Soperhapshewouldrunonhiswayforyetanothernight,perhaps severalnights,beforetheyfinallycaughtupwithhim. ButalthoughDavidfeltcertainheknewwhattheendwouldbe,hisbodysetaboutgettinghimready. Automaticallyhestuffedhisraggedshirtintohisnolessraggedtrousers,tiedhisbundlesecurelyand satdowntowait. Itwassometimebeforethemanreturned.Whenhedidcome,Davidmadenomove.Perhapsthesailor hadhadsecondthoughtsaboutthelifebelt...butDavidwasbeyondcaring. TheItalianhadbroughtthelifebelt,however,andapieceofbreadaswell.Davidatehalfofitonthe spotwhilethemanwasshowinghimhowtousehisarmstomakesurehedriftedintherightdirection. Davidwatchedandrealizedhewouldbealmostuptohisneckinwater.Hefrownedthetalkabout directionhadputhiminmindofhiscompass...supposegettingwetwerebadforit?Hehadbettertie hisbundleroundhisneck,likethat. Themanloweredhimoverthesideoftheshipontheendofaropeandtoldhimnottosplashaboutin thewateruntiltheshipwassomewayoff,otherwisehemightbeheard.Thewaterwasnotparticularly cold.Davidlookedbackattheshipasitsailedswiftlyon.Foramomenthethoughthewasgoingto drown...itmightverywellbeaneasywayofsendingpeopletotheirdeath,abeltlikethat...Itlooked likeacartyre,hethought.Buthedidnotdrown,andhefounditwasnotevennecessarytoflinghis armsaboutashehadbeentoldtodo,fortheshiphadcreatedastrongwashthatdrovehimnearerand nearertothedarklineofthecoast. ButbeforelongDavidrealizeditwasnotquitesoeasy...Severalhourspassedbeforehetouchedland, andbythattimehewassocolditmighthavebeenthedepthofwinterandsoexhaustedhewasquite incapableoffeeling:onlyhisfeethadthewilltocarryhimfarther.

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Davidstumbled,staggered,crawled:onwardsinthedarkness,uphillallthetime,thegoinghardand stony:itmustbeamountainslope...Thenhecametoaroadandstaggeredacrossitwithouteven rememberingtoseeiftherewerepeopleabout...thenfartheruphillwheresomethingwasgrowingin lowstraightlines...thenoveranotherstretchofmountainsidewithhardsharpedgedstonesthathurt hisfeet.Andthenhecouldgonofarther. Buttherewasnoonetodisturbhissleepthatnight,andwhenhewokehewasnolongertired.Hewas notevencoldhewaspleasantlywarm,infact.Helayawakeforawhilewithhiseyesshut,baskingin thewarmthofhisownbodywhilehelistenedasusualforsoundsabouthim.Butallwasquiet.Then openinghiseyeshesatupandlooked. Davidwasfamiliaronlywithvarioustonesofgreyandbrown,andofcoursetheblueofthesky.Well, yes,hehadonceseenalittleredflowerthathadstrayedinsidethecampwall.Apartfromthat,colour wassomethinghehadonlyheardof:hehadseenonlyapaleandmuddiedreflectionofitinthe uglinessofthecampandtheequallyuglyquartersoftheguards. Hedidnotknowhowlonghestayedthereonthemountainside,sittingmotionless,justgazing...only wheneverythinggrewstrangelymistydidhediscoverthathewascrying. Farbelowhimlaythesea,aseabluerthananyskyhehadeverseen.Thelandcurvedinandoutalong itsedge:inandout,upanddown,allgreenandgolden,withhereandtheretheredofflowerstoofar offtobeclearlyseen.Downbytheseaaroadranalongthefootofthemountain,andnearitlayvillages whosebrightcoloursgleameddazzlingly.thereweretreeswithmanychangingtintsofgreen,andover itallshonethewarmingsunnotwhitehotandspitefulandscorching,asthesunhadshoneuponthe campinthesummertime,butwithawarmgoldenloveliness. Beauty.DavidhadonceheardJohannesusetheword.Itmusthavebeensomethinglikethishemeant... perhapsthatwaswhyhehadcomebackandgonewithhimtoSalonica,sothathe,David,couldsail acrosstheseatillhecametoaplacewherethingswerebeautiful. Histearscontinuedtoflow,fasterandfaster,andhebrushedthemangrilyawaysothatthemistbefore hiseyesshouldnotveilthatbeautyfromhim. Suddenlyheknewthathedidnotwanttodie. Hedidnotwanttobecaught,hedidnotwanttodie.Hislegshadcarriedhimtotheplacewherethe vanstoodwaiting,andwhentheweightoflonelinesshadgrowntoomuchforhimJohanneshadkept himcompanytoSalonica.thestrangemanwiththeblackheadofhairhadhelpedhimtoreachland withalifebelt.Andnowthathehadlearnedaboutbeautyhewantedtolive... 2 ForalongtimeDavidcontinuedtositandgazeuponthebeautifulscenerythatlaybeforehim.He lookedagainandagainuponthebluenessofthesea,uponthecoastlinecurvingalongitsshore:hesaw thecoloursofthelandscape,itsmanykindsofgreenintermingledwithgoldandred,fadeintoone anothertowardsthehorizonuntileverythingmeltedintotheblueofseaandskyfarawayoverthe mountains. Davidlookeddownathisownhandlyinginthegrassandknewatoncewhathewasgoingtodofirst. Thegrasswasgreenalthoughsummerwasfaradvanced;theremustbewaternotveryfaraway. Helookedfirstatthesun,thenathiscompass,andthenatthesunagain:itwasveryearly...hestillhad

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agoodhourbeforeheneedfindahidingplacefortheday.Hetookholdofhisbundleandjumpedup. Andtherewaswater:alazylittlebrookglintinginthesunlightinthemidstofamuchwiderriverbed whichwoundamongtreesandbusheswherehecouldhideifanyonecamealong.Davidhadhisclothes offinnotime:hehadonlyashirtandapairoftrouserskeptupwithstring.Helaidhistrousersinthe waterandputastoneontoptopreventthemfromfloatingaway.Thenhesoakedhisshirtthoroughly andopenedhisbundle. Hestoodthereamoment,soapinhand.Sometimeswhentheyfirstarrivedincamptheywerequite whiteandcleanalloverwithnosmellaboutthem...Hehardlydaredtrythenhemadeanattempt, beginningwithhishands. Itworked...almost.Davidscrubbedawayuntilhewasinasweat;hepickeduphisshirttorubhimself withandthenhegotonmuchbetter.Hereallythoughtdirtwasmuchmoredifficulttogetoff.Thenhe rememberedthesea:beingwetthroughallnightmusthavehelpedconsiderably.Hisheadwasabitofa problem,butDavidwouldnotgiveup:hewasgoingtogetallthatdirtoff,allthatremindedhimofthe campandsmeltofit. Helayrightdown,dippinghisheadinthewatersothathishairwasthoroughlywet,rubbedsoapall overituntilhisarmsgrewtired,thenduckedagainandrubbedawaywithhisshirtuntilhishairno longerfeltsticky.Heturnedcoldbuthetooknonotice;hisonethoughtwastobequite,quiteclean.His shirtgraduallytookonabrightercolour,andthenhesetabouthistrousersaswell.They,too,became brighter.Finallyhesatdownwithhisknifeandwhittledawayatatwiguntilhehadasharppointof cleanwood.Heprickedhimselfacoupleoftimesintheprocess,butintheendevenhistoenailswere clean. Thesunglistenedonadropofwaterasitfellfromhishandtohisknee.Davidwipeditoffbutitleftno tidemark:therewasnomoredirttorubaway.Hetookadeepbreathandshivered.HewasDavid. Everythingelsewaswashedaway,thecamp,itssmell,itstouchandnowhewasDavid,hisown master,freefreeaslongashecouldremainso. Davidtookalookrounditwouldnotdotogoonsittingwherehewas.Alittlehigherupthehillhe caughtsightofahouseamongthetrees,andalittlefartherdownlaytheroad.Therewouldsoonbe peopleaboutandhemustfirstfindasafehidingplace. Hefollowedthestreamalittleway,thenturnedoffandwentstraightdowntowardsthecoast.The goingwassteep,butDavid'sthicksoleswereusedtofindingplaceswherehecouldgetagoodfoothold, andhisbodywaslitheandquickandhefoundnodifficultyinkeepinghisbalance.Justbeforehecame totheroadhestoppedirresolutely:hecouldhideintheundergrowthdownthere.Butthatmeanthe wouldhavetolieflatallday,andwhenhewasnotsleepingitwouldbeveryirksometolieinroughly thesamepositionallthetime. Nowthathewasclosetotheroad,hecouldseethattherewerehousesatregularintervalsalongboth sidesofitnotrightonit,butalittleaboveorbelowwithgatesleadingontoit.Beautifulhouses,pink andpaleyellowandwhite,withgailypainteddoorsandgreentreesandclimbingplantsgrowingon theirwalls.Butwheretherewerehousestherewerepeople. Alittlefartheronthegroundfellawaysosteeplyfromtheroadthattherewerenohousesforsome distance...itlookedasifhewouldhavetocrossover. Hisheartbegantobeatquickly.Theroadwoundamongthehillsandyoucouldnotseemuchofitatone timebecauseitkeptbendingsharplyroundthespurs.Evenifhewerecertaintheroadwasclearatthe moment,someonemightcomealongjustashebegantocross.Notcars,norpeoplewalkingonthehard surface,forDavid'shearingwasgood;buthewouldnotbeabletohearanyonewalkingonthegrass

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vergeuntilhewasrightontopofhim.Wasitalltolastonlyasinglemorning,allthebeauty,allhis desiretolive?Wasitalltobetakenfromhimagainbyasinglestranger,noworinhalfanhour'stime? Butifhestayedwherehewashisdangerwouldbejustasgreat.Amongthetreessomethingwas growinglowonthegroundinlongrows:itmusthavebeenplantedtheretogrowinsuchstraightlines, andsomeonemightcomealongtotendit.Somethingbrightlycoloured,notyellownorredbutbothat once,caughthiseyeinthegreengrass.Itwasroundandrathersoft.Davidpickeditupwithoutthinking andwalkedthelastfewyardstotheroad. Themorningwasstillyoungandeverywherewasquietinthesunlight;therewasnoonetobeseen.He crossedtheroad.Notslowly,norhurriedly.Afterwardswhenhishearthadstoppedbeatingsofast,he realizedthathisdecisionhadchangedeverything.Eversincethenighthehadfoundthebundlelying underthetreeasthemanhadtoldhimitwouldbe,hisfeethadcarriedhimalong,decidingthewayfor him. Thistimeitwashewhohadmadethedecision.Hisfeethadnotwantedtotaketheriskofcrossingthe road,andhehadmasteredthemandforcedthemtodoit.ThethoughtgaveDavidagoodwarmfeeling ofstrengthandfreedom.Fromnowonhewouldthinkforhimselfandmakehisowndecisions,andhis feetandhandsandbodywouldbehisservantstodohisbidding. Rightdownbytheedgeofthewaterhewasshelteredfromtheroad,andthenearesthousewassome wayoff.Daviddidnotthinkanyonewouldbeabletoseehimfromthere,buthewasnotsureandit wasnecessarytobesure.Ifhecouldgetovertothatrock,hewouldbeinakindofcavewithtwowalls andabitofaroof.Butitwastoofarforhimtojumpacross.Davidputhisbundledownandstretched hislegovertheedge,feelingaboutwithhisfootforsomesupport;butitwasverysteepandslippery. Onlyayardseparatedhimfromthebesthidingplacehehadeverseen! "Iwillgetover!"hesaidtohimself.Itmustbepossible,theremustbesomeway...Perhapshecould findabigstoneanddropitintothecleftsothathecouldclamberacross?Butstruggleashewould,he couldnotbudgetheonlyboulderthatlookedbigenough.Ifhehadarope...buttherewasnothinghe couldmakeitfasttoontheotherside,andtheonlythinghehadthatatallresembledaropewasthe bitofstringroundhistrousers. Thensomethingbrowncaughthiseyealittlefartherdownonhissideofthecleft.Awoodenpacking caseorratherabitofone:aplank. Davidsuppressedhisexcitement.Itwasnotbigenough,hetoldhimself.Butheoughttotry,justto makesure.Whenhisheartwasbeatingnormallyagain,hesetoffafterit.Theplankwaslongenough! Hecouldlayitacrosslikeabridge,andliftitawayafterhehadcrossedoveritsothatnoonecould followhim! Butwasitstoutenough?Hefoundtwosmallerstonesandlaidthemoneundereachendoftheplank: thenhesteppedcarefullyontoit.Itcreakedalittle,butitwouldtakehisweight. Itwasverybareontheotherside.Barebutsafe,andtherewasroomenoughtoliedown;andowingto theformationoftheprojectingrock,hewouldbeinshadowmostofthetime.Hecouldseeashort stretchoftheroadabovefromwherehewaswithoutbeingseenhimselfandhecouldseethewhole coastlinetowardstheeast. Davidtookhiswettrousersoffandspreadthemandhisshirtouttodryinthesun,andthenhe unpackedhisbundleandarrangedhispossessionsneatlybyhissidehiscompass,hisknife,hisbottle, thebitofbreadthemanonboardtheshiphadgivenhim,andfinallytheroundyellowthing.Heheldit firmlybutcarefullywhilehescratcheditwithhisfingernailandboredhisfingerrightthroughtheskin.

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Itwasmoistinside.Hesniffedhisfingerandlickedititsmelledgoodandhadabittersweettaste.So hetookthepeelrightoffandpulledtheinsideapart.Itwasquiteeasytoseparateintosmallpieces, eachlikeahalfmoon.Hewashungry,andhehadabitofbreadaswell.Hewonderedifthatroundthing werefittoeat. Takingabite,hechewedandswallowedandwaitedtoseewhatwouldhappen.Butnothinghappened, nothingexceptthatittastedgood.Itdidnotmakehimill. Davidatehalfthepiecesandchewedabitofbread.Thenhetriedtheorangecolouredpeel,butthat tastedsharpandunpleasant.Hetriedtopushthethoughtawaybutitkeptreturning:"Idon'tknow anything!HowcanIstayfreewhenIdon'tknowwhateverybodyelseknows?Idon'tevenknowwhat's goodtoeatandwhat'spoisonous.TheonlyfoodIknowaboutisporridgeandbreadandsoup." Foralittlewhilehelostcourage.Whyhadhenottalkedtotheothersinthecamp,listenedtotheir conversationandaskedabouttheworldoutside?Notaboutfood,ofcourse,fortherewasaruleinthe campthatnoonemighttalkaboutfood:foronceinaway,itwasnotoneoftheirrules,butonemade bytheprisonersthemselves.Whenyouhadnothingbutbreadandporridge,andnotenoughofthat, youdidnotwanttotalkaboutthekindoffoodyouusedtohavewhenyouwerefree.Buttherewere otherthingshecouldhaveaskedabout.AslongasJohanneshadbeenwithhim,hehadaskedquestions allthetime,buthewasonlyalittleboythenandhadaskedaboutallsortsofthingshehadnousefor now. Helookedoutovertheblueseaanddownalongthecoastfullofbrightcolourandsunshine,and clenchedhisteeth. HemustthinkaboutJohannesandtrytorecallalltheyhadtalkedabout.Hemustthink,too,whathe hadheardtheotherprisonerssaybeforetheyhadbeentoolonginthecamptosayanythingmoreand merelyletthedaysdragby. Sometimeshehaddiscoveredthattheyweretryingtoescape:theylaidtheirplans,carefullyweighing theprosandcons,calculatingwhattheythoughtwaspossible,andmakingsuretheyknewwherethe worstdangerslay.Theirattemptsatescapewereneversuccessful,butthatwasnottheirfault:itwas becausetheirchancesweretooslender. Daviddecidedtofollowtheirexample.Hewouldmakeaplanofaction,weighingwhatheknewagainst whathedidnot,andcarryitoutwithoutallowinghimselftobedepressedbydoubtsormisledbyhope. Onhissidewasthefactthatalthoughhewasverythinhehadstrong,toughmuscles.Hehadsharpeyes andears,andhewasusedtodoingwithverylittlefood. Hestopped.Wasthereanythingelsetohiscredit?Yes,hewaspreparedforthem:heknewtheir methods,thetrapstheyset,thesuddencraftyfriendlinesswhichmeanttheywerehidingsomething, theirpointlessbrutality.Hewasfamiliarwithtreachery,andheknewwhatdeathlookedlike. Butwhatadvantagewashisknowledgeofdeathwhenhewasnowdeterminedtolive?Davidfrowned. Thenhethoughtofanotherpointinhisfavour:hecouldunderstandwhatpeoplefromdifferent countriesweretalkingabout.Learningtodothathadbeenagreathelptohiminthecamp.Whenhe couldnolongerpassthetimethinkingofmealtimesandthechangingoftheguard,therewerevarious languageshecouldlearn.Davidreckoneduphowmanyheknew.Firstofcoursewhattheyspokehe couldreadthat,too.ThenheknewFrench...thatwaswhatJohanneshadspoken.Andbesidesthat, GermanandItalianandEnglish.HeknewsomeSpanishandabitofHebrew. Beingabletotalktothesailorwhohadfoundhimonboardtheshiphadbeenagreatadvantage...and

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nowthathewasinItaly,hisknowledgeofthelanguagewouldbeaverygoodthing.Davidfeltgreatly encouragedperhapshewouldrecallotherthingsheknewashegraduallygrewaccustomedto thinkingagain. However,therewereplentyofthingsheknewnothingof.Heknewthereweremaps,buthehadnever seenoneandhewasquiteignorantofwherethevariouscountriesofEuropelayorwheretheir boundariesran.Hewasnotatallsurewhichofthosecountrieswerefree:hethoughttherecouldnotbe many,andhehadbetterreckonwiththepossibilitythattheywereeverywhere...eveninfree countries. Thentherewasthebusinessoffoodhewouldhavetoliveonwhathecouldfind,andeverytimehe wouldhavetoriskeatingsomethingpoisonousinhisignoranceorpassingbywhatwasedibleandgoing hungry. Worstofall,therewerepeople.Ifhewantedtopreservehisfreedom,hewouldhavetokeeprightaway fromthem.Butatthesametimeherealizedhewouldhavetogettoknowsomethingabouthow peoplelivedoutsideaprisoncamp,sinceanunknowndangerwasmoredangerousthanonethatcould bereckonedwithbeforehand. AndsoDavidtookanotherdecision.Whenitwasdarkhemustgointothetownthatlayfartheralong thecoastdownbythesea.Inthedarknesshecouldalwaysslipintoagatewayorroundastreetcorner, ashehaddiscoveredinSalonica;buthewouldhavetogowhiletherewerepeopleaboutthestreetsso thathecouldfindouthowtheylived;andperhapsaboyamongacrowdofpeoplewouldappearless suspiciousthanaboyquitealoneinatownwhereeveryonewasasleep. Inanycase,itwouldnotbeasdangerousnowasitmightbelater,fornoonecouldyetknowwhereto lookforhim.Perhapstheywouldnotlookforhimatall? HereagainDavidranintotheblankwallofhisownignorance.Hedidnotknowwhohewas,didnot evenknowwhatcountryhecamefrom.Hehadalwayslivedinthecamp,andevenJohannes,whoknew somanythings,hadnotbeenabletofindoutanythingabouthimforthesimplereasonthatnoone knewanything. Davidwonderedwhathelookedlike.Intheman'shuttherehadbeenamirror,butitwashungtoohigh. DavidhadthoughtatonetimethatperhapshewasJewish...Asarule,thepeopletheyimprisoned werethosewhowantedtodecideforthemselveswhattheyshouldbelieveandbefreetowritebooks andarticlesaboutit.Butthatcouldnotapplytohim.Jews,ontheotherhand,weresometimes imprisonedjustbecausetheydidnotlikeJews...Theysaidtheydid,butitwasnottrue. ButJohanneshadsaidhewassureDavidwasnotJewish. Onecouldnotalwaysfindoutwhytheyhadarrestedpeople,andifsomeonehadhappenedtofindhim somewhereandtakenhimalongtothecampwhenhewasquitesmall,thenitmightbethathewasnot ofsufficientconsequenceforthemtomakeanyparticularefforttorecapturehim.Buthecouldnotbe sureofthat...itwouldbesafertoassumethatitwasimportantforthemtofindhimagain. Davidrealizedthathemusthaveastory.Heknewfromhisexperiencesinthecampthatitmightbea matteroflifeanddeathto"haveagoodstory"andsticktoithowevermuchonemightbequestioned. Intheevening,whenhehadseenthekindoflifepeoplelived,hemightperhapsbeabletohitupona storyhecouldmakeuseofifanyonequestionedhim.Notthatheintendedthatanyoneshouldspeakto himifhecouldavoidit,butitwasbesttobeprepared. ***

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 Noonetookanynoticeofhim.Whilehewasontheroad,amanhadturnedroundtolookathim,but Davidhadtoldhimself,"Youmustn'tlookasifyou'reafraid!"andhadgoneonhiswayquitecalmly.And downhereinthetownnooneatallturnedtolookathim.Itwasasmalltown,notlikeSalonica.The streetsweresmallandnarrowandveryhilly.Therewastalkeverywherepeoplewalkingalongwith basketsandparcels,peoplestandinginshopswherethelightswerelit,allweretalking.Thefirsttime Davidwasawareofithecouldhardlybringhimselftomoveonalmosteverybodywaslaughing!Itwas nottheuglylaughterhewasusedtowhentheylaughedattheprisoners...itsoundedpleasant,even beautiful,asiftheywereallcontent,andfeltfriendlytowardsoneanother. Davidknewofcoursethatitcouldnotbetrue,butperhapstherewerenotsomanyofthemherein Italy,orperhapstherejustwerenotanyinthistown.Andthepeoplewerebeautiful!Davidhadseen goodlookingpeoplebeforetheywereoftengoodlookingwhentheyfirstarrivedinthecamp,but onlyJohanneshadpreservedbeautyinhisfacerightuptothetimehedied.AndthefewwomenDavid hadseenlookedquitedifferentfromthosehere...theyhadbeenhardofface,astheyalwayswere,and ...and...yes,asiftherewerescarcelyanydifferencebetweenthemandthemen. Butheretheywerebeautiful,theirhairlong,blackandwaving,manyofthemwithsmooth,suntanned faces,andalldressedinbeautifulclothesofmanycolours,liketheseaandthetreesandthegolden fruit. Davidsawthesamefruitagain,awholepileofitinagreatbasketoutsideashop."Arancia",itwas called.DavidtranslatedthewordintoGerman:"apfelsinen"hehadheardofitafterall.Ifonlythe letterswerenotsodifficulttoread!Johanneshadtaughthimtheshapesoftheletterstheyusedin othercountries,butthatwassolongago.Ifonlyhehadabooksothathecouldpractisereadingthose letters! Goingdownintothetownhadbeenagoodmove.Noonetookanynoticeofhim,andhecouldlearna lotbylookingintheshops.Hecouldfindoutwhatfoodlookedlike,andmanyotherthings,too,thathe hadneverseenbeforeanddidnotknowtheuseof.theyhadanenormousnumberofpossessions, thesepeople... Davidfeltquitedizzywithlookingatsomanythings,andhestoppedamoment.Infrontofhimaman andawomanwerewalkingalong,andastheytalkedandlaughedtogethertheywereeatingsomething theyhadboughtfromashop.Whentheyfinished,thewomanthrewawaythepapertheyhadbeen eatingf.Hisheartbeatingfaster,Davidpickeditupinthedark:therewasoftensomethingprintedon thepaperthingswerewrappedin. Hehurriedontothenearestlightyes,therewasprintingonit,somethinghecouldpractisereading! Tomorrowwhenitgrewlight...Hedarednotstandstilltoolongoutsideabrightlylitshop:besides,he didnotfeeltoowell,hehadaheadacheandfeltsick.Hehadbettergobacktohisrock. Helookedupanddiscoveredhewasstandinginalargesquare.Atfirsthewasfrightened,forhefelt muchsaferinthenarrowstreets,butthenheforgothisfearashesawinfrontofhimontheotherside ofthesquareaverybigbuildingwithacrossontop. Achurch!"Ifthere'sacross,thenit'sachurch",herememberedJohanneshadoncetoldhim.Buthedid nottellhimthatachurchcouldbebeautifulitswallsbuiltofdifferentkindsofstonethatformed intricateandlovelypatterns,itsgreatdoorsapproachedbyamagnificentflightofsteps.Davidlookedat thechurchforalongtime.Hefeltithadsomemeaningforhim,buthecouldnottellwhat.Hisheadfelt veryheavyasifhehadbeenrunningallnightlong:hemustreturntohishideout. Slowlyheturnedhisbackuponthesquareandwentdownintothenarrow,brightlylitstreetsagain.He

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stoppedoutsideashopwheretheybakedroundflatloaveswithwhathehadlearntwerecalled tomatoesontop.Hewashungry.Notveryhungryatthemoment,buthewouldbebythemorning. Perhapsinthemorninghewouldfindanotherorange. Heturnedtogo. "Hi,wantone,eh?" Davidturnedroundwithastart.Themanwasstandingintheopendoorwayofferinghimoneofthe loaves.Davidautomaticallyputouthishandandthenhequicklywithdrewit.Atrap.Hewouldtake thebreadandthenthemanwouldfetchthem... Helookedupintotheman'sfaceandsawitwasjustlikethesailor'sthesameslightlystupid expression,thesamegoodnaturedeyes.Davidhesitated;perhapshewouldnothavehimarrested. ThereweresomegoodpeopleJohanneshadtoldhimsoandhehadheardthesamethingfrom otherprisoners:theyhadoftenspokenofthosewhohadhelpedthemandhiddenthemforlongperiods whentheywereafterthem. Themanlaughedinaheartyfriendlyway,thewayeverybodylaughedhere."Well!Perhapstheyoung fellowisn'thungry!"hesaid."Yes,Iam,"Davidanswered."Thankyouverymuch!"Hetookthebread andoffhewentwithquickunhurriedsteps.Themanfrownedandlookedathimalittlepuzzled.Then heshruggedhisshouldersrightuptohisearsandletthemfallagain,asifhewereshakingsomething off,andwentbacktohisloaves. NeverinthewholeofDavid'slifehadadaypassedsoquicklyasdidthenextone.Stillfree,hehadgot backtohisrocksagain,eatenhalftheloafthemanhadgivenhimandlaindowntosleep.Whenhe wokeitwasday,andeverythingwasjustaswarmandbeautifulinthebrightsunshineasithadbeenthe daybefore.Hehadrunuptothelittlestreamforawashbeforeanyonewasabout,andeventhefact thathissoaphadgrownmuchthinnerfromovermuchusethedaybeforedidnotreallytroublehim. Perhapsitwasbecausehehadwashedhisshirtandtrouserswithitaswell.Hedecidedtomakedowith washinghishandsandfeetandfacethatdayandtogosparinglywithhisprecioussoap.Thenheran downhillagain,nearlyforgetting,inhiseagernesstogetbacktohispieceofpaper,tolookcarefullyup anddowntheroadbeforehecrossedit.Thatmustnothappenagain!Hemadehimselfcounttoa hundredbeforehepickeduphispaperinordertoremindhimselfhowimportantitwasnevertodo anythingwithoutthinking. Thescrapofpaperwasdifficulttoread.Theeveningbeforehehadreadseveralnoticesinthetown,but thiswasinpropersentenceswithmanywordstogether.Davidmurmuredthenamesofthelettersto himself,firstonebyoneandthenrunningthemtogetherthreeorfouratatime,andafterabitthe soundsbegantotakeshapeaswordshealreadyknew.Thenhebeganreadingtohimselfwhatwason thepaper.Onthewholeitproveddisappointing:someofitwasaboutthingsyoucouldbuy,butnoneof itwasanyusetoaboyescaping.Therewassomethingaboutmotorcars,andthelastbitwasabouta king.Butatthatpointthepaperwastornacross,andDavidcouldnotevenfindoutwheretheking camefrom. Fromwhathehadheardinthecamp,Davidhadgatheredthatthecountriesthathadkingswerefree andtheirpeoplehadnoneedtobefrightenedofthem. Buttherewerenotmanycountrieslikethat,andtheknowledgewasnotofmuchusetohimsincehe didnotknowwherethosecountrieswere. However,hisbeliefthathemightperhapsavoidcaptureseemedtohavegrownstrongersincetheday before.Hehadseensomuchinthetownthatheknewdeepwithinhimselfthathewouldhavetogo

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downthereagain,buthewouldnotyetadmitittohimself.Hewaspulledbothways:hehada passionatedesiretogobackandlearnmoreaboutwhatthingswerelikeoutsidethecamp,andatthe sametimehewasafraidhemightforgettohidehisfears. Aslongasitwasstilldaylighthewouldthinknomoreaboutpayinganothervisittothetown.Hehad plentyofotherthingstooccupyhim:allthathehadseenthepreviousday,allthathewantedtoknow andwouldhavetofindoutforhimself.Andtherewashispieceofpaper:evenifitcontainednothingof anyusetohim,hecouldalwaysreadtheletters,comparingthewordsastheyappearedinprintwith thewaytheysoundedwhentheywerespokenuntilhewassurehecouldreadproperly.Andinbetween times,whenhisheadbegantobuzzwiththeweightoftoomanyproblemsthatseemedtohaveno solution,therewereallthethingsthathewouldnevertireoflookingat.Theblueseastretchingfarther thaneyecouldreachandthelandwithitseverchangingcoastline...thegreenhills,thebareredrocks ...thebrightlycolouredhousesgleaminglikefruitshereandthereinthesun. WheneveningcameDavidwentdowntothetownagain.Andagainthenextevening,andthenext... andeachtimehelearntsomethingnew,enoughtooccupyhisthoughtsalldaylonginhisrockyhiding place. Hehadhituponagoodstory.Duringhissecondeveninghehadreadsomethingonawallaboutacircus. Heunderstooditwasakindoftheatrethattravelledabout:ifhewasquestionedhewouldsayhecame fromoneandwasgoingtorejoinitsomewhereelsesomewherefarenoughawaytopreventpeople findingoutimmediatelyifitweretrue. Buthehadhadnooccasiontotryhisstoryout. Hewentdowntothetownagainduringtheevening.Hewasgraduallygettingtoknowitinsideout thenarrowcrookedstreets,theopenspacedownbytheseafront,thesquarewherethechurchstood. Healwayswenttherelastofallsothatonthewaybacktotherockhewouldhavefreshinmindthe beautifulwallwithitspatternsofmanycolouredstone.Hehadnotsummonedupenoughcourageto enterthechurchalthoughhewouldhavedearlylovedtoseewhatitlookedlikeinside. Davidwouldsometimesstandintheshadowsoutsideashopandlistentotheconversationwithin.It waseasyenoughfortheyalwaystalkedveryloudlywithfrequentburstsoflaughter.Inthatwayhe learntwhatmanythingswereusedfor,thingsthatwerestrangetohimbutseemedtobetakenfor grantedbythepeopleroundhim. Hehadnotyetheardanyonetalkaboutthem:sometimesthefactthattherewereobviouslynoneof theminthetownledhimtoberatherlesscareful.Healwayswalkedonifanyonelookedathim,buthe sometimescameveryneartoforgettinghisfears,andhequiteopenlyfilledhisbottleatthepump downbytheseafrontandacceptedseveralloavesfromthemanwhomadethem.Atfirsthewould standforalongtimehiddenintheshadowsoutsidetheshoplisteningtothebaker'sconversationwith hiscustomersbutitwasneveraboutthem,andheneveraskedDavidanyquestionsexceptwhether hewerehungry,andthenhewouldgivehimaloafandafriendlysmile. AndsoitwasalmostoutofhabitthatDavidnowhidinthedarkoutsideandlistened.Thateveningthe manwastalkingofsomeonecalledGuglioandthegoodcatchhehadhad.ForamomentDavid'sheart stoodstillwithfear...Thenherealizedtheyweretalking,notofpeople,butoffishcaughtatsea. Hestoodtherealittlelonger,inhisreliefforgettingtolisten.Thenhesuddenlyheardthemansay, "Who'sthatboythatcomeshereeveryeveningforaloaf?Doyouknow?" "Whatboy?"

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"Athinraggedboy,butalwaysveryclean.Helooksabitforeign." Davidpressedhimselfflatagainstthewallandstoodthereasifgluedtothespot.Anothermanwas speakingnow,onewhospokedifferentlyfromtherest,moreafterDavid'sownfashion,"I'veseena strangeboyeveryeveningthisweek:hestandsandlooksatthechurch.Iassumedhe'dcomeoverfor theharvest.SignorMissianitakesonanumberofcasualworkersaboutthistime." Thenawomansaidsomething."Noone'scomeyetfortheharvest,padre:Thrsewouldhavetoldme. I'veseentheboy,too.Itmustbethesameone.Hedoesn'tlookliketheothersandhealwaysmovesoff whenyoulookathim.He'sgotverystrangelookingeyes..." "Inwhatwaystrange?"thatwastheonetheycalled"padre"speakingagain:"padre"meant"priest" "I'veonlyseenhimstandinginthedarkontheothersideofthesquare...Doeshelookasifhe'supto mischief?" "No,no,Idon'tknowaboutthat,padre,buthe'sastrangeboy.Ifyousmileathim,hedoesn'tsmile back;hedoesn'trunoff,either;hejustturnsandwalksaway.Andhiseyes...they'resoquietlooking. Perhapsweshouldgetholdofhimandaskhimwherehecomesfrom." Davidheardnomore.Withnomoresoundthanapuffofwindhewasdownthestreetandinsidethe firstopendoorthroughalongdarkpassageandoutagaininanotherstreet.Neverbeforehadhe founditsodifficulttowalkalongcalmlyasifhefeltnofear.Heincreasedhisspeed,outofthetown,out totherockshemustgetawayatoncebeforetheybeganlookingforhim. Theymightbesendingforthemalready...Davidwaitedalong,longtime,hidingbythesideoftheroad, beforeheventuredscramblingdowntohishidingplace.Thelasttwoeveningshehadlefthisbundle there,andnowhemusttakeitwithhim.Butfirsthehadtomakesurenoonewasfollowing. Whenhereachedthesafetyoftherocks,helaydown,butnottosleep,onlybecausehislegsfeltasif theywouldnotbearhisweightanylonger.Ashelaythere,hecouldseethelightsfromthetownbelow. Theylookedbeautifulinthedark.Buthehadbeenrightwhenhesensedtherewasdangerthere:he mustgetaway,thatverynight. Thethoughtfilledhimwithdespair.Hehadbeguntofeelthatitwashistown,thattherockbelongedto him.Hekneweverylittleirregularityinitssurface,andeverymorningwhenheundidhisbundle,he wouldarrangehisthingsinthesameway.Thelittlestreamhigherupacrosstheroadhadbeenhis alone,andeverymorninghehadfoundanorange. Allthebeautyoftheplacehadbeenhis:theseaandthecoastlinethatcurvedalongitsshores;allthe beautifulcolours,thebluesandgreensandreds;andthegayhouses,brightlycoloured,too,and gleaminglikefruitsinthesunlight. Beforehehadcometothetownhehadknownaboutnothingbutdeath:herehehadlearnttolive,to decidethingsforhimself;hehadlearntwhatitfeltliketowashincleanwaterinthesunshineuntilhe wascleanhimself,andwhatitfeltliketosatisfyhishungerwithfoodthattastedgood;hehadlearntthe soundoflaughterthatwasfreefromcruelty;hehadlearntthemeaningofbeautyandnowhemust leaveitandneverreturn. Davidcriedbutnotforlong.Hesatupandlookedoncemoreatthelightsofthetown.Hehadalso learnttothinkagainwithoutbeingafraidofdoingit. Andhecouldgoonthinking;hewasstillfree,andifhethoughtabouteverythingcarefully,asclearly andsensiblyashecould,andrememberedallhehadlearntinthisplace,thenfreedommightbehisfor

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alongtimeyet. Hehadbeenrightinsupposingthattheywereeverywhere,evenwherehewasnow.Buthehadalso foundittruethatsomepeopleweregoodandkind.Andiftheynolongerdaredtopretendthatthey hadnotseenhimabout,thenitwashisownfaultforstayingtheretoolong.Buthemustneverstayin oneplacemorethanoneevening.Hemustcontinuetoavoidpeopleasmuchaspossible,andhemust remembernottolookatthem. Davidwishedheknewwhatwassostrangeabouthiseyes.Whatdidtheymeanwhentheysaidthey werequiet?Perhapsonedayhewouldcomeacrossamirrorandfindoutwhathelookedlike.David sighedalittle.Aboycouldnotverywelldisguisehimself.Grownmencouldgrowbeardsorshavethem off;andifyouhadmoney,youcouldchangeyourclothes,orwearglasses,ordyeyourhair.Butwhen youwereaboywithneitherbeardnormoney,itwasnogoodthinkingaboutdisguisingyourself. Davidpackedeverythingexcepthiscompassintohisbundleandstoodup.Whenhehadcrossedover theplankhedrewitafterhimandcarrieditrightuptotheroadwaysothatnoonewouldseewherehe hadbeenliving.Hestoodstillforamomentandlookeddownatthelightsofthetown. Thenhesetoffquietlyupthemountainslopetowardsthenorth. 3 Tiredoutandscratchedtopieces,Davidwasgladwhenitbegantogrowlight.Hewasnolongerusedto travellingatnighttimeanddecidedthatassoonashehadgotfarenoughawayhewouldtravelduring thedayinstead.Travellingbynightwastooexhaustinginaterrainwhereateverystepyoumightrun intosomethingortripoveritplants,treeroots,anunexpectedslopeoraholeintheground.Hehad noticed,too,thataslongaspeoplewerenotabletotakeagoodlookathimtheypaidhimlittleenough attentionhewasjustaboypassingby.Theremustbelotsofboysintheworld.Themanythingshe musthavefailedtonoticeinthetowncontinuedtofrethim.Theremighthavebeenboysthere,too, buthehadbeensobusylearningaboutwhatwasintheshops,listeningtowhatpeopletalkedabout andreadingnoticesthathehadnotbeenawareofthem.Hecouldreadanythingnow,aslongasitwas inprint,andthatwasagreatadvantage. Hewaitedtillitwaslightenoughtoseewhethertherewerehousesnearbyandthenfoundagood clumpofbushestosleepin. Whenhewokehehadashock.Itwasstilldaylight,andashesatuphefoundhimselflookingstraight outtosea!Helookedanxiouslyathiscompass.Perhapsithadbroken?Buttheneedlemovedasit should.Foramomenthethoughthehadlosthiswayinthedarkandhadwanderedroundinacircletill hewasbackagainintheneighbourhoodofthetown. Thenanotherthoughtoccurredtohim:perhapsthecoastlinecurvedrightroundandhehadcrosseda stripoflandwiththeseaonbothsidesofit.Yes,thatwasit!Davidrosequicklytohisfeetandmadehis waydowntowardstheshoreuntilhecouldseealongthecoast.Thenhefoundhehadbeenright.The pointwherelandandseaandskyfadedintooneanother,blurredintothesameshadeofblue,nowlay intheoppositedirectiononhisrightashestoodfacingthesea,insteadofonhisleftasithaddone fromhisrock. Butwhatnow?Hemustgonorthwards:thatwaswhatthemanhadtoldhim.Forthefirsttimesincehe hadarrivedinItaly,Davidcouldthinkaboutthemancalmlyanddispassionately.Hehadtoldhimtogo northtillhecametoacountrycalledDenmark.Butwhyshouldhedowhatthemantoldhim?Wasnot heDavid,hisownmaster,whodecidedforhimself?Inthecamp,ofcourse,youhadtoobeytheman.

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Hewasthecommandant,andithadneveroccurredtoDavidnottoobeyhim.Hehadseenonlytoo oftenwhathappenedifyoufailedtoobeyevenanordinaryguard. Butnowtherewasnolongeranyreasontoobeyhim.Orwasthere?Thebundlehadlainunderthetree, andwhenhehadgonesouthhehadcometoSalonica.AndtherehadbeenashipsailingforItaly.He hadnotyetdiscoveredanytrapthemanhadsetforhimbutperhapstherewasoneinthatcountry calledDenmark.ItwasallverypuzzlingandDavidcouldfindnoanswer. "ButI'venoneedtoworryaboutthatnow,"hesaidtohimself."IfthebitofItalyI'vebeeninsofarjuts outintotheseaasIthinkitdoes,thenI'dbettergomoretotheeast,forthat'sthedirectiontheland seemstofollow." Onthissideofthepeninsula,too,theroadwoundalongonakindofshelfabovethesea.Davidcrossed it,keepinghiseyesfixedonthegroundhemightfindanorange,andhehadnotmuchfoodleft.He didfindonehefoundatreecoveredinthem!Hehadnotrealizedthattheygrewontrees.Therewas notmuchtrafficupontheroad,onlyanoccasionalcarpassingby,andthelowestbranchesofthetree werewithinreachandeasytoclimb.Davidpickedtwoorangessoastohaveoneinreserve.Thenhe foundacomfortableplacetositonaflatrockandsettleddowntohisbreakfast.Alittlebitofbread, waterfreshandclear,notmuddyandtastelesslikethewaterinthecampandthenanorangeto finishwith. Buthehadbetterbeonhisway;iftheyhadbeguntosearchforhimhemustgetawayquickly.theyhad nophotographstheycouldrecognizehimbythatwasapointinhisfavour.Hestoodupandashe stumbledoveraloosestonehiscompasswentflyingovertheedgeoftherockwherehehadbeen sitting.Beforehecouldputhishandouttocatchititwastoolate. Allhecoulddowastofollowitwithhiseyesuntilitdisappearedintotheseasofarbelowthathecould notevenheartheplop. Theseawasverydeepundertherocks,andDavidknewhewouldneverfinditagain.Hesatforalong timestaringattheplacewhereithaddisappeared.Hewaslostnow.Nowhewouldgoroundincircles andkeepcomingbacktothesameplace.Andtheywouldfindhim. Hehadhadsolittle.Nowhehadnothing;nothingatalltosafeguardhisfreedom. "God!"hesaidsoftly."Oh,God!" Hedidnotknowwhy.Itwaswhatthemensometimessaidinthecampwhentheyweremostindespair. Butasforhimself,hehadnoGod. Andnocompasseither.Freedomwasprecious,andhehadnothingtodefenditwith. ThenDaviddecidedthathemusthaveagod:itmighthelp.ButwhichGodshouldhechoose?Itwas importanttofindtherightone.Ifonlyhehadlistenedmorecarefullytowhatthemenhadtalkedabout inthecamp!Hehadbeeninterestedonlyinlearningnewwords.Ifhehadaskedmorequestions,he wouldhavelearntalotmore. Whatgodsdidheknowof?TheonetheJewshadmadesomanydemandstoinreturnforhishelp?And whathadDavidtogive?Nothing!AndifyouwerenotaJew,perhapsyouhadnorighttochoosehim. TheGodoftheCatholicsseemedtoleavethingstoawomancalledMary.NotthatDavidhadanything againstwomen,butasheknewsolittleaboutthemitmightbebettertochooseonewholookedafter thingshimself.JohannesshouldhavetaughthimsomethingaboutGod.Instead,hehadonlytoldhim aboutaman,alsocalledDavid,whohadlivedalongtimeago.Daviddugintohismemory:whenhe

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thoughthardhecouldrecallmanyofthethingsJohanneshadsaid.Wasnottheresomethingabouta god,too,inthatstoryaboutDavid?Somethinginratherdifficultwordshehadalwayslikednewwords thatwerelongandstrange:heenjoyedfindingoutwhattheymeant. Suddenlyitcamebacktohim.ThatotherDavidhadsaidofhisGod,"Hemakethmetoliedowningreen pastures,Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters." Hewastheonehewouldchoose! Clutchinghisorangetightly,hefirstlookedroundtomakesuretherewasnoonewhocouldoverhear him,andthensaidinalowvoice,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,IamDavidandI chooseyouasmyGod!ButyoumustpleaseunderstandthatIcan'tdoanythingforyou,becauseI've alwaysbeeninawickedplacewherenoonecouldthinkorlearnorgettoknowanything,andIknow nothingaboutwhatpeopleoughttodofortheirGod.ButtheDavidJohannesusedtotalkaboutknew thatevenifhecouldn'tseeyou,youwerethereandwerestrongerthananymen.Iprayyouwillhelp mesothattheywon'tcatchmeagain.ThenperhapsIcangraduallyfindoutaboutyousothatIcando somethinginreturn.AndifyouknowwhereJohannesisnow,willyoupleasethankhimformeforgoing withmetoSalonica,andtellhimthatnowI'mfreeIcanthinkabouthimagain.IamDavid.Amen." Perhapsitwasamistaketosay"amen"becausethatwaswhatCatholicsdid,butDavidknewitwasa holyword,andifyoudidnothaveanendingGodwouldnotknowwhenyouhadfinishedyourprayer. Hefeltasenseofreliefandaddedstrengthjustashehadthemorninghehaddeterminedtogoon living.Hewasgladhehadthoughtofit:agodwouldbealotbetterthanacompass...though,ofcourse, itwouldhavebeennicetohaveboth. Duringthecourseoftheeveninghehadalmostreachedthepointwherethecoastlineboretotheleft, andfromthepositionofthesunhecouldseethatifhecontinuedinthesamedirectionhewouldbe goingroughlynorthwest.Everyevening,andeverymorning,too,whenhewokeup,hewouldbeable totellbythesunwhichwayhewasgoing:hewouldmanageevenifhehadlosthiscompass. Ithadbeenagoodday.Everywherehadbeenbeautiful,andinalittletownhehadfoundoneofthose watertapsthatpeopledrankfrom.Perhapstherewasoneineverytown.Andhehadnotmetthem anywhere.Therehadnotbeenanycarsofthesorttheyrodeineither,andDavidonceagainfeltsure thathewouldpullthroughandmightremainfreeforalongtimeyet. Breadwashischiefproblem.TherewassomuchtoeatinItalythatpeoplewouldleavefoodlyingabout withoutrealizingitanorangeoratomatobutneverbread,andbreadyouhadtohaveifyouwere nottostarve. Davidsatdownbytheroadside.Peopleoftendidthat,sohefeltfreetodoso,too.Afterawhilehetook theprecautionoflyingflatonhisstomachandfacingtheroad,makingsurehecouldquicklyduckoutof sightifanythingcamealong.Helaythinkingaboutvariousthings.Duringthecourseofthatdayhehad discoveredthatunlessatownwereverysmallitsnameappearedonanoticesomedistanceahead,and iftherewereonlyonefigureafterthenamethenthetownwasnotveryfaroff.Thefigure,hethought, perhapsmeanthowmanykilometresyouhadtogo.Hethought,too,thatifhedidnotfindanybread thenextday,hewouldhavetoaskGodforsome.Meanwhileduskwasfallingrapidly,andacar suddenlypulledupwithinafewyardsofwherehelay. Davidducked.Amangotoutofthecarandbeganrummagingintheboot.Davidraisedhisheadhe wasquiteanordinaryman,notoneofthem.ThemanmadeasuddenmovementandDavidheardhim mutter,"Blast,myspectacles...!"

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HespokeinEnglish,notItalian.Ashewatchedhimgropingaboutinthehalflightalongtheedgeofthe road,Davidrosetohisfeet.Whenpeopleworespectacles,theycouldnotseeanythingwithoutthem. "I'llhelpyoutofindyourspectacles." Themanstraightened,benttowardshimandpeeredintohisface.Davidcasthiseyesdown,drewback slightlyandwishedhehadthoughtfirst.Butthemansmiledandsaid,"Thankyouverymuch!It'snot muchgoodlookingforglasseswhenyouhaven'tgotthemon,isit?"Davidanswered,"No,"politely,and setaboutsearchingtheedgeoftheroadcarefullyuntilhecameacrossthem.Themanhadsteppedover tothecarandwastalkingtosomeoneinsideasDavidstoodbywiththeglassesinhishand.Washeone ofthemafterall?Couldheescape?Howfarcouldheget?Itwasonlyasecondbeforethestranger turnedroundandsaid,"Can'tyoufindthem?Ifyoucan't,mywifewilldrive..." Davidsteppedslowlyforward."Heretheyare,"hesaid,andaddedhesitantly,"Sir."Themanputthe glassesonandsmiledagain,andDavidfeltsurehewasnotoneofthem.Hehadquiteadifferentlook abouthim:Davidcouldnotimaginehimstrikingorshootinganyone.Henowfeltinhispocket,took somethingoutandofferedittoDavid.Acoinlayinhishand."Youmusthavesomethingforyour trouble,"hesaid. "No,"saidDavidquickly,steppingback."Imeanno,thankyou." Thestrangerlookedalittledisconcerted,thenhesmiledandsaidinthatcaseDavidmustaccepthis thanksandaskedifhewouldliketosay,"Howdoyoudo?"tohiswife. Daviddidnotreallywantto,butashedidnotknowhowtosayso,hewentwithhimtothecar.A womansatinside:shewasnotbeautifullikethewomenofItaly,butshehadapleasantcleansmelland itwasnotyettoodarkforhimtoseethatshewassmiling.SoDavidsaidgoodeveningtoher. ThenthemanspoketoherinFrench.HeaskedherifshehadeverbeforecomeacrossalittleItalian trampwhospokeEnglishwithanOxfordaccentandwasoffendedwhenhewasofferedmoney. Davidwasjustabouttosaythathehadnotbeenoffended,whenhedecidednotto.Sincetheyalready thoughtitstrangethathespokeEnglish,itwasbetternottoletthemseethatheunderstoodFrenchas well. Theyaskedhimwhathewascalledandwhohewas.DavidrepliedthathisnamewasDavidandhewas onhiswaytojoinacircusfarthernorth.Fortunatelytheydidnotseemveryinterested,andapparently takingahintfromthebrevityofhisanswertheyquestionedhimnomore.Insteadtheytoldhimthey camefromEngland,wereonholidayandwouldshortlyhavetoreturn.Thenthewomansuggestedthey shouldhavesomethingshecalled"sandwiches".Theseturnedouttobefoodslicesofbreadwith somethingbetweenthem.TheyaskedDavidifhewouldlikeone,andhesaid,"Yes,please." TheyseemedpleasedwhenDavidacceptedtheiroffer,andDavidthoughttheymightbewillingto answeraquestionifheputonetothem. "IsthereakinginEngland?"heinquired. Themantoldhimthatatthemomenttherewasaqueenbecausethelastkinghadhadnosons,only daughters.Shewasagoodqueen,hesaid,andbeautiful,too,andshehadaveryfinegoldencrown. Davidlookedathiminsurprise.Whatdiditmatterwhatshehad?Allthatreallymatteredwasthatthe peopleofEnglandwerefree,aspeoplealwayswereinthosecountriesthathadkingsor,ofcourse, queens.

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 Heatethelastmouthful."I'vefinished,sir.CanIgonow?" Thewomanleanedovertowardshim."Yes,ofcourseyoucan.But...David,Iwouldliketoseeyou smile." Davidfeltawkward:herfacehadananxiouslook,asifshewerewaitingforhimtogivehersomething. Buthehadnothingtogive. "I...I'msorry:Idon'tknowhowtodoit."Heturnedawayslightlyandaskedagain,"CanIgonow,sir?" InalowvoicethewomansaidrapidlyinFrench,"Donald,wecan'tlethimgolikethat.He'saboutthe sameageasourownboys.HemightbeEnglish.Youcanseehe'snotanordinarylittletramp.Those eyes...can'tyouseehiseyes?" Themanlaidhishandonhersandbrokein."Yes,Ican,andtheboy'sfrightened:thelongeryoukeep himhere,themorefrightenedhegrows.Wecan'tgetmixedupinit,Alice,andI'msurehe'snot English." ThentoDavid,"You'renotEnglish,David,areyou?" Almostbeforehehadfinishedspeaking,Davidansweredquickly,"No,sir.Therewasamaninthe...in thecircuswhowasEnglish."Hehadverynearlysaid"inthecamp"butcorrectedhimselfintime."Won't youletmego?Ididn'ttakeyourfoodbeforeyousaidIcould." "Ofcourseyoumaygo,David."Theman'svoicesoundedalmostlikeJohannes'."Iftherewereanyway inwhichwecouldhelpyou,youwouldtellus,wouldn'tyou?" "Yes,sir.Thereisn't.Thankyou.Goodbye."Hewasinsuchahurrytogetaway,hestumbledoverhis words.Thenoffheranbeforetheycouldstophimagain.Heranbackalongtheroad,andbeforehe reachedthefirstbendhelaydownintheditchandlookedbackatthecar.Itstayedtherealongtime beforeitdroveoff. Itwasgrowingquitedarknow. Davidbegantoclamberslowlydowntheslopetowardstheseatofindhimselfaplacetosleepinforthe night.HewasthinkingaboutthestrangersEnglishpeoplefromafreecountry.theywereobviously kind,andyettheydidnotseemwillingtolethimgo,especiallythewoman.Sheseemedtothinkshe oughttokeephimthere.Davidcouldnotunderstandit...butwhenhesearchedhismindforwhathe knewaboutcountriesthatwerefree,hefoundtheanswer:inthosecountriestheyhadakindofpolice forcetohelpthosewhohadnotdoneanythingwrong.Shewasonlythereonholiday,andperhapsshe hadnoideahowdifferentthingswereinothercountries.Thethoughtwascomforting:hehadbeen alarmedattheideathatshewoulddeliberatelysetouttoensnarehimtherewouldbeasortof treacheryingivinghimfoodandsmilingathimandthenseekingtoholdontohim.Butifshewere ignorantofthesituation,thentherewasnothingsinisterinwhatshehaddone.Onlyhemusttakemore careandremembernottolookatpeoplelongenoughforthemtonoticehiseyes.Itwouldbehelpfulto findamirrorifheknewwhatwaswrongwithhiseyeshemightbeabletodosomethingaboutit.And hewouldhavetolearntosmile:peoplehadsometimessmiledathiminthetown,andthentheyhad lookedputoutasiftheyregrettedhavingdoneit.Ifyoucouldsmilebackeverytimepeoplesmiledat you,perhapstheywouldtakelessnoticeofyou. Davidwasjustonthepointoffallingasleepwhenwhatseemedaveryimportantideastruckhim.The Englishmanhadwantedtogivehimmoney!Hehadrefusedit,tobesure,butonlybecausehehadhad

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sucha...suchastrongimpulsetodosomethingquitevoluntarilyforanotherperson...nottobe orderedtodoit,buttodoitwithoutanyonesayinghehadto.Ithadfeltalmostlikepossessing something,somethingsobigthathecouldgivesomeofitaway.Ifhehadtakenthemoney,itwouldnot havefeltthesame.Butinfuturehemightbeabletofindthingstodothathecouldgetmoneyfor:then hecouldbuybreadeveryday.Hewouldnotbeabletoavoidpeople,ofcourse,butifonlyhecouldget tothebottomofwhatwaswrongwithhiseyesandlearnhowtosmile,thenperhapshewouldmanage afterall. Andmanagehedidduringthefollowingweeks.Onlytwodayslater,inatowncalledNaples,hefounda mirror.Awomanwalkingalongthestreetdroppedit.Acornerbrokeoff,andshepulledafaceandleftit there.Davidwaitedtillshewasoutofsightandthenpickeditup:youcouldstillseeyourselfinit, anyway.Clutchingitinhishand,hewalkedontillhecametoaplacewherethereweretreesanddried grassrightinthemiddleofthetown.Therewasaseat,andthereDavidsatdownandheldupthe mirror. Atfirsthishandshooksomuchhecouldnotseeproperly,butverysoonafaceappearedclearlyinthe mirrorhisown! Itdidnotlookugly.No,hehonestlycouldnotseewhatwouldbewrongwithit.Itwasthin,butsowere manypeople'sfaces.Thecolourofhishairperhapswasnotquiteright:maybeitshouldhavebeena darkerbrown.Heheldthemirrorclosetohisfacetotakeagoodlookathiseyes.Johanneshadhadblue eyes.HereinItalytheyallhaddarkbrownorblackeyes.Butyoucouldhaveothercolours.Davidstrove torecallwhattheeyesofthemeninthecamphadlookedlike,butallhecouldrememberclearlywas thattheyweredull,whereashisownnowlookedasbrightaseyesshoulddo.Wastheresomething wrongwithdarkgreyeyes?Perhapstherewasatouchofgreeninthemifyoulookedcarefully.Hestill couldnotunderstandinwhatwaytheywerestrange,sohedismissedthethought.Hewouldjusthave toturnawaywhenanyonelookedathimforanylengthoftime. Manytimesadayduringthedaysthatfollowedhetookouthismirrorandpractisedsmiling,buthe couldnotgetitright:hecouldnotmakeitlookthewayitdidwhenotherpeoplesmiled,andintheend hegaveitup. Hecontinuedasfarashecouldtogonorthwards.Notthathewantedtodoasthemanhadtoldhim, butheobviouslyhadtogosomewhere,andthatwasthedirectiontheEnglishpeoplehadtaken. Withoutbeingfullyawareofit,Davidhadsomeideaatthebackofhismindthathemightperhapsgoto England. Duringhisfirstdaysoffreedomhehadhadbutonethoughtfrommorningtonight:whenhewokeupit hadtakentheform,"Iftheyhaven'tcaughtmebythisevening..."andashelaydowntosleep,"Ifthey don'tcatchmetomorrow..."Henowbegantobelievethathemightremainfreeforalongtimeto comeperhapsuntilwinterovertookhim.Andasheopenedhiseyesinthemorningtothewarmthof thesun,hewouldsometimesfeelsurethathewouldreachacountrywherehecouldliveinsafety. Theideaofearningsomemoneyhadbeeagoodone.HehadearnednomoneyinNaples,buthehad fetchedcoffeeforpeoplewhosateatinginarestaurantandthewaiterhadgivenhimaloafofbreadfor hispains.Andinasmalltownfarthernorthhehadbeengivenmoneybysomestrangerswhowere afraidofhavingtheirluggagestolenfromthecarwhiletheywentintothechurch.Herealized afterwardsthathedidnotknowwhathewouldhavedoneifanyonehadattemptedtotakethebags, butfortunatelynobodyhadtriedandhehadbeengivensomuchmoneythathewasabletobuy enoughbreadfortwodays. David'schiefdifficultywasthatpeopleaskedsomanyquestions,butashegainedinexperiencefromall hesawabouthim,hewasgraduallyabletoimproveuponhisstoryofthecircus.TheItaliansdidnotask

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somanyquestions,butitwaseasiertoearnmoneyfromthetouristswhowereonholidayfromother countries,soDavidembroideredhistaleuntilhethoughtitsoundedabsolutelygenuine.Whenhewas askedwherehewasgoingtorejointhecircus,hewouldinventanamesothathoweversuspicioushis questionersmightbeafterwardstheywouldnotbeabletotracehim. Thesuncontinuedtoshinewithapleasantwarmthdaybyday,butitwasnowbeginningtogrowcoldat nighttime.Davidwasquitedetermined,however,nevertoenterahouse.Housesweredangerous places:youneverknewbutwhatsomeonemightbestandinginthedoorwaybarringyourexitthevery momentyouwantedtoslipaway. Everytimehecametoatown,hewouldwalkroundtillhefoundthechurch.Hepromisedhimselfthatif hewerenotcaughtandcametoacountrywherehecouldliveinsecurity,hewouldgoinsideoneand seewhatitlookedlike.Notthathereallyexpectedthathewouldbeabletopreservehisfreedomlong enoughforthat:itwasbestnottohopetoomuch.Butsometimeswhenhehadhadenoughtoeatand foundacomfortableplacetosleepinandsatgazingatthehillsandvalleysandthesunshiningonthe distantmountains,hecouldnothelpfeelingthatperhapshemightbelucky. Itwasnowalongtimesincehehadseenthesea,buttheredidnotseemtobeonedulloruglyplacein thewholeofItaly.AllhislifeDavidhadseennothingbutthesameugly,flat,greyscene,andnowhe nevergrewtiredoftrampingthroughtheeverchangingcountryside.Everytimehecametoabendin theroadhewasafraidthebeautywoulddisappear,buteachtimeanewbeautywasrevealedinthe greenandundulatinghillsandvalleys.Davidhadnowlearnedwhatsomeofthetreeswerecalled.There wereoliveswiththeirgnarledtrunksandpalegreygreenleaveswhisperingandquiveringinthelightest breezeasiftheywerealive,andtherewerecypresses,tallandslender,pointingstraightupintothesky. Bestofallwerethoseplaceswhereariverflowedthroughthevalley.Therehecouldsitforhourson endwonderingwheretherivercamefromandwhereitranto. There,too,hecouldwash.Hispieceofsoaphadgrownquitesmallnow,althoughhedidnotuseitevery day.Hedarednotwashinthetownswhenhefilledhiswaterbottleatthepump,forhehadneverseen anyonewashingthereanditmightbeforbidden. ItwasSundaytoday,thedaythepeopleweremostfulloflaughterbuttheshopsshut.Butthatdidnot mattertodaysinceDavidhadnotearnedanymoneyfortwodaysandcouldnothaveboughtbread anyway.Hehadfoundabunchofgrapes,however,andhewasusedtodoingwithverylittlefood.It wouldsoonbeevening,andhewassittingbytheroadsidethinkingoveraplanhehadhadinmindsince thedaybefore.Hecouldnotmakeuphismindwhetherhedaredtryit.Thedaybeforehehadseena manwalkingalongtheroadandwhenacarcamealonghehadhelduphishandandstoppedit.The driverhadputhisheadoutandaskediftheotherwantedalift,andthemanwhohadbeenwalkingsaid yespleasehedid. Butyouhadtosaywhereyouweregoingandsupposethedriverbecamesuspicious?Ifhedidyou werecaught:youcouldnotgetout.Davidtrembledatthethoughtbutstillcouldnotquitegiveupthe idea.Acartravelledatanimmensespeed,andifhekeptgoinginthesamedirectionhemustatsome pointleaveItalybehind.Itwasverybeautifulthere,butasthedayswentbyDavidseemedtoprizehis freedommoreandmore.Whenhehadfirstarrivedandwaslivingontherocksbythesea,hisfreedom hadnotmeantsomuchtohimsincehehadnotexpectedittolastaboveadayortwo.Butnowhecould nolongerthinkofgivingitup. Davidwonderedwhetheritwerealwayslikethatwhetherwhenyouhadsomethingyounotonly wantedtokeepit,butwantedsomethingelseaswell...Itseemedgreedy,buthecouldnothelpit. Freedomandacountrywherehecouldliveinsafety:Davidwantedboth."Butnothingmore,"hetold himself."Justthosetwothingsandthatwillbeenough.Johannessaidgreedypeoplecanneverbe

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happy,andIwouldsomuchliketoknowwhatitfeelsliketobehappy.Johannessaidthatwhenyou verymuchwantsomethingyouhaven'tgot,younolongercareforwhatyouhavegot.I'mnotsurethat Iunderstand,butIsupposehemeantthatthingsareonlyworthhavingifyouthinktheyare." Davidtriedtoforgetthathealsowantedanewpieceofsoap.Ifhecouldpreservehisfreedomand reachafreecountry,hemustbesatisfiedwiththat.Andifhecouldbringhimselftoaskforalift,he wouldgettoanothercountryallthemorequickly.Ifonlyhecouldfindoutthewhereaboutsofthose othercountries!Hedarednotaskanyone,forifyousaidyoubelongedtoacircusthenyouwouldbe expectedtoknowyourwayabout. David'sthoughtsweredisturbedbythesoundofacar.Itsoundedwrong,asthoughtheenginewerenot runningproperly.Helayflatdowninthegrassandwatcheditcrawlalongatnomorethanawalking pace.ItwasAmerican,notItalian:hehadlongsincetaughthimselfthemeaningoftheletterson numberplates. Americansweremostlikelygoodpeople,fortheyweretheonestheyhatedmost.Allthatwaswrong withthem,Davidthought,wasthattheyspokeEnglishverybadlyandalwaysactedasiftheywere proudofpossessingsomuch. Therewasonething,however,thatthesetwoAmericansdidnotpossess:theyhadnopetrol,andthat waswhytheircarwouldnotgo.Davidstoodupandtookasteptowardsthem. Thewomanwastalkinginaloudangryvoicethatdidnotsoundatallpleasant,andDavidwasrather morenervousthanheusuallywasbeforespeakingtosomeone.Butshestoppedwhenheaskedthe manifhecouldhelpbyfetchingpetrolforthem. Theywerebothverygladtoaccepthisoffer,andDavidsuggestedthatheshouldtaketheircanandgo tothevillagefartherupthesideofthehill."ButIhaven'tanymoneytopayforthepetrol,"hesaidashe tookthecan. Asthemanwasabouttotakesomemoneyoutofhispocket,thewomansaidquickly,"He'snothingbut ayoungbeggar,Dick!Youcanbequitesureifwegivehimmoneyweshallneverseehimagain!Hecan fetchhelpfromagarageupthere..." ShedidnotofcourseintendDavidtounderstandwhatshesaid.Hewonderediftheythoughthewas stupid;theycertainlyseemedtothinkhecouldunderstandthemonlywhentheyspokeveryslowly. Themanaskedhimwhetherhecouldnotgetamechanictodrivedownwiththepetrol."Thecan'sabit heavyforyoutocarry,"hesaid. Davidturnedhisbackonthewoman."Thepeopleheredon'tlikedoingverymuchonSundays,andsoI can'tbesureIcanfindanyonewillingtodrivedown,"heexplainedpolitely."ButI'llseeifIcangetthe petrolbypromisingtopayforitlater.Unless,ofcourse,yourwifethinksIwanttokeepyourcan." Themanlookeduncomfortable."Rubbish,boy,"hesaid,"thenyou'dhavetogotwice!Mywifewasonly thinkingyoumightdropthemoneyinthedark..." AsDavidtookthenotehewasoffered,helookedthemanstraightintheface:"Willyoulookaftermy bundlewhileIgo?ThenIcancarrythecanbetter..." Boththemanandthewomanwentredintheface,andDavidsetoffwithoutwaitingforananswer. theywereashamedofthemselves,andthatwasallDavidwanted.Hehadnevertakenanythingwhich heknewbelongedtosomeoneelseonlyfruitgrowingontreesandbushesandthingshefound.One

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hadnorighttotakeotherpeople'spossessions:thathewassureof...Supposesomebodytookhis bundle! WhentheyheardupatthefillingstationinthevillagethatitwasanAmericancarthathadrunoutof petrol,theyinsisteduponsendingoneofthegaragehandsdownwithenoughtofillthetank,andas Davidhadtoreturnanywaytofetchhisbundle,themangavehimaliftonhisVespa. DavidhandedtheAmericanhisunusednoteandtakinghisbundleturnedtogo. "Waitabit,boy,youmusthavesomethingforyourtrouble." Davidwouldhavebeenonlytoogladtoearnsomething:hewasindesperateneedofmoneytobuya loafofbreadforthenextday.Buthecouldnotbringhimselftotakeitnow.Hedidnotwanttoearnit fromsomeonehedidnotlike. "No,thankyou,"hesaidfirmly."Iliketoearnmoneysometimes,butonlywhenIwantto.Idon'tneed anytoday." Thatwasnottrue,butitfeltgoodtosayso.Itwaslikesaying,"IamDavidandIbelongtomyself,andno onehasanyrightoverme." HeranoffinthedarknessawayfromtheroadandpretendednottoheartheAmericancallinghimto comeback. Hewasveryhungrywhenhewokethenextmorning.Hewasinneedofwater,too,forhehadonlya fewdropsleft.Hehadleftthevillageoftheeveningbeforesomewaybehindhim,buthecouldsee another,biggerone,downinthevalley.Hemightbeabletoearnsomemoneythere,buthewasbyno meanscertainofit.Theeveningwasthebesttimetoearnmoney,andthebesttimetobeintown,too, becausehecouldthenescapequicklyintotheshelterofthedarkness. Butthistimehewouldhavetogointotownindaylight:hecouldnotwaituntileveningtogetmore water.Heopenedhisbundletodrinkwhatwasleft. Atthebottomofhisbundlehefoundastrangebox,thesortusedforcigarettes.Andintheboxthere wasmoneymoremoneythanDavidhadeverseen:twothousandlire! Onelirawasnotverymuch:youcouldgetpracticallynothingforonelirabuttwothousand!Apart fromthemoneytherewassomethingwrittenonaslipofpaper.Aletter...Davidhadneverhadaletter, andhealmostwishedhehadnotgotonenowforhefounditverydifficulttoreadhandwriting,andhe hadnevertriedreadingEnglish. Buthewouldnotgiveup.Afteranhourhewasfairlysureheknewwhatwasintheletter.Itwasthe Americanwhohadwrittenit,andhesaidhewasquitesureDavidwouldnotacceptmoneyandsohe hadhiddenitinhisbundle.Healsosaidtheyweresorrytheyhadthoughthemightsteal."Notall strangeboysarehonest,youknow,"wrotetheAmerican,"butwearesorrywesuspectedanhonest boy.Wedidnotmeanyoutounderstandwhatwesaid,andwewouldbegladifyouwouldmakeuseof thismoneytoshowyouhavenohardfeelingstowardsus."AndthencameanamethatDavidcouldnot read. David'sfirstthoughtwasthathewouldnowbeabletobuyanewcakeofsoap.Hehadmoneyforbread formanydays,andtherewouldstillbeenoughforsoapandperhapsacomb,too! Hetoldhimselfthathemustnotbegreedy.Johanneshadnotlikedpeopletobegreedy,anditwouldbe

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sensibletokeepsomeofthemoneybyhimformorebreadlateron.Hewouldbuysoap,andperhaps oneortwootherthings,butnomore.Andhewouldnotbeinahurry:hewouldfirstconsidercarefully whathemostneeded. Theresultwasthatheboughtaloafofbread,acakeofsoapandacomb.Combinghishairwaspainful, fornooneinthecamphadhadacombforaverylongtimeandDavid'shairhadnotbeencombed since.Helookedintohismirrortoseewhathelookedlike:hishairlookedasifitweregrowinglighterin colour.Anditwasverylong. Davidreflectedseriously,andthenheboughthimselfapairofscissors,andapencilandasmallpadof notepaperaswell:thescissorstocuthishairwithsothathewouldnotlookconspicuousandthepencil andpaperbecauseformanydaysnowhehadwishedhecouldwrite.Johanneshadbeguntoteachhim once;perhapsifhecouldpractise,hecouldlearntodoitproperly.Itmightstandhimingoodsteadto beabletowriteoneneverknewwhenitmightproveuseful. Hewasnotusedtohavingmoremoneythanthepriceofaloafofbread,andhefoundhisunexpected wealthaproblem.Hehadnowspentalmosthalfofitthescissorshadbeenexpensive.Still,hewould haveenoughtobuybreadformanydaystocome,andhehadagreatdesiretotrysomecheese.Ifhe couldgetabitforfiftylire... Ittastedgood,evenbetterthanherememberedit:hehadhaditonceinthecampandagaininthevan ontheroadtoSalonica.Whenhehadsatisfiedhishunger,hebegancuttinghishair.Hewassitting underanolivetree,andheplacedhismirroronthelowestbranchsothatitleanedupagainstthetrunk. Cuttingthetuftsatthebackofhisneckwherehecouldnotseewhathewasdoingprovedatricky business,butatlengthhewassatisfiedwiththeresult. Hewonderedifhedaredtryouthisplanofgettingalift.Ifhechoseoneofthoselorriesthat transportedfoodstuffs...theyneverdrovethem. Buteverytimealorryapproachedhelackedthecouragetotry,althoughhehadmadeuphismindtodo it.Hewassofrightenedhecouldfeelhisheartbeatfasterandhisthroatgrowtight.Thenhethoughtof God. "Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,"hesaidsoftly,"I'mDavid.AndI'mfrightened...notjust ordinaryfearthatyoualwayshaveworsethanthat.IwanttobegaliftsothatIcangetquicklyto anothercountry,butIdaren't.Ifyou'restrongenoughtodosomethingaboutwhatpeoplethinkand feelrightinsidethemselves,thenwillyoupleasetakethisfearaway,justlongenoughformetowaveto alorry?Andifitisn'tgreedytoaskfortwothingsatonce,willyouletitbeagoodmanthatcomesinthe nextone?Ihaven'tyetfoundanythingIcandoforyou.IamDavid.Amen." ItseemedthatGodwasstrongenough,forwhenthenextlorrycamealongDavidwasnolongertoo frightenedtogetupandstepintotheroadway. Thelorrydriverlookedexactlylikethesailorwhohadshieldedhimaboardtheship!Davidwaved,the manpulledupandaskedwherehewasgoing,andDavidanswered,"ToPerugia,"ashehaddecidedhe wouldwhenheformedhisplan.Perugiawasalongwayitwouldtakehimthreedaystowalkthere. Andsotherehewas,sittinginthelorrybythesideofthestrangerwhowassolikethesailor.Whenhe hadoncetoldhistaleaboutthecircus,themanaskedhimnoquestionsatall,obviouslypreferringtodo thetalkinghimself.HewascalledAngelo,andhegaveDavidamassofdetailedinformationabouthis homeandfamily.Hehadbothfatherandmotherandmanybrothersandsisters,andthentherewasa womancalledRitawhomhewantedtomarrywhenhehadsavedenoughmoneytobuyalorryofhis own.ButhisfatherwantedhimtomarrysomeonecalledClorindaandherfatherhadavineyard.

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 Hetalkedaboutitatgreatlengthasifhewerenotsurewhichofthemheshouldmarry,andheasked Davidwhathethought. Davidconsideredthematter."Aretheybothgoodpeople?"heaskedfinally."Forifthere'sany difference,yousee,Ithinkyou'dbettermarrytheonethat'sgoodandkind.Youcouldbuyavineyard yourselfperhapswhenyou'veearnedenoughmoney.ButIthinkyou'vegottodecideforyourself. Perhapsyourfatherhasn'tthoughtwhetherthey'rekind...Youmustmakequitesureaboutitbefore youchoose." Angelofrownedthenhesmiledandnodded."Ithinkyou'reaverycleverboy,"hesaid."I'lldowhat yousay..." Thenhechatteredonabouthisplansforthefuture,andDavidlistened,butnotwiththesameattention asbefore.Angelowasstupid.Hewasagoodman,buthewasstupid.Davidwaspuzzled,forhehad alwaysthoughtthatgoodpeoplemustbeclever.Hethoughtaboutitforalongtime.Couldhehave beenmistaken?Heknewsolittleaboutanything.Butno,Angelowasagrownman,andherewasone thinghewasquitefreetodecideforhimself,andyethewasreadytoletothersmakeuphismindfor him...thatcouldonlybestupidity. Whentheyhadbeendrivingforseveralhours,AngelopulledupandsharedhisfoodwithDavidhe gavehimadrinkfromhisbottleofwineaswell,andalittlelatertheycametoPerugia.Itwasalarge townsituatedonthetopofahill.ButDavidaskedtobeputdownonthewayupthehill,andwhen Angelohaddrivenon,hewalkedbacktothepointwherethemainroadcontinuedintothecountryside. Hehadnoneedofeitherbreadorwater,andhepreferredtoremainintheopen. Hisplantostopalorryandaskforalifthadgoneoffverywell.Perhapshewouldstopanotherthenext dayprovidedhewerenottoofrightened.Buthewouldhavetodoitonhisown:whilehehadnot foundanythinghecoulddoinreturn,hecouldnotgoonaskingGodforthingsitwouldbegreedy,and Godmightverysoongrowtiredofaboywhowasalwaysfrightenedandcouldneverdoanythingfor himself.AndsupposehegrewtiredofhimtheverydaysomethinghappenedthatDavidcouldnot possiblydealwithbyhimself! Daviddidnotknowthattheverynextdaysomethingwouldhappenthathecouldnottacklealoneand hestillwouldnotaskforhelp... 4 Davidhadneverseenaforestbefore.Hehadhadaliftthatmorningandcomealongwaybycar,and althoughhewantedtowastenotime,hethoughthemightspendanhourortwofindingoutwhata forestlookedlike.Helikeditatfirst,butafterawhilehebegantofeeluneasy.Youcouldhidebehind thetreetrunks...butsocouldthey!Hefeltmoreateasewhenhewasoutintheopenagain. Hecouldnotyetmakeuphismindwhethertheywerereallyafterhimornot.Iftheywere,itwasnot becauseheknewanything.Johanneshadalwayssaid,everytimeanewprisonerenteredthecamp, "Don'ttelltheboyanythingtheymaytrytowormoutofhimafterwards."Lateron,whenJohanneswas dead,othershadsaidthesamething.Andthemanhadknownthat.Buttherewasalwaysthepossibility thathewasausefulhostage:suppose,forexample,hehadhadafatherandthatfatherhadbeentheir enemy,thentheymighthavethreatenedhimwiththefactthattheyhadDavidintheirpower. NotthatDavidreallybelieveditcouldbeso:hecouldnotimagineeverhavinghadafather.Buthehad toreckonwiththepossibilitythattherewassomereasonthatmadeitnecessaryforthemtofindhim,

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andthatwasasnearashecouldget. Hewassuddenlyawareofastrangesound.Helookedquicklyroundandthrewhimselfdownbehinda clumpofbushes.Therehewasagain,walkingalongandthinkingwithoutevenlookingwherehewas going!therewasahousecloseby.Hecouldseeitamongthetrees...alargehouseandbeautifultolook at,almostlikeachurch. Whatwasthatsound?Itwasstrange...yes,andwonderful,too! WhenhewasinNaples,hehadseenaballoon.Ifyoucouldturnintoaballoon,thatsoundwaswhat youmightfeellike...asifyouhadagreatspaceinsideyouanditwasallfilledwithair,aheavenlyairfull ofsweetvoicesthatmadeyouflyupandupandyourheartbeatfasterandfaster...notbecauseyou wereafraid,butbecauseyouwere...happy?Wasthatwhathappinessfeltlike? AndDavidknewhewaslisteningtomusic.therehadoncebeenamusicianinthecamp,andbeforehe hadbeentherelongenoughtolapseintosilence,hehadtalkedaboutmusicandtriedtoexplainwhatit soundedlike.ButDavidhadnotunderstood. Heunderstoodnow,however.Thatsoundthatseemedtofloodrightintoyourverybeinganddrawyou upwardsandupwardsthatwasalltheinstrumentsplayingtogether.Andthatthindelicatesoundthat madeyourheartbeatsofastthatmustbetheviolin! "Whatthehell!Youyoungthief,forcingyourwayintopeople'sgroundsinbroaddaylight!I'llshowyou, you...ComehereandI'llgiveyouadamngoodhiding!" ThevoicefelllikeanexplosiononDavid'sears.Thewonderfulsoundofthemusiclaymurdered,crushed andkickedtodeathbyanevilvoice.Hejustmanagedtocatchsightofaboy,ablackhairedboywith spitefuleyes,beforehewasfullyoccupiedintryingtowardofftheblows.Itwasimpossibletogetaway, fortheboywasasbigashimself,andtoescapewouldmeanhittingback.Davidshieldedhishead againsttheboy'sblowsandclenchedhisteeth.Theblowsbegantolosesomeoftheirforce,andtheboy seemedtohesitate. "Soyouwon'thitback,eh?Scaredtofight,Isuppose?" Daviddidnotanswer,andtheboysetabouthimagainbutlessviolentlythistimeratherasifhefelt hehadto. "Useyourfists,youyoungswine!" "No." Theboyappearedtohavegrowntiredofstrikinghim,atleastforthemoment,andDavidsatupwith bloodstreamingfromhisnose. "Youseemtoenjoyagoodhiding.Maybeyoulikemeforgivingyouone!"Theboy'svoicewassneering. Davidregardedhimcalmly."No,Idon't.IhateyouandI'dhateyoujustasmuchifithadbeenanyone elseyou'dhit.Iwouldn'tcareifyoufelldeadrightnow:atleastI'dbesureyou'dneverlookatanything beautifulagain!" Thestrangeboylookedastonished."Whydon'tyoufightthen?"heaskedcrossly. "BecauseifIhityouback,I'dbenobetterthanyouare.I'dbejustasrottenandworthless,andI'dhave

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norighttobefree!" Thestrangeboygrinnedathim,buttherewasalookofuncertaintyabouthimandhiseyesshifted uneasily."You'renotallthere!"hesaid."Whodoyouthinkyou'retalkingto?" "Idon'tthink.Iknow.I'mtalkingtosomeonewholikesbruteforce.Andthat'swhyIdon'twanttotalk toyouanymore.Youcanhitmeagainifyoucancatchme!" WiththatDavidjumpedupsmartlyandranoff.Hecouldnotrunveryquicklybecausehewasbeginning toachealloverwheretheotherhadstruckhim.Butthestrangeboydidnotfollowhim:heonly shouted,"Idiot!You'readaftcoward!" Davidhadtheimpressionthathewasshoutingsoloudlyforhisownbenefit. Davidwassick,andeverytimehethoughtabouttheyoungstrangerhefeltlikebeingsickagain.He founditdifficulttounderstandthatpeopleshouldbesomuchbetteroffhereinItaly,wheretheyhadso muchfoodtoeatandweresurroundedbysomuchbeauty,andyetcouldstillloveviolence.Thatboy wasjustliketheguardsinthecamp,theonlydifferencebeingthattheguardsdidnotleaveoffstriking tilltheirvictimsfainted.theboy,ofcourse,hadhadonlyhisbarehandstostrikewithandhadtiredof theefforttoosoon. ForamomentDavidwastemptedtothinkthatperhapstherewerenogoodpeopleatalloutside concentrationcamps,butthenheremindedhimselfofthesailorandAngeloandtheotherpeoplewho mighthavebeenignorantbutwerecertainlynotbad.Andthenwhenhewaslivingamongtherocks overhangingtheseatherehadbeenthemanwiththeloaves.Hehadnotbeenbadeither:hehadjust notbeenbraveenoughtoletaboygowithoutgivinghimawaynotformorethanafewdaysatany rate. Yes,hefelttheremustbesomewherewhereeverybodywaskindanddecent,afreecountrywhere peopledidnotbelieveviolencewasagoodthing.Andhewouldfindafreecountryifhecoulddoit beforehewerecaughtagain.Butfirstofallhemusthaveathoroughwash.Hethoughtfromthelieof thelandthattherewasprobablyarivernearby. Therewasalargeone,too,althoughitwaspartlydriedup.Davidtookhisclothesoffandlaidthemin thewater.Hescrubbedhimselfthoroughlyallover.Hissoapwouldsoonbewornthinatthatrate,but hedidnotcarehemustnotleaveaspotunwashedwheretheboyhadtouchedhim.Notuntilall contactwithhimhadbeenwashedawaywouldDavidbeabletofeelfreeagain. Hewashedhishair,too,andthentookhisclothesoutofthewaterandlaidthemouttodry.Helay downbesidethemandmadeanefforttocalmhimselfandforgettheboy.Muchbettertorecallwhat themusichadsoundedlike...hadtherebeenalargeorchestrainsidethatfinehouse?Orhaditbeena radio? Hewasstartledbythesoundofvoicesnotfaraway.Hepulledhiswetclothestowardshim.Alarge boulderprovidedgoodcoverononeside,andinfrontofhimthetrunkofanoliveandrowsofclose growingvines,oldandgnarled,completelyhidhimfromviewwhenheduckeddown. ItwasthesoundofchildrenplayingandDaviddecidedhewouldwatchthem.Heusuallyhurriedaway whenhesawchildren.Hewasafraidofthem.Hehadneverspokentochildrenandhedidnotknow howtobegin.Fromtheveryfirstdaywhenhehadmadehishomeamongtherockshehadmadeuphis mindtoavoidchildren:theyweremuchmoredangerousthangrownupsexceptthem,ofcourse. Grownupscouldnotreallyrememberwhatchildrenwerelike,soJohanneshadoncesaid.Butother childrenwouldverysoondiscoverthatheknewnothingofthethingstheytookforgranted.Onething

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alonewouldgivehimaway:hehadnoideahowtoplay.Peoplewerealwaystalkingaboutchildren playing,butplayingseemedtomeansomanydifferentthingsthatDavidhadgivenuptryingtofindout whatitwas. Thereweresomanymoreimportantthingstolearnabout,andaslongasheavoidedchildrentherewas noneedforhimtobeabletoplay. Butsincehecouldnotgetawaybeforetheywent,hemightjustaswellwatchthem.Hepartedthevines cautiouslysothathecouldsee. Thereweretwolittleboys,muchsmallerthanhimself,andagirlwhowassomewhatbigger,perhaps tenoreveneleven.Shoutingandlaughingandallthreetalkingatonce,theywererunningroundasmall buildingnotthesortofplacepeoplelivedinbutwheretheykepttoolsandwheelbarrowsandbaskets forfruitpicking. Davidcouldnottakehiseyesoffthegirl.Shehadblackcurlyhair,verylongandtiedwitharedribbon, andeverythingaboutherwassobeautifulnotjustherfinereddress,buteverything.Herlaughter soundedlikethelighttinklingofpolishedglass,andwhenshemovedsheremindedDavidofaflower swayinginthewind. TheysaidtheyweregoingtoplaysomethingtheycalledDavyCrockettandtheIndians.Firstthelittle boysweregoingtoplayatbeingIndians.Theywouldcapturethegirl,shutherupintheshedandgooff. ThenwhentheycamebacktheywouldpretendtobeDavyCrockettandsetherfree. Davidthoughtitsoundedsillybutthatwasprobablybecausehedidnotreallyknowwhatordinary childrenwerelike. Thegirlhadgoneintotheshednowandsotherewasnothingmoretowatch.Hewasverytired,too, andthoughthemightjustaswelltakeanapbeforethelittleboysreturned.Thenperhapstheywould gooffwiththegirlandDavidcouldgoonhisway. Davidwaswakenedbyshoutingandcrying...andastrangesmellintheair. "She'sonfire!She'sonfire!Itwasyourfault,Cechayouthoughtofit!Youknowverywellweweren't toplaywithfire..." Itwasthetwolittleboys.Anditwastheshedthatwasonfire!AshedwasfeminineinItalian. "Whatshallwedothen?RunandgetCarlo,Cecha.Oh,ifonlyshedoesn'tgetburntwhileyou'regone ..." Boththelittleboyswerecrying.OneofthemsetoffrunninginthedirectionDavidhadcomefrom;the otherjuststoodthereandwept. Shewasburning...thegirl!Itwasnottheshed,itwasthegirltheyweretalkingaboutthelittlegirl wholookedsolikeaflowerwasinsidethatfire! Davidsprangupandtookastepforward.thenheturnedround,andgrabbinghisclothesflungthem intotheriverandjumpedinafterthem.Theywerenowsoppingwetagain... SomanythoughtsflashedthroughhismindasheranthatitseemedlikehourstoDavidbeforehe reachedtheshed.Amaninthecamphadonceescapedfromaburningbuildingbywrappingwet clothesroundhisheadtokeepthesmokeoutandpreventhimselffromlosingconsciousness,andhe

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hadnotgotburntabouttheface.Ifonlyhecouldgetheroutnow.Thewallwasnotyetburningso fiercely,butthedoorwasaregularbonfire.Andallthosedryleavesandstalkstheroofwasmadeof hewouldhavetohaveheroutbeforethefiregotaproperhold... HewasjustgoingtocallonGodtohelphimwhenathoughtoccurredtohim.Godcertainlywouldnot wantthatlittlegirl,solikeaflowerandsobeautifultolookat,todie.Here,then,wassomethinghe coulddoforGodinreturn! Hecouldnotsayitaloudbecausehewasrunningtoohard,andsohesaidittohimself:"Godofthe greenpasturesandrunningwaters,pleasedon'thelpme.Iwanttodoitbymyselfsothatyou'llknow I'vefoundsomethingIcandoforyou...I'mDavid.Amen." Bythattimehehadreachedtheburningshed.Thelittleboywhohadstayedbehindwasstillcrying... andDavidcouldhearothervoicesdownbytheriver,buthehadnotimetolookround.Withallthe speedhecouldmusterheundidhisbundleandtookouthisknife,pickeduphiswetclothesagainand withonehandheldhistrousersupinfrontofhisnoseandmouth.Thenhesprangintotheblazingfire. Theflameshadhardlyreachedtheinside,butitwasfullofsmoke.Inthemiddleofthefloorsatthelittle girltiedtoanoldchair.Thetearswerestreamingfromhereyes,andbetweenfitsofcoughingshewas shoutinghoarselyforhelp. David'sfirstimpulsewastorunstraighttoher;thenherealizedhemuststoptoconsiderwhattodo.He mustthinkquickly,butascarefullyasifhehadallthetimeintheworld.Hemusthavetimetocut throughherbonds.Theblazefromthedoorwasnowbeginningtospreadrapidly,theflameslicking alongthefloorwheredryleaveslaybythewall.Therewerenowindowsintheshed...theywouldhave togetoutagainthroughtheburningdoorway.Nearitstoodapileofbasketsandboxes,whichDavid removedasfarawayashecouldfromthedoor,leavingatrainofthreeorfourpiecesofwoodbehind him.Thenheseizedabirchbroom,alreadysmoulderingslightly,andsweptallthedryleavesawayfrom theotherwallstowardsthepileofbasketssothat,ashehoped,thefirewouldbeencouragedtoburnin thatdirectioninsteadoffillingthewholeroomatonce. Inthemeantimehewascoughing,too.Hecouldnotholdhiswetclothesuptohisfaceandshiftthe basketsandsweeptheflooraswell. Thenheturnedhisattentiontothegirl."Shutyoureyes,"hesaid."Andyourmouth."Hewoundhiswet shirtroundherface,takingcarethatshecouldbreathefreelyinsideit.Thenhestartedcuttingthrough herbonds.Luckilytheywereonlyacoarseloosetwine.Iftheyhadboundhertothechair,itwouldnot havebeensoeasy!Buttheknifewasnotverysharp,andhehadtosawbackwardsandforwardsseveral times,andthelittlegirlwasbeginningtowriggleherfeet.Davidgrippedthemfirmlytoshowhershe mustsitstill.Hedarednotspeakandriskgettingmoresmokeinsidehislungs,andtheheatwasquite unbearable,buthewasgoingtodoit,hewasgoingto...hemust. Thecordswerecutthroughatlast.Thelittlegirlroseunsteadilytoherfeetandpulledtheshirtfromher face.Theireyeswerehotandsmarting,andtheyhadtoblinkallthetime,butDavidsawshewas lookingathimwithbigblackeyes.Thensheshutthemandstumbled,andwouldhavefallenifDavidhad nottakenholdofher.Shehadfainted.Thatmeantshecouldnotrunoutwithhim:hewouldhaveto carryher. ForonemomentDavidfelthehadpromisedGodtoomuch...hewouldnotbeabletodoit.Perhapsshe haddiedfromthesmoke.Helaidherdownonthefloorandputhiseartoherchest,asthemeninthe camphadalwaysdonetoseeifoneoftheirfellowswasstillalive.Hecouldhearherheartbeating. Davidwoundhisshirtaboutherheadagain,andpulledhistrousersoverhisown.Theywerewellworn,

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soitwaseasyenoughtostickhisfingersthroughaholeandmakeitbigger.Hewouldhavetoseewhere thedoorwas.Ifhecouldnotcarryherthroughthefire,hewouldthrowherclear.Hewouldbeableto managesomuchbeforehesuccumbedtotheflames.Hewasterrifiedofbeingburnttodeath,but perhapsitwouldbeoverquickly,almostasquicklyasbeingshot.Itwouldbebetternottothinkaboutit atthemoment:hemustconcentrateongettingherupagainandtryingtorun.Shewasheavy.Itwasa goodthingshewasnotasbigashimself,forifshehadbeenhecouldnothavedoneit.Forasplit secondDavidhesitatedinfrontoftheraging,cracklingfirewhichhadbeenadoor.Thenhemade straightforit. Andthenitwasallover.Hehadgotthroughandhehadthelittlegirlwithhim.Hecouldnotremember afterwardstheorderinwhichthingshappened.Therewerethetwolittleboysoutsideandseveralother peopleaswell.Hewasovercomewithcoughing,andwouldcertainlyhavefallenifhehadnothadthe littlegirltolookafter.Theothersshoutedandwantedtotakeher,buthepushedthemaside,and seatinghimselfandthelittlegirldownontheground,freedboththeirfacesfromhisclothes.Theywere scarcelyevendampnow. Thenhediscoveredthatthelittlegirl'shairhadcaughtfire.Oneofherlongcurlshadhungoutsidehis shirt.Sothefirethoughtitwouldcheathimofhisprize!Davidfailedtohearacardrawup,nordidhe hearhisownshoutofanger.Hecasthisclothesaside,andseizingthelittlegirl'shairinbothhands squeezedittight,smotheringthefireandnotevenawarethathewasburninghimself.Theflameswere nearlyout,andhepressedherheadagainsthischesttodestroythelastsparks.Thenhehadanotherfit ofcoughingandinadazewipedhiseyeswithhisfreehand.Thenhelookeddownattheblackcurly headagain.No,thefirewasalloutnow...andithadnottouchedthelittlegirl,onlyherhairalittle. Shewasonthepointofcomingroundagain,ashecouldseefromtheslightflutterofhereyelids.He hadbeatenthefireandkepthispromise.Thegirlwholookedlikeaflowerwasstillalive.Sheopened hereyesandtheylookedstraightintoDavid's,wonderingly,notasifshewereafraidbutasifshewere nowquitesurethateverythingwasallright. "Whoareyou?"sheasked. Not"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"or"Whatareyoucalled?"or"Whatdoyouwant?",thequestions peoplegenerallyaskedhim,but"Whoareyou?" "I'mDavid." Shewassmilingnow,onlyslightly,butenoughtoshowagleamofsmallwhiteteethbetweenherred lips.Davidfeltsomethinghappeninsidehimasifheheardmusic...somethingwonderful.And somethinghappenedtohisface,too,amovementthattookhimbysurprise. "David?"repeatedthelittlegirl,notasifshehadnotheardhim,butratherasifthesoundofhisname weresomethinggoodtoholdonto.Shedidnotstopsmiling,andDavidrealizedthathehimselfwas smiling. "Yes,"hesaid. OneofthosewhowerestandingroundthemandwhomDavidhadnotnoticedbeforewasdryinghis eyes:anditwasnotoneofthelittleboys,itwasagrownman.Butitwasafamiliarvoicethathefinally heard,avoicethatsaid,"AndIsaidyouwereacowardlypig!I'veneverbeforeseenanyonedosucha bravething.Father,youdidn'tseewhathappened.Thetwolittl'unshadtiedherup,andhewentright throughtheburningdoorwayandcutherfreeandcarriedheroutagainthroughthefire." "Yes,Isawhimcomingout,Carlo.He'ssavedMaria'slifeandonlyjustinthenickoftime.Look,the

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roof'scaughtfirenow.Weshouldhavebeentoolate,Carlo.Ifhehadn'tbeenhere,Mariawouldhave beenlost." "EvenifI'dbeenhereinplentyoftime,Idon'tthinkI'dhavedared.AndI...Father,Ichasedhimoffthis afternoon." "Theboy'sburnthimself,Father.Justlook,hisarmsandlegsareallblack,andhe'sgotnoclothes..."It wasoneofthelittleboyswhohadatlengthstoppedcrying. Davidheardtheirvoicesfromfaraway.Hecouldnotbringhimselftotakehiseyesoffthelittlegirl's face,forheknewitwasshewhohadmadehimsmile.Andsupposehissmilewentwhenhestopped lookingather,thenhewouldneverfindouthowonecametosmile.Onesmiledforjoy,ofcourse!Or wasithappiness?Johanneshadsaidtherewasadifference...joypassed,buthappinessnever completelydisappeared:atouchofitwouldalwaysremaintoremindoneithadbeenthere.Itwas happinessthatmadeonesmile,then. SotheresatDavidontheground,burntandblackwithsoot,starknakedbutfullofhappinessand triumph,clingingtotheprizehehadcheateddeathof.Hehaddonewhathesaidhewoulddo.He, David,hadpromisedGodhewouldgiveHimthelittlegirl,allbyhimselfandwithouthelpandhehad doneit.AndGodwasclearlypleasedwithhisgift:hadnotHeimmediatelyshownhimhowtosmile? Andthelittlegirlwhowassobeautifulandsofttotouchshedidnotaskalotofquestions:she seemedquitesatisfiedthathewasDavid. "ShallIcarryherforyou,David?" Davidlookedupstartled.Themanwhowasthechildren'sfatherwassmilingathim.Buthewasnot holdingouthishandstotakethelittlegirl.HeseemedtounderstandthatshenowbelongedtoDavid whohadrescuedherfromthefire,andhewouldnottakeherwithoutpermission. Davidsuddenlynoticedhowpainfulhishandswereandhowdreadfullytiredhewas."Yes,please,"he said. Thelittlegirlresistedslightly,andassoonasherfatherhadliftedherupsothatshecouldnolongersee David,shecalledout,"David..." Davidbegantogetup,andtheviciousboywhowascalledCarlosteppedtowardshimasiftohelphim tohisfeet.Hedidnotlookviciousnow,butDaviddrewbackfromhistouchandstoodupbyhimself. "Youneedn'tbefrightened,youknow,"Carlosaideagerly."Ididn'tknow,yousee.Ithinkyou'rethe bravestboyI'veeverseenandI'mterriblysorryI...Igaveyouahiding.I'msorry." "I'mnotfrightened,"saidDavidcurtly.thenhemovedawaytowherethelittlegirlcouldseehimand said,"I'llgowithyoutothecar." Thegirlsmiledagainandheldoutherhand.Davidhesitated,andthentookitinhisown."David'shand hurtshim,Maria,"saidherfather.Butthelittlegirldidnotletgo.Shetightenedhergripalittlesothat Davidhadtogowithher."David,"shesaid. Davidcouldfeelhimselfsmilingagain,andhewonderedwhethersmilingwassomethingyoucouldnot help,somethingthathappenedofitsownaccord.Whentheyhaddrivenoff,hewouldseeifhecould makehimselfsmilebythinkingofthewaythelittlegirllookedasifshewereaflower,andasifshe werepleasedhewasDavid.

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Buttheywouldnotlethimgo.Noneofthemwould,neitherthetwolittleboyswhowerecarryinghis clothesbetweenthem,northetwobigones,CarloandtheotherwhowascalledAndrea.Andtheir fathersaidtherecouldbenoquestionofitbutDavidmustgohomewiththem. Davidtriedtoexplainthathehadtobeonhisway,butwhenheheldouthishandforhisclothes,the twolittleonesstartedjumpingroundhim,laughingandshouting,"Youcan'thave'em!Youcan'thave 'em!Notbeforeyoucomehomewithus!"TheboywhowascalledAndrealaughed,too,andslung David'sbundleacrosshisshoulder. Davidbegantogrowangry.Theymightbegladhehadrescuedthelittlegirlfromthefire,butthatgave themnorighttotellhimwhattodo.Nobodyhadthatright. Thenthechildren'sfathersaid,"Myname'sGiovannidiLevanadel'Varchi,andthesearemychildren, AndreaandCarlo,thetwolittleones,CechaandGuglio,andofcourseMaria.Weshan'tkeepyoulongif you'vealottodo,butyoumustn'tdenymethepleasureofthankingyouproperlyforwhatyou'vedone. AndwhatdoyousupposeMaria'smotherwouldsayifIletyougowithoutgivinghertheopportunityof thankingyouforsavingMaria'slife?No,David,youmustn'taskmetodothat." David'sangervanished.Theydidnotwanttotellhimwhattodo,theywereonlyaskinghimtodo somethingforthemtogivethempleasure.Hecouldnotbeartospoilanybody'spleasure. Themanwiththelongnamewassmilingathim,butDavidcouldnotmanagetosmileback:hecould onlydoitwhenhewaslookingatthelittlegirl.Sohesaidearnestly,"Iwon'taskyoutodoanything,and ofcourseI'lldoasyouwish,signor." Heputhishandoutforhisclothesagain,andthistimetheboysgavethemtohim,buttheirfathersaid hastily,"No,boys,letDavidhavethetravellingrugfromthebackseattowraproundhim.It'ssofterand won'tirritatehisburnssomuch..." Davidlookedatthebeautifulruganxiously:itwasacheckpatterninmanydifferentcolours."ButI'm blackfromthefire,signor.Ishallmakeitdirty..." Thechildrenallcriedoutthatitdidnotmatterintheleast,soDavidwaswrappedcarefullyinthe travellingrugandhelpedontothefrontseatnexttoMariawhosnuggleduptohimalthoughitwasa bigcarwithplentyofroominit. Luckilyhehadhituponanewnamefortheplacewherethecircuswassupposedtobe,fortheboys pliedhimwithquestionsuntiltheirfathertoldthemtoleaveDavidinpeace. Theydrovethroughatallgatewayandfoundthemselvesinagardensobigthatitseemedtohaveno end,andthehousewherethechildrenlivedwasthesamemagnificenthousethatDavidhadseen earlierthatafternoon. Davidthoughtasquickaslightning...Ahousewasdangerous.Butthentheyweregladhehadrescued thegirl.Aslongastheydidnotdiscoverwherehecamefrom,theywouldnotwishhimanyharm.Andit wouldbeanenormousadvantagetofindoutwhatahousewaslikeinside.Nevertheless,asDavid walkedupthebroadflightofstepsinhisbarefeetandsteppedoverthethresholdwithitsmagnificently carveddoor,hefeltavaguedisquiet.Whatwouldhappenthere?Nothingtoharmhimbutsomething allthesame...somethingdifferentfromwhathewasusedto,somethinghehadnotexpectedoreven knewexisted.Davidcouldnotexplainwhyhefeltillatease,andthrustthethoughtaside.Hehaddone itnowhehadenteredahouse. Hewasconfusedwithsomanyimpressionsthathecouldnotgraspanythingproperlyatfirst.Thehouse

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wasfullofthings,andtherewerewomeninblackdressesandwhiteapronswhomustbemaids.And therewasaverybeautifulwomanwhoturnedouttobethechildren'smother,andshelaughedand criedalmostinthesamebreath,anditwasverydifficulttoescapehercaresses.Thentheytelephoned foradoctor,andDavidsaidhewouldliketowash,buttheywouldnotlethimnotbeforethedoctor hadbeen,theysaid,forhemustnotgetwateronhisburns,anditwasnouseDavid'ssayinghedidnot thinkhewasverybadlyburnt. ThenthedoctorcameandsaidDavidwasright.MariahadcometonoharmatallbecauseDavidhad carriedhersoquicklythroughthefire.Davidcouldthankthethicksolesofhisfeet,hesaid,thathehad gotoffsolightlyfromhisactofheroism.Hewasalittleburntaboutthehandsandarmsandlegs,butit wouldnotbelongbeforeherecovered. Davidknewthatdoctorsweregoodmentheywereseldomallowedinsidethecamp,andtheother prisonershadalwaystoldhimthatdoctorsweretheretohelppeoplewhentheywereill.Sohe submittedquietlywhilethedoctortouchedhimandwipedthedirtawaywithsomethingfromabottle. Ithurtallthetime,andthenthedoctorputsomethingelseonhisburns,andthathurt,too.Butthe doctorexplainedthatifhedidnotdoit,theburnswouldbemorepainfulthenextday.Davidmustjust gotosleepnow,andthenhewouldfeelbetterwhenhewokeupagain. Thedoctorwasright,too.Daviddidfeelbetter.Hefeltfine,infact,althoughhishandswerestillrather painful.Heopenedhiseyesandrememberedthathewaslyinginabed!Heshiftedhispositionslightly, butthebedstillfeltwonderfullysoft.Hesatuptoseewhatitwaslike,andthebedgaveunderhis weightandgentlyrockedhim.Sothatwaswhatabedwas:abigboxonlegs,madeofdarkpolished woodwith...withpillowsandsheets. Yes,itwasgoingtobemostinterestingtoseewhatahouselookedlike!Andhethoughtofallthewords hewouldnowbeabletouse.Heknewmanywordshehadneverusedbecausehewasafraidthatnot knowingthethingstheyreferredtohemightusethemwronglyandshowhisignorance.Sheets.Fancy sleepingeverynightinasoftbedlikethatwhereyoudidnotfeelcold...andbetweensoftwhitesheets, knowingeverythingroundyouwasperfectlyclean! Johanneshadtaughthimalwaystoremembertosaythankyoutopeopleforanythinghewasgiven,and hehadbeenverystrictaboutit.HehadinsisteduponDavid'ssayingthankyoueventothemwhen theygavehimfood,forexample.Davidhadnotwantedto...nottothem.ButJohanneshadsaid, "Politenessissomethingyouoweotherpeople,becausewhenyoushowalittlecourtesy,everything becomeseasierandbetter.Butfirstandforemostit'ssomethingyouoweyourself.YouareDavid.Andif youneverallowotherpeopletoinfluencewhatyou'rereallylike,thenyou'vesomethingnoonecan takefromyounoteventhey.NevermindwhatothersarelikeyoumuststillbeDavid.Doyou understandwhatImean?" Afterthathehadalwayssaidthankyouwhenhewasgivenfoodnottomakethemthinkhedidnot hatethem,butsotheycouldseehewaspolitebecausehewantedtobe. Andifyouwantedtobepolitetopeopleeventothemthenyoucouldalsoremembertobepoliteto God.Itwouldnottakemorethanaminute,andhecouldexaminetheroomafterwards. Davidstaredhardatthesheetsothatnothingintheroomshoulddistracthisattention,andthensaid quickly,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters,IwanttothankyoubecauseI'velearnedabout happinessandfoundouthowtosmile.Andthankyou,too,forbeingpleasedIrescuedthegirlforyou.I hopeIcanfindsomethingdifferenttodoforyounexttime,becausethatwasverydifficultandIwas veryfrightenedofthefire,andIwouldrathernotdoanythinglikethattoooften.Willyoupleaseletit doforthenextthreetimesImayneedyoutohelpme.IamDavid.Amen."

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Assoonashehadsaidamen,hewasoutofbed.Onthefloorwasalarge,patternedcarpet,softtowalk on.Chairsandatablethoseherecognized,ofcourse,buthehadneverseensuchmagnificentones andalargewardrobeandapieceoffurniturewithdrawersinit:itwasnotawritingtable...achestof drawers,perhaps.Andeverythingwaselaboratelycarvedindesignsofleavesandfruitandanimals' heads.Thewindowwaswideandtall,andonbothsidesofithungcurtainsofsomesoftthickmaterial dyedthesamecolourastheleavesofanolivetree. Davidmovednoiselesslyabouttheroom,examiningeverythingclosely,touchingandreturningtolook again.Therewasabowlonthetable,andtwotall,slenderobjectswhichhepondereddeeplyovertillhe cametotheconclusionthattheymustbecandlesticks.Theywereshiny...silver?Yes,theymustbe silver.Davidrepeatedthewordslowlytohimself,enjoyingthesoundofit.Silverwassomethingvery richandfine.Theylookedlikesilver,atleastfromwhatDavidhadheardaboutit. Hisglancetravelledupwards.Therewasapicture!Notthesortyousawpastedontheoutsidewallsof shopsandhouses,butonethatshowedabeautifulscene.Davidstoodonthebedandstretchedupto seeitbetter.Itwasapainting.Hewassureofit.Itwasjustlikewhatthemeninthecamphaddescribed tohim. Davidsatdowninbedquiteovercome.Ifonlyhecouldrememberitall!Hehadbeensosmallwhenhe hadanycuriosityaboutwhattheworldwaslikeoutsidetheconcentrationcamp.AndJohanneshadnot likedthementotellhimtoomuchaboutit."Whattheboydoesn'tknow,hewon'tmiss,"hewouldsay. Davidhadonceheardhimsaythatwhentheythoughthehadfallenasleep.Theyhadalwaysanswered hisquestions,buttheywouldleaveitatthat,andafterwards,whenJohanneswasdead,hehadspoken tonoone. Hewasluckythereforetohavelearnedatleastsomething,andnowitwasuptohimtorememberallhe couldandkeephiseyesopensothatthechildrenandtheirparentswouldnotdiscoverhowlittlehe reallydidnow. Hewonderedwhetherheshouldstaywherehewasuntilsomeonecameandsaidhemightgo downstairs.Orshouldhejustgetupandgodown?Buthisclotheswerenotthere,andhecouldnot walkaboutthehousewithnothingon. Beforehehadtimetoconsiderfurther,thedooropenedgently,andthechildren'smotherpeepedin. "Soyou'reawake,"shesaidsmiling."I'vebroughtyousomeclothesincaseyouwanttogetup.Youmay stayinbedifyou'drather.Areyourhandsstillpainful?Andyouranklesaretheyanyworse?" Davidansweredthathisankleshurtmost,buthewasnotingreatpainanywhereandwouldliketoget up."Butthey'renotmyclothes,"hesaidashesawwhatthechildren'smotherwaslayingacrossthe chair. "No,they'rebeingwashed.TheseareAndrea's,butIthinkthey'llfityou." Davidlookedatthemanxiously."Imighttearthemonabranch,"hesaid. "Mydearboy,andafterallyou'vedoneforus!" Davidwonderedifheshouldexplainthathehadnotrescuedthelittlegirlontheiraccount,butentirely forhisownsakeinordertorepayhisdebttoGod.Hedecidednotto,however:perhapsshewouldnot understand,andperhapsshedidnotknowabouthisGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters.Itwas safernottosaytoomuch.

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Heputtheclothesonorrather,thechildren'smotherhelpedhimto,fortheywereveryfineclothes withbothbuttonsandathingcalledazipfastenerwhichDavidwasnotatallsurehowtomanage. Thereweretrousers,shortbrownoneslikethosethechildrenhadbeenwearing,andashirtnotone likehisown,butapropershirtwithbuttons.Itwasgreen.Therewerestockings,too,andthekindof shoestheycalledsandals.Davidhadnevertriedwearinganythingonhisfeetbefore.Andtherewere pocketsinthetrousers. Davidstoodquitestill,andhiseyesbegantofeelhotasifhewantedtocry.Hehadneverthoughthe wouldeverwearclotheslikethose,andhehadanirrepressibledesiretoseewhathelookedlike,tosee whetherhelookedlikeanordinaryboyatlast. Thewomanseemedtoguesswhatwaspassingthroughhismind,forsheopenedthewardrobedoor, andthereontheinsidewasalargefulllengthmirror. Itwasbigenoughforaboytoseehimselffromtoptotoeorforagrownman,cometothat.David regardedhimselfcritically.Hedidnotthinktherewasanythingoddaboutwhathesaw.True,hehadnot blackhair,butotherwisehelookedlikeanyotherboywhowasnotparticularlyfat.Andhehadgrown quitebrownfrombeinginthesunsomuch. Withoutthinking,hesaid,"Ilookquitelikeanordinaryboynow,don'tI?" "Ofcourseyoudo,"sheanswered,butshedidnotsoundasifshealtogethermeantit.Thensheadded, "Andyoulookaveryhandsomeboy,andabraveone,too.Come,thechildrenareimpatienttoseeyou, andyoumustbehungry." ShewalkedsoquicklythatDavidcouldnotseeanythingproperly.Hewasawarethattherewas furnitureeverywhere,andcarpetsandpaintings,buthehadnoopportunitytoseewhattheylooked like.Theydescendedalongbroadstaircaseandcametootherrooms.Oneofthemhadadoorthatled ontothelargegarden,andtheretheyfoundthechildrenandtheirfather.Mariawaslookingrather pale,butherfathersaidshehadinsistedupongettingupandcomingdownstairssothatshecouldsee Davidagain. Davidfoundhimselfsmilingoncemoreashelookedather. "Drinkyourmilknow,children,andthenyoucantakeDavidouttoplaybutnottooroughly,mind: youmustbecarefulofhisburns." Theysaidhemuststaywiththemforawhile,atanyrateuntilhisarmsandlegswerequitewellagain, andhewaswelcometostayevenlongerifhewerenotexpectedbackwiththecircusimmediately. Daviddidnotreallyknowwhathewouldratherdo.Hewantedtogo,butatthesametimehewantedto staytolearnallhecouldaboutthehouse. Helookedupintentlyatthechildren'sfatherandmother:theywerebothsmiling."CanIgonow,this verymoment,ifIwantto?" Thechildren'sfatherstoppedsmilingandlookeddisappointed."Yes,ofcourse,David,ifthat'swhat you'dratherdo.Butweshouldallbeverygladifyouwouldstaywithusforawhilesothatwecould showyouhowgratefulweare." Davidconsidered.Ifonlyitwerenottoodangerous,hewouldliketostaywiththemalittleandlearn moreabouttheirwayoflife."IfIcangowheneverIwantto,thenI'dliketostayforabit,"hesaidat length."Yes,thankyou.Idon'thavetojointhecircusjustyet.Butpleasedon'tbesograteful,foryou

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seeIwantedtorescuethelittlegirlfromthefire,andyou'vealreadythankedme." "Yes,butweshallcontinuetobegratefultoyouaslongaswelive,David.It'ssomethingweshallnever forget,"thechildren'sfathersaidquietly. Davidfeltvery,verytiredthatevening.Hewastosleeponcemoreinthatsoftbed,andyetitwasalong timebeforehefellasleep,soexcitedwashewithallhehadseenthatday.Hecouldnotrememberthe halfofit:therewasnotroominhisheadforsomanynewthingsatonce.Buthedidrememberthe food.Neverwouldheforgetwhatitwasliketoeatinsuchahouseitwasalmostlikelisteningto music! Johanneshadoncetoldhimaboutit,andwhenhesawitheremembered.Oneoftheprisonershad madesomeremarkabouteatinglikepigs,andsoDavidhadaskedwhetherpeopleatedifferently outsidethecamp. Buthehadneverbeenabletopicturewhatitwaslike,andnowhehadseenforhimself.Yousatata tablecoveredwithaclothsowhitethatitgleamed.Andtherewereplatesoneforeachpersonwith flowerspaintedonthem,andcandlestickswithcandlesinthemandflowersinabowl.Andtheglasses youdrankfromwerefineanddelicateandtinkledifyouhappenedtotouchthemwithaknifeorfork. Andtheknivesandforksandspoonswereallofsilver,andeveryonehadhisown,aswellasanapkinto wipehisfingersonshouldtheybecomegreasy.Davidwasafraidhewouldnotknowhowtoeat properly,buthewatchedthechildren'sfatherandmotherfirstandthendidastheydid.Itwasluckyhe wasusedtobeingcarefulinhismovements,forotherwisehewouldcertainlyhavespilledsomething. Andtherewasmorefoodthanyoucouldpossiblyeatatonetimeallkindsofdifferentthings,and everythingtastedwonderful.Daviddarednoteatverymuch,forheknewtherichfoodmightmakehim illsincehewasnotusedtoit. Buttothinkofeatingassomethingbeautiful!Well,ifthatwashowtheprisonersintheconcentration camphadbeeninthehabitofeatingbeforetheyweretakenprisoner,hecouldwellunderstandwhy theysaidtheyatelikepigsthere. Thefoodwasallbroughtinbytheservantsandclearedawaybeforethenextcoursearrivedandyou weregivencleanplatesandknives.Andthechildrensaidtheyatelikethateveryday,andseveraltimes aday. Thenextdayhewouldenjoyitallagain. 5 Davidthoughtlivinginahousewasverydifficult.Itwasnotthehouseitselfthatwaslovelytobein butthepeople.Theyconstantlyseemedtoexpecthimtosayanddothingshewouldneverhave thoughtof,andwhatappearedsensibleandnaturaltohimseemedtosurprisethem... Otherwisebeinginahousewaslovelyquitewonderful.Davidcontemplatedthetwowordswith satisfaction,repeatingthemseveraltimestohimself.Hehadbeeninthehousemanydaysnowandwas learningallthetime.Hehadlearned,forexample,tousethosetwowordstheymeantsomethingthat wasgood.Itwassatisfyingtoknowseveralwordsforthesamethingforthenhecoulddescribeexactly towhatdegreeathingwasgood.Itwasjustthesamewiththeword"beautiful".Youcoulddivideitinto three:ifsomethingwereonlyalittlebeautiful,itwas"nice";ifitweremorebeautiful,yousaid"lovely" andfinally"beautiful". Beingabletousewordsproperlywasagreatadvantage,forthemorewordsyouknewthemeaningof,

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thebetteryoucouldthink.Andbesides,peoplewerenotsosurprisedatwhatyousaidifyouusedthe rightwords.Thechildren'smotherhadlaughedwhenhesawthebathroomandsaiditwas"beautiful andgood".Heshouldhavesaiditwas"lovely",ofcourse. Hewouldalwaysrememberthebathroomwithitsgleamingpalegreenbathandallthatclear,clean waterthatcamewhenyoujustturnedatap.Youcouldhaveasmuchhotwaterasyoulikedandsitinit rightuptoyourneck.Andtherewassoap,largepiecesofit,thatsmelledmuchbetterthanthetwo cakeshehadboughthimself.Itrubbedintoabeautifulsoftlatherthatmadeyouquite,quiteclean.And whenyouhadfinished,therewerelarge,soft,cleantowelstodryyourselfon.Andtherewerelittle stickstocleanyournailswith,andyoucouldbrushyourteeth.Davidhadnevertriedthatbefore,and thefirsttimehemadehismouthsoredoingit.Butitwaswonderfultobesoclean. Therewerebooksinahouse,toonotjustone,butmany.Whenhehadfirstarrived,thechildren's fatherhadaskedhimiftherewereanythingheparticularlywanted.Davidhadconsideredcarefullyand thensaid,"IthinkmostofallI'dlikeabooktoread".Hewantedtohearmusicagain,too,butthebook wasmoreimportant.Hesaiditmustbeabookpublishedbefore1917.Thechildren'sfatherhadsmiled andaskedwhy,butDavidhadnotdaredtotellhimitwasbecausehewantedtobesurethatwhatwas initwastrueandnotsomethingtheyhadmadeup. Themealshehadinthehousedelightedhim,bothbecausetherewassomuchtoeatanditalltastedso good,andevenmorebecausethetablelookedsobeautifulwiththeglassesandthesilverandthewhite cloth,andwithafineplateforeverybody. Butpeoplehefounddifficult.Theyseemedtohavenoideaofwhatwasgood.Thechildren'smother wasquitepleasedthathelikedthebathroom,butthechildrenthemselveshateditatleast,theboys did.Perhapshewaswrong,butnomatterhowhardhetried,hecouldnothelplikingithimself.Hehad nothingagainstbeingdirty:yougotdirtyinthecourseoftheday.Youjustcouldnotavoidit.Buttobe freetowashthedirtoffwheneveryouwantedtoyes,thatwaswonderful!Andyetthechildrendid notseemtounderstandthat,andhedarednottellthemhowdisgustingitwaswhenmenwhohad beencleanwithcleanshinyhairandcleanteethgrewsomattedandingrainedwithdirtthateverything aboutthemsmeltrepulsiveandlookedloathsome. Forifhetoldthemthat,thenofcoursetheymightdiscoverwherehecamefrom,andthentheywould beobligedtosendforthem. Thechildrencouldnotunderstandeitherwhyhewassoanxioustoreadbooks.Theyalwayswantedhim togooutwiththem,thoughhelongedtobeleftalonetositandreadthebooks.Therewasnoendto whatyoucouldlearnfrombooksifonlyyouhadtimeenough.Hecouldreadmorerapidlynow,butnot reallyquickly.Hehadfirsttochoosehisbooks.Ifonlyhecouldreadallofthem!ButDavidknewhehad notverymuchtime:hemustgoonbeforewintercame.Andsoitwasimportantforhimtoreadbooks wherehewouldfindinformationthatwouldbeusefultohim. Itwasbecauseofthebooksthathehadalreadystayedthereformanydays.Thepeople,thechildren especially,madehimnervousandhehatedbeinginthesameplacewithCarlo.Thehousehecould leave,thoughnotwithoutregret. Hehadlearnedthathecouldneverbecomeanordinaryboy.Theknowledgewaspainful,buttherewas nopointindeceivinghimself.Hewouldliketohavelearnedtobeaproperboy,tobeasaboyshouldbe outsidetheconcentrationcamp. Andyet...thechildrenweresostupidDaviddidnotunderstandthematall.Hedidnotunderstandwhy theydidnotlikewashing.Hedidnotunderstandwhytheypreferredtolivewithoutknowinganything. Theydidnotseemtothinkitwasnecessary,asiftherewerenodifferencebetweenadonkeyanda

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humanbeing.Davidwasveryfondofdonkeys:theywerehesoughtfortherightwordnice.Butit wasverymuchbettertobeahumanbeingabletolearnthings. Hedidnotunderstandeitherwhytheydidnotregardmealtimesasgraciousoccasions.Theywould oftenspillthingsonthewhitecloth,andsitsorestlesslyandbesoclumsyandawkwardwiththeir knivesandforksthattheysoonbroughtdisordertothebeautifullyarrangedtable. Butthemostdangerousthingaboutthemwasthatyoucouldnotfollowwhattheywerethinkingabout. Theyalwayswantedtobeplaying,andDavidhadparticularlywantedtolearnhowtoplay.Andhecould playalittlenow.Heknewhowtoplayball.Aballwasroundandsatisfyingtohold,andithadcolours, goodbrightcolours.HelikedthrowingittoAndreaandcatchingitagain.RacingwithAndreawasgood, too,andclimbingtreesandjumpingoverarope,higherandhigher...Helikedthesortofgamesthat madehimawarehowwellhisbodywouldobeyhim.Andthesortwhereyouhadtomakesomething, turningafewbitsofwoodintothingsyoucoulduse. Butthechildrenoftenwantedtoplayatbeingotherpeople.Onewouldpretendtobethegrocerand anotherwouldcomeandbuyfromhim.Ortheywouldbeamotherandfatherandchildren;orthey mightbepirates.WhentheysaidDavidcouldchoosefirstwhathewantedtobe,healwaysanswered thathewouldbeDavid,whohadcometowatchthem. Oncetheywantedtoplayagamewheresomeofthemhadtobesoldiersandtaketheothersprisoner. "AndI'llbecaptainoverthesoldiers!"shoutedCarlo,hastilyadding,"That'sifyoudon'twanttobe, David." Davidlookedstraightathim."Iwillnotplayanythingevilandhorrible,"hereplied. MariasaidatoncethatifDavidwouldnotplay,shewouldnoteither,butAndreasaidwithsome irritation,"You'reastrangechap,David.What'swickedaboutthat?" Davidwaiteduntilhewassurehisvoicewouldnottremble."I'mnotverygoodatplaying,butIcansee whenyouplayyoutrytoimitatewhat'sreal,andIwon'thaveanythingtodowithpretendingtotake peopleprisoner...it'shorribleandevil.Noonehasanyrighttotakeotherpeopleprisoner.Everybody hasarighttohislifeandfreedom." "Yes,but,David"Andrea'svoicewasnolongerirritated,onlyinterested"whatifthere'samurderer, shouldn'thebeputinprisoneither?Orathief,orsomethinglikethat?" Davidfrowned."Idon'tknow.Yes,amurderer,heshouldgotoprisontostophimmurderingmore people;butnooneshouldlayhandsonhimorstarvehim.Noonehasanyrightoverotherpeople." "Yes,butFatherandMotherhavearightoverus,"Andreasaid. "No,it'snotarightatleast,Idon'tthinkso.It'smoreofa...aduty.Imean,sincethey'reyourparents, theymustgiveyoufoodandclothes,andteachyouallthethingsyoudon'tknow,sothatyoucan manageforyourselveswhenyou'regrownup.Whattheydoissomethinggood.That'snotwhatImean byrightoverpeople.Havingrightoverothersissomethingshameful.It'susingforce." Atthatpointthetwolittleboysbeganyawning."Aren'twegoingtodoanything?"theyasked impatiently."Davidcandecidewhattoplayifhewantsto." Davidfeltrelieved.HehadtoanswerAndrea,ofcourse,andtrytoexplainthingstohim.ButAndreastill didnotseemtounderstandwhathewasdrivingat,andDavidwasalwaysafraidthatifhetalkedtoo

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muchhemightbeledintosayingsomethingheshouldnot.Andanywayhedidnotcaretotalkwhen Carlowasthere. Thefirstdayortwo,CarlohadtriedtowheedlehimselfintoDavid'sgoodbooks,butDavidwasonlytoo familiarwiththatkindofapproach.HespoketoCarlopolitelywheneveritwasnecessary,justashehad alwaysdonetothem,butCarlohadbynowrealizedthathecouldnotexpectanymoreofhim. Neverthelessitwasunpleasant.Carlowassogoodatdeceptionthatyoucouldhardlycredithewasonly aboy.HehadmadesuchanefforttoconvinceDavidthathewasnotbad,andwhenhehadrealized thatDavidwasnotgoingtolethimselfbeimpressed,hepretendedtobehurtbyit.Itwasagoodthing Davidhadseensomuchdeceptioninthecampthathewasnottakenin,asAndreaandthetwolittle boysandMariawere.TheydidnotknowCarlowasevil.BecauseofthatDavidfeltuncomfortableinhis presence. Davidlikedthetwolittleboys.Hedidnotunderstandthem,andhefeltquitesurehehadneverbeenso smallhimself.Buttheywerenice,ratherliketwolittleanimalstumblingaboutnoisilyandneverstillfor amoment.Heknew,too,thatifhehadbeenaproperordinaryboy,hewouldhavelikedAndreavery muchindeed.Hewasfriendlyandfair,andwhenyoupointedoutthatsomethingwasbeautiful,he couldseeitwas.HedidnotruinthingsthewayCarloandthetwoyoungeronesdid.Butitwouldbe dangeroustobetoofriendlywithhimDavidmightforgettobecarefulwhathesaid,andthenAndrea wouldthinkhimoddandbegintoaskquestions. ItwasonlywithMariathatDavidfeltquiteatease.Sheneverlefthim,andshecouldalwaysguesswhen anyonesaidsomethingtomakehimuneasy.Atsuchmomentsshewoulddivertattentionfromhimby sayingsomethingherself,orshewouldanswerforhimsothatallhehadtosaywas,"Yes,that'swhatI meant." Yetheneverfeltignorantwhenhewaswithher.Shewantedtoknowwhathethoughtabout everythingandsheneverseemedtothinkhimstrange.Thereweremanythingshecouldhelpherwith, too,forshewasnotverystrong.Andthenshewassoprettytolookat,andeverythingaboutherwasso gentleanddelicate,thathefelthehadtotakecareofher. Whenhewantedtolistentomusic,shewouldputthegramophoneonforhim,andshewasalways readytogoroundthehousewithhimandtellhimaboutit. Mostofthethingsinitwereveryoldtwoorthreeorevenfourhundredyearsold,andthechildren's fatherandmotherhadhadthemfromtheirfatherandmother,andtheyinturnhadhadthemfrom theirfatherandmother,andsorightbacktothetimethethingswerenew.Andtheyhadalwaysbeen thereintheoneplace.HecouldtalkforhourswithMariaaboutthepeoplewhohadlivedtherelong agoaboutwhattheyhadlookedlike,whatclothestheyhadwornandwhatfoodtheyhadeaten,and whattheyhadthoughtabout. SometimesMariawouldtellhimaboutschool,andthenDavidwouldagainberemindedofhow differenthewas.Mariadidnotcaremuchaboutgoingtoschool,andDavidthoughtitsounded wonderful.tothinkthattherewerepeoplewhoseonlyworkinlifewastoteachchildrenthethingsthey didnotknow!Tobeabletoaskabouteverythingyouwantedtoknowwithoutappearingoddand suspicious!Itwasquiteplainthatitwasnotoneoftheirschools,sincehegatheredfromMariathatthe childrenwerenottoldwhattheyweretothink.Theylearntproperthingsabouthistoryandthe countriesoftheworldandtheyweretaughttoreadquicklyandwritewithoutmakingmistakes. Davidnowbegantowishhehadinventedadifferentstoryabouthimself,forhistaleofacircushadled thechildrenandtheirparentstobelievehewasfamiliarwithmanycountries.Ifhehadchosenanother story,hewouldhavebeenabletoaskthemaboutothercountries,wheretheylayandwhattheywere

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like.Nowhecouldnotanditwasdifficulttofindoutwhathewantedtoknowfrombooks. Anditwasnowgrowingchillyofanevening:itwasthetimeofthevineharvesttimeforhimtohurry onhisway. Thenonedayhesawtheglobe.ItstoodinAndrea'sroom,insideacupboard.Daviddidnotknowatfirst whatitwas.Hesawabigballfastenedtoarod.Hewascuriousandaskedwhyitwasfastenedlikethat. "It'saglobe,ofcourse!"Andrearepliedinsurprise."It'stheworld.Look,youcanturnitroundsothat youcanseeeverything." David'sheartbegantobeatwithexcitement.Andreahadthewholeworlddrawnonaballwithallthe countries! Buttherewerenoboundariesmarkedonit:youcouldonlyseewherethemountainsandvalleysand riverswere.Davidfeltquitesickwithdisappointment.ButAndreawasalwaysreadytotalkwhenever Davidwantedtodiscusssomething."There'sItaly,"hesaid,pointingtoalongstripoflandjuttingout intothesea."Andthere'sFrance,"addedMaria,pointinginherturn.Whentheysawhowinterested Davidwas,theypointedtoSpainandGermany,Austria,SwitzerlandandEngland. Buttheywentthroughthemsoquickly!Davidwonderedifhecouldpossiblyrememberalltheytoldhim andwishedhecouldseehowfareachcountrystretched. "CanyouseeDenmark?"heasked. Itwasquitealittlepatchofland,andDavidsawitwasalongwayfromItaly.Hecouldnevergosofar beforewintersetin,beforetheyfoundhimagain. Buthewouldhavetoleave.Davidlayinhissoftwarmbedandknewthathemustgothenextday,orat leastwithinadayortwo.Thehousebelongedtothefamilyandhehadnopartinit. TheywerestillallverygratefulthathehadrescuedMariafromthefire.Andhewassuretheywerekind, allexceptCarlo,thatis.Butsomethingwassuretohappensoonwhichwouldmakethemrealizehow differenthewas.Thechildren'smothersometimeslookedathimquestioningly,andshenolonger attemptedtocaresshim.Shewouldtouchhishairlightlywhentheyweregoingtobed,butDavidknew itwasnolongerbecauseshewantedto.Shediditonlyoutofkindnesssothatheshouldnotfeeltoo differentfromherownchildren.Davidwasnotatallclearhowheknewthis:hejustknewit. Itwasnotthathelikedanyonetotouchhim.Hehatedit:itmadehimfeeltenseinside.Butsometimes whenhesawthechildrenandtheirparentstouchoneanother,hefeltastabofpainandremembered Johannes.Perhapshehadbeenlikeeverybodyelsetostartwith;perhapsitwasonlywhenJohannes diedthathebecamedifferent. Davidtriednottothinkaboutit,buthehadtoadmitthatwhenMariatouchedhimhedidnothateit. Sometimesshewouldtakehimbythehandwhentheywalkedsidebyside,andherhandwassmalland soft,notintheleastlikeaboy's.AndwhenMariaheldhishand,itwasasiftheywerespeakingof pleasantthingstogetherwithoutsayinganything.Yetitalwaysmadehimalittleuneasy,likesomething importantthathadescapedhismemory. Davidturnedoverinbed.Therewassomethingelsehehadforgottenwhatwasit?Somethingabout Denmark,somethinghehadbeenonthepointofrememberingthefirstdayhewasthere. Ithadsomethingtodowithwhatthemanhadsaidabouthishavingtogonorthtillhecameto

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Denmark.Suddenlyheknewwhatitwasmilk! Thechildren'sparentswereverygoodtothem.Theygavethemeverythingtheyneededandtalkeda greatdealaboutwhatwoulddothemgood.Everydaythechildrenweregivenmilkandthingscalled vitamins.Davidwasgiventhem,too.Andhehadhadmilkbefore... Twiceaweek,foraslongashecouldremember,onTuesdaysandFridays,hehadhadtogoacrossto theman'squarters,andthemanhadgivenhimsomethingwhitetodrink.Ittastedhorrible,buttheman toldhimhemustdrinkitorelsehewouldshootoneoftheprisoners.Healsothreatenedtoshoota prisonerifDavidevertoldanyonewherehewentandwhathedid.NothinghappenedexceptthatDavid drankthehorriblewhitestuff.AtthetimeDavidhadthoughtthatitshowedhowstupidtheywereas wellasevil.Itdidnotmakehimill,andhedidnotdieeither.Themanmusthaverealizeditwasnot poisonousenoughtokillhimandyethewentongivingittoDavidtodrink. Themilkhewasgivenheredidnottasteunpleasant,anditwaswhiter,too,butitwasthesameforall that.AndthefirsttimeDavidhappenedtobiteoneofthepillsthatwerecalledvitaminsanddrankhis milkrightontopofit,ittastedhorribleinjustthewayitusedtointhecamp. Sothemanhadgivenhimsomethingthatwasgoodforhim!Somethingtomakehimstrongandnot alwaysillandweakliketheotherprisoners. Why?Davidsatupinbedwideawake.Whyhadhebeenforcedtodrinksomethingthatwasgoodfor him?Ifhehadbeenofsomeimportanceasahostage,thenobviouslyhemustnotbeallowedtodie... butinthatcasewhyhadthemantoldDavidtoescape?Ithadallhappenedasthemanhadtoldhim: therehadbeenthebundlelyingbeneaththetree,andhehadgottoSalonica,andtherehadbeenaship there... Davidgotupanddressed.Hecouldnotsleep,hecouldnotstayinsidethehouse.Hemustthink... Butnomatterhowmuchhethought,hecouldnotfindananswer.Hewalkedquietlydownstairsinto thegardensothatnooneshouldhearhim.Butalthoughhestaredrightoutintothedarknessand thoughtaboutthemanashardashecould,hestillcouldnotmakeheadortailofit.Themanhatedhim. Davidknewallabouthate,andhewassurethemanhatedhim. Animportanthostagewouldhavetobekeptalive...buthemustnotbeallowedtoescape,musthe?If onlyheknewmoreaboutit.IfonlyheknewsomethingaboutDenmark.IftherewereakinginDenmark, thenhewouldhavetotrytogetthere.Theremustbesomereasonwhyhewastoldtoescape.Forone momenthethoughtheknewwhatitwas.Youcouldnotbribehonestpeople,buttheytookbribes. Beingbribedmeantdoingsomethingyouknewwasforbiddenjusttogetsomethingforyourself. ButwhowouldbribethemantoletDavidescape?HewasjustDavid,aboywhohadalwaysbeena prisoner.Someonehestoodhostageforwithoutknowingit?Butwhocoulditbe?Andifhehadbeenan importanthostage,thenthemanwouldneverhavedaredtolethimescape.Inthatcountry,theywere allterrifiedofoneanother.Perhapsifthebribewerebigenough...butifthatweretheanswer,then theywouldbehuntingforhim,everywhere,andhewouldhavetobeonhisguarddayandnight. Itmustnotbetrue.David'shandsclutchedhisfastbeatingheart.Theremustbeareasonhecouldnot understand:hedidnotwanttobeanimportanthostageforhecouldnotgoonbeingasfrightenedas hewas.Thenextmorninghewouldaskthechildren'sfatheriftherewereakinginDenmark.Andifso, thenhewouldleaveatonce,andhewouldtravelbycarasoftenaspossibleorhewouldnotmanage thejourney.Butitwouldnotdoforhimtobelievehewasanimportanthostage,forifhedidhewould notdareaskforaliftorearnmoneyorbuybreadoranything.

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Buthenevergotasfarasaskingthechildren'sfatheriftherewereakinginDenmark. Hedecidedhewouldcreepbacktobedagain;butjustashewasgoingpastthebiglivingroomthat gaveontotheterrace,thelightwasswitchedonandthechildren'sfatherandmotherenteredandsat down. Davidpressedhimselfagainstthewallandstoodstill.Whentheybegantalkinghewouldcreepoffinthe otherdirectionsothattheywouldnotspothim. Throughtheslatsintheshuttershesawthechildren'smothertakeuphersewing.Sheputitdownagain almostatonceandturningtoherhusbandsaid,"Giovanni,Ithinkyou'llhavetodosomethingabout David." Davidmovedwithinfinitecareawayfromtheslattedshutters:sometimeswhenyouwerelookingat peopletheybecameawareofit.Heleanedagainstthewallandshuthiseyes. "WhatshouldIdoabouthim,Elsa?Istheresomethingthematterwithhim?" Davidwouldneverforgetwhattheysaid. "Thematter...Yes,I...Imean,howlongdoyousupposeheshouldstayhere?" "Haveyouanythingagainstthelad,mydear?" "Yes...no...Oh,I'mboundtoloveachildwho'ssavedmyownchild'slife.ButIdon'tunderstandhim.If itdidn'tsoundsoabsurd,I'dbeinclinedtosayhefrightensme." "He'sanunusualchild,thatIgrantyou.ButIcan'tseewhatyouhaveagainsthim." "I...well,letmeputitthisway.I'venothingagainstDavidasDavid,butIdoobjecttohimascompany formyownchildren.Hemustleavehere,assoonaspossible." "Can'tyoutellmeexactlywhatitisabouthimthatyouobjectto?" "Idon'tknowwhoheis.Idon'tknowwherehecomesfromandIdon'tknowwherehe'sgoingto.I don'tbelievehe'struthful.Thatstoryofhisaboutbelongingtoacircusitdoesn'thangtogether properly,Giovanni!Ifhebelongstoacircustherearethingsheoughttoknowwhichheobviously doesn't.Andatthesametimethestory'ssocarefullyworkedoutasifhewereahardenedlittleliar." "Witheyeslikehis,Elsa?" "Yes...Andhiseyesfrightenme,too.they'retheeyesofanoldman,anoldmanwho'sseensomuchin lifethathenolongercarestogoonliving.They'renotevendesperate...justquietandexpectant,and very,verylonely,asifhewerequitealoneofhisownfreechoice.Giovanni,achild'seyesdon'tlooklike that!There'ssomethingwrongthere.Andhissmileifitweren'tsoincredible,I'dbetemptedtosayhe looksasifhe'dneversmiledbeforeheseteyesonMaria.Heneversmilesattherestofus:hejustlooks atuspolitelyandwithdeadearnestness,andwhenhesmilesatMaria,it's..." "It'sverybeautiful,Elsa.I'veseenitmyself.Itcomessohesitantlyandyetsotenderly." "Oh,youmakemefeelsoheartless!ButImustputmyownchildrenfirstandthinkoftheirwelfare.And there'ssomethingwrongwithachildwhosmileslikethat.Wheredoeshecomefrom?Youcantellhe hasnorelatives,buthemakesitquiteclearhedoesn'tlikeustoquestionhim.Heanswerspolitely,but

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hisfacebecomeswatchfulandherepliesasbrieflyashecan.It'snotthatIwanttopry,Giovanni,but youmustadmithe'sastrangechild!Hearriveshereoutoftheblue,dressedinapairoftrousersanda shirtbothinsuchashockingconditionthateventhepoorestbeggarwouldscornthem.Heownsaknife andanemptybottlewhichheobviouslyregardsasvitalnecessities.AndyethespeaksItalianlikea Florentinenobleman!" "Yes,andFrenchlikeaseniormemberoftheFrenchAcademy!" "Hedoeswhat?" "IfoundhimwithaFrenchbooktheotherdayandheaskedmetoreadafewlinestohim.Inaturally thoughthewantedthemtranslated,butheonlywantedtocomparethesoundofthewordswiththeir appearanceinprint!He'sobviouslyneverseenFrenchwritten,buthespeaksitlikeanative.Andlikea verygiftedandwelleducatednative,too!" "Yes,andthenIsupposeheexplaineditawaybysaying,"Therewasamaninthecircuswhowas French"?" "Exactly.Heavenknowswhatkindofacircusitis!" "I'mquitesurethereisnocircus.Can'tyouseethere'ssomethingmysteriousandwrongaboutitall?At firstIimaginedhe'drunawayfromschoolorsomethingofthesort,buttojudgefromhisspeechyou'd thinkhecamefromafamilythatwouldhavemovedheavenandearthlongenoughagotofindhim.Yet there'snotbeenawordaboutasearchbeingmadeforachildofanyofthepeopleweknow.Sowhere doeshegethisspeechfrom?Andhedoesn'tspeaklikeachildatall.Hisconversationiscompletely adult,andheoftenfailstounderstandwhatthechildrenmeanuntiltheyexplaintohim...Hereally makesyouthinkhe'dneverbeforespokentoanotherchild!" "Whereverhecomesfrom,Elsa,wearedeeplyindebtedtohim,andsinceitworrieshimtobe questionedabouthisbackground,thenIthinkweoughttolethimalone.AndIcan'tseeeitherthatany ofthethingsyou'vementionedmakehimunsuitablecompanyforourchildren.Hetalksbeautifully,he hasreallycharmingmannersoftenbetterthanourownyoungsters'.Elsa,Elsa,whydon'tyouuseyour eyes?Hecan'tbeabadinfluence.David'sthegentlestboyI'veeverseeninmylife!Andhe'shadan effectonourownchildrenIhaven'tonceseenthemfightingsincehecame!" "No,andit'sonthetipofmytonguetosayIwishyouhad!YouaskmewhatIhaveagainstDavid:I objecttohisattitudetoCarlo,andIobjecttohisrelationswithMaria.Haven'tyouseenthatDavidhates Carlo?Notlikeboyswhofightandthenforgetaboutitbecausethereisreallynothingserioustofight over.DavidhatesCarloasagrownmanhates.Hetalkstohimonlywhenhehasto,andthenhespeaks politelyandcoldlyandrefusestolookathim.TrywatchingCarloalittlemorecloselytomorrow!He's grownquitesubdued,andwhenheseesDavidandAndreachatteringtogether,hejuststandsthere lookingmiserable.Heseemstoknowthatifhejoinedin,Davidwouldimmediatelybringthe conversationtoapolitecloseandgooffelsewhere.Carlo'sagoodboy.He'salittlewildandsomewhat domineering;butotherwisethere'snoharminhim.Doyousupposeitgivesmeanypleasuretoseemy eldestsontryingtoingratiatehimselfwithalyinglittlevagabondandbeingrebuffedwithhatredand contempt?" "No,ofcoursenot.Butdon'tyouthinkyoumightbemistaken?SupposeweaskedDavid..." "AndIlikehisinfluenceoverMariajustaslittle.Mariaworshipsthegroundhetreadson.Everything Davidthinksandsaysanddoesisright.Sheisawareoftheexistenceofherownbrothersonlywhenit suitsDavid.WhatshelikesbestisbeingalonewithDavidtheotherdayshesatquitestillforawhole hourlisteningtothegramophonewithhim:Mozart'sviolinconcerto!Whatdoyouthinkofthat?And

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Maria'saboutasmusicalasasuckingpig!" "Well,yes,but...itcan'tdoanyharm,mydear.Smallgirlsoftenadmireboysalittleolderthan themselves.AndyourememberthatitwasDavidwhorescuedherfromthefire.It'squitenaturalfor hertoadmirehim.SheusedtoadmireCarloandAndreaaswell." "Butnotinthesameway.Sheadmiredthetwobiggerboysbecausetheywerestrongerandmore daring.WithDavidit'shimselfthatsheadmires.Sheseemstowanttoknowandunderstandeverything hethinkssothatshecanlearntothinkthesamewayherself.Giovanni,Iwon'thaveit!I'velistenedto thetwoofthemtogetherwhentheydidn'tknowIwasthere.WiththerestofusDavidissilentand reticent,buthetalkstoMariabecauseitneveroccurstohertoquestionhim,excepttoaskhimwhathe thinksaboutthings.Hetellsherthemostabominablethingsaboutwickednessandmiseryand brutality...andtreachery.Andhe'stoldherhowyoucandiesothatitdoesn'thurt.Idon'tknowwhere hegetsitallfrom,andIdon'tcareeither.Thatboymustgo!" "IshouldneverhavethoughtDavidhadabrutalmindoraninclinationtocruelty." "Hehasn't.Hetellsheraboutsuchthingssothatshecantakecareofherselfandsothatshemayknow howfortunatesheis.ButI'llnothaveMaria'sinnocent,carefreechildhoodspoiltbyaknowledgeofevil shehadnoideaof.Childrenhavetheirowntroublestheymustn'tbeexpectedtobearthemiseries andsorrowsofthegrownupworld." "Well,sinceyoufeelsostronglyaboutit,then...Butdon'tyouthinkperhapsIshouldspeaktotheboy aboutit?" "DoyouthinkthatanythingatallthatanyonecouldsaytoDavidwouldalterbyonejotwhathethinks? DoyouthinkanybodyintheworldcouldstopDavidbeingDavid?" "No,mydear,Idon'tthinktheycould,andImustsayIrespecthimforit.Theladisn'tobstinateor headstrong,andhewantstolearn,buthereservestherighttothinkforhimselfandhe'llnotsurrender hispersonality.Andthat'sgood:itshowsstrengthofcharacter." "Giovanni,I'mnotheartless.Ireallyamgrateful,andI'llwillinglydoanythingfortheboybutkeephim here.Idon'tbelievethere'sanyrealharminhim,andIcanseethatagreatdealofwhatyousayabout himisright.Ifheweren'tachildIshouldmostprobablylikehimforthoseverythings.ButIdon't understandhim,andIwon'thavehiminfluencingmyownchildren.Can'tyoufindoutsomethingabout him?Trytotellhimwewishhimwellandseeifyoucandiscoverwherehecomesfrom?Ifhe'sdone somethingwrong,thenyoucoulduseyourinfluencewiththepolice.Wecouldsendhimtoahomeora monasteryorsomethingofthesort,andpayforhiseducation.Buthe'llhavetotellyouthetruthsothat wecandecidethebestthingtodo." "Allright,Elsa,asyouwish." "You'renottocountthecostthatdoesn'tmatter.He'stohavethebestofeverythingclothes,food, educationforMaria'ssakeandbecauseIcouldhavelovedhimsomuchifhewouldhaveletme..." Davidsatdownonthewindowsillandstaredintothedarkness.Everywordthechildren'sparentshad saidtooneanotherwasdeeplyengraveduponhismind.Hehadknownthathemustgo,andgosoon, butthefactthatdangerwassonearathandwassomethinghehadnotrealized.Andnowhehadbeen madeawareofallthatwasamisswithhim...andheknewhecouldneverputitright.Hedidnotreally thinkhewassoamiss,butotherpeopleobviouslythoughtso. Inthemorningthechildren'sfatherwouldtrytoquestionhim,andhewouldcallinthepoliceinthe

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beliefthathecouldstilltakecareofDavidevenaftertheyhadlaidhandsonhim. Hemustleavethatverynight. Davidtookhisbundleoutofthecupboard,togetherwithhisbottle,hisknifeandhissmallscrapofsoap. Foronemomentheconsideredtakingalargerpieceofsoapfromthebathroom.Hewouldliketohave takenaspongeandhistoothbrushaswell,andacandleandsomefreshmatches.Butthenhedecided notto.HewouldhavetogoinAndrea'sclotheswhichhewaswearing,forthechildren'smotherhad nevergivenhimbackhisownandshehadsaidhemighthavethem.Butapartfromtheclotheshe wouldtakenothingatallwithhim. Theywerenotevilpeople.Theyhadbeenkindtohim,andeventhoughtheywerereadytogivehimup now,theywereactingoutofignorancesincetheyhadnoideawhatwouldhappenwhentheycaught himagain.Hewouldhavetoberightawayfromthehousebeforetheyarrivedthenextday,buthe wouldwritealettersothathecouldatleastsaythankyou.Hehadthepaperandpencilhehadbought. Itwouldtakealongtime,andhewouldhavetohurrysothathecouldbewellonhiswaybefore morning,butitcouldnotbehelped. Davidsatdownandthoughtforalongtime.Thenhewrote,very,veryslowlyandverycarefully. "Iheardeverythingyousaid.Ishallgonow,assoonasI'vefinishedwriting.Ionlywantedtostayhereas longasyouwishedmeto.IshallhavetokeepAndrea'sclothesbecauseyouhavenotgivenmebackmy own.Iwanttothankyouforlettingmelistentomusicandreadbooks,andbecauseeverythingisso beautifulhere.Andthankyouforthefoodyouhavegivenmeandforlettingmesleepinabed. "Ihavenevermurderedanyoneandneverusedforce,norstolenfromanybody.I'vetakennoone'sjoy orhappinessorfreedomorpropertyawayfromhim.AndI'veneverbetrayedanyone.Iamtellingyou thisbecauseyouwanttoknowsomethingaboutmeandtoletyouknowthatthat'sallIamgoingtotell. IfthepolicecatchmeIshalldie,butIshalltellthemnomore.Itisimportantnottogiveintopeople wholoveviolenceandthinktheyhavetherighttotakeawayanotherman'slifeandliberty.Andifyou don'tletthemchangewhatyouthinkandbelieve,thenyouhavewon.Amanoncetoldmethat.And thatiswhyIshallgoonbeingDavid,always,foraslongasIamstillalive. "IamgladItoldMariathatevilexists.Idon'twanthertobeafraid,butit'ssomethingyouhavetoknow about.Can'tyouunderstandthatchildrenhavearighttoknoweverythingthat'strue?Ifthere'sdanger, youhavetorecognizeit,orelseyoucan'ttakecareofyourself. "IamwritingbecauseIwanttosaythankyouforthethingsyouhavegivenme,andtotellyouofmy ownfreewillallthatI'mgoingtotell,ever. "David" Ithadtakenhimalongtimetowritetheletter.Davidlookedattheclockonthechestofdrawers.Itwas nowhalfpastoneinthemorning.HewantedtowritesomethingaboutMaria,somethingthatwould makethemtakegreatcareofher,buthedidnotknowhowtodoit. Suddenly,asifshehadoverheardhisthoughts,shewasstandingthereinthedoorway.Shewaslooking frightened. "David." "Sh!"Davidwhisperedinalarm.Mariacameintotheroom,shuttingthedoorbehindher.

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"David,Iwokeupsofrightened.IthoughtyouwereinthefireandIcouldn'tfindyou." "I'vegottogoaway,Maria,"Davidsaid. "Oh,no,David!Why?" Davidtoldhereverythingherparentshadsaidwhilehewasstandingoutsidewithinearshot."Soyou seeImustgonowwhileit'sstillnight,"heconcludedwhenshehadheardeverything. FortunatelyMarianeverdoubtedthatwhathesaidwasright.Shemadenoprotest:shejustlookedat himandwhispered,"David,you'llcomeback,won'tyou?Evenifit'snotforalongtimesayyou'll comeback?" Davidlookedatherdumbly.Thenhesaid,"Ican'tsaythat.IfIcancomebacksomeday,thenIwill... butIdon'tknow,soIwon'tpromisebecauseapromiseisimportant." "But,David,whowilltellmeabouteverythingwhenyou'regone?" Ah,yes,whowouldlookafterMaria?Butifhedidnotgo,theywouldcomeandtakehim,andhewould notbeabletolookafterheranyway. ThenDaviddidsomethinghehadneverdonebefore:ofhisownfreewillhetouchedsomebodyelse.He laidhishandsonMaria'sshouldersandlookedstraightintohereyes.Thenhesaidslowlysothatshe couldrememberwhathesaidandtrytounderstandit,"Youmustdoityourself,Maria!Youmustteach yourselfallaboutthings.Whenthere'snooneelsetodothingsforyou,youhavetodothemfor yourself.Youmustlistencarefullytothepeopleyouthinkaregoodyourfatherandmotherandthe peoplewhoteachyouthingsinschool.Thenyoumustthinkoverwhattheysayanddecidehowmuchof ityoufeelisright.Butyoumustbecareful,becausewhatisrightisnotalwayswhatyouwant,andifyou makeamistake,youregretitafterwards." "But,David,I'mnotcleverenough.Oh,whydoyouhavetogo?I'dmuchratheryoustayed!Willyou takemewithyou?" "Itwouldnotberight.Yourfatherandmotherwouldbefrightened,andyou'venorighttomakeanyone afraid.Inaway,it'slikeusingviolence.Besidesyouwouldn'tlikeit.Ioftenhavenofoodandnowhereto sleep." "Thatwouldn'tmatterifyouwerethere." "Youcanthinkaboutme,Maria,andthenIshan'tbequitegone." "Willyouthinkaboutme,too?" "Yes." "Always?" "Yes." "David,willyouholdmefastbeforeyougo,soIcanremember,whatitfeltlike,whenyouwerenearto me?" Davidnodded.Heputhiscomb,pencilandpaperinhisbundle.Hehadeverythingnow.Meanwhile,

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Mariastoodwatchinghim.Thenshesaid,"David,waithereamoment." Davidstoodandwaited,quitesurethatMariawouldnevergivehimaway.Amomentlatershewas back,holdinginherhandalittlecrossofgoldcoveredwithtinylittleseedpearls."That'sforyou,David, totakewithyou." Thecrosshungonaslenderchain,andshestoodontiptoetofastenitroundDavid'sneck. "Thankyou,"Davidsaid."NowI'mgoing."Heputhisbundledownonthetable,puthisarmsaroundher andheldhertight,justforashortmoment.Itwaslikethedaywhenhehadrescuedherfromthefire. "Goodbye,Maria." "Goodbye,David." Davidwentquickly,and,withoutlookingatheragain,shutthedoorsoftlybehindhim. 6 Davidtrampedonandon.Hewassofamiliarwiththefirstpartofthewaythatthedarknessdidnot troublehimhehadoftenbeenalongthatroadwiththechildren.Hetoldhimselfhewouldtakehis shoesoffassoonasitwasmorning,forhehadnoticedwhilehewasinthehousethatshoesworeout, andheoughttosavethemforlateronwhenitgrewcolderorhewasforcedtotravelatnightwhenhe couldnotseethestones. Hethoughttoo,abouttheroutehehadtotake.HewouldhavetogointoatowncalledFlorence,forof coursehehadnofood.LuckilyhestillhadalotofthemoneygiventohimbytheAmericanhehad fetchedpetrolfor,sohehadnoneedtostopinthetowntoearnmore.Butthinkingaboutfoodmade himfeelveryuneasy,foritledhimtothinkaboutmilkandvitamins,andthentowonderagainwhether hemightperhapsbeanimportanthostage. Buthehadlearntalotfromhisstayinthehouse.Theglobehemustremembertothinkaboutthe globeallthetimesothathewouldnotforgetwhereAndreaandMariahadpointed.Hemustgetto Switzerlandfirst,andthentoGermany,andfinallytoDenmark.Hisclotheswereagreathelp,toothey weremuchbetterthantheoneshehadhadbefore,andthereweremoreofthem.Theywouldhelpa lotnowthatitwasgrowingcoldduringthenights. Yethewasstillunhappyinspiteofrecallingalltheadvantageshehadgainedfromlivinginthehouse. Asthedayswentbyhefeltnobetter,althoughalltheplaceshecametowerejustasbeautifulasthose hehadpassedthroughbeforehecametothehouse.Therewerebeautifulroundgreenhills,andvalleys andrivers,andtreesofallkinds.Everythinglookedthesameasbeforeandyetseemeddifferent. Forthefirstfewdayshedarednotrisktravellingbycar:hewouldnottryaskingforaliftuntilhewasa longwayfromthehouse.HemadehastetoleaveFlorence,too,althoughthereweresomanythingsto seethereabroadriverwithgreatbridgesoverit,andononebridgeanarrowstreetcompletewith oldhousesoneitherside.Andtherewasasquarewithbigstatuesinit,andachurchthatlookedlike... Davidcouldfindnothingtocompareitwith,itwassobeautiful. WhilehehadbeenlivinginthehousehehadheardthatinFlorencetherewerethousandsof magnificentpaintingsthateverybodycouldsee,andhewouldhavelikedtogoandlookatthem.Butthe greatthingwastogetrightawayfromthehouseasquicklyashecould.

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 Sofarnoonehadquestionedhim.Aslongashehadmoneytobuybread,hehadnoneedtotalktothe tourists,andtheyweretheoneswhoaskedthemostquestions.TheItaliansonlywantedtoknowwhat hewascalledandwherehewasgoing.Davidwasverycarefulwhathesaidaboutthecircusnow,butin spiteofeverythinghestillthoughtitwasthebeststoryhecouldfind. Hethoughtseveraltimesofwhatthechildren'sparentshadsaidabouthim.Hewasupsetbyit,butnot verymuch,forhehadknownallalongthathewasstrangeandwrong.Buthedidnotthinkthe children'smotherhadexplainedveryclearlyjustwhatwaswrong.Hismannerofspeech,forinstance: hehadofcourseheardmanyItaliansspeaksomewhatdifferentlybutthenthechildren'sparents spokejustashedid!JustliketheItalianpriestintheconcentrationcamp.AndtheFrenchhespokewas certainlygoodFrench,forthatwasJohannes'ownlanguage,thelanguageDavidwassofamiliarwith thattheFrenchwordwouldoftenoccurtohimbeforehecouldremembertheItalian.AndasJohannes, whowaswiserandbetterthananybodyelse,spokeFrenchinthatway,thenitmustbetheproperway. TospeakthebestkindofItaliancouldnotbewrong,evenifyouwereatramp.Thewayyouspokehad todowiththewayyouthought,notwithpossessions. AndasforhatingCarlo,yes,itwastrueenoughhedid.Hecouldwellunderstandthechildren'smother notlikingit,forofcourseshedidnotknowCarlowasevil.ButhecouldnothavestoppedhatingCarlo, notevenifMariaherselfhadbeggedhimto.Youmustalwayshatewhatwasevil,orelseyougrewjust likethem. HewouldbegaliftthenextdaysothathecouldgetquicklytothetowncalledBologna:forsinceheleft Florencethemountainshadbecomequitehighandtheupwardclimbwastakinghimlonger. DavidbegantothinkaboutSwitzerland.Therehewouldfindloftymountainscappedwithsnow.That muchheunderstoodfromAndreawhentheyhadlookedattheglobetogether. Butheseemedunabletodirecthisthoughtsproperly:theywerefullofheavinessandforeboding.Just beforethebendintheroadhehadnoticedasmalltownnotfarahead,andhenowdecidedhewould trytopluckupenoughcouragetogointothechurch. Thehouseshadafriendlylookaboutthem,andasitwasaboutnoontherewashardlyanyoneinthe streets.Davidstoodintheopenspacethatwasalwaystobefoundinfrontofachurchandwonderedif hedared.Hehadwantedforsuchalongtimetoseewhatachurchwaslike.Achurchwasaplacewhere youtalkedwithGod.InItaly,ofcourse,hewouldonlyfindtheGodoftheRomanCatholics,butstill supposehisownGodwereonavisitthere!AndsupposehereallymetHim!ButperhapsGodsdidnot visitoneanother...However,afainthopethathewouldfindsomecomforttheredrovehiminside. Thedoorwasveryheavy.Hehadtopushhardtoopenit. Thelightinsidewasverysubdued.Davidremainedstandingjustinsidethedooruntilhiseyeshadgrown accustomedtothechangefromthebrightsunlightoutsidetothesoftobscuritywithin. Itwasveryquiet.Andbeautiful.Itremindedhimalittleofthehouse,thoughinmanywaysitwasvery different.Therewerepaintingsandcarvedwoodworkandcolouredglassinthewindows.Infrontof someofthepaintingsalongthesideofthechurchcandleswereburning. Butthesilencewasnotcomplete.David'seyes,nowaccustomedtothedimlight,perceivedadark figurekneelingbeforeoneofthepaintings.Themanwassayingsomething,verysoftly. Davidcreptquietlytowardshim.Ifitweresomeonepraying,hewantedtolisten.Hemightlearn

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something.Buthecouldnotunderstandthewords.Itwas...yes,itwasLatin,andapartfromafew words,heknewnoLatin. Thefigurerose."Goodday,myson.Areyoulookingforsomething?" "No,sir,"Davidrepliedpolitely.Hesteppedbackhastilyandglancedoverhisshouldertomakesure wherethedoorlay. "Youneednotbefrightenedofme.Asyoucansee,I'mapriest." Davidrealizedhewasright.Priestsalwaysworelongblackgownsoutsidetheconcentrationcamp. Andapriestwasneveroneofthem.Davidceasedlookingtowardsthedoor,andlookedatthepainting instead. "IsthatyourGod,sir?" "No,that'sSaintChristopher." "He'snotaGod?" "There'sonlyoneGod,myson." Davidfrowned.Thatwasn'tright:heknewtherewereseveral. "Whatareyoucalled,myson?" "I'mDavid." "Soyou'reDavid.Andwho'syourGod,David?" "He'stheGodofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters..." Thepriestlookedathimandsmiled.""TheLordismyshepherd.Ishallnotwant.Hemakethmetolie downingreenpastures.Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.Herestorethmysoul.Heleadethmein thepathsofrighteousnessforHisName'ssake.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowof death,Iwillfearnoevil,forThouartwithme."...It'sthesameGod,David." Davidhadlistenedattentively.Helovedthesoundofthestrangewordsthatpeopledidnototherwise use,andthepriestseemedquitefamiliarwithhisGod. "Itcan'tbethesameone,signor.HewastheGodofsomeonewhowasalsocalledDavid." "Yes,that'sright.ThewordsIspokecomefromthetwentythirdpsalmofDavid.Igatheryoumustbea strangeranddon'tbelongtoourChurch.But,believeme,David,it'sthesameGod.WemencallHimby somanydifferentnames,butwhenwepraybecauseweneedhelporcomfort,it'sstillthesameGod thathearsourprayers." Perhapswhatthepriestsaidwastrue.Howcouldhebesure,whenthereweresomanythingshedid notknow?Butwhenyouhadmadeachoice,thenyoumuststandbyit,andifthepriestweremistaken, youmustn'tletyourselfbeinfluencedbyit. "I'dratherkeepmyownGod,ifyoudon'tmind,signor.He'sverystrong,andhelpsyouwhenyou're frightened.Andyoushouldn'tchangeyourmindonceyou'vemadeyourchoice,foryoumustrespect

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whatyou'vesaid..." Davidsaidthisverypolitelyforhedidnotwanttohurtthepriest'sfeelings. Butthepriestdidnotseemtomindintheleast.Hecontinuedtosmileandsaidinavoicesogentleit soundedalmostlikeJohannes',"Youareperfectlyright,David,andyou'vechosenwell.Youshall certainlynotwant.Doyouknowwhat"want"means?" "Yes,it'sthesameasbeinginneed.ButIliketheotherwordbetter:itsoundsmoremorelikemusic." Davidthoughtthepriestwasgoingtoputhishandouttowardshimandhestiffened.Buthewaswrong: thepriestdidnottouchhimbutmerelysaid,"I'mgoinghomeforsomethingtoeat,David.Ifyou're hungry,youcancomewithme.OrperhapsIcanhelpyouinsomeotherway?" Davidconsidered.Apriestwasneverdangerous,anditwouldbefoolishnottoaccepthelpinfindingout whathewantedtoknow. "Thankyou,"hesaid."I'mnothungry,butifyouhaveamapthatshowswhatItalylookslike,thenI'd liketoseewhereSwitzerlandbegins." BeyondBolognathecountrysidewaslessbeautiful.Thelandscapewaspracticallyflatandtheroadgrey anddusty.Someofthebyroadsmighthavebeenpleasanter.Davidhaddiscoveredtheyoftenwere. Buthewasinahurry,andtherewasmoretrafficonthemainroads.Hehadwrittendownonapieceof paperthenamesofthetownshemustpassthroughonhiswaytoSwitzerland,andasitwasgrowinga littlebitcoldereverynight,Davidonlystoppedwhenheranshortofbread. Hehadnowspentallthemoneyhehadstartedwith,anditwasonlyinthetownsthathecouldearn more.Buttherewerenolongersomanytouriststobefound,andDavidwonderediftheywouldallgo backhomewhentheweatherbecamereallycold.Iftheydid,hewouldbeindangerofstarving,forthe Italianswereabletodomostthingsforthemselvesanddidnotneedaboytohelpthem.Moreover, althoughhewasbythistimeaverylongwayfromthehouse,thethoughtneverlefthimthattheymight haveputthepoliceontohim.HeconsidereditsafertokeepawayfromItalians,exceptformotorists andlorrydrivers. Theywerequitesafe.Theyhadnotimetobeinterestedinstrangeboys;theyweretoofullyoccupied withthinkingwheretheyweregoingandwhattheyweregoingtodowhentheygotbackhome.Aslong asyoulistenedtowhattheytoldyouaboutthemselvesandtheirfamilies,theyweresatisfied.They alwayssaidhowniceitwastohavesomeonetotalkwith,butDavidthoughttheyreallymeant"talkto" ratherthan"talkwith",fortherewasneveranyneedforhimtosaymuchmorethan"yes"or"no".But thatsuitedhimverywell.Aslongastheywereonlyinterestedinthemselves,therewaslessdangerof theiraskinghimtoomanyquestions.Andtheynearlyalwayssharedtheirfoodwithhim. OnedriverintroducedDavidtorailwaystations.Hehadveryoftenseentrains,butithadneveroccurred tohimthattheyhaddefinitestoppingplacesorthatthereweresuchthingsasstations.Thatwasbefore hegottoMilan.DavidtoldthemanhewasridingwithhowhehadbeentakenillinNaplesandhowhe wasnowonhiswaytojointhecircusagain.Themaninquiredifhehadenoughmoney,andwhenDavid repliedthatheoccasionallyearnedalittle,themantookitforgrantedthatheusuallydiditonrailway stations. SowhenhearrivedinMilan,Davidwasputdownatthestation.Andwhatagoodwayofearningmoney itwas!Thepeoplewhowereboardingthetrainsorgettingoffthemoftenneededsomeonetocarry theircases,andonthestationtherewerestillmanytouristswhocouldnotspeakItalianandwereglad ofsomeonewhounderstoodwhattheysaidandcouldfindoutwhichplatformsthetrainswouldleave

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fromorwheretherestaurantwas.Davidspentawholeeveningonthestationandearnedenough moneytobuybreadforseveraldays. Itwastherehesawthepaper. Hewasnolongersointerestedinnewspapers.Wheneverhecameacrossoneorhadaloafwrappedin one,hewouldreaditaspracticeinreadingquickly.Butagreatdealofitwasaboutthingsheknew nothingof,andinanycasehehadnomeansofknowinghowmuchofwhathereadwastrue,especially whenhedidnotknowwhohadwrittenthearticles.Iftheyhadwrittenthem,thenitwasbestnotto believethem. Suddenlyhesawhisownname! Hehadbeenrestingonaseat,forthelastcasehehadcarriedhadbeenveryheavyandhewasnow tired.AnItalianwassittingbyhim,andwhenhegotuptogohelefthispaperlyingontheseat. Andthereonthebackpage,heread:"David.Donotbeafraid.Wearenotsearchingforyou.Butwe shouldbegladifyouwouldcomebackandlivewithus.Webelieveeverythingyousaid.Thechildren's parents." Itwasaddressedtohimtherewasnodoubtaboutthatandforalittlewhilehefeltcompletely happy. Itwascoldintheditch.Hedarednottrytobegaliftintheeveningbecausepeoplethoughtitwrongfor aboytobeontheroadsatthattime.IthadtakenhimalongwhiletoleaveMilanbehind,andnowhe couldfindnowheretosleepbutthisditch.Itwasagoodthinghehadgrownusedtobeingcoldinthe camp.OncemoreDavidthoughtaboutthatletterinthepaper.Hewasgladtheyhadwrittentohim. Theyweregoodpeople,allofthemallexceptCarlo. Yetheknewhecouldnotgobacktothem.HewouldalwayshateCarlo,andhewouldalwaysbe differentandoutofplace.Andhewouldnotbeabletotellthemwhattheywantedtoknow,forifhe didtheywouldbeforcedtosendhimbacktothem. SuddenlyDavidknewwhynothinghadseemedquiterightsincehehadleftthehouse.Herecalledhow uneasyhehadfeltashehadgoneupthebroadfrontstepsthefirstdayhewasthereasifsome dangerlayinwaitforhimbehindthosedoors.Ifonlyhehadgoneonhiswayandneverenteredthe house!Hehadbeenhappybefore...yes,happy.Whenhehadlivedamongtherocksandtrampedthe roads,hehadbeenhisownmasterandcoulddoashepleased.Hehadhadbeautyallabouthim,hehad enjoyedthetasteofbreadandfruit,andhecouldhaveawashwheneverhewantedandgowhenhe liked.Butwhenheenteredthehouse,hehadseenwhathecouldneverpossess.Nothingwouldever againappearquitesogoodandsatisfyingasithaddonebefore.EvenifhehadnothatedCarlo,itwould nothavehelped.Thechildrenandtheirparentsbelongedtooneanother,andDavidcouldneverbelong. Hewasnot...right.Hewasdifferentfromotherchildrenwhohadnotbeenbroughtupina concentrationcamp.Therewasnowherehebelonged.Nowthattheynolongerbelievedhewasreally bad,theywoulddotheirutmosttomakeitappearthathedidbelong.Butitwouldnotbethetruth.He wouldcontinuetobehimself,David,aboywhowasafugitiveanddidnotknowwherehewasfleeing to. Heshouldneverhadenteredthehouse.Maria...WheneverhehadlookedatMariaandshehadmade himsmile,hehadbeenawarethattherewassomethinghehadforgotten,somethingimportant. Hehadforgottenthemostimportantconditionthatmadeitpossibleforhimtogoonliving:thathe shouldneveragaingrowfondofanyone.WhenJohannesdiedhethoughthewoulddietoo.Butwhen

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hehadrecoveredandknewhewasnotgoingtodie,herealizedhemustnever,nevercareforanyone againnever.Onlyifyouwereindifferentcouldyougoonliving.Thatwaswhathehadkeptinmind throughalltheyearsthatfolloweduntilhesawMaria. Andnownothingwouldeverbethesameagain:eveniftheywerenotlookingforhim,evenifhecould preservehislibertyandcouldavoidbeingtoocoldortoohungry.Itwouldneverbethesameagain, becausehewouldalwayshavetoremainhimself,aboywhobelongednowhere. "God,"hesaid,"Godofthegreenpasturesandthestillwaters.I'mnotprayingforhelp,becauseI'm Davidandthat'ssomethingthatcan'tbealtered.ButIwantyoutoknowthatI'vefoundoutthatgreen pasturesandstillwatersarenotenoughtoliveby,andnorisfreedom.Notwhenyouknowthere'slove andyouhaven'tanyoneyoubelongtobecauseyou'redifferentandareonlyaboywho'srunaway.I'm sayingthistotellyouyouneedn'thelpmeanymoretoescapefromthem.Itdoesn'tmatter.Thankyou forthetimesyouhelpedmewhenIstillthoughtlifemightbealittleworthliving.IamDavid.Amen." Davidmusthavefallenasleep,forwhenhelookedabouthimagainitwasmorningandthesunwas shining.Itmusthavebeenshiningforsometime,forhenolongerfeltperishedwithcoldashehad duringthenight. Hegotup,pickeduphisbundleandstartedtowalk.Hemightjustaswellwalkassitthereandwait. Hethoughtofnothinginparticular.Therewasnolongeranyneedtothinknowthathedidnotcare whathappened. Thefrontierlayinthenextvillage,andDavidknewatoncethathehatedit.Therewasabarrieracross theroadandsoldierswhoexaminedpeople'spassportsbeforetheywereallowedtodriveon.Itall lookedveryfriendly,andnooneseemedtobeafraid.Theyallhadtheirpapersinorder,ofcourse,so theywereallowedtoproceed.ButDaviddidnotlikethelookofit.Ifhehadtobearrested,thenit shouldbeinthebeautyofthemountains,nothereataroadbarrier. Hemadehiswayoutofthevillageagainandalonganarrowbyroad,andnotuntilhehadbeenwalking foranhourdidheturnnorthwards,awayfromtheroad.Hehadheardintheconcentrationcampthat thiswasthewaytocrossafrontier,atsomepointwherenoonecouldseeyou.Sometimesyouwere caughtinspiteofthat,butthenitwasbychanceandnotbecausetherewasabarrierthere. Foralongtimehetrampedonawayfromtheroadupoverthevineyards,keepingasnearashecould reckonfromthepositionofthesuninanortherlydirection.Itwashardgoingbecausenowtherewere mountainsagain,buthewantedtobequitesurehehadcrossedthefrontierbeforehereturnedtothe roadsagain.ThenhecametoavillagecalledMendrisioandimmediatelyconcludedhehadgoneastray forthepeopleinthestreetstillspokeItalian.Butthenhesawanoticeoveradoorwaywiththeword "Svizzera"onit,andaflagthatwasnottheItalianflag."Svizzera"herecalled,wastheItalianwordfor Switzerland.SotheyspokeItalianinSwitzerlandtoo. Daviddecidedtotaketheroadagain;itwasonlythebarrierthathewantedtoavoid.Heknewnothing aboutSwitzerland,notathing.TherehadneverbeenaSwissinthecamp:pureluck,perhaps...notthat itmatterednow. Lateintheafternoonhecametothelakeagain,oritmighthavebeenanotherlake.Itwasvery beautiful,almostasbeautifulasthecoastwherehehadlivedamongtherocks.Dottedupanddownthe mountainsideslaygaylittlevillages,andboatsweresailingonthelake.Afterhehadbeenwalkingalong theshoreofthelakeforsometime,theroadranoverabridgetotheothersideofthewater.Thenext townshouldbecalledLugano;hewouldbuyaloafthere,andperhapssomecheeseaswell.

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ButDaviddidnotreachLugano.Theroadlaybetweenthemountainsandtheedgeofthelake,anda littleabovetheroadhecaughtsightofanorangetree.Hebegantoscrambleupthehillsidetoseeif therewereanyfallenoranges.Hefoundone,andstoodtheregazingdownatthelakewhichlooked verybeautifulfromupthere.Hemadehiswayamongthetreesstillfartheruptheslope,andtherehe satdownonalowwallwhichhadbeenwarmedbythesun.Hetookouthisknifeandbeganpeelingthe orange,gazingnowandthenatthelakebelow. "Hallo,boy!" Davidturnedroundtolook.Hedidsoquitecalmlyforhedidnotmindwhocamenow.Thenhestood up.Itwasawoman.Thechildren'sfatheralwaysstoodupwhentheirmotherenteredtheroom,andhe madetheboysstanduptoo. "I'dlikeyoutoletmepaintyou,ifyou'vetime." Davidlookedather."I'veplentyoftime,"hesaidpolitely."ButIdon'tknowwhatit'sliketobepainted. Wheredoyouwanttopaint?" Thewomanhadbegunputtingsomethinguponaneasel.Acasewasstandingatherside."Here,"she said. Davidwalkedovertoherandlookedattheeasel."Oh,Ididn'tknowyouwantedtopaintapicture.Can youpaintbeautifulpictures,signora?" Thewomanlaughed."No,they'reterrible!Butjusttryingissomething,isn'tit?Youalwaysgoonhoping thatonedayyou'llmanageit." "Yes.Butonedayyoumayrealizeyou'llneverbeableto." Thewomanlookedathimasifsheweregoingtosaysomething,butDavidfeltsurethatwhatshedid saywasnotwhatshewasgoingtosay.Shemerelyaskedifhecouldsitstill. Davidsaidyes,andshelaughedandsaidshewassurethatwasalie,butaquarterofanhourlatershe beggedhispardon:heobviouslycouldsitstill.Buthecouldmovehisheadandtalknowifhewantedto, aslongashekepttherestofhisbodystill. Davidansweredpolitelythathehadnothingtotalkabout,andthewomandidnotappeartofind anythingoddaboutthat.ShewentonpaintingandleftDavidtowatchherathisleisure. Shewasnotayoungwoman,butshewasnotold,either.Shewasthin,andDaviddidnotreallyknow whetherhelikedthelookofher.ShewasnotItalianforshedidnotspeakthelanguageproperly:she couldsayanythingshewantedto,butshedidnotalwaysknowwhatwasmasculineinItalianandwhat wasfeminine.Herhairwasquitefair,andhereyesweregrey.Shewasnotprettyorgoodlooking,and yettherewasnothingaboutherfacethatwasunpleasant.Andshewasintelligent:youcouldalwaystell frompeople'sfaceswhethertheywereintelligentornot. Shedidnotthinkitnecessarytoquestionortalktohim,andwhenshesaidanythingshespokeproperly, notinthesillymannersomepeopleadoptedwhentheywerespeakingtochildren,asifyouwerebound tobestupidjustbecauseyouwereachild. Severalhourspassedby.Thesunsanklowerandlower,andtheshadowsgrewlonger.Suddenlythe womansaid,"You'reafool,boy.Whydidn'tyousayitwaslate?Youmustbedeadbeatwithallthis sittingstill!"

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 "No,Idon'tmind,"Davidreplied. "Well,ifyou'rehungry,you'dbetterhelpmepackup,andthenwecangohomeandgetsomethingto eat." Shelivedinabeautifulhouse.Itwasnotverybig,butitshonewithafreshcoatofyellowcolourwash.It hadgreenshuttersandlittlebalconiesoutsidethewindows,andtherewasagardenallrounditwith cypressesandpalmtrees.Theinsideofthehousewasverypretty,too.Picturesandotherinteresting thingshungonthewhitewashedwalls,andthefurniturewasveryfineandquitedifferentfrom anythingDavidhadeverseenbefore. Thewomansaidhecouldsetthetablewhileshepreparedamealforthemifhecouldmanageit,that is.Buthewasnottobreakanything. Itwasfun.Thechildrenhadoftensaidsomethingwasfun,andDavidhadneverquiteunderstoodwhat theymeant.Butbeingleftaloneinabeautifulroomtofindtherightthingstoputonthetableand settingthemouttohislikingthatwascertainlyfun. "Heavenpreserveus!"exclaimedthewomanasshecamein.Davidhadnotbeenabletofindawhite cloth,norwerethereanysilverplatestoputundertheonesyouatefrom.Buthediscoveredapieceof cloththecolourofthemountainswherehehadlivedbytheseasomethingbetweenredandbrown. thewomanhadprettyplates,andherknivesandforksweresilver.Shehadbeautifulfineglassware, too,tuckedawayatthebackofacupboard,andDavidhadplacedoneofthetwocandlesticksfromthe chestofdrawersatoneendofthetable.Andtherewasablackbowl,beautifullyshaped,whichDavid hadsetbesidethecandlestick.Hepickedapinkflowerfromoutsidethewindowandlaiditinthebowl. "Wheredidyoulearntosetatable,youngman?" Davidlookedather."IlikeittolookprettyImeanbeautiful,whenIeat,"hesaidseriously. "Ibegyourpardon.I'dnointentionofbeingnosy,andyou'reperfectlyright:whatonedoeseveryday shouldbedonebeautifully.It'sverysensibleandproper." Yes,shewasacleverwoman.Shehadnoticedthathehadnotgivenheradirectanswer. Davidwasgraduallygrowingtolikeherbetterandbetter.Theytalkedofmanythingswhiletheyate, foodandfurnitureandcolours,andsheneveronceseemedsurprisedbyanythinghesaid.Andshe spoketohimallthetimeasifhewereapersonwhounderstoodwhatshewassaying.Daviddecidedto askherallthethingshewantedtoknow.Hewouldnottellherwherehecamefrom,butitnolonger matteredifhearousedsuspicion...anditwouldbeagoodthingtoriskaskingquestions,justforonce, withoutwonderingifheweregivinghimselfaway. ButnomatterwhatDavidaskedabout,shejusttoldhimwhathewantedtoknowwithoutaskinghim anythinginreturn.FinallyDavidsaid,"IsthereakinginDenmark?" "Yes,thereis.ImustseeifIcanfindapictureofhim.HowdidyouknowIwasDanish?Ofcourse,you probablylivedowninthevillage." "No.Ididn'tknowyouwere.Ionlywantedtoknowwhethertherewasaking." "Well,IamDanish,anyway.Myname'sSophieBang."

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"I'mcalledDavid." Thewomanhadnotaskedhim,buthethoughtitwasonlyrightthatsheshouldknowwhohewaswhen shehadtoldhimwhoshewasherself. "David?"saidthewoman."Onerarelyhearsthatname,outsideBritain." "Doyouthinkit'saBritishname?" "No,itcomesfromtheBiblemostnamesdooriginally.It'sfoundinmanyplaces,butI'veonlyknown onepersonofthatnamemyselfandhimIneverevensaw..." Davidlookedatherwithinterestandwaitedforhertotellhimmore,butshesaidhastily,"Butthere's noreasonwhyIshouldtellyouaboutthat:itwasaverysadstory,astoryofgreatwickedness." Sotheyspokeofotherthings.Sheshowedhimamagazinewithabigpictureonthefrontcover,a photographofthekingandqueenofDenmark.Davidexamineditclosely.Thekingwaswearinga uniformwithepaulettesonhisshouldersandmanyordersonhisbreast,andthequeenwasdressedina longsleevelessgown.Onherheadsheworeasortoflargepieceofjewellery. "Well,doyouthinkit'sagoodphotograph?"askedSignoraBang. "Idon'tknowwhatakingandqueenoughttolooklike,"Davidreplied."Buttheydon'tlooklikepeople whowouldbreaktheirpromisesorthinktheyhadarighttotakeotherpeople'slivesorfreedomaway fromthem.Sotheymustbeallright...Thankyouforshowingthemtome." Davidlayinabedagainthatnight.SignoraBanghadtoldhimhecouldstayovernightifhehadnothing elsetodoandthenspendthenextdaywithher.Davidhadtoldhistaleofthecircus.Hedidnotlike tellingit,butwhatelsewashetosay?Andhehadtosaysomethingwhensheaskedifhewereexpected anywhere. Ithadbeeninterestingtotalkwithher.Ifithadhappenedbeforehehaddecidedlifecouldneverbe worthliving,hismeetingwithherwouldhavegivenhimalotofpleasureandsatisfaction.Hewas beyondcaringnow.Butshehadbeautifulthingsaroundheranditwasbeautifulbythelake,sohemight aswellspendthedaythere.ShehadtogotoRomethenextday,shehadtoldhim. Davidfounditdifficulttogotosleep.Hewasnotquitesomiserableanylonger.Afterall,hehadalways knownitdidnotmatterwhetheryoudiedornot:itwasonlyafterhehadmadehisescapethathehad cometothinkhereallydidwanttolive.Buthecouldnotgetbacktohisoldhabits.Hewentonturning thingsoverinhismind,andcouldnolongerthinkofnothingashehadtrainedhimselftodointhe concentrationcamp. Whenhewokethenextmorninghecouldhearthesignoratalkingtosomeoneandhedecidedtostayin beduntilshewasaloneagain.theywerespeakinginFrench,andtheotherpersonwasamanwho wantedhertogooutsailingwithhim.Shetoldhimshecouldnotbecauseshehadavisitor,aboyshe waspainting.Themanaskedifitwereoneoftheyoungstersfromthevillageandthesignorasaidno,he belongedtoacircus.Butshedidnotadd,asDavidexpected,thathe"wasastrangeboy".Shesaid, "Someone'sbrokenhisspirit." Themansaidaboy'sspiritwasnotsoeasilybroken,andthesignorarepliedthatshedidnotthinkithad beendoneeasilybuttheyhadsucceededintheend. Themanthoughtsheoughttodosomethingaboutit.Ifthechildwerereallywretched,hesaid,andwas

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wanderingaboutbyhimself,itwastheirdutytoinquireintohiscircumstancesandhelphim.Butthe signoraonlysaid,"Whatcanonedotohelpabrokenheart?Andasforhiscircumstances,I'venorightto interfere.Hecouldbegivenmoneysothathecouldgobytraintojoinhiscircusandwouldn'thaveto walk,butneitheryounorIhaveanymoneytospare,Pierre,anditwon'tdotheboyanyharmtowalk. Anyway,Igatherhethumbsliftsmostoftheway...that'swhattheygenerallydothesedays." Whenthestrangerhadgone,Davidwentdownstairsandfoundthesignorahadbreakfastreadyforhim. Thenhesatforheragain,andwhiletheywererestingafterlunch,shesaidhecouldlookthroughher books. Hedidnotsettledowntoreadinganything,however.Therewasalargephotographalbumonthe bookcase.Therewerephotographsfrommanycountriesandsomeofthemhadnamesoftheplaces writtenunderneath.Therewerephotographsofpeopleaswell,andinsomeofthemhecouldrecognize thesignora.Someofthepictureslaylooselyinthealbum,andfromthebackofthebookonebigger thantherestfellout. Daviddidnotknowhowlonghehadbeensittingwithitinhishandwhenthesignoracamein. "Who'sthat?"heaskedashesawher,andshowedherthephotograph. "That'safriendofmine.She'scalledEdithHjorthFengel." "Willyoutellmeabouther?" "Whatfor?" "Becausehereyeslookasif...asifshe'dknownagreatdeal,andyetshe'sstillsmiling." "You'reasharpboy,David.Herstory'smostlyasadone.Shelivedabroadwithherhusbandinacountry where...wherethepoliticalsituationmadeitnecessarytobeverycareful.Andherhusbandwasn't... It'saverygrownupstory,David,whichIhopeyou'restillnotoldenoughtounderstand.Onenightthe policearrestedthemallthreeofthem,herhusband,herselfandtheirlittleboywhowasthenonlya yearoldhewastheonewhowascalledDavidjustlikeyou,andwhomIneversaw...Theykilledher husbandandthechild,andEdithonlygotawaybecauseoneoftheguardsknewherandwasinlove withher.Hegotpapersforherandsmuggledheracrossthefrontier,andnowshelivesathomein Denmarkandisas...well,aswellasyoucanbewhenyou'veoncebeenthroughgreatunhappiness.All sufferinghasanend,David,ifonlyyouwaitlongenough.Trytorememberthat.Sorrowhasitslifejust likepeople.Sorrowisbornandlivesanddies.Andwhenit'sdeadandgone,someone'sleftbehindto rememberit.Exactlylikepeople." 7 ThewindwasblowingicycoldandthesnowwasfallingsothicklythatDavidcouldnotseehishandin frontofhim.Heknewhehadverylittlestrengthleft,andyethestruggledonstepbystep.Hewas determinednottodie.HewouldgoonandonuntilhecametoDenmarkandfoundthewomanwhom heknewmustbehismother.Hewouldletnothingstandinhiswaynow.Neithersnownorcoldnor mountainscouldstophim.HewasDavid,aboyontherun,butonewhoknewwherehewasgoingto. ThedaybeforehehadhadaliftinacarfromLugano.ButwhentheyreachedaplacecalledFaido,the driverwouldnotgoanyfarther.Theweatherwasbad,hesaid,andthepasswouldbeclosed.Davidhad sleptinastableoutsidethetown,andthatmorninghehadtrudgedon,theroadclimbingupandupand theairgrowingcolderandcolderuntilatlastthesnowcame.

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 TheDanishwomanhadtoldhimhecouldgobacktoherwhenshereturnedfromRome.Shehadsaidhe wastoaskiftherewereanywayinwhichshecouldhelphim,andshehadaddedthatifhedidnotcare forthecircusandhadnonearrelativestogotoshewouldhavehimtolivewithher.ButDavidhadonly halflistenedtowhatshewassaying. Fortunatelyhewaswellusedtohidinghisthoughtsandfeelings.Hehadansweredpolitelyand rememberedtothankher,andhadbehavedjustasifnothinghadhappened.Andhehadtoldherhe hadanuncleinthecircuswhowasverynicetohim.Hehadtoldherallthelieshecouldlaytongueto, andhenolongerfeltitwaswrongofhim.HehadtogettoDenmark,andhewouldhavetoliehimself outofanysituationthatstoodinhiswayormightleadthemonhistracks.Hadn'ttheFrenchmantalked aboutinvestigatinghiscircumstances?Nothingandnooneshouldstophimnow.Yetheknewhimself thattheDanishsignorawouldhaveunderstoodifhecouldhavetoldher. Hehadaskedherthenameofthecampguard,anditwastheman.Davidunderstoodeverythingnow... ornearlyeverything.Themanhadsavedthewoman'slifebecausehelikedher,inthewaygrownup peoplelikedthosetheywantedtomarry.Hehadnotsavedherhusbandbecausehehatedhimforbeing herhusband.HehadsavedDavid'slifebecausehewasherchild.Hehadnottoldherthechildwasstill alive,however,perhapsbecausehecouldonlygetpapersforone,thoughDaviddidnotthinkthatcould bethewholereason.Theyalwayswantedrevenge.Becausethewomandidnotcareforhim,theman hadgothisrevengebyturningDavidintoaboyfromaconcentrationcamp...Yes,that'showitwas.And yetthemanhadseentoitthathedidnotdie.Hehadgivenhimmilkandvitaminsandhadalways insistedthat"theboyknowsnothing". Davidbegantounderstandalotofthingsnow.theyhadletJohannesstarveandfreezeandmadehim work,evenwhenhefellill,butapartfromthattheyhadnotilltreatedhimastheyhadtheother prisoners.AndDavidhadbelievedthattheycouldnotlayhandsonJohanneswhenhelookedthem straightintheeye.Buthenowsawthatthatwasnottheonlything...Themanhadseentoitthat JohannesshouldbetheretolookafterDavid. Johannessaidthattheolderonegrew,themorecomplicatedandinvolvedone'sfeelingsbecame,and sometimestheywerequiteopposedtooneanother,as,forexample,whenyouwouldliketostay awakebutfeltatthesametimethatyouwantedtofallasleep.thatwashowthemanhadfelt.Hehad hatedDavidonaccountofhismotherwhowouldhavenothingtodowithhim,andatthesametimehe hadlookedafterhim,alsoonaccountofhismother. AndthatwashowDavidhimselffeltabouttheman.Noonehadbribedtheman.Therewasnooneto doitsincenobodyknewofDavid'sexistence.Andifyouknewanythingaboutthem,thenyouknew, too,thedangerthemanhadriskedinlettingaprisonerescape.Andyethehaddoneit. David'sstepsgrewslowerandslower.Hehadlostallfeelinginhisfeetnowandhewassoakedtothe skin.Thesnowcontinuedfalling.Hefeltanirresistibleurgetoliedown,ifonlyforamoment.Buthe darednotgivewayhemightdieofcoldoutinthesnow.Hecouldnolongerfollowtheroad. Everythingwascoveredinsnow,andhecouldseenothingatallthroughthethicklyfallingflakes.There hadnotbeenasignpostforalongtime. Atlasthismindgrewnumb,andasontheroadtoSalonica,hisfeetcarriedhimalongquite unconsciously. Suddenlytherewasnowhereinfrontofhimtosetthefoot.Davidthrewhimselfbackwards,felland rolledover.Aprecipice!Hehadnearlywalkedovertheedge!Beforehehadbecomesoexhaustedhe hadbeenwellawareofthedanger.Beforethesnowhadbegunfallinghehadseenhoweasyitwasto missone'sfootingandgohurtlingdownthemountainside.

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 Notforonesecondcouldheaffordtorelaxhisattention.Henolongerdaredtowalk,sohecrawled onwardsonallfours,feelinghiswaycarefullywithhishandstomakesurehewasnotneartheedgeof theprecipice. Hedidnotknowhowmanyhourspassedinthisway.Heachedallover,andthesnowcontinuedtoswirl abouthiminahowlinggalethatseemedtocutrightintohishead.Hewasblindedanddeafened,and thepainofhisachingbodygrewsointensehefelthecouldnotlastanotherminute.Itwasworsethan anythinghecouldthinkof...worsethanthecamp,worseeventhanthem.AndhecouldnotcallonGod tohelphim,forthewordswereblownawayinsidehishead,sweptawayintothehowlinggaleandthe blindingwhitehellallaroundhim. Therewasnowayoutbuttodie.Davidstruckhisheadagainstsomethinghard.Hefell,andthenit snowednomore.Avoicecried,"Whatkindofayoungthief'sthisstaggeringaboutinthissortof weather?"WithdifficultyDavidopenedhiseyessufficientlytorealizehehadcomeacrossoneofthem. Thenheknewnomore. ThatwinterwasthelongestDavidhadeverexperienced. Thefarmerwasanevilheartedman.Davidhadescapedfromthewindandthesnowonlytobea prisonerinthisman'shouse.Itwasthestabledoorhehadstruckhisheadagainst,andthatstable becamehisshelterforthewinterandnoverygoodsheltereither.Alldaylonghehadtoworkand slaveashardashecould,andabitharderifpossible.Thefarmerwasjustlikeoneofthem.Heused threatstoforceDavidtowork,andsaidhewouldhandhimovertothepoliceifhedidnotobey. Davidhadnowlearnedhowthemembersofafamilyspoketooneanother,pleasantlyandsmilingly. Therewasnothinglikethathere.Thefarmerwascoldandbrutaleventohiswifeandtwochildren,but Davidcouldnotfeelanyparticularsympathyforthem,forthewifewasaclumsy,silentwomanwitha sharpedgetohertongue,andasforthechildrenDavidhadneverthoughtitpossibleforanyonewho wasstillachildtobesoevil. Theboywastheyounger,andhelookedjustlikehisfather.Hehadstiff,strawcolouredhairandvery paleblueeyes,andwhenheplayedheeitherdestroyedsomethingorgotintomischief.Hewascruelto theanimals,thoughheknewhewouldgetahidingifhewerefoundoutnotthatthefarmerhad anythingagainstviolenceassuch,buttheanimalswereworthmoneyandsotheymustnotbeill treated.Yettheboycouldnotkeephishandsoffthem:hisgreatestpleasurewascausingpaintoaliving creature. Johanneshadoncesaidthatviolenceandcrueltywerejustastupidperson'swayofmakinghimselffelt, becauseitwaseasiertouseyourhandstostrikeablowthantouseyourbraintofindalogicalandjust solutiontoaproblem. NeverthelessitmadeDavidfeelsicktoseetheboy'scruelty.Andthegirlwasnotmuchbetter.True,she wasnotcrueltothebeasts,butshewasnotkindeither.WhenDavidconsideredthatshewasaboutthe sameageasMaria,hewasshockedatthedifferencebetweenthem.Mariawithherreadysmile,fullof affectionthatshelavishedoneveryone,grownups,children,animalsevenonarunawayboy...and thenthisgirlwhodidnothingtopleaseanyonenotevenherownmother! TheyalltreatedDavidlikeadog.Theythrewhisfoodtohimandcalledhimnames.Buttheydidnotlay handsonhim.Theylefthimlyinginthestableuntilhehadrecovered,andthentheyputhimtowork. Butwhenduringoneofthefirstdayshespenttherethefarmerhadbeenabouttostrikehim,hiswife hadtoldhimtolettheboybe.Shehadsaid,"You'realwayssostupid,Hans!HecanworkI'llnot

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meddlewiththatandthestable'sgoodenoughforhim.Ayoungthieflikehimknowswhichsidehis bread'sbutteredandhe'llnotmakeafussaboutthat.Butifyoulayhandsonhim,he'llmurderusallin ourbeds.Youcantellbythelookofhim!Andtheyoungsters'ddowelltokeepoutofhiswayifthey don'twanttogetbeatenup,thatyoumaybesureof!You'vegotfreelabourforthewinter,andthat'll havetodo.Thenwecanhandhimovertothepoliceinthespring." Davidthoughttheywereallstupidevil,butstupidaswell.Iftheyhadtouchedhim,hewouldhave beenforcedtogooutintothesnowagainandfreezetodeath,buthewouldneverhaveusedphysical violenceagainstthem.Hehatedthem,andhewouldratherhavelethimselfbekilledthanbelikethem. Inawayitwasamusing.Yes,"amusing"wastherightword.Apartfromhittinghim,theyintendedtosee toitthatlifewasmadeaswretchedforhimastheycouldmakeit,andyetitwasstilltohisadvantage! Heknewnowthathecouldneverhavelastedthroughthewintertrampingtheroads.Hewouldhave diedofhungerandcold.Atleasthehadshelterhere,andfoodeveryday. Thestablewascold,andsometimesthesnowwasblownintodriftsuntilitlayashighastheroof outside.Butasithardened,thestablegrewwarmerinside,andtheanimalsaddedalittletothe warmth. Hewasnotgivenmuchfood,onlydrybreadorcoldscraps,yethehadmoretoeatthaninthecamp, andittastednoworsesometimes,infact,alittlebetter. Theythoughttheyweremakinghimsufferbyleavinghimtosleepaloneinthedarkstable,butnight washispleasantesttime! Davidwasnotafraidofthedark.Therewereonlycommoneverydayobjectsabouthim,andtheanimals asleep.Itseemedquitenatural:thedarknessalterednothing.Whathewasafraidofwaspeople. Atnighttimethestablewashis.Inthecamphehadneverbeenalone,andDavidlikedtobeleftby himselftothinkinpeace. Thenthedogcame. Davidhadalwaysthoughtofdogsasenemiestheirtools.Itwasoneoftheirpastimestomakethe dogsbitetheprisoners.SincehisescapeintoItalyhehadofcoursenoticedthatgoodpeoplekeptdogs too,buthehadalwaysgiventhemawideberth,justincase. Butshutupinthestable,hecouldnotavoidthedog.Itcameonenightwhenitwassnowinghardanda galewashowlingoutside.Davidlayquitestillandmuchagainsthiswillletitsniffallroundhim.the farmerandhisfamilyspokeapeculiarkindofGerman:perhapsthatwasthereasonDavidspoketoitin Italian. "I'mafraidofyou,"hesaidsoftlyinassteadyavoiceashecouldmuster."You'resuretonoticeIcome fromthecamp,andthenyou'llbiteme.Andthere'snothingIcandoaboutit."Davidcouldseethedog asitwentonsniffingroundhimlikeabigblackshadowagainstthedarkness.Thenitlaydownbyhis side,pushingandturninguntiltheywerelyingbacktoback.Ityawnedveryloudly,thenitgaveasigh andfellasleep. Itdidnotbitehim,andDavidwasnotnearlysocoldinthenight,forthedogwasbigandkepthim warm.ItwascalledKing. Itoftengrowledatthefarmer'schildren,andDavidknewitwasnotveryfondofthefarmer,either,

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thoughherarelystruckit,nodoubtbecauseitwasagoodsheepdog,andinthesummerwhenthe animalswereouttograzehecouldnotdowithoutit. ButwheneverthedogsawDavid,itwouldwagitstail,anditwenttosleepwithhimeverynight. Davidgraduallybegantogrowfondofit.Oneeveningashelayawakewonderingifthewinterwould evercometoanend,heheldhishandouttothedogwhenitcametoliedownbesidehim.Hedidit withoutthinking.Perhapshehadmisseditandwantedittocomeandshareitswarmthwithhim.He foundhimselftouchingitshead,feelingtheroundnessofitsskullunderhishandandlikingthefirm warmfeelofit.Thedogdidnotmove,andDavidlethishandglideslowlyoverthedog'sthickcoat,just once. Thenhetookhishandawayandlaystillagain. Thedoglifteditsheadandturnedtowardshim,andDavidfeltitswarmwettonguecarefullylickinghis hand. AndsoDavidandthedogbecamefriends. ButDavidwasbeginningtogrowimpatient.Itseemedasifthatwinterwouldgoonforever,andhe wantedtobeupandonhisway,onandonuntilhecametoDenmarkwherehewouldtrytofindthe womanwhohadchangedeverything.Thenhewouldnolongerbejustaboywanderingaimlesslyand alwaysappearingstrangetootherpeople,butonewhoknewwherehewasgoingto. Hetriedtoavoidtakingitforgrantedthatshewouldbegladhewasstillalive,forheobviouslycouldnot besureshewould.Havingalwaysassumedthathewasdead,shemightfinditdifficulttogetusedto theideathathewasDavid. Buthefounditdifficultnottolethisthoughtsrunawaywithhim!Nowandthenhewouldfindhimself inawonderful,happydaydreamwhereshewouldseeatoncethathewasDavidandwouldwantto lovehimjustasthechildren'sfatherandmotherlovedthem.thenhewouldhaveaplacewherehe belongedandcouldaskaboutallthethingshedidnotknow.Shewouldsay"myson"whenshespokeof him,andheneedneverbeafraidagain. Andashisthoughtsranon,hewouldtellhimselfthatshewassurroundedwithfinethings,understood musicandlovedandappreciatedbeauty.Hethoughtofallthethingshecouldtellher.Hewouldnot wanttosayanythingaboutthemostdreadfulthingshehadseen,buthewouldtalkaboutJohannesand allthathehadseenandlearntsincehisescape.AndaboutMaria.ItwouldbelikestayingwithSignora Bang,onlymuch,muchbetter,fornowhewouldbelong. TherewasakinginDenmark,tooitwasafreecountry.Ifitallturnedoutlikethat,therewasnothing hecouldthinkofgoodenoughtodoinreturnfortheGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters. Itcouldnotbequitelikethat,notquitesowonderful,butitwouldbegood.Davidlongedforthewinter topasssothathecouldbeonhiswayagain. Thenonemorningthesuncreptintothestablethroughatinylittlewindowhighupundertheroof,a windowthathadbeencoveredthickwithfrostallthetimehehadbeenwiththefarmer. David'sheartbegantobeatfaster.Ashelaythereperfectlystillhehadtheimpressionthatifhemoved, thatweaklittlerayofsunshinemightdisappear.Hehadnotseenthesunforsuchalongtimethathe hadalmostforgottenitsexistence.

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Ifhegotupandstretchedashighashecould,hemightjustbeabletotouchthepalelittlebeamoflight withhishand.Suddenlyitwasthemostimportantthingintheworldtoreachuptothesunlight,but howeverhardhestretchedthesunwouldnotreachfartherthanthetipsofhisfingers. Thateveningashelayawake,heheardthefarmerpushthegreatbarintoplaceacrossthestabledoor! ThenDavidknewthatspringwasontheway.Itwouldcomefirsttothevalleybelow.Thefarmertook goodcarenowthatDavidshouldhavenoopportunityoflookingdownthere,sothatheshouldnotsee thesignsofspring.Lateritwouldcometothemountainpastures.Davidworkedhardeveryday,andso thefarmerwouldkeephimimprisonedinthestableaslongashecould.Andwhenhecouldnolonger hidethefactthatspringhadcomeandtherewasnomoresnowtohelphimtoguardDavid,hewould callinthepolice.Thatwouldbetheend.Theywouldcomeandtakehimbacktothecamp. Davidstaredintothedarkness.Hewouldnevergetaway,never.Thebarwasasthickasatreetrunk, anditwouldtakehimmany,manynightstohackthroughitwithhisknife.Andthefarmerwouldsee wherehehadworkedatittheveryfirstmorning. "Godofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters,whyhaveyoudoneit?"askedDavid."WhathaveIdone wrong?IrescuedMariafromthefireandsavedherlifesothatIcouldthankyou...Andallthroughthis longwinterIhaven'tcomplained,andIhaven'taskedyoutomakeitbetter,thoughI'vegottwolotsof helpleftoverfromthattimewithMaria...Youmustknowthefarmerandhisfamilyareevilpeopleand Ihatethem.AndIthoughtperhapsitwasyouwhogotSignoraBangtopaintmesothatIcouldfindthe pictureofthewomanwhowasmymother.Ichoseyou,andIcan'talterthatnow,butIwantyouto knowthatIthinkyou'recruel,justlikethefarmerhere,andCarlo,andallthatbelongtothem.AndI supposeyou'llneverhelpmeagain,evenifIdohavesomehelptocome,becauseyou'retiredofme. I'msorryIdidn'tchooseabetterGod.I'mDavid.Amen." Davidfeltalittlebetternow.Itwasgoodtogetitoffhischest.Thenhebegantofeelfrightened. SupposeGodgrewterriblyangrywhenhewascriticized!Supposehekepthostagesjustastheydid... thensomeharmmightbefallMaria.Hecouldn'tdoverymuchtoDavidbutlethimdie.Oh,yes,worse thanthat:hecouldlethimbetakenbacktothecampandmakehimlivethere.Butitwouldbeworse stillifhedidanythingtoMaria. Butitwastruethathewascruel.Davidhadwaitedpatientlyallthewinterandputupwiththings withoutcomplainingandwhimpering.AndthenGodletthefarmerbarthedoor,anditwasonlyat nighttimethatDavidcouldgetaway. Davidwastedtwopreciousnightsbeforeherealizedwherethetroublelay. Andhemighthaveknownrightaway,forJohanneshadoncetoldhim.Theyhadheardoneofthe guardsputtheblameforsomeneglectofdutyontoanotherwhohadretortedthatitwasthefaultofa thirdman,andJohanneshadsaidtoDavid,"Letmeneverhearyousayit'ssomeoneelse'sfault.Itoften is,butyoumustnevershirkyourownresponsibility.There'salwayssomewayinwhichyou'reatfault, too,andyoumustdiscoverthatfaultandlearntorecognizeitandtaketheconsequences...notonly becauseit'stheonlyhonourablethingtodo,butalsobecauseit'stheeasierway.Youcan'tchange others,butyoucandosomethingaboutafaultinyourself." HehadtoldGodplainlywhatthefaultwas!HehadsaidGodwascruellikeCarloandthefarmerandall badpeople,whenperhapsGodjustwantedtoteachhimwherehisownfaultlay!Hehadbeencruel himself.Hewasnottheonlyonewhohadwaitedpatientlywithoutcomplaining.Carlohad,too...and Davidhadtakennonotice.Carlohadsaidhewassorry,severaltimes,andDavidhadrefusedtoforgive him.ButsupposeCarlowasnotreallyevil,supposehewereonlyratherstupid...Hehadnevertriedto gethisownbackwhenDavidwouldnottalktohim.Onthecontrary,thechildren'smotherhadtold

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theirfatherthatCarlohaddonehisutmosttobegoodfriendswithDavidandhadbeenveryupsetwhen Davidwouldnotrespond. Davidsatupinthedark.Hemustgetawayfromhere.Theremustbesomeway,andhewouldhaveto findit.Herememberedtheaddressofthehouse;hecouldwritealetterandbuyastamp.Ifhelet himselfremainaprisoner,CarlowouldnevergettoknowthatDavidhaddiscoveredhewasnotperhaps reallyevilatall,butonlystupid. Thedoorwasimpossibleandthewindowwastoosmall... Butifspringwerenotintoogreatahurrytocomeupthemountainside,thenhemightbeabletotake advantageofthesnow!Hecouldcutaholeinthestablewall,intheendfarthestfromthehousesothat noonewouldhearhimatwork,andthendigatunnelthroughthesnowwhichlaypileduptotheroof, andsogetoutthatway,somedistancefromthehouse! DuringthedaysthatfollowedDavidwassosleepyinthedaytimethathemadeamessofeverything.He hadtostayawakeallnightinordertogetonwithhisplan.Fortunatelythestablewasawooden building.Hisknifegrewblunterandblunter,butatlasthemanagedtohackoutabigsquareholelarge enoughtogetthrough. Hereplacedthelooseboardseverymorningandputabucketinfrontofthemsothatthefarmershould notdiscoverthehole.Thenhebegandiggingoutthesnow.Thebucketcameinusefulandheemptied thesnowhedugoutintothebeasts'feedingtrough.Itwasagoodthingthefarmerwassostupidorhe wouldcertainlyhavewonderedwhytheanimalswerenolongerthirsty!However,itwasabiggerjob thanDavidhadimagined,andhehadtogetalittlesleepeverynight.Hewasverymuchafraidthespring wouldcometooearlyandthesnowbegintothaw,perhapsevencollapseontopofhiminthetunnel. HewasalsoafraidthatintheendthefarmerwouldbegintoaskhimselfwhyDavidwassosleepyinthe daytimeinsteadofjustgrumblingathim. HestillkepthishandsoffDavid.Onedayhewouldhavestruckhimifthedoghadnotplacedhimselfin frontofDavidandstoodtheregrowling.Davidwaspuzzled,butwhenherealizedthedogwasreadyto protecthimagainstthefarmer,hewentintothestableandcried.Hewasovercomebythethoughtthat acreaturewantedtoprotecthimalthoughhehaddonenothingtodeserveit. ButthatveryeveningDavidoverheardthefarmertellhiswifethattheyoungsterwouldhavetobe handedovertothepolicerightawaybecausehehadgotaholdofthedog. Whatsillynonsense,Davidthoughtangrily.Hehadnever,neverhadaholdoveranybody,orwantedto have.Andifheevergotsuchahold,withoutbeingabletohelpit,hewouldnotmakeuseofit.Ahold overothers,bruteforce,violence,thatwasalltheyeverthoughtof. Hewouldhavetogetawaythatnight. Thetunnelwastwicehisownlength.Hedidnotknowifitwerelongenough,butitwouldhavetodo hehadnomoretime.Whenitwasdarkandthefarmerandhisfamilywereatsupper,Davidslippedout andthrustalongbroomstickthroughthesnowbehindthestablejustwherehereckonedthetunnel ended.Halfthebroomstickstuckupoutofthesnow! Thatmeanthewouldbeabletogetthroughthatnight.Butitalsomeantthatifthefarmerspottedthe stickhewouldundoubtedlyguesswhatDavidwasupto... Davidwaitedwithbeatingheartforthefarmer'sfootstepswhenhecametobarthedoor.Wouldhe takeawalkroundnowthatitwasnolongersnowing?

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 Butthefarmerwentstraightinagainitwasstillverycoldout. Davidfoughtdownhisfeelingofnauseahealwaysfeltsickwhenhewasmostfrightened.Butthat nighthehadnotimetostop.Hewouldn'tbesick.Buthewasinspiteofthat... Thedogwasuneasythatevening.Firstitlaywatchinghimasheworkedatthetunnel,itseyesshiningin thedark,andthenittriedtohelphimwiththedigging,trottingbackwardsandforwardsandscrabbling inthesnowjustwhereDavidwasgoingtoputthebucket.Afterawhileitgottheideaofplacingbothits forepawsonthebucketandpushingsothatitbitintothesnowmoreeasily.Thedogwhinedalittlenow andthenandfollowedDavidwithitseyeswhilehewaslookingforhisbundleandpackinghisthings together.Fortunatelytherehadbeennothinginitthefarmercouldfindausefor!Hehadgonethrough itthoroughlyandthrownitbacktoDavid. Davidtidiedhimselfupaswellashecouldinthedarkness,andcarefullydisentangledMaria'scross whichhehadtiedfirmlyinsidethebeltofhistrouserssothatheshouldnotloseit.Ashefastenedthe chainroundhisneckhesaidsoftlytothedog,"Imustgonow.Thankyouforkeepingmesowarmat night,King,butmostofallforwantingtoprotectmeagainstthem.I'veneverknownwhatitwaslike beforetohavesomeonewhowantedtoprotectme.Goodbye." Hetookafirmholdofthedog'sthickwarmneckandlaidhisheadagainstit,andKinglickedhim enthusiasticallyroundthechin. ThenDavidcrawledintothetunneluntilhecametotheholehemadebywrigglingthebroomstick round.Thedogfollowedhim,butDavidsaid,"No,King.Youmuststayherewhereyougetfoodevery day.Goodbye." Andsohewasoutintheopen.Itwasstillvery,verycold,butbylisteningtotheconversationofthe farmerandhiswifehehadfoundouthowtogetdowntotheroadthatwoundonthroughthe mountains,andperhapsitwouldnotbequitesocoldfartherdownnowspringwasonitsway.Itwas alreadyApril. Davidhurriedalongasfastashedared.thenightwasstill,andclearenoughforhimtoseewherehe wasgoing.Anhourpassedinhalfscrambling,halfwalkingdowntowheretheroadshouldbeand thenhesawit. Menhadbeguntoclearittomakeawaythroughthesnow,butitwouldbesometimeyetbeforeacar wouldbeabletodrivealongit.Davidcouldseewheretheroadlay,however,andhewasabletowalk withouttoomuchdifficulty.Andthegoingwouldsoonbeeasier,forheknewhewashighupinthe neighbourhoodofapasscalledtheStGotthard,andfartherdownspringwouldbemoreadvanced. Helookedbackoverhisshoulderatthewhitemountain.Thewinterhadcometoanendatlast,then andhehadhisfreedomoncemore.Hewasgladhehaddiscoveredthemeaningofthebarreddoor. Everythinghadgonesmoothlysincethen.Yes,hehadmadeagoodchoiceafterallwhenhehadchosen theGodofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters!Hewasverypowerful,andthefactthatHeexpectedyou tothinkforyourselfanddosomethinginreturnforHishelpdidnotmatter,aslongasyoucouldwork thingsout. Daviddidnotknowhowlonghehadbeenawareofthedarkdotuponthemountainside.Itwasmoving towardshim. Hewasnotyetfree!Heturnedandran.themoonwasshiningnow.Ifhecouldreachtheturnofthe roadwhereitsweptroundaspurofrock,hemightbeabletodighimselfintothesnowbeforethe

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farmerarrivedonthescene. Davidneverknewhowhemanagedtodoit.Everythingwentblackinfrontofhiseyesashelayinthe snow. Thenawarmwetfeelingonhisfacewokehimup. Itwasnotthefarmerafterall!Itwasthedogwhowantedtogowithhim! Ittrottedalongbyhisside,sometimesrunningonaheadbutalwaysreturningtokeephimcompany, andeverytimehespoketoit,itwouldwagitstail. Davidbreatheddeeply,hardlynoticingthecoldbiteintheair.HewasDavid.Hewasfreeandstrong.He wasonthemoveagain,butthistimeheknewwherehewasmakingfor.Theremightbemany difficultiesaheadbeforehereachedhisgoal,butdifficultiescouldbeovercome.Hestillhadonemore promiseofhelpleftoverfromGod,andhehadthedogwhowasgoingwithhimofitsownfreewill.The longwinterhadpassed,andhewasgoingdowntomeetthespring. 8 Thespringwasbeautiful.Itwasstillcoldthefirstnighthehadtospendout,buthefoundastableand heandthedogsleptclosetogether.Thenextdayspringhadreallyarrived. Hehadsomedifficultywithhismoney.HestillhadmoneywithhimfromItaly,forhehadearnedquitea lotinMilanandhehadnotspentitallbeforewinterovertookhimandhefoundhimselfaprisonerat thefarm.Butwhenhewentintoashop,hewastoldthathismoneywasnogoodinSwitzerlandandhe wouldhavetochangeitinabank.Hehadbeenafraidtogo,incasethefarmerhadputthepoliceonto him.Buthehadgonenevertheless,forhehadtohavebreadandKingwasnotusedtobeingsohungry. ButhehadalsomanagedtoearnsomemoneywhichhecoulduseinSwitzerland.Hehadbeenlucky,for hedidnotfinditeasytogetworkamongtheSwisstheyalllookedsodour,asiftheyneverlaughed. Theircountrywasverybeautiful.Thesunshoneuponthewhitesnowcapsofthegreatmountainpeaks andturnedthemtoaglowingpink.Inthevalleysthegrasswasastartlinggreen,andthehouseswere surroundedbytreescoveredinwhiteandpinkblossom.ThefirsttimeDavidsawit,hefoundhimself smiling. ThefinedelicateblossombroughtMariatomind.Atreeinfullbloomwasamongthemostbeautifulof things,andDavid'ssmilecameunbidden.Yes,itwasgoodtobealive. Whenhehadprovidedhimselfwithmoneyhecoulduse,heboughtastampandanenvelope.Theletter wasnotveryneat,forhehadwrittenitsittingonthegrasswiththepadonhisknee.Buthecouldnot feeleasyinhisminduntilitwasdonehedidnotwantGodtothinkhehadforgottenthelessonofthe barreddoor! SoDavidwrote: "ToCarlo. "Carlo,IwantyoutoknowI'mnolongersosureyou'rebad.Perhapsyou'reonlystupid.AndsoI'llstop hatingyou,becauseIonlyhatethosethatareevil.ButifyoueveruseforceagainandIgettoknow aboutit,thenIshallhateyouagain.Willyouthankyourparentsforwritingtheletterinthepaper.Isaw

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it.AndwillyousayI'vewrittentoyou.TellyourparentsandAndreaandthetwolittleonesandMaria. TellMariafirst,andtellherI'veseenatreefullofbloomthat'smademethinkofher. "David" Hewrote"Carlo"ontheenvelope,andthenthechildren'sfather'sfullnameandthenameofthetown nearwherethehouselayandlastofall"Italy".Ittookhimsometimetofindoutwhataletterbox lookedlikeinSwitzerland,buthefinallysucceeded. Everythingwentsplendidly.ForawholedayDavidwalkedalongthesideofalakethatlaygreenerthan thegreenesttreeamongthehighmountains.Davidenjoyedthewalksomuchhedidnotbotherwitha lift.Butperhapstherewasanotherreason,too,forhedidnotfeelquiteateasewiththeSwissthey didnotlookasfriendlyastheItalians.Andallthetouristtrafficwasgoingintheoppositedirection. Railwaystations,hehadfound,hadafurtheradvantage:therewasoftenamaptherewhichhecould lookat.Heknewhehadtokeeptothenorth,butapartfromthathehadonlyaroughideaoftheroute hemustfollow. HemanagedtoearnsomemoneyonthestationatLucerne.Hehadtospendmorenowthathehadto feedthedog.Hehopedtherewouldsoonbetouriststravellingnorthwards.Hehadcometoacitycalled Basle.Itwassomewhatoutofhisway,buthehadnoticedinLucernethatBaslelaypartlyinFrance:the FranceJohanneshadcomefromaplacecalledAlsace.Andalthoughhewantedtogetonasfastas possible,hethoughthemuststoptolookatit. ButhefoundhewouldhavetocrossagreatrivertogettoFrance,andthefrontierranalongitthrough thetown.TherewasaroadbarrierandsoldiersandpassportstobeinspectedandsoDaviddidnotgo intoAlsace. InsteadheacceptedaliftfromaSwiss,afterall.HehadleftBaslealongtheroadthatwassignpostedto Germany.Thegreatloftysnowcappedpeakshadbeenleftbehindnow,andthemountainshadbecome roundandgreenandmuchlesshigh.Butthecountrysidewasstillbeautiful,andDavidlikedthelookof thehouses.TheywerequitedifferentfromthoseinItaly:theywerenotasprettybuttheywerevery, veryclean,andtheylookedverygaywiththeirwindowboxesfullofflowers. Thenhefoundhimselfatanotherfrontierpost.therewerepoliceabout,buttherewereonlyacouple ofthemandtheywerebusilyoccupiedexaminingaman'spapersatallmanfromSwitzerlanddrivinga bigcar.SoDavidturnedoffthenarrowroad,andwhenhewasoutofsight,heranupthehillsideand backtotheroadontheothersideofthebarrier,intoGermany. Buthehadnotbeenwalkingaboveaminuteortwowhenacarpulledupinfrontofhimtheonehe hadjustseenatthefrontierpost!Davidwasfrightened.Hehadnotlookedatthemanclosely.Perhaps hewasoneofthem...Whyelseshouldhehavestopped? Kingseemedtosensehisfear:thedogplaceditselfinfrontofhimandgrowledattheman. "Well,mylittlevagabond,youslippedacrossthatfrontierprettynimbly,eh?" Kingstoppedgrowling,andDavidlookedupquicklyintotheman'sface.Youcouldhardlysayhelooked asifhewereinthehabitoflaughing:onthecontrary,helookedworriedanddepressed,butkindand friendly,too.Perhapsitwasbecausehisfacewaslinedinapeculiarwaythathelookedsosad. "Yes,"saidDavid.Whatelsecouldhesay?

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"Hm.Whereareyougoingto,then?" "Brunswick." "Well,I'mnotgoingasfarasthat,butIcangiveyoualifttoFrankfurtifyourdogcanbehavehimself." Davidthankedhim,andsaidhethoughtKingwouldsitstillbuthedidnotknowforsure,andtheSwiss smiledandsaidhewashonest,atanyrate. Davidfeltuncomfortable.Thatwastheworstpartofit:hewantedtobehonest,buthewasalways driventotellinglies.Peoplequestionedhim,andthenhehadtofallbackuponthestoryhehad invented.Theonlypointhewasquitefrankaboutwashisname,forhewasDavid,andthatwas somethinghewouldalwaysstandby.TheSwisswascalledGraf,andDavidhatedtellinghimallabout thecircusandbeingtakenillinNaples.Itwentagainstthegraintolietosomeonewhoseemedsokind andgentle. Davidthoughtthefoodthemangavehimquitedelicious.Kinggotsomethingtoeat,too,andwhenthey reachedFrankfurt(itwouldhavetakenDavidagoodmanydaystodothejourneyonfoot)themangave DavidsomemoneyfiveofthecoinstheyusedinGermany:markstheywerecalled. "I'mnotsureyouaren'talittlerascal,"themansaid."Butyou'veaclearlookinyoureyeandyourdog lovesyou,soyoumustbeagoodboywhateveryouare.Youhaven'trunawayfromyourparents,have you?Thetruth,David!" Davidlookedhimstraightintheface."No,Ihaven'trunawayfrommyparents.that'sthetruth.And thankyouforgivingmeandmydogfoodandfordrivingussuchalongway." TheSwissstoodwatchinghimuntilhereachedthecornerofthestreet.Thenheraisedhishandand wavedtohim.HesitantlyDavidraisedhisownandwavedbacksomewhatawkwardly,forhehad neverwavedtoanyonebefore. DuringthedaysthatfollowedDavidgotseverallifts,andKinglearnedtolieperfectlystillacrossDavid's feetsothatnoonecouldaccusehimofbeingrestless.Peoplewerealwaysnervousofhimatfirst,forhe oftenlookedasifhewouldbite,andhewasverybig.Butwhentheysawhowmeeklyhedideverything Davidtoldhimto,theywouldlaughandcallhimasheepinwolf'sclothing,forDavidalwaysspokevery quietlyandpolitelytohiminawaytheyobviouslydidnotthinkitpossibletotalktoadog.ButDaviddid notcare.Kinghadchosentogowithhim,andhewasnotgoingtoshowingratitudebyorderinghim about.Davidhatedordershimself,andloudcommandingvoices,andaslongashewaswithhim,King shouldremainafreedog. Hewasacleverdog,too.Davidhadheardpeoplesayadogwas"ascleverasahumanbeing",butthat, hethought,wasnonsense.Adogwasadog,andamanwasaman,andyoucouldnotbeascleveras somethingquitedifferent.Butadogcouldcertainlybecleverinadoggysortofway,andKingwas clever.Andgood. Everythinghadbeenfinesincehegavethefarmertheslipandthedogjoinedhim.Therehadbeen times,ofcourse,whenhewashungryandfeltcold;butnothinghadhappenedtofrightenhim,andhe hadnotseenanyonewholookedlikethem,andheknewwherehewasgoing. Itwascomfortingtohavethedogwithhim.Hecouldnotcarryonaconversationwithit,naturally,butit wasgoodtoknowitwasthere,keepinghimwarmatnightandalwaysreadytoprotecthim.Davidknew hecouldnotrelytoomuchonthedog'sprotectionforthoughitcouldbite,itcouldnotgetthebetterof amannotoneofthem,atanyrate:theyalwayswentarmed.Butitwasacomfortjusttoknowit

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wantedto. Davidwastolearnhismistake. Perhapsithappenedbecausehewasintoomuchofahurry.Hewasabletoplanhisroutefromthe mapshefoundonrailwaystations,andhehadbecomequitegoodatworkingouthowlongaparticular stretchofthejourneywouldtakeifhegotaliftorifhehadtowalk.Heknewthatitwouldnottakehim manydaysnowtoreachDenmark.Perhapsithappened,too,becauseforhoursatatimehecould almostforgethisfearsnow.Hehadhadfeartoowelldrilledintohimevertobecompletelyfreeofit, butitwasnotsobadnow.ForthemanreallyhadintendedhimtogettoDenmark.Therehadbeenno trap.Andthechildren'sparentshadnotgivenhimawayeither.Therewasonlythefarmer,andDavid thoughthewastoostupidtoimagineDavidmighthaverunawayfromthem. Theymuststillbelookingforhim,ofcourse:theman'sinfluencewaslimitedandhewouldnothave beenabletopreventit.Butnooneknewwheretolookforhim.AndnowDenmarkwasalmostwithin reachDenmarkandthewomanwhowashismother. Hemusthavebeenwalkingforhalfanhourbeforehewassuddenlyawareofhisfearandknewhe shouldhavesenseddangerearlier.Itwasduskandhehadbeentoopreoccupiedwithfindingagood placetosleep. Somethingwaswrong.Thatbuildingfartherdownthehillside...andthemanstandingoutsideit. HecalledtoKingsoftly,inawhisper. Hehadreturnedtothem! Helayasstillasdeathbehindabush.ItwasfortunateKingalwaysdidashewastoldandwasnowlying perfectlystillbyhisside.Howhadithappened?Therewasnodoubtaboutit:hewasbackamongthem. Davidknewthesignsonlytoowell.Hewasonlytoofamiliarwiththewaytheylooked.Itmusthave happenedwhenthedogranoffoverthefields.Davidwouldsometimesplaywiththedog.Itwouldrun offwithastoneorastickinitsmouth,intendingDavidtochaseit.Davidthoughtitwasratherpointless, really,andnotveryamusing,butthedoglikeditandsoDavidwouldjoinintopleaseit. Butheoughttohaveknownsomethingwaswrongassoonastheyhadgotbacktotheroad;thethree peopletheyhadmetonthewayshouldhavearousedhissuspicions.Peoplealwayslookedlikethat wheretheywerelikeprisonersinaconcentrationcamp,weary,greyfaced,apprehensive;dejected andsorrowful,asthoughtheyhadforgottenlifecouldbegood,asiftheynolongerthoughtabout anything. Thedoglookedathimquestioninglyandbeganquietlywhimpering.Davidplacedhishandoverits muzzleanditstopped,butitcontinuedtolookathim.Thebushwastoothin,itsnewgreenleavestoo small.Davidquiteforgothowbeautifulhehadthoughtspringwas,onlythatmorning,withitssmallnew brightgreenleaves.Hisonethoughtnowwasthatyoucouldlookthroughthebushandseehimlyingon thegroundandhewasDavid,aboywhohadfledfromthem. Intheirbarrackstheywouldhavealistofeverybodywhowasundersuspicionandshouldbearrested onsight.Theirguardsalwayshadalistlikethat.Onthatlistwouldbefound:"David.Athinboywith brownhair,escapedfromconcentrationcamp."Andundertheheading"RecognitionMarks"wouldbe: "Itisobviousfromtheappearanceofhiseyesthatheisnotanordinaryboybutonlyaprisoner." Ifthemenhadnotbeentalkingsoloudly,theywouldhaveheardhimalready.Theyweremuchtoo closetohim,andhewouldneverbeabletogetaway.Evenifhewaiteduntilitwasquitedark,they

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wouldhearhimassoonashemoved. Hisflightwouldendwhereitbeganatthepointofarifle. Forhewouldnotstopwhentheyshoutedtohim.Ifhestoppedtheywouldnotshoot,buttheywould interrogatehiminsteadandsendhimbacktothecamp.Andthere,strongandhealthyashewas,he wouldbeaterriblylongtimedying. No,whentheycalledtohim,hewouldrun,andthentheshotwouldbefiredwhichhadbeenwaitingfor himeversincethatnightwhenhehadwalkedcalmlytowardsthetreeonthewaytothemineoutside thecamp.Butthistimehewouldnotbeabletowalkcalmlyawayfromthem.Henowknewhow wonderfullifecouldbe,andhisdesiretolivewouldspurhimon.Hewouldrunheknewit.Andit wouldbeavictoryforthem. Davidrememberedallthepainandbitternesshehadeverknownandhowmuchhecouldremember insuchashorttime!Herecalled,too,allthegoodthingshehadlearnedaboutsincehehadgainedhis freedombeautyandlaughter,musicandkindpeople,Maria,andatreesmotheredinpinkblossom,a dogtowalkbyhisside,andaplacetoaimfor... Thiswouldbetheend.Hepressedhisfaceintothedog'slongcoatsothatnooneshouldhearhim,and wept.Heweptquitequietly,butthedoggrewuneasyandwantedtowhimperagain. Davidstoppedcrying."God,"hewhispered,"Godofthegreenpasturesandstillwaters,I'veone promiseofhelpleft,butit'stoolatenow.Youcan'tdoanythingaboutthis.Idon'tmeantoberude, becauseIknowyou'reverystrongandyoucouldmakethosemendowntherewanttowalkawayfora bit.Buttheywon't.Theydon'tknowyou,yousee,andthey'renotafraidofyou.Buttheyareafraidof thecommandantbecausehe'llhavethemshotiftheyleavetheirposts.Soyoucanseethere'snothing youcandonow.Butpleasedon'tthinkI'mblamingyou.Itwasmyownfaultfornotseeingthedangerin time.Ishallrun...Perhapsyou'llseetheyaimstraightsoitdoesn'thurtbeforeIdie.I'msofrightenedof thingsthathurt.No,Iforgot.I'veonlyonepromiseofhelpleft,andit'smoreimportantyoushouldhelp thedoggetawayandfindsomegoodpeopletolivewith.Perhapsthey'llshootstraightanyway,butif theydon'titcan'tbehelped:youmustsavethedogbecauseitoncetriedtoprotectme.Thankyoufor havingbeenmyGod:I'mgladIchoseyou.AndnowImustrun,forifIleaveitanylongerIshan'thave thecouragetodie.IamDavid.Amen." Thedogkeptnudginghim.Itwantedthemtogobackthewaytheyhadcome,awayfromthespot whereitsenseddangerlurking. "No,"Davidwhispered,"wecan'tgobackit'stoolate.Youmustkeepstill,King;andwhenthey'vehit me,perhapsyoucangetawaybyyourself." Thedoglickedhischeekeagerly,impatientlynudginghimagainandmovingrestlesslyasifitwantedto getup.ItnudgedhimoncemoreandthenjumpedupbeforeDavidcouldstopit. InoneswiftsecondDavidunderstoodwhatthedogwanted.Itdidnotrunbackthewaytheyhadcome. Itwasasheepdogandithadsenseddanger...ItwasgoingtotakeDavid'splace! Barkingloudlyitsprangtowardsthemeninthedark. "Run!"somethinginsidehimtoldDavid."Run...run!"Thatwaswhatthedogwantedhimtodo. Soheran.Hehesitatedamomentandthenranmorequicklythanhehadeverruninallhislife.Ashe ran,heheardthemenshoutingandrunningtoo,butinadifferentdirection...Oneofthemyelledwith

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painthencamethesoundofashotandastrangeloudbarkfromthedog. Davidknewthedogwasdead. Hewentonrunning.Hewassomedistanceawaynow,andtheyhadnotheardhim.Butheranonuntil hehadleftfarbehindthefieldwheretheyhadlefttheroadanhourbefore.Thenhethrewhimself downinaditchsobbing,andgaspingpainfullyforbreath. Hefeltasifhewouldneverbeabletostopcrying,never.Godofthepasturesandwaters,sostrongthat hecouldinfluenceaperson'sthoughts,hadletthedogrunforward,althoughheknewitwouldbeshot. "Oh,youshouldn'thavedoneit!"Davidsobbedagainandagain."Thedogfollowedme,andIwasnever abletolookafteritproperly.Icouldn'tevengiveitenoughtoeatandithadtostealtogetfood.Thedog camewithmeofitsownfreewill,andthenhadtodiejustbecauseofit..." ButthenDavidsuddenlyrealizedhewaswrong.Itwasnotbecauseithadfollowedhimthatthedogwas dead.Thedoghadgonewithhimfreely,andithadmetitsdeathfreely,inordertoprotectDavidfrom them.Itwasasheepdog,anditknewwhatitwasdoing.IthadshownDavidwhatitwantedhimtodo, andthenithaddivertedthedangerfromhimandfacedititselfbecauseitwantedto. Itsverybarkasitsprangforwardhadseemedtosay,"Run,run!"AndallthewhileDavidwasrunning,he hadknownhemustnotturnbackandtrytosaveit.Hemustnotletthedog'sactionbeinvain:hehad toacceptit.Soonecouldgetsomethingfornothingafterall? Davidstoodinthebigcityandlookedaroundhim. Onshopsignsandposterswerewordsnotaltogetherunfamiliartohim,butbyandlargethelanguage wasquitestrange."Denmark,"hetoldhimself."I'minDenmark." Hescarcelyknewhowhecametobethere.Sincethemorninghehadwokenupwiththeknowledge thatthedoghaddiedforhim,hefeltasifnothinghadreallypenetratedhisthoughts. Hehadgotliftsmostoftheway,andthedrivershadsharedtheirfoodwithhim.Theywereall concernedabouthimandremarkedhowillhelooked.Hehadfeltbettersittinginalorry.Allthetimehe waswalking,hethoughthecouldseethedogrunningalongjustinfrontofhim,althoughheknewit couldnotbetrue. AndhehadcometoDenmark.Hehadcomestraightacrossthefrontier.Hehadbeentravellinginabig lorryandthedriverhadstowedhimawayinside.Itwasagainstthelaw,butthedriversaidhehadboys ofhisownathomeandhecouldnotbringhimselftohandDavidovertothecustomsofficersinthe statehewasin.Theofficerswouldhavebeenkindenoughtohim,thedriversaid,buttherewouldhave beennoendofpaperworktogothrough,andwhatDavidneededwastogettothefamilyhespoke aboutasquicklyaspossibleandgetintoagoodwarmbed. InatowncalledKoldingthelorrydriverhadgotholdofafriendwho,hesaid,wouldtakeDavidonto Copenhagen.Davidhadbeguntopickupalittleofthelanguage.Thetwomenhadsaidsomething about"Passportornopassport,abitofaladlikehimcan'thaveanythingseriousagainsthim,andyou canseewithhalfaneyehecan'tholdoutmuchlonger." HehadmetseveralDanishlorrydriversinGermany,allquietmenwithlittletosay,andtheyhadall beenkindtohim. Davidwatchedthecountrysidepassingby.therewerenomountains,nobigrivers.Everythingwassmall

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andcompact,butbrightandcheerful,too:thehouses,thepeople,thewoods,everything.Davidhad neverimaginedwoodscouldlooklikethese,theircolouringbrightanddelicatelikesunshineononeof Maria'sdresses.TherewasabeautyinDenmark,too,onlyofadifferentkind.Butallthetimehefelttoo tiredtolookatitproperly. Hehadbeenonaship,too.Thedriverboughthimaticketandsohedidnotevenhavetohide.When theycametothebigcitycalledCopenhagen,Davidtriedtopullhimselftogether.thedriversaidifDavid couldjustgivehimtheaddresshewouldputhimdownattherightplace. Buthecouldnot,ofcourse.Hehadtoldthedriveritwasinhisbundleinthebackofthelorry.Itwasnot thetruth.Ifthemanrealizedhehadnoaddresstogoto,hewouldbesuspicious.Thiswasafree country,butyoucouldnotbetoocareful.Iftheyfoundastrangeboywithnowheretogo,theymight considerittheirdutytohandhimovertothem,especiallyifhewerenotDanish.OnethingonlyDavid hadhadinhisheadduringallthedaysthathadpassedsincethedog'sdeathhemustreachthe womaninDenmark.Ifitshouldturnoutthatthedoghadgivenitslifeforhimandalltonopurpose,it wouldbetoodreadfultothinkabout,asifthedog'ssacrificehadbeendespised.Andthatmustnever be. Davidhadwatchedthedrivermakeatelephonecall.Hehadgoneintoalittleglassedinboxaffair,and therewerebookswhereyoucouldfindthenumbersyouwantedtoringupandpeople'saddresses.He onlyhadtoslipawaywhilethedriverwasnotlookingandfindanothertelephonebook. Theypulleduponalargesquare,andthedriversaidsomethingtohimwhichDavidpretendednotto understand.Themanwasgoingtobuywhathecalleda"hotdog"togivehim.Assoonasheleftthe lorry,Daviddroppedtothegroundontheotherside.Therewerecrowdsofpeople,anditwaseasy enoughtohideamongthem. Itwasnotpolitewhenthedriverhadbeensokindtohim,buttherewasnootherwayout.Davidfelt certainthathewouldverysooncometotheendofhisstrength,andbeforethathappenedhemusttry tofindthewoman. Heranalongstreetafterstreet,turningcornersallthetime,untilhefeltsafe.Hehadnodifficultyin findingatelephonekiosk,andtherewerethedirectoriesallinorder! HefoundsixpeoplecalledHjorthFengel,buttherewasonlyonewithanEinfrontofthename.the addresswasStrandvejen758. Itmustbealongstreet,andDaviddecidedtoaskhowtogettoit.Thereweremanypeoplewhocould understandyouifyouspokeEnglish.Hestoodthereforamomentortwowiththebookinhishandand lookedabouthim.Butbeforehecouldmakeuphismindwhomtoask,awomanspoketohim.She askedhimifshecouldhelphiminanyway.DavidansweredpolitelyinEnglishandsheunderstoodwhat hesaid. Shetoldhimtheaddresswasaverylongwayoff.thenshelookedathimandsaid,"ButI'mgoingthat waymyself.Icantakeyoumostofthewayinthecar." SheaskedhimwhatcountryhecamefromandDavidtoldherhewasFrench,sincehecouldnotvery wellsayhecamefromnowhereatall.thensheseemedtorealizehewastired,forafterthatshesaid verylittleandDavidsatlookingoutofthewindow.Soontheycametothesea,andDavidthoughtitwas almostasblueasitwasinItalywherehehadlivedontherocks.Itseemedaverylongtimeagonow. Davidstoodforalongtimelookingatnumber758.Everythingsmeltfreshandpleasant.Therewere treeseverywherewithwhiteandyellowandlilaccolouredblossom.Thesunwasshining,theleaves

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werebrightgreenandtheseaadeepblue.Denmarkwasbeautiful,tooperhapsallcountrieswere beautiful,wheretheyweren't. Afewyardswouldtakehimtothedoor,andyetDavidthoughthewouldnevergetthere.Hislegscould carryhimnofartherandhewasonthepointofcollapsing.Hehadthoughtforsometimethatperhapsif thewomanwholivedtherewouldtellhimwhattodoandwheretogo,hewouldbeabletomanage, butnowheknewhecouldn't.Ifhishappiestdreamscametrue,hecouldgoonliving:ifnot,thiswasthe end. Frenchwasthelanguagehespokebest.Davidpickeduphisbundle,walkedtothedoorandrangthe bell.Whenthewomanopenedit,heknewshewasthewomaninthephotograph,thewomanwhose eyeshadseensomuchandyetcouldsmile. ThenDavidsaidinFrench,"Madame,I'mDavid.I'm..." Hecouldsaynomore.Thewomanlookedintohisfaceandsaidclearlyanddistinctly,"David...Myson David..."

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