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’I no had breakfast, sir’

"Why not?’ said the second consul, looking towards the corporal

’Overslept, I’m afraid, sir He would have been late for You

’Well, we must see e can do about that Corporal, will you ask Mrs

Henderson to try and rustle up an apple or so?’

’Yes, sir’

WlAdek and the Second Consul walked slowly along the corridor towards the embassy front door, and across the pebbled courtyard to a waiting car, an Austin, one of the few engine driven vehicles in Turkey and Wladek’s first journey in one He was sorry to be leaving the British embassy It was the first place in which he had felt safe for years He wondered if he was ever going to sleep ht in the same bed for the rest of his life The corporal ran down the steps and took the driver’s seat He passed Wladek an apple and some fresh warm bread

’See there are no crumbs left in the car, lad The cook sends her coh the hot busy streets was conducted at walking pace as the Turks did not believe anything could go faster than a camel, and made no attempt to clear a path for the little Austin Even with all the s open Wladek eating froast remained quite cool and unperturbed Wladek hid himself in the back of the car for fear that soht recognise hiain When the little black Austin ca e of exciteled with disappointment

The three of them climbed out

"Where’s the apple core, boy?’ demanded the corporaL

’I eat hihed and knocked on the door A friendly~looking little man with dark hair and firm jaw opened the door to them He was in shirt slee - ~es and deeply tanned, obviously by the Turkish sun He addressed them in Polish His words were the first Wladek had heard in his native tongue since leaving the labour ca his presence His fellow countryman turned to the British second consul

’This way, Mr Prendergast,’ he said in perfect English ’It was good of you to bring the boy over personally!

A few diploast and the corporal took their leave Wladek gazed at thelish expression ast patted Wladek on the head as he ht a cocker spaniel The corporal closed the door, and winked at Wladek ~Good luck, my lad; God knows you deserve iL’