The Inseparables 4j306e

The INSEPARABLES

Margaret Wilson

Copyright © 2019 Margaret Wilson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing 1663 Liberty Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 www.archwaypublishing.com 1 (888) 242-5904

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and

such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-8533-2 (sc) ISBN: 978-1-4808-8532-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019919507

Archway Publishing rev. date: 12/13/2019

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 Question’s Left Unanswered

Chapter 4 Green Envelope

Chapter 5 China goes to War

Chapter 6 The Chung Chee Family

Chapter 7 Evil Birds Hit Their Mark

Chapter 8 A successful Operation and Changing of Names

Chapter 9 I Wish I Had Some Sugar Buns

Chapter 10 “Does that stop Janet or I?”

Chapter 11 Janet Receives A Letter

Chapter 12 The meanest of the Mean

Chapter 13 Elaine Pulls Through

Chapter 14 The Chung Chee House goes up in Smoke

Chapter 15 A Little Voice

Chapter 16 Kwan Yin Has Never Helped

Chapter 17 Refuge In the Nick of Time

Chapter 18 A Happy Reunion

Chapter 19 Seriousness and Sense

Chapter 20 Relapse for Janet

Chapter 21 It Had to Be You

Chapter 22 Janet is Saved

Chapter 23 First and not Last

Chapter 24 Friendship

Chapter 25 A New Topic of Discussion

Chapter 26

Chapter 27 Real War!

Chapter 28 Reminiscing!

Chapter 29 Campaign of Evil

Chapter 30 Faith has a Rough Time!

Chapter 31

Chapter 32 Mr. Kiki

Chapter 33

Chapter 1

T he huge train pulled into the small station, giving a jolt as it came to a quick stop. Janet Martin, with two heavy suitcases weighing her down was hurled into an empty seat. By the jolt, her friend, Faith Kingston was heaped on top of her. “Is all clear!” Janet laughed, remaining in her seat to see if there would be more jolts. “Let’s hope not” replied Faith getting up and arranging her white dress. The conductor opened their car door and called “Ap-ple-ton!” in in his singsingy voice. Immediately the two girls disembarked. They stood on the platform as the train steamed out of the station. “Oh Massachusetts how we love thee” Janet said while they waited for an available taxi cab that could take them to Rankin Medical School.” Faith looked at her friend surprisedly and so Janet finished “Of course next to Connecticut.” Two very pretty girls climbed into the broken down looking taxi. “So you Medical Students huh - well well … …” the driver started the car driving through the small streets of Appleton Mass. “Oh mom - dad. I’m so glad your not really angry.” Janet’s face beamed with joy as she hugged them both earnestly. “I couldn’t bear it if you were angry.” “Oh my darling! My darling Janet” her mother spoke very shakily with a mountain of tears planted in her eyes and a few streaming down the white cheek. Take care of yourself! Take care of yourself and write us very often!” “I will mother!” Janet felt tears rolling down her own cheek. She wanted to cry on her mother’s shoulder as she did when she was a baby. “Faith!” Mr. Martin said placing his arm around Janet’s and Faith’s waist.

“Please take care of yourself.” Were going to miss you. “Oh mom, dad I love you so” Janet threw her arm around them both again. “Mrs. Martin - Mr. Martin” Faith felt a lump in her throat. “I want to tell you how grateful I am for you keeping me since … my mother died.” “Don’t mention anything dear it was a pleasure?” Mr. Martin smiled. “Yes it certainly was my dear” Mrs. Martin was drying her tear stained eyes with a handkerchief. A Stuart took their luggage onto the boat. “So long Mother Dad” “Goodbye Janet and Faith” “Take Care!” These were some of the last remarks made before the boat steamed out of San Francisco Harbor. Janet and Faith turned from the sailing with tears staining there face. “Jan! Good grief! Oh my goodness!” Faith exclaimed. “That’s Bill over there.” She watched the good-looking Chinese-American standing at the opposite railing in unbelief. “Who?” stammered Janet dumbly. “Bill!” repeated Faith exasperated. “I don’t know any Bill … .” she stopped aghast with horror. “Not Bill! Oh but it is I’ll never forget that funny walk!” “I hope he doesn’t recognize us!” Faith’s eyes were wide with fright because William was an American of Chinese-American ancestry who worked in the Chinese laundry near where the girls lived. Neither Faith nor Janet had any wish that he would recognize them for like all young girls when they were 14 they laughed quite generously at everything and there object of laughter at one time centered about this Bill. Of course. The other enger’s got into the plane. Janet and Faith watched from the

doorway of the station house. Barbara who refused to get on the plane Peggy and Merry had gone with a nurse to the air-raid shelter. When the plane took off and finally was out of sight Janet turned worried eyes on her friend. “Do you think that the kids will be all right.” “Sure!” Faith returned trying to ??? convincing. Then the army doctor came in. He looked at them disapprovingly! “Women doctors”! Without hesitation he pushed the chairs and tables aside and grunted at the girls. They helped him clear the whole room and soon the orderlies were bringing in the beds. Janet and Faith were tending to the supplies when the room was fixed as best as they could to look something like a Red Cross station. “He sure doesn’t approve of us, does he!” Faith whispered to Janet. “Absolutely not” Janet replied. “You ought to go to the air raid shelter! Women doctors!” the doctor sneered. Both girls eyed him indignantly but said nothing then the sound that they had all been awaiting - came … a shrill whistle that started in a high pitch and ran up and down. The Japs were coming! Faith looked out if the window and saw some Marines entrenching themselves. Which one of those boys would be lying on one of their makeshift cots! Writhing in agony! “In case you get frightened - there always the fireplace” Dr. Castil, the name of their co-worker, said hastily. “Yes, and in case you’ve forgotten your manners. Dr. there’s always - Etiquette Books! Janet returned holding her head high. “You do your part and we’ll - I guarantee you - do ours! “Fine!” he looked at them smiling as though Janet and Faith were not kidding.

Almost too quickly the terrible deafening explosions which they had so often before experienced, started. The same as usual the girls worked with perfect precision. Orderlies soon were coming quickly carrying the wounded. “Dr. Castil, this boy needs an operation - immediately bullet lodged in the lung.” Faith stumbled toward the Dr. for the explosions were shaking the whole ground. “Get the equipment. You’ll have to do it! I’m too busy!” Faith felt confident - she had done it before. In China the bombs had been bad but here there was no let up, it seemed. Janet had no idea how long she had been working. She lost all track of time by this time - one thing haunted her - was Peggy alright. But she tried to forget this. “No more bandage left” she shouted above the explosions. “Some over on the … … …” Suddenly a bomb crashed to earth about 15 yards from the “hospital”. The tremendous force knocked Janet to the floor. Faith fell on the beds and Dr. Castil was thrown against the remaining wall. Beds, flew all around. When Janet recovered she rubbed her eyes and sniffed at the odor of smoke which came from the explosion of the bomb. She raised herself and glanced around she noticed Faith and Dr. Castil doing the same. It was a horrible sight where once a building had stood now only fragments and charred wood remained. “Faith are you alright?” she asked. “Yes! Are you” Janet nodded. They were all dazed. “Dr. Castil! How about you?” “My leg - it seems to be pinned under this wood. I can’t move it.”

Faith moved to help Dr. Castil while Janet began seeing how the patients survived. About two out of the 20 that were original patients were living. Soon some orderlies came to help them to the shelter and to take the two patients to the other hospital.

Chapter 2

I t was two or three days before a plane was able to reach them and when it did it was all full of holes and had to be repaired which took exactly one whole day. Meanwhile the Japs were not taking it easy and it was three o’clock in the morning in the fifth day that they said goodbye to Wake Island. Also to Dr. Castil who had now changed his view on women doctors. And without further mishap they saw the blue waters of the Pacific touching the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. The plane swooped down in the airfield and soon they were walking across toward the station. “Barbara how are we going to find your parents now” Faith looked at Barbara concernedly. “They expected you to come in on that plane that left December 7,” Janet put in. Barbara said nothing as they walked into the station. “You take Barbara and Merry, will you while I go over to the desk and find out if Mr. and Mrs. Merrick have been here - of course they have” Faith finally said. “OK! Come on Babs, Merry! Peggy come over here I don’t want you getting lost.” Janet said taking them over to a couch. “Have a Mr. and Mrs. Merrick been here” Faith asked of the clerk. “Let — me — see now. … Yes I believe they were.. … about a couple of days ago.” He recalled. “Did they leave any address.. … its urgent” Faith asked nervously. “Yes they gave me this card. … incase there little girl came in while they weren’t here.” The man went to his desk and took out a card. After Faith explained the situation he gave her the card and she went back to

Janet and the children. “Come on we have to go to Hotel Sherburg” Faith ushered them out of the door to the street where she immediately called a taxi. “Now will you please explain what the clerk said” Janet ventured. Faith told everything and it wasn’t long before they ??? Barbara was all excited, as they took the elevator up to the desired floor. “Mommy lets do that again!” said Peggy disappointed as they got out of the elevator. Both the elevator man and the few people that got out laughed at Peggy’s innocent remark. Barbara marched ahead seeking out Room No. 689. “Here it is!” she cried happily, ringing the bell. Quickly the door was opened by a short, pretty women dressed in a powder blue lounging dress. “Barbara! Barbara darling! Honey!” “Barbara!” her father sprang to the door. Both parents kissed and hugged there little girl and then they saw Janet and Faith and Peggy and Merry. Barbara explained that these were the girls that brought her here. “Do come in, please! You were simply wonderful to come here. You’ll never know how grateful I am. “Thank you just the same but we have a lot to do so we’ll be going now.” Janet answered with a smile. “Can’t you stay for a minute at least” Mr. Merrick implored. “For a minute but no longer.” Faith replied. They were ushered into a beautiful apartment. Barbara told of some of her experiences in China while they all sipped tea. Of course Merry and Peggy had milk.

“Were you two girls in China too or did you get on at Wake.” Mr. Merrick asked lighting his pipe. “No we got on China - we were in Shanghai when the Japs attacked.” Then they both related some of their experiences. “Well my God! You have certainly had your share of adventure.” gasped Mrs. Martin. “So both your husbands are in China - one’s a flier the other ground force man.” Mr. Merrick affirmed. My and you both have two lovely daughters. … I’d say you are very courageous women. I know my wife couldn’t do it” he said the last with a twinkle in his eye. Mrs. Merrick smiled good-naturedly. Soon after the girls left promising to call the Merrick on the phone when they got an apartment or room. They laughed happily walking down the Avenue. Both Merry and Peggy were enjoying the sights and watching the people. There probably was not one dress, shoe or like store that the party did not visit but first they got themselves a nice apartment with two bedrooms at the Ocean View Hotel. By the time they finished shopping it was dark and the children became hungry so they decided to end this splurge and get something to eat. Hawaii was quite as much as each had thought it to be. Janet, on the way back after a pleasant afternoon, stopped in a small drug store and wrote her mother a postcard. “Isn’t this thrilling” she confessed to Faith. “I never thought I’d ever go to Hawaii” She sighed. “Gosh, neither did I” Faith thought out loud. “Oh well here we are” Janet laughed but then her face changed to that of a very unhappy person, not once had she actually thought how she wanted to go back to the dingy boots now that she did, she found she hated going back. “But we have to go back to that terrible, crazy house of a boot” Faith retorted half bitterly and half jokingly as if she could read Janet’s thoughts.

“Yeh. How I hate too” Janet reported resignedly. “Oh well we bought the tickets” shrugged Faith as they marched not so happily out of the store. Faith hailed a taxi and they walked reluctantly into it; scornful glancing at the driver. He had to look twice at them. “Must have just got their income tax planks” he laughed to himself twisting his head so he could see the girls. They each gave him such a cold look that not once more doing the long drive to the dock did he trouble himself to look around again. As he let them off near the dock he gave them an artificial smile and Faith heard, as he drove off a great sigh of relief. “Wonder what’s the matter with him” questioned Faith looking after the cab. “He seems like he was very, very glad to get rid of us.” “He probably was” laughed Janet, tugging at Faith arm lightly as she saw the boat almost ready to leave. After all we didn’t act very cordial either. He maybe thought we gave some cops the run around and were trying to make our exit formally.” “By Cab” she added and they both laughed. That night the winds howled about the boat terrifically. It was bobbing up and down its nose heading into the large ??? Janet lay stiffly in her upper-berth. Every little noise seemed like a house falling down her nerves were so ragged. She tossed and turned endlessly as she finally got into a nightmarish sleep. Waking every few hours, she drifted back to sleep again, after she was lulled to sleep by the tormenting winds. Faith was also having the same trouble. She thought once that her ears could no longer stand the noise. It drolled on and on until she finally caught the glimpse of the mourning sunrise and the wind stopped abruptly, everything was very calm. She then, dropped off into a well-needed sleep that lasted till 12:00 ‘clock the next day. Janet did the same only arising a 11.30. “It sure is a swell day” was Faith’s greeting. “Swell” returned Faith, taking time out from brushing her teeth.

Faith hopped off her bed and slowly walked over to the porthole. With no reason she listened attentively to the creaking of the old engines churning and churning. The danced in and about the room and the cool brazes from the ocean swept her face refreshingly. Then she shrugged her shoulder, gave and inward sigh and began picking the most unsophisticated dress that she intended wearing for that day. Think I’ll take a bathe, as soon as I pick out the clothes I’m going to wear”. Janet nodded approval. After picking her dress, she slipped quietly into the bathroom. Janet was now kneeling on the floor. In front of her were to trunks, wide open filled with feminine dresses, suits, hots and everything else anyone could think of. She sat with great satisfaction that everything in the trunks were arranged so orderly. As she took out a pretty green plaid dress the boot swung rapidly in another direction not only knocking her flat on her back but also knocking one of the trucks over too. When it was lifted all her good choned clothes were in heap on the floor. “Shucks” cried Janet in a fit of rage. “What’s going on out their” called Faith in the midst of soap - bubbles. “Oh darn it my clothes fell out of the trunk” she wailed picking up some of the articles. From the bathroom come the sound of humorous daughter. “Oh” Janet revolted “That’s all you can do is laugh” “I don’t think its a bit funny.” “Of course you don’t” came from the bathroom” … Cause its on you” Faith still continued to giggle. “Oh you” Janet tried to sound fierce but couldn’t help from thinking it was funny. “Janet are you still out their” asked Faith presently.

“Yes” answered Janet. “Not mad because I teased you” challenged Faith. “No, I’m waiting for you to make your departure” fling back Janet with a smile. “Ok, be right out then.” In a few minutes the door opened and Faith looking very smart in a black tailored suit, with blonde. Stresses breaded up about her head. “You look gorgeous” came from Janet. “Thank you” replied Faith graciously. “My hair isn’t up to the present style of 1938 though”. “Lets go and eat now” wangled Faith later in the afternoon. “I’m starving” confessed Janet. “You and me both” remarked Faith rushing Janet out of the door. The dining room was unusually quiet, except for the rattling of dishes and the continuous whistling of the old Chinese cook, who when he saw the two girls bowed politely and went on with what he was doing. Which seemed Faith, not very much. Presently a waiter came and the girls gave him their order. And for the first time, Faith asked the all important question. “Janny, what hospital are we going too” she questioned. Janet looked blank. “I don’t know” she gasped. “I thought you knew” Faith stared at her friend amazed. “What shall we do” demanded Faith, pleadingly. Silence gripped the girls in deep thought. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find someone who can tell us where there’s a hospital” Janet patted Faith’s hand reassuringly. When Faith made no comment she went

on. Their must be a hospital somewhere in China.” “Yes, I suppose so” Faith’s face brightened a bit. The girls had just begun to drink their coffee when Colonel Tawaki advanced toward them, bowed and without asking permission, seated himself beside them. “So sorry” he drawled you had to witness such abondable behavior last night. Please accept my apologies.” “Thank you” came from Faith. “You ladies will get off at Shanghi? I believe he broke in, changing the subject. “Yes, we are” Janet said stiffly. “Oh, oh” he said, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. There was silence for a few seconds. “We’ll” he said quickly. “I must be going now. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about last night.” So long, shall we say not good-by. I don’t like the way he said that so long, not good-by” pondered Faith gazing after the official. “I think he has bats in his befry” commented Janet half listening. “So do I but … .” she halted for no reason. “I know” Janet said chewing industriously. You think he means he intends to see us someday in the near future.” Faith nodded hurriedly, waiting for Janet’s further remark’s. “Silly” Janet retorted “That’s just a Japanese saying. Faith considered. “No I don’t …” she was going to make an objection but Janet intervened. “At least I hope he really doesn’t mean it” Janet gulped her food down quickly and a surge of fear ran through her whole body. Why do I have such ???

Chapter 3 Question’s Left Unanswered

T he boat moved slower as it entered the Shang hi harbor. It was full of small boats, along a good many wharfs. Many enger steamers were at the larger docks, as far as Janet could make out. She was one on the bottom deck, in her best-garb of maroon ??? dress with all the needed attachments. The boat had slipped halfway into the harbor then Faith ed her, in a yellow dress with brown accessories. The gang plank was lowered and all the enger’s disembarked, follow by a Stuart carrying there luggage. “What shall we do now” asked Faith putting the small suitcase down on the pies and facing Janet with much question in her beautiful gray eyes. “Well we could start by getting a Rick Show.” Janet laughed and was about to pick up her small suitcase when Mr. Tawaki stormed over to them. “You girls will stay at the Japanese Embassy, as my guests, please” he informed them coolly. Both Janet and Faith stood there staring with unbelief. “I’m sorry we have no intention of staying at the Japanese Embassy or any Embassy, what so ever” Faith stared back at the haughty Jap with determination. “I have a car waiting please hurry” he ignored this declaration with a shrug. “We said we were not going” Janet’s voice sounded more than angered as it mounted higher and higher it came to its peak when he told the Stuart to carry their baggage to the big Packard from the Embassy. “We’re not going” Janet’s eyes blazed with furiousness. “Never never” Faith practically shouted these words. Mr. Tawaki seemed very bored.

“Come on Janet, lets not argue with this - this - this” but her words failed her. No word she could think of would be bad enough for the official. “Alright” Janet retreated with blood vessels almost popping and both Janet and Faith gave Mr. Tawaki a disgusted sneer. The surprised Stuart followed with great concern, for no one had ever talked to a high Japanese official in that tone of voice. And to think they didn’t even say honorable Sir” he muttered, placing a trunk in another “Rick show” that the girls had thought best to get for it would be quite crowded with a lot of trunks and suitcases in one Rick show. Faith thanked him and slid into the seat beside Janet. It was only a few seconds when the coolie stopped quite abruptly in the side entrance to the large city of Shanghi, after they had ed the dirty old streets. He turned to them, his yellow face gleaming in the sun. “Where you go”. Janet and Faith looked at each other a second for they really didn’t know where to go. “Well” began Faith. “We don’t know where to go.” The coolie looked from me to the other. “Please, then just take us to some hotel” begged Janet getting the surge to laugh at the blank looking face on the coolie. He shrugged and began pulling them along the ancient streets. Most of the streets were quite big and filled with people, jabbering and talking in very high tones. Faith noticed a few of the great department stores, with old Chinese dresses and suits hanging drably in the window. People seemed to swarm all about on every side of them, painting with slim fingers and talking madly. Janet saw one Chinese girl in the crowd of it seemed millions. She was strikingly beautiful. Her long red dress gave an appearance of a very well shred girl. A large bun of hair was tied neatly at the back of her neck. Janet gaped at her, she seemed to notice no one. Faith brought her back to the present situation. “Hey” cried Faith to the driver. “Stop here.”

Janet glanced around and came face to face with a sign which read “China Guide Hotel”. It hung on a large poll coming from the owning of a brick building set in away’s from the crowded street. “Bay”, whistled Janet softly. “I never expected to find such luxurious place in Shanghi” ??? asked around ??? People seemed to appear from everywhere, well-dressed people shabby people and children. “Who cares” came from Faith, as if just realizing what Janet said. “As long as there’s a bed in it.” “I hope no one takes our luggage.” Janet said scornfully, taking Faith by the arm and walking casually over to the the desk clerk. “We’d like a room, please” Faith informed the mature Chinese clerk. He gazed at them as if in a daze til finally Janet nudged Faith and whispered out of the corner of her mouth. “Is there something wrong with us.” “We’ll soon find out. I think he’s opening his mouth.” “Yes, you can have room number 24.” He started to give them the key when a fat man with graying hair and faded blue eyes that were hard and cooled looking. “Give these girls the special suite” he commanded with a very calm but firm voice that made Faith shudder. Janet and Faith both started to protest at approximately the same time when a key was thrust harshly into Faith’s hand. “Excuse me but … .” Janet began. “You can have it free” he said fanning himself as if nothing was a bit unusual. Both girls stared open mouthed at him. Faith and Janet were getting unstable with this lazy man.

“I don’t see why we should have it free” blurted out Faith. “I don’t see why either” broke in Janet helping the argument along. He acted calm so Faith continued, getting more irritably with each word she uttered. “After all you don’t even know us. I don’t I’m sure and I don’t think Janet does”. She turned to her pretty friend for some comment. “No I don’t.” Janet said hotly and Faith went on but Janet didn’t here a word of it for she was considering. She wouldn’t get into this argument if he hadn’t commanded us to talk the old suite.” She returned to Faith. Who was talking in very angered tones. “Well were not gonna take it.” To the great surprise of the girls, all he did was walk off and call to a bellboy in a smothered voice, that Faith could hardly make out but the idea was to take their baggage up to the door of number. “Well, I like that” retorted Janet disdainfully. The bellboys came to them nodded and picked up there belongings and struck out towards the plush carpeted stairs. “Hey you boy” called Faith but she knew it was in vain. “They have order’s to take them,” came a familiar voice. Faith and Janet whirled about, to see facing them the leering face of Huito Tawaki. Janet tried to catch her breath. “You wouldn’t know anything about this.” Challenged Janet recovering quick, questions whirling through her brain. He did not answer but stood there with an impish grin on his face. Than all the questions came out, first from Faith, than from Janet. “Why do you continue to follow us.”

“What do you want to know.” We don’t know any military secrets. I assure you” all the “whys” and “what for” came one after another and lasted a whole a minutes. Mr. Tawaki listened quietly. “You shall find out all of these questions soon enough” he chimed and walked calmly off toward the side exit. “I don’t like him one bit” said Faith looking after him with distrust. While Faith spoke, Janet saw behind one of the great palm tree plants. It was the man who had ordered they take the best suite. He tried to conceal himself but didn’t do very well for he was a happy man. “Faith, lets go over and find out the name of that man, you know the one with the fan”. “Yes, lets. He’s another I distrust.” Faith pulled Janet quickly over to the desk. “What is the man with the fan’s name”. I believe he’s the owner.” Faith asked trying to be casual. The desk clerk looked at them suspiciously, not knowing whether to say or not. “Westley Brooks.” “British, I guess” Faith conceded when they moved far enough away from the desk clerk. “Well,” Janet sighed. “I’m mystified.” “What couldn’t be” Faith pulled Janet down on a small pouch on the side of the lobby. “Don’t ask me.” Janet shrugged giving Faiths worried glance. “What I can’t understand” Faith looked unconsciously down on the marble floor. “Is that Mr. Tawaki I think he has bats in his belfry.” Janet laughed ruefully.

“Maybe he has but I doubt it” Janet gave an inward sigh. “I suppose he hasn’t or her wouldn’t be in the Japanese ???emy,” carried on Faith. “He could’ve put on the uniform and pretend he was in the Army. You know, some people who are crazy think their somebody else.” Janet said her spirits beginning to lift. “That would be funny” Faith laughed her spirits lifting steadily. Silence reigned for quite some time. People walked back and forth endlessly. Faith and Janet watched them unconsciously but they were not actually thinking of the people that moved wisely about. “Well” Faith broke the silence willingly. “Maybe we were little hasty about Tawaki and the man with the fan”. Janet considered for a moment. “Yes, maybe so” Janet smiled. “They probably wanted to be friendly”. “Sure” came from Faith shaking her head in a sisterly way. Even though Faith was only one week older. They were like twins not by there face but by their feelings for each other. “Nothing was too good for Jan.” Faith once had said. “And nothing is too good for Faith” Janet once had remarked. They stuck together through thick and thin and “will continue to do so” Janet said to Faith when they were only kids. It seemed like only yesterday to the girls that they had met but it was actually from 12 yrs to 22 yrs. which was their present age. “Well, lets go to our suite” Faith pulled Janet out of a daze. In a few minutes they were standing curiously at the door of their rooms. Faith swung open the door hastily and they both gaped in at the beautiful room with peach colored everything from bedspread to walls. The sunshine shown through the French windows and danced crazily about the

colorful room. It was very large and streamlined. They stood in the doorway, in awe and finally Janet slipped into the archway. Faith scrambled over to the door near the great bureau and found out it was a dressing room, sliding doors and all. She flew out of there and into the bathroom which was a big as a small front room. Chairs were scattered here and there for comfort. Their were twin beds with fingers on the silk spread. Everything is divine both girls conceded frankly. “And we weren’t going to come up here.” Janet relaxed in a fluffy looking chair with a sigh of satisfaction as she looked, from a distance out at the blue sky which seemed a very special blue that afternoon. They stayed in their room all afternoon going over in the Chinese phone directory all the names of hospitals that were somewhere in the district of the Yang Tse Siang River. “I’m starving” Faith reported closing the phone book. “So am I” Janet rubbed her stomach with a gesture that meant hunger. The halls were full of people chattering aimlessly. Seating themselves at a small table, they ordered with alacrity. “Faith Kingston, Janet Martin” called a masculine voice with astonishment. “Dick Collins” cried the girls in chorus as they came face to face with a handsome lad in an Army Air force uniform. He had wavy black hair and ??? And very tall. He was standing with a group of uniformed men, all accept one but the girls swept ed all of them but Dick. “Can we sit with you charming lady’s” Dick asked looking from one to the other. “Sure.” “Of course.” “Hey” he pulled up a chair between the two, while the other men grouped about in silence “What are you doing in China”. Faith related the reason, cheerfully.

“Gosh” he said earnestly. “That’s swell.” The other men were introduced in a few minutes, for Dick Collins was really surprised. “This is Janet Martin Bays” Dick introduced. “Janet” he continued. “This is Howard Atley.” Faith and Janet nodded. “John Ryan” “Bill Ling” Janet listened but jumped out of her seat when Bill Ling was mentioned. “Oh” she gasped. Faith gasped in sheer horror as she looked unsqaurely at the very handsome man. “Hello” she stuttered gave an artificial smile and twisted her ring nervously. Janet set back in her seat uneasily. “Oh, heaven protect us” she muttered, unhappily finishing the first coarse of the meal. The men were chattering gaily. Bill Ling eyed them concernedly. The girls laughed at the jokes without enthusiasm and trudged wearily to there beds, promising soon to see the boys again. “Oh Janny” Faith took off one stocking as she sat uncheerfully on the twin bed, with a wail. “Your telling me” Interrupted Janet knowing what Faith was about to say. “My knee’s were chattering and it wasn’t even cold.” “Mine too” Faith pulled the smooth covers about her with a shudder, thinking of the nights events. “Oh” sighed Janet ruefully. We’re going to have to see him again too.” She covered herself quickly.

“What do you mean?” Faith was startled at this latest news. She hitched herself up on an elbow. “Now that we’re introduced, and all!” Janet replied with an ominous shudder. “Oh of course now he knows us, but..” Faith’s face brightened up a bit. “We can sure try to avoid him? Can’t we?” Janet didn’t reply. “Can’t we?” Faith asked twitching with horror. How? “Well-well we can sure break our neck trying then.” Proposed Faith. “We might too” Janet confirmed. “Might what?” “Might break our neck” Janet returned coolly. “Oh” her companion reply came slowly a little meditively. You sure make a person feel cheerful! “Well it was you who said we’d break our neck!” Janet came back. I didn’t say we’d break our neck I did say we could try! They both laughed. “Try to break our neck!” Janed declared giggling. “Well what I meant to say was that we could avoid him but if we can’t we’ll break our neck trying.” “I don’t care who it is I refuse to break my neck.” Janet couldn’t help but laugh. The expression on Faith’s face was that of a discontented puppy when his master refused to give him a bone. “Oh go to sleep! You aggravate me” Faith laughed and all in fun threw the fluffy

bathrobe at Janet.

Chapter 4 Green Envelope

T hat night the star’s were not visible and the moon was very cloudy. Faith tossed and turned with unrestfulness. She put her arm over her eyes with a moan. At last she got up, slipped into her bedroom slipper’s and roble. She wandered sleepily over to the inviting looking window. It was quite boredom to to lie in bed and look at the ceiling when you can’t get to sleep. Janet lay in bed, Faith glanced at her face, a very peaceful face it was. “I’m glad” she sighed and pulled up a straight-backed chair with great quietness. The streets were very deserted now and the only sounds that were heard was the steady breathing of Janet and the constant clicking of the small alarm clock a close cheferobe. Its hands had moved nonchalantly to 4.30 and moved easily on. She tossed her long wavy blonde hair off her shoulder’s. Once in a while a rich show or a car would creep along the now deserted street. The procession of cars was not endless and she soon dropped into a quiet sleep. “Faith. Faith.” It was Janet’s voice. “Get up out of there. Look where you slept last night.” Janet tried everything to wake Faith but she was beginning to doubt whether she even wanted when Faith casually lifted her head. She cloaked around and found that she was sitting on a chair. “Boy do I have a stiff neck” she drawled rubbing her neck. “What am I doing here! “Its good enough for you” laughed Janet stroking her curly locks with a brush. With that the discussion ended abruptly. Janet continued brushing her hair. Faith went about looking in her medicine kit for something that would relieve the ache in her neck. Accept for the noise from the street quietness prevailed for awhile until Faith

asked wonderingly. “Where did this envelope came from. Its not mine. Is it yours. Not it couldn’t be I don’t think cause I looked up in the chefferobe for the time and it wasn’t there than”. Janet looked blank and finally rose walked over to Faith who stood by the chefferable holding a green envelope in her hand. “Not mine” reported Janet taking the envelope worriedly. “No and it wasn’t here last night either.” “Are you sure” Janet fingered it nervously. Horror stuck them with intensity. Someone was in this room last night! Janet gulped and tried to speak assuringly. “Must’ve been the bellboy. Telling us we won’t have to get up for breakfast.” Her voice trailed off for the bellboy wasn’t allowed in any room unless given permission by the occupant. “Lets open it.” Faith tore open the top of the envelope with uneasy composure. She lifted a small paper out and read anxiously. Please: I’m an old Chinese gentle-men. Living at Sei Va Oio (street). I’d like your company at 8.00 tomorrow night. Very important! Very important! Shan Dia Hangtse Faith swept over these words with growing anxiety and impatience. Janet took her eyes from the note and rested them on Faith’s creamy white face. She watched her skin grow intensely whites. Fear and confusion could be seen in the pretty gray eyes. Janet could feel her own blood run cold and new that she too was very fearful.

“Gosh it seems everyone is queer around here”. Faith waved the note absently and went to sit on the bottom of the twin bed. “I don’t get it” Janet sat down next to Faith “We don’t even know the Jap yet he order’s us to stay at the embassy. Faith nodded and Janet continued. “We don’t know Mr. Brooks and he order’s up to take this room and free, is what I don’t understand.” “Now this” she added her lips set in a straight line. Faith’s hand trembled as she glanced at the note again. Her face was blank, no expression at all. Then it happened in only a second, the first suggestion was made. “Jan”! Faith’s voice was uncontrollable with joy. “What’s to prevent us from going there and finding all about this.” Janet’s face brightened quickly. “Uhhum.” she nodded. “Sure what is there.” “Wait I think it would be better to go that night. Then we really can inspect and see if it would be alright go.” “Yes, I think that’s better.” “Because you know we don’t even no who he is and I think we have a right to find out all about him” chimed Faith with a quick decision. Janet agreed thoroughly. And that was decided. They would go that next night. I find out about this Shan Dice Hangtze. The mourning slipped by quickly and after lunch. Faith declared that she would go to the hospital that they had picked, to see if they could finish their internship. After saying goodbye to Janet she walked out to the crowded street. People

pushed, shoved, bowed and tripped all over her. She counted the times that she said “excuse me.” The streets were crowded with rick-show too and people seemed to be everywhere. She noticed there queer clothing, hair styles and ???ed sandals. They stared at her longingly. She ??? one girl who was about 1.8, she guessed say “Old woman ??? me pretty dress”. Faith smiled to herself at the ??? “Old women” in China the mother and wife are called old women and the father and husband as old man. She pushed on looking interestedly at all the large building’s, small were included. When she came the hospital she hesitated and looked disappointedly at the drab building. It was once white stucco but now was black stucco from age. She marched up the few steps to the small wooden door. In a few minutes she was on the inside of the small waiting room. A few chairs were scattered all about and the green walls were marked with stencil and what seemed to be crayon. Depositing herself in an uncomfortable chair, she could see very plainly the stair which led to the upper floor. Doctors ed, nurses, marched by and soon she was ushered into the superintendents office. On the door in red letters was the name. Orio Hoson. She related her’s and Janet’s reason for coming to China to a very beautiful young Chinese women of about her own age. “Yes, we can use you indeed. We need help here so badly, you couldn’t realize.” Faith looked about the dirty old walls rotting from age and agreed she could realize it. “Patients come in by the hundreds. It seems” she smiled down at Faith. Her eyes sparkling in the strong sunlight. “And we have only 4 doctors and 50 nurses.” “You’ll be welcome, very welcome.” Faith thought she could see some tears about the corner of her eyes. Eyes filled with gratitude, relief and respect. “Thank you.” said Faith rising from the creaky chair and clasping the girls outstretched hand. When shall we come”? “The day after tomorrow” she spoke quickly.

“Be seeing you then. So long.” It wasn’t long before she had walked happily down the street toward home: The streets were still very crowded. She reached the door of her room all out of breath. Janet was seated in a chair - talking attentively ??? Who could it be” she wondered standing in the archway. Apparently neither had heard her came in. She saw waved black hair but she couldn’t see any other part of him for he was facing away from her. “So you see, how important it is.” Faith heard the stranger say and she gasped wildly it was Bill Conry who was talking. Her fingers searched for the knob, she was going out til he left. But before she had the door opened a bit Janet’s voice called out. “Faith is that you.” Faith moaned outwardly. She had to go in now or else she’d make a fool of herself. She was strapped. “Hello Mr. Conry” she flashed an unfelt smile. “Hi Faith” he smiled broadly. Janet was watching her intently with amusing eyes. “Bill has come here to tell us that Dick and the gang can’t keep there date with us tomorrow night because they’ve been called on a secret assignment,” spoke Janet. “Oh” said Faith her heart thumping loudly. At that moment a buzzer rang. It was the doorbell. Faith jumped gladly to open it. “Hello can I come in.” It was Huito Tawaki. Faith face flushed with anger and was about to slam the door shut when Janet bounced over to see who it was. Her face grew pale instantly. “Keep him

entertained out there a minute.” she whispered to Faith when Mr. Tawaki beaconed to a servant. “Why! I hate him” protested Faith in a whisper too. “I haven’t got time to explain but just don’t let him get inside this door.” Faith shrugged resignedly and started a very uninteresting conversation. Meanwhile Janet had slipped over to B. Conry and whispered in very low tones. “H. Tawaki is outside the door. Faith is stalling him off. You’d better get out of here. He’ll get in someway and soon. “He always does” she added scornfully. Conry got up out of the chair, ambled over to the back window. ??? wasn’t very far to the alley below. Janet knowing that he was thinking of, pulled a few sheets from linen closet and began knotting them securely. ??? smiled approval grabbed the sheets, swing them ??? the window sill, trying one end to the big ??? and slid safely to the bottom. As Janet watched him slide she thought of what he ??? her about the Jap. “He’s after me and if I get caught ??? I’ll be arrested because of the timed socked ??? at the boat.” She untied the bedsheets from the pipe and ??? them in the linen closet just in time for ???Tawaki was storming through the door very irritably with Faith’s nonsensical jibber jabber. ??? Oh hello Janet” he smiled hastily. Janet gave a look of scorn. May I ask what we owe you for this unpleasant ???” she pleeted her plaid skirt. “Just wanted to see if you were still mad” he going back. “No no we’re not mad” Janet said pitifully. Mr. Tawaki face brightened then gave a look of hurriedness as Janet continued.

“Just mad. That’s all.” “Oh” he coughed slightly. Well I must be going.” “That’s good” Faith reported frankly. “Goodday” he bowed and closed the door behind ??? The girls gave a hoot of hilarious laughter ??? planked themselves in chairs, still laughing.

Chapter 5 China goes to War

“B oy I guess the monsoon rains are coming” Faith shivered as the old fashioned open car shrank forward ed the rice fields toward Shan Hangtse’s house. The sky was very cloudy and the moon’s radiant glow outlined the large house on top of the hill. It was surrounded by big tree’s Janet confirmed as they came within a good distance of the old mansion of Mr. Hangtse. “Stop here drivers please.” Faith commanded when they had not even come really close to the house. “Why” asked Janet as Faith pulled her from the seat. “We don’t want to get to close or else he’ll here the car and come to investigate so we’ll have to walk the rest of the way.” Faith paid the driver and began walking easily toward the big house on the hill. Everything was quiet, not a sound could be heard. The tree’s swing evenly with the crisp winds. There feet struck the ground on the driveway of the big house. Janet bent down and looked in the cellar window. It was brightly lighted. Men grouped about at a long table. Pencil and pads before me. She merged Faith who was also looking at the men. Janet began to get bored with just looking in at the queer sight. She rose and as she did, she kicked, what looked like a jagged pipe sticking out from the stone building. Instantly a door swung open in the wall. Faith and Janet stared earnestly. Finally Faith pulled Janet into the small room, pair of stairs led to the haymow. Faith led her up the stairs. They creeped along in the straw til they could see directly beneath them. It was the man, the girls could hear what they were saying. Faith bent forward listening intently. It all happened in a second. There was the sound of screams and a harsh 2 bangs. Then everything went black for both girls. “Oh-h-h” wailed Janet opening her eyes to find she and Faith in a musty room that resembled a dungeon. Faith lay on a small cot and she found that she lay in one to. Outside the sound of men’s voices could be heard coming through the half open door.

“Gosh” she said to herself. “I wonder what happened to us.” “So do I” Faith had awakened. “My arm hurts” Janet informed her friend. Faith looked at Janet skeptically. “Do you think its broken or sprained” Faith raised herself from the cot and looked about the room with a shudder. No, I think I tithed it when we made our entrance into our little group of friends” she said turning her head toward the other room. “Boy,” Faith shook herself. This sure isn’t any palace.” “You” Janet began with a disgusted sneer. I thought you knew that the haymow was only for hay and any heavy weight would break it down. But you wouldn’t listen to me and if. If told you not too the men would hear me and we would be trapped. Then just as you crawled up closer - bang we went down and write in the middle of there conference table. “But” she added with a smile. I wanted to go up on the haymow because — She stopped abruptly for a lanky, gray haired, Chinese man was pushing through the door. He had pitiful black eyes that seemed sleepless. “Mr. Hangtse want see you” he spoke very fast but distinct. Janet and Faith followed him into the other room. The men still gathered about the table and when they saw the girls all smiled with friendliness. Bill Conry was among them. “Hello girls” Bill Conry pushed a led pencil toward another man. Betray, but we’ll have to blind-fold you. “Blind-folded” cried Faith “What in the heavens for?” “Well because.” Bill Ling started to answer. “Never mind” Janet’s eyes blazed with anger as she stared. “Just because we

spoiled your little party, is no reason for this nonsense.” “But I …” his eyes were pleading. “I wouldn’t even bother telling you why we did come here you - you old goat.” Faith swung back even before he finished his sentence. The other number’s of the group stood by in amazement. “I suppose this - whoever he is - is some kind of idle.” Scoffed Janet as a heavy set man began blind-folding her. Faith and Janet kicked as shoved like wild cats with stubbornness. They had to give up as they were shoved into a moving object which apparently was an elevator. Up and up they went finally hearing a door swing open and guessed they had come to there destination. Faith and Janet’s heart thumped madly. Who was this man and what did he want? All these questions whirled through their heads, til a second latter they stood face to face with a man of age. He had gray hair and his eyes were not cold and hard as the girls had imagined but were soft and very kind. As the blindfold was released, Janet was about to lay into Mr. Hangtse but when she saw his kind face she stopped quickly. He was short and of medium size, Faith angered heart turned to that of friendliness but she would not show it she declared to herself. She would remain hard til she found out all about this. “Be seated ladies” he’s soft voice rang through the entire library as he pointed to chairs that were on each side of his large desk. The room was large and book’s lined the four walls. Mr. Hangtse sat back of his desk smiling cheerfully. Janet heard the “Oh’s” faintly her spirits were lowering. “How, I hate the Japanese.” She spoke with strained words. She or Faith did not here the men hurrying through the door. But each knew they had grim determination. Janet moved slowly out the door after Mr. Hangtse, leaving Faith and Bill Ling together.

“Faith” his voice was sweet and very soft. “I don’t know how to tell you this butwell-ever since that day you and Janet laughed in my face, I’ve been longing to meet you. Faith was listening easily. Her heart was pounding hard. And in the next second she realized that she loved him very dearly. This man who had Chinese and American ancestry but his face was not yellow it was white like anyone’s. His black hair and deep, deep brown eyes were the only things that made him look Chinese. “Oh heck” he exclaimed. “Won’t you marry me when I get back from fighting the Japs.” Faith just sat there and nodded her head yes, weakly. Janet tramped down the stairs after Mr. Hangtse all the other men were gone. “Mr. Hangtse are you going” Janet said surprisedly as the Chinese swung a rifle over his shoulder and started to march after the other men. “What .” Janet cried as the drone of planes could be heard off in a distance. “You girls will stay at this house and if the Japanese start coming was your rifle’s. Gather up all the other girls of the village. If you can and give them rifle’s. There in the closet in the library. “And” he added don’t tell them anything about what we were doing in the basement. They’d love to find out. So don’t. I know you won’t because its very important. Bill Ling flew down the stairs and told Janet a hurried goodbye and was off. As she heard the planes coming closer and closer she turned her eyes toward the sky. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts she hadn’t really noticed them. They were like birds from heaven but she new in instant they didn’t come from heaven for all at once a screen of bombs came flying through the air screaming wildly. They must be bombing Shanhi City”. Janet heard Faith screech. “Put the lights out or they’ll come over here.”

Janet didn’t wait a second. They flew everywhere in the old house where a light could be seen. It was all dark in a few minutes. Faith advanced toward a window. A sad and horrifying sight befell her. Where Shanghi’s beautiful city once stood was crumbling into stone, dirt and fire. Fire seemed to pap from everywhere. Lighting up the entire sky with red. Smoke was think and gas like. She turned her head to find Janet standing by her side. “Oh Faith” Janet buried her head on Faith’s shoulder, sobbing. Faith patted Janet’s head feeling a tear stream down her cheek. “I know Janny.” Faith comforted her friend. “Its awful”. “All those people getting killed” Janet lifted her head numbly. The tree’s were outlined by the red glare of the furious fires, growing bigger and bigger. Spreading all over the entire horizon. Above the fire could be seen, planes swooping diving, and screaming down from the heavens. The explosions come deafening like great crashes of thunder. A few times the house shook relentlessly. As Faith watched the terrifying sight, thoughts crowded her mind. Will I be frightened when the Japs come. Sup??? It ell the secret about the men who were here in this house. Oh Lord no matter how much they might ???urt Janet or I please make us strong, so that we can’t tell. She looked at Janet and could see the sheer hatred in her big brown eyes. Her teeth were clenched ??? eater and Faith realized that Janet was worried too. “Jan” it was Faith’s speaking, her eyes misty with tears. No matter what happens to either of us don’t tell about the men.” Janet turned away from the window and for the first time her eyes were not lit with haymow but were ???, every disciple and shawdowy with earnest tears. She looked up at Faith who was somewhat taller than her. “No never will I. … she was cut short a knock at the door. A frantic knock, it was too Janet. ??? out into

the dark hallway and swung it open ???afraid. She gazed for a moment at the pitiful sight. “Please” begged a Chinese girl of about 16. Let us ??? in. We were told to give you this message from Mr. Hangtse.” Janet and, Faith, who had heard the girls pleased and had come to see who it was pulled her and 3 small children inside with great eagerness. “Thank you” the girl speak shakily. “Here is the message.” Hangtse said to go back, not to stay in this house the Japs are brutal to women, he said go and follow ??? also take care of us.” “Are they fighting in the streets” asked Faith of the ??? “Yes and it is bad for Chinese soldier” Why, have the Japanese got more equipment. The girls nodded wearily. Janet had gone into the library to get the ???ns and then into the kitchen for the packs ??? food that lay on the chest floor. Mr. Hangtse was ???ving it for when China had another famines but ???me in very handy now. ???he swung them all over her shoulder. The whole ???of them and ran into the hall. Faith took one and the girl took the other. “Where is the garage” asked Janet pushing out the back door. The garage was at the far end ??? the big house. She directed all the children ??? jumping the back seat of the large block ??? In a second they were out on the dirt road speeding away from the suburbs of Shanghi. Faith noticed the children faces, Fear could be ??? on every line. She noticed Janet’s face, it was grim ??? unheeding of fear now. She touched her own ??? and a cold acting cough on his finger.

“Ok Jan” Faith cried in misery. Hurry, please hurry.” Trying to go faster but the old buggy refuses ??? bugged little more.” “Oh” she exclaimed coming into view along the small ??? road, a group of people with packs on their ???cks lingered along the dusty road. She pulled ??? car abruptly to step along side of the people. “Can we help you” Janet opened the door swiftly. A few muffler answered her. “Yes, yes” A young Chinese boy spoke. Please take ??? along with you in your auto.” ??? Janet eyes swept over the entire group of ??? 7 people. After all, she thought she was ???posed to gather up as many could fit. “Surely” she swung open the back door and ???l all the people were in, jumped in herself, Faith had taken all the four present ??? in with her, three of them sitting and three children on their laps. In a very short time the car sped noisily ??? the road again, a cloud of dust behind ??? them.

Chapter 6 The Chung Chee Family

J anet lifted her left arm wearily; keeping her right hand stiffy on the wheel, gazed for a moment trying to distinguish the time. It was nearing three in the mourning. Gosh she thought, Faith and I can get by if we get caught by the Japs, cause our country isn’t at war, but these poor people. She slid the car to an easy stop. Plucked the door open hardly without a sound and maneuvered herself from the wheel into the dusty road. She gazed in on the sleeping people sprawled and uncomfortable over each other. Not one in the whole car, excluding herself was awake. “They need the rest” she smiled. “Let me see what we’ve been gone from Shanki about six hours. The Japs must have taken it by now. I wonder what happened to Mr. Hangtse and Bill Ling.” “Oh” she yawned and rubbed her tired eyes with relief. “Jan,” she heard coming from the car. It was Faith “Want me to drive now,” “You can’t move or else you’ll make the kids” Janet returned quickly. “I’m not tired, just stopped so I could stretch. “You think we’re far enough from Shanghi” whispered Faith changing her position very carefully, so as not to wake the sleeping baby boy who lay heaped on top of her, now she could see Janet plainly. “Gee” Janet put her foot on the running board, rested her elbow on her knee and her hand on her chin. I’d say we went about 25 miles an hour and we’ve gone six hours so we’ve about 150 miles away from Shanghi. “Umhum” Faith shook her head figuring in her head. “We haven’t any map so I don’t exactly know where we are.” “I just kept heading up in a straight a cause as I possible could.” She added after

a second and climbed back into the car. The motor rowed into action in a few seconds and began slicing across the small road. “We should come to a farm house.” Janet informed her friend. I haven’t ed one in quite some time.” “I hope so.” answered Faith, her eyes scanning the road in front of them. Maybe they could put up you for a while.” “Hey” hissed Faith. Where did you get the gas to keep this crate going.” Janet smiled somewhat amused. “I was a bit confused too” she laughed. But the first time I ran out of gas everyone was asleep. I found 5 or six cans of gasoline in the truck of the car and filled the gas tank myself. “How did you know they were there though”. Faith demanded, as the car advanced toward a cross road. “Oh” Janet’s eyes twinkled a little. Mr. Hangtse told me when we left you and Bill Ling together. Faith blushed earnestly. “What happened between you two” Janet asked turning the car to the left road. “Oh” mused Faith. And told the story not so at ease. “Swell” Janet confessed, happiness surging through her whole body. I told you someday you’d marry him.” “You know you were only kidding … .” began Faith but quickly was interrupted by Janet. “There’s a farm house” she cried forgetting the sleeping guests. “Wonderful” Faith said joyfully. Janet jerked the car down the rocky and bumpy path leading to a ramshackled old house. It looked un-inhabited. Not a soul was seen but Janet shrugged at this

time of night who would be awake. Janet hopped out into the cool air. It refreshingly swept her face as she advanced toward the old house she knocked and waited for quite some time. Faith motioned from the car to go in anyway. A few of the people in the car had now awake and because of the bumpy drive toward the house. “No, I don’t think its right to go in” she called back to the group. Just then the door was swung open and a grin-faced old lady stood on the threshhold in her lacy night gown. She frowned at Janet. “Something wrong” she got out. Janet related to her the reason they had come. When Janet finished the women was smiling and welcomed them all in. “Oh thank you” cried Janet as she hustled all the enger’s into the hardly furnished sitting room. A bench ran the whole length of the one wall. Another place was stuck in the corner, a weak chair made of straw, made up the last of the furniture except of medium sized table set into the wall. The old women walked over to a door and departed through it. She came back carrying an oil lamp. As she came through the door its lisp light creeped inch by inch across the entire room. “You are Americans.” The old women looked from Faith to Janet he face intensely yellow in the light. “Yes, we are” Faith smiled gravely. “My name is Mrs. Pa Pu Chung Chie.” She lifted the lamp on to the table. “I’m Janet Martin and this is Faith Kingston, my best friend. The others introduced themselves in true Chinese style, with bows and gracious begging forgiveness for the intrusion.

The old women led them all out to the spacious barn. “You’ll have to sleep out here.” She confessed. Because we have no room and no comfortable quarters except this. “Straw is very comfortable.” Faith managed to say as stretched out on the soft straw. The women departed, promising to wake them all. Everyone fell easily asleep but Janet who was the last. “Oh” Faith stretched and blinked open her tired eyes. She apparently was the first to awake for all lay almost ???es they did when they went to bed. She heard the quacking of a great many ducks, and quickly decided to go outside. The sunshine streamed through the open door. She pushed her hair out of her eyes and pressed her skirt with her hands. She gazed out at the beautiful winding stream that twisted and turn up not very far from the barn. Now the house didn’t look so forbidden or haunted. The rice fields stretched for a great distance and already men could be seen plowing the land and going about their daily tasks. She wandered over to the well and thought she could hire the familiar Chinese music she always loved. Finally it became louder and so she twisted about to see in a place step a small boy of about 9. He pressed tightly to his lips an instrument some sort. “Hello their” she called to the boy. “Good mourning” was his greeting. Are you one of the people who arrived here last night. Faith walked over too him. “Yes, I am.” “Your very pretty” he broke out shyly. “Thank you” Faith’s smiled down at him. “What’s your name.” “Bee Chung Chee” “Is that so. What a lovely name. Mine is Faith Kingston.”

“I like your name too” he squished in the strong sunlight. “Oh you do huh” she chimed. “I think its ok.” “Why he looked surprised. Don’t you like your name.” “Oh, I mean to say its all right, she laughed freely. You see “OK” means “alright.” “Oh” came from Bee. “I shall that.” He’s a swell boy, Faith gazed down on the skinny but sweet Chinese youngster. “It’s a lovely place your father has here” Faith swept her eyes over the entire farm-land. “Oh its-” he stopped and smiled.” OK.” “Its more than or” Faith corrected with a laugh as she saw some people coming out of the barns one of which was Janet. “You sleepy head” she called to her friend. Janet grinned easily and scampered over to her friend. “Jan this is Bee Chung Chee.” “Hello Bee” Janet smiled at the boy. “Good mourning ??? he smiled pleasantly. “Bee this is Janny Martin.” “Say” Janet finally broke away from the interesting discussions “We better go inside.” Bee and Faith agreed. The kitchen was large and a fire place served as a street. A table was in the middle of the floor and a large bowl of food sat rigidly in the middle, surrounded by small plates and crooked sticks at the side of each.

“Be seated my friends” the old women answered. “Ah” Bee sounded delighted. “We’re having fish.” Fish, for breakfast! Neither Janet nor Faith ever heard of having fish for breakfast. Both ate heartily enough though for everyone was so nice that it made up for the fish in every ways. After breakfast both girls volunteered to go out into the fields, to help pick the rice. Mrs. Chung Chee gave them a pair of her daughter’s dresses, so as they wouldn’t get their only clothes dirty from mud. Off went these shoes and they soon were paddling around in the ankle deep, muddy waters. Both confessed that it was great fun and the war which was so close to them was forgotten. They laughed and joked with Pinoa “Cheng Chee, the daughter with whom they borrowed these garb. When dinner-time came around they walked through the slushy mud toward the house. Only to tramp back again after lunch. “Boy” called Janet to Pinoa and Faith. “I loved it.” “So glad” said Pinoa graciously. “I did too.” Faith stepped out of the muddy water and into dry land with a sigh. “I had such great fun this afternoon.” Pinoa’s voice sounded sad. “But you are going too soon.” “Someday.” Janet said wishfully. “Will come back when all this mess is over.” “Why do you not stay” the girl’s face was distressed as she deposited the water bucket into the well and brought up again full pool, clear water. The girl remained silent. Why didn’t they stay? Where would they go after this? They couldn’t keep driving and driving? “Janny lets stay” Faith looked at Janet squarely. Janet flustered a moment. “If they’ll have us.”

Pinao jumped gleefully and stormed into the kitchen to inform her parents. It was only a short time til the whole Chung Chee family was about Janet and Faith all seemed to be shrieking with joy. “We’d love to have you” came from Mr. Chung Chee. You have brought great, great happiness to this family. Almost making us forget the terrible war now going on. So the girls were staying.

Chapter 7 Evil Birds Hit Their Mark

T he clouds were low and threatening as Faith dusted the living room. The fire was burning in the fire place and it gave a cheerful look to the whole room. She counted the days; she and Janet had been staying in the Chung Chee house, hold a whole four days. The Chinese Army were now engaging Japanese troops only 125 miles away. She shuddered even at the thought of it. The feather dust cloth now swept over the long bench in small were strokes. The clinking of un-equipped pots and paws in the kitchen reminded Faith that Mrs. Chung Chee was also busy doing her usual chores. The Chinese are good workers, she conceded as the dust cloth sped over the straw chair. “Hello Faith” it was Ang Chung Chee. He had just come in from the wheat fields. “Still working” Faith smiled. “Yes, I’m still working. I don’t skim over it like you do.” “I see you don’t appreciate how hard I work in the fields” Ang swung down the hall toward his room. “Work!” Faith called after him. “Do you call picking a few grains of wheat, work.” She giggled and waited for his answer. “I think” he paused. “That’s what the American’s call work.” “Oh.” Faith laughed. “You think wrong.” “We’ll see” he poked his head out of the door to his room. “But right now I have

to do some reading.” In a few moments the door closed quietly. Faith wandered over to the window and looked out. Only a few people were out in the fields now. She could here the thunder rolling easily in the heaven’s and with that cast her eyes toward the sky. It was very black and frightening. Almost like the other day when the Japanese glances had ed over on their was toward Hong Kong, she ed how black everything was and not a drop of rain fell anywhere at all. Its funny, she thought. I wonder why all the rest of the enger’s wanted to go. Probably wanted to get farther away from the Japs. She sighed and walked out into the kitchen. Mrs. Chung Chee bent over the fire throwing some twigs in to make it perk up. “Oh, my girl. Have you finished the dusting.” “Yes, I have and I loved to do it.” “But you are a guest.” Mrs. Chung Chee looked quite disturbed. “Never you mind now. Its an old American custom.” Faith put her arm on the old women’s shoulder. This seemed to satisfy her, indeed so Faith walked on to the small porch and sat down on the steps. “Here come the again” Bee’s voice cried out to her from the field about only 30 ft away. She stared up at the sky horrified. They did not drops any bombs yesterday but today - you couldn’t tell. In a minute they were directly above the rice field. Faith thought she was seeing things and blinked but it was true a few bombs were going through the air and she new they hit somewhere near where Janet and Mr. Chung Chee were. What should she do? Without half-thinking she dragged herself to her feet as if every limb was a burden. She wasn’t afraid but the only thing she new was that heavy dear Janet

was in a great, very great danger. And Mr. Chung Chee too. She had just slopped her way through the first pack of rice where she saw in a daze, the bombs reach the ground, spit millions of pieces of dirt everywhere about. She fell down purposely, flat on her face. She heard a few more explosions and then all that could be heard plainly to her was the fading buzzing of the airplanes droning away. Quickly she jumped to her feet and slashed onward toward Janet who bent over Mr. Chang Chee gravely. “Piece of shrapnel.” Janet’s voice sounded haggard and tired. “In the shoulder.” Faith needed no introduction, she grasped Mr. Chang Chee’s legs and motioned for Janet to take his head. Plainly she could see the blood pouring from his wound. The girls hurried him to the house. All the while not a sound was uttered from either but each was suited with anxiety. Mrs. Chang Chee stared and a great many tears could be seen in the corner’s of both eyes. “Evil birds, evil birds” she cried helplessly into her worn apron. “It’s not serious.” Janet comforted her, when they had brought him to a bedroom. “But he’ll need an apparition as soon as possible.” Faith put in not so cheerfully. “You stay out here now while we go in a see him again.” Janet pulled Faith along the hall to Mr. Chung Chee’s room. “What will we do we have no medical instruments.” Janet spoke quickly, where the door was shut behind them. “I don’t know” confessed Faith as she sat down on the straight backed chair and with a sigh put her hand over her weary eyes. “Ok, we have to do something we can’t let him die. We just can’t that’s all.” Janet voice rose higher and higher with greater distress.

“I know we can’t but what can we do” replied Faith wringing her hands. “We’re only internes and - Oh we’d do something wrong if we had the material anyway.” Janet’s eyes searched Faith’s face for some relief. “Janet” Faith’s voice was harsh. “Don’t you let me here you talk like that again do you understand.” She looked at Janet with tired eyes that still showed great determination. “We’re both doctors and we’re not doctors to jibber about how we aren’t going to win the operation we’re doctors to show not only the people that we can operate but to prove to our selves especially that we can.” “Oh Faith, I’m so miserable.” Janet’s eyes filled with wet tears. “Sure you are honey but you’ll gain your courage back again that’s certain.” Faith patted Janet with one hand and lightly touched the wrist of Mr. Chung Chee for his pulse. She sighed. “His pulse is getting weaker” she looked straight at Janet. Janet stared back, feeling her whole body go completely weak. “What can we possibly do.” She paced the small room, all kinds of solutions going through her brain, but none were even satisfactory. “If we only could use something that’s here in this very house.” Faith threw an old cotton blanket over Mr. Chung Chee. “But we can’t that would be sheer, plain murder.” Janet spoke worriedly. “We had no training in using them cause we were only internes. Janet nodded with a helpless sigh. “Wait” Faith cried recollecting her thoughts. “Is there any city near here?” “Yes” Janet watched Faith’s face, excitedly. “If I correctly, Nanking must be about 30 miles from here.” “Have we enough gas” Faith twisted her ring tensely.

“Sure, I only used 1 ½ cans.” “Come on then”. Faith grabbed Janet by the arm and scrambled out to the car. They were just about to start the car when Pinoa came over to them. “Could I come with you. Please.” “Ask your mother. Hurry” Faith stuck her head out of the car window, to inform the very pretty Pinoa. It was only a few minutes til they had pulled out of the lane and were speeding along the small dirt road. “Old man, not feel so good” Pinoa put her two arms on the back of the front seat. “No” Janet watched the road ahead of them. “Not so good but if we can get the medical supplies at Nanking he’ll be fine again. Janet cast a quick glance at Faith, who sat in the front seat also. A look that Faith could figure out easily. I don’t know about that it said. “Medical supplies” Pinoa looked puzzled. ???

Chapter 8 A successful Operation and Changing of Names

“S eems as though we’ve been riding a couple of days.” Remarked Faith looking at the patchwork quilt that seemed to cover all the territory as far as she could see. “We ought to be coming to Nanking in about five minutes.” Janet looked matter of factly at her watch. “About how long have we been riding”, asked Pinoa also gazing at the beautiful scenery. “An hour an ¼ maybe” Janet swung the car with the steering wheel down what looked like & cows pasture. “How do you know this is the way to Nanking,” questioned Pinoa with interest. “Oh” laughed Janet. “I took the liberty to look in the car’s pocket and found a map of China. - Luck, that’s what I call it. “Ho Sie Gue” Pinoa laughed getting the only cheerfulness, since they had left the Chung Chee household. (Ho Sie Gue means Good Luck) “Oh theirs Nanking” cried Faith speaking up in her seat to see one of the largest cities of China stucked before them. Buildings were everywhere, large and small alike but it was plain to see war and its destination had struck here. The car finally coming down the mountain road into the city went very slowly so as not to miss any stores at all. It was a good fifteen minutes til they reached a small hospital. Faith hopped out of the car and crashed into the crowd that warmed all over.

“Yes, is there anything I can do for you Misue?” A young Chinese man ambled over to her as she shot her way through the considerably crowded hall of the hospital. “Oh yes” has voice was anxious “Very much so. I need some medical equipment for a very ill man who was hit by shrapnel.” “Oh” the man considered. “Come with me” he gently took Faith by the arm and lead her through a great many halls. Up and down they seemed to go. They stopped at a door and were itted in. A lanky gray haired man sat at a worn out old desk. He did not look Chinese one bit. She quickly told him her story. “You certainly may have the M.E.” he smiled wryly with tired eyes. “Oh thank you” she grasped his hand warmly. The man looked very surprised at this gesture. “Oh” Faith fumbled. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean too but I’m so happy. “Oh that’s all right it’s just that I’m not used to such pretty young ladies clasping my hand.” Faith blushed with a short laugh. “By the way” he laughed fully. “Through all this excitement I forgot my manners. My name is Albert Conroy. Faith gulped at the name Conroy. Could this be Bill’s relation? No it couldn’t her common sense told her. “Pardon me. My name is Faith Kingston. Would you be any relation to, William Conroy.

Albert Conroy looked at her in quizzically. “Yes, my dear, he’s my son.” Faith gasped outwardly. “Oh” was her first reaction. “Why?” the man asked with concern “Do you know him.” “Ulp” she smiled very weakly. “Sort of, Oh, I mean - well we’re going to be married - someday. “You are” he exclaimed cheerfully. His once tired eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. It was apparent he liked the idea and Faith was glad. “Do you know where he is” her eyes were anxious as she looked Albert Conroy squarely in the face. His eyes twinkled merrily with mischief. “Yes, could be” he laughed walked to the door and opened it. Faith looked down at her hands and gave an inward sigh at the way she was twisting her ring nervously about her finger. She lifted her eyes to find Mr. Conroy gone. Where could he gone she asked herself. Couldn’t be that he had gone to find Bill. No it couldn’t that’s silly. He was in Shang Hie. Maybe he came here for a reason, her conscience told her. No, she dismissed it with a shrug. That’s silly. For the first time she looked about the room. It was small, clean but in equipped just as the whole hospital was. A noise was heard outside the open door and Mr. Conroy’s voice boomed. “Here he is Miss Kingston.”

Faith became limp, weak and out of place. “Bill!” “Gosh” Janet sounded distraught. “I wonder what’s keeping Faith.” “I know” the Chinese girl peered out of the window and kept her eyes glued to the door of the hospital. “She been gone long time.” “Yes she has” Janet’s voice seemed worried. “Maybe she can’t get the medicine.” “Oh, I’m sure they wouldn’t refuse.” Pinoa comforted. “Well” Janet was impatient. “What’s taking her so long then. Doesn’t she and the hospital staff we must get back quickly. “Oh-h” announced Pinoa. “I don’t know.” “Here she comes” cried Janet as Faith’s farm came through the hospital door. “But who’s with her.” “Oh huh, into Bill Conroy”. Janet’s eyes opened wide. Pinoa was puzzled. “Good heaven’s” Janet’s voice rang out as she opened the car door. “Jan, we’re going to get married now, here in Nanking. He became Catholic since we saw him last.” “He did! Wonderful. I’ll operate on Mr. Chung Chee and you can stay here and get married.” Faith looked doubtful for a moment. “Janny, your the best girlfriend anybody ever had.” “Janet this is swell of you and Faith and I will come back to the Chung Chee farm as soon as we get married. I’ll use my car so don’t worry how we’ll get back to the farm”. Bill Ling smiled easily. “Swell” Janet reached out the door for the M.E. Faith handed it too her quickly. After all the “So Longs” and “good lucks” were said Janet and Pinoa sped on out

of the city of Nanking. They rolled on and on without a word except for a few occasional remarks on the scenery. Pinoa sighed the Chung Chee farm quickly and it wasn’t very long before the car had skidded to an abrupt stay and two worried occupants clamored into the house. “Is he still sleeping.” Was Janet’s first words of Mrs. Chung Chee. She nodded weakly. Janet hurried without a second hesitation into Mr. Chung Chee’s room. He was still sleeping she sighed happily. Only somewhat weaker which was to be expected. She gave him a sedative quickly and slipped out into the kitchen to give some instruction’s to the family. “I want white sheets, pillows” and a lot more things that would make up a temporary operating table.” She was just about to begin when she noticed her hands were shaking considerably. “You must not fail”. You must not fail an inner voice kept telling her over and over again. “I’m going to fail, I know I am charm” something kept repeating to her. Then in a flash Faith’s words came back to her. “We’re both doctors and we’re not doctors to jibber about how we aren’t going to win the operation - we’re doctors not only to show the people that we can operate but to prove to ourselves, especially that we can.” The operation then began. Janet’s fingers moved cautiously quickly, smoothly and accurately til almost the end of the ordeal. It was much harder, without even nurse to get the equipment ready. But she found that she could do it efficiently. As the operation progressed she found that she was doing it automatically but still efficiently. She found she was at home. She was cut out to be a doctor after all. It seemed to her that God was beside her telling her and correcting her in her every move. “Mr. Chung Chee, will get well - soon” Janet took the rubber gloves from her

hands and threw them into a pail of hot water. She faced the Chung Chee family with triumph in her voice. In the very dim light of the sun, which was setting contently as if satisfied with Janet’s work, she looked like an angel. Her brown hair tied up in a while bandana, a white longed sleeved rap-around dress came a little below her knee’s. And if it wasn’t for her soft fitness she would look just like a man doctor. The whole family rushed toward her, jabbering happily. It was nearing half-past 7 when they all calmed down and struck out to their regular duties. Faith sat along in the front-room, right next to the window. “The Japanese must have advanced a little more since we’ve been gone.” This same thought harassed her mind all night and as she lay in her bed that night the sound of many planes caught her ears. Where could they be headed for now, I wonder, she muttered drowsily to herself. That night she was awakened by a loud crash and continuous voice.

Chapter 9 I Wish I Had Some Sugar Buns

B irds flew about everywhere with chirps of contentment. “Probably chirping because the Chinese Army’s have gained ground against Faith mused, as she and Janet sauntered along, toward the stream, just back of the barn with good intentions of going fishing. “Yes.” Janet laughed. “I’ll bet they are.” “But” she added quickly. I know an even better reason.” “What better reason could there be” broke-in Faith shouldering the long fishing poll. “Guess” teased Janet giggling. “I wouldn’t know” confessed Faith, wondering. “You ought too” ribbed Janet. “Gee Janny, I don’t know.” Faith considered as they waked care-freely into the part of the farm where there were a great many tree’s and bushes. Bee had declared it was the best place to fish since the great tree’s shaded the cool water of the stream. “Sure?” drawled Janet. “I’m positive” Faith informed her friend. “And if you don’t tell me I’ll gently twist your little neck off.” “Oh” Janet chided at the thought of Faith’s threat. I’ll tell you, master.” “Hurry up will you.” Faith broke in. “You and Bill Ling have been married approximately one week.”

“Oh you little monkey” Faith laughed and pushed Janet with friendliness. “Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m quite as bad as a monkey.” Kidded Janet sitting down on the bank of the small stream that twisted leisurely in an about. “I would” Faith planked herself down beside her friend. Janet cast her line with one swing and saw the hook sink halfway to the bottom. “This is too much hard work. Why couldn’t we just pick me out?” Faith looked down at the endless stream of fishes, scarring in and out among the jagged edges of the cliff and beyond. “Try it” dared Janet. “You couldn’t get one with your hand if you tried.” “Oh I couldn’t huh” Faith stuck her hand into the cool water and maneuvered about for a fish but none was to be had within reaching distance. “I told you, you couldn’t” Janet brought her line in, a small fish clinging to the end. “You see the minute you put your hand in they scurried away.” “But that won’t happen to me,” someone behind them sad in quipped tones. Janet and Faith tired to store straight into the barrel of a machine gun. Both girls tried to scream but the words stuck in their throat. Above the machine gun could be seen a leering face, yellow and fiendish looking. A uniform the girls new so well as the Japanese Army Uniform he wore loosely. “You are frightened. Ha ha,” he laughed teasingly. “We are not you fool” Faith’s voice boomed. “A fool am I!” the Japanese man looked perturbed but calm and relentless. “Yes.” Janet spoke easily now “I suppose we’re suppose to give a hoot of merriment because you feel like playing with guns. “Playing. Hush that’s a laugh” mocked the heavenly son of heaven. “But maybe you’d like to be my target. You with the brown hair.”

Janet gulped and for one time in her life wished she did not have brown hair. “You wouldn’t dare we’re Americans and besides the folks in the farm would here you.” Faith’s voice made it crystal clear to the arrogant Jap. “You are Americans” he looked doubtful. “Yes, what do we look like carved statues.” Janet interrupted with a sneer. “Well” he considered. “You are beautiful, you know” he smiled uncomfortably at Janet. “Thanks” Janet quipped uninterested. “But,” he added. “Being Americans won’t change my plans.” Faith for the first time gazed about their surroundings. What could she possibly do? He was talking to Janet, now was her opportunity. There probably wouldn’t be another like it. The fishing hook and poll. That was it, of course how would she go about it now that she new what she was to use Janet must help but how could she get her attention with out giving suspicions to the haughty Jap. These old code, the one they used when they were kids together. She prayed that Janet ed. Recollecting her thoughts, carefully she pieced them together. How I wish we had some sugar buns that was it. If Janet did get the code she hoped she new that she must follow Faith’s lead. “Jan how I wish I had some sugar buns.” “What, are you crazy or something.” Janet spoke with surprised tones. “No, Jan I wish I had some sugar buns.” Faith actually felt like crying. “Oh” Janet frowned. “So do I.” “Are you both crazy” the Japs leaned on his rifle with stiff uneasiness. “No but you might be” Janet winked quickly at Faith. Faith easily and naturally swung her hands to her lap only at hand away from the fishing rod.

The Jap looked suspiciously at Janet but continued talking in his angered tones. “What are your plans” asked Janet stalling the Jap with questions, that she would have found interesting to know but now the important thing was for Faith to hurry up. “You are Janet Lee Martin, am I right and this is Faith Maria Kingston.” “You should know,” what are you asking us for? Janet said this just as Faith’s hand reached the fishing hook and rod. “Ha” he laughed. “But I do know.” “Really” mocked Janet very sarcastically. “Yes my dear, I was sent here to get you both and bring you to Japanese headquarters.” He moved closer. Janet watched, this was Faith’s best chance, she must take it! She must! And Faith did. Quickly the rod smashed squarely between the Japs eyes, knocking the Jap down for a minute with surprise. Janet quickly grabbed the gun and covered him with composure of an expert marksmen. “Don’t move now or you might not move later” cautioned Janet. “I won’t” cried the Jap. “I won’t but please don’t shoot me, please.” “Now” Faith said with finality. “Suppose you tell us what we want to know.” “Yes” his eyes were pleading. “Anything.” “What were these so called plans of yours.” It was Faith who spoke. “I was to bring you to Japanese headquarters by air plane which was to land tonight and pick us all up.” “Yes, in that all.” Why did the headquarters want us?” “I don’t know. Honestly I don’t. That’s all I was told.”

“Ok” Janet retorted. “Faith you better frisk him but stay on the same side so our friend here wasn’t try any tricks he’ll be sorry for.” Faith began empting the pockets for a weapon when she came upon a folded piece of paper. And when she opened it, it became a map. “Janet look what I’ve found. A map of this territory showing the exact location of this house.” Faith handed the map to her friend who studied it carefully, while Faith took charge of the gun and watching the Jap. “We better turn him over to the Guerilla’s”. Janet considered a moment. The Guerilla’s were a band of patriots who had established their headquarters at the Chung Chee Cellar, Bill Ling of which was the head. Faith and Janet were also and so were the whole Chung C. family. “I’m going” said the Jap as Faith began showing him along at the point of the machine gun. “You bet you are.” was Faith’s remark to the Jap. The farmhouse was deserted accept for Bill Ling who had deposited himself at the front room table, pencil in hand, writing some reports that were necessary. “Hello dear” Faith called to her astonished husband as they all tramped in. “Faith and Janet where did you find him.” Bill rose and came to stand by the girls. Each one of the girls in turn told the exciting story. “My Lord” was all Mr. Ling could say when they finished. “Well we’ll take care of him.” “Excuse me” he added and took the gun from Faith’s hand. “Some of the men are going into Nanking. I think I’ll ask them to take him along too.” Bill and the frightened Jap flew out of the door toward a car where Bill shoved the new guest in. With a disgust sneer he told the other occupants to bring the Jap to the Chinese police. He returned to the girls.

“I’m going to get some fish if it kills me” Janet reported with a laugh. “It might” returned Bill also with a laugh. “So do I” put in Faith meaning this fish. And so they did. The rest of the afternoon was spent in fishing and when it was beginning to grow dark the girls called it a day” as Faith had put it when they were walking back toward the blacked-out farmhouse. A long string of fish swung open their back. “Ke Oh” Mrs. Chung Chee lifted her head from the pretty embroidery she was doing, to talk to her daughter who was about 16 yr. old. “Look out of the window and see if the men are coming in from the fields.” “Yes, old women” Ke Oh a light footed, pretty girl rose from her seat next to Janet who was also doing some embroidery. “Not yet” she informed the female of the Chung Chee family of which were: Pinoa, Lenya, Seina, Mrs. Chung and also Janet and Faith. This whole group sat in the front room duteously working an embroidery. The oil lamp sat on the table and cast shadow’s all about the room and down the hallway. It was a pretty scene indeed. “Oh, I wonder what could be keeping them” Faith said to keep up conversation. “Can’t tell” Senya pushed the needle up, in and out with easiness. “They want to get all the wheat they possibly can, you know.” “Umhum” Janet agreed. “True” Everyone’s needle stopped simultaneously as the drone of planes could be heard for above. No one looked up from their work though each were thinking the same thoughts. “Coming more often now” Janet sighed gloomily.

“Yes, I’ve noticed that too.” Said Mrs. Chung Chee recalling the planes that came almost each day where as before every two days they came. Just then the kitchen door opened and about 5 men came in, Bee, Ang, Bay Hay and Bill Ling. “Getting colder now that the monsoons have ed.” Ang remarked dryly. “Yes, it is” agreed Bee and the rest. “Son” Mrs. Chung Chee glanced at Bay Hay. “Better get some logs for the fire.” “Yes, old women.” Bay Hay departed down the cellar stairs quickly. “Well” Janet rose intentionally. “I must go in now and see Mr. Chung Chee.” “Alright my dear, then” Mrs. Chung Chee smiled up a Janet with loving approval. Janet walked out into the hall toward Mr. Chung Chee’s room. While I’m in their, she thought I think I’ll write mother and father. She opened the door to her patients room with an air of happiness about her.

Chapter 10 “Does that stop Janet or I?”

A ll the rest of the week and on into the first part of another Janet and Faith went about doing their usual chores.. Everything including the war was going fine. The Japanese troops had gained only a small bit of territory against the brave Chinese. It wasn’t anything to be happy over though, even so. No person in their right mind would like fighting going on anywhere, at all. “Well” Faith resting steady to Anga’s they strode in from the wheat fields. Bundles of wheat stacked over the one shoulder. “We’ll have enough wheat for two winter’s, let alone one.” She laughed with a twinkle in her gray eyes. “I wouldn’t count on it.” Swung back Ang, turning back, a second to pick up a small pail used for drinking water. “This family of our’s eats surprisingly well.” he added falling into step again with Faith. “Hey” called Janet standing in the doorway. “You two better hurry up. The Gurilla meeting is just starting.” “Oh” Ang said and hustled Faith and himself into the barn where they hastily shoved the wheat into a corner. “Sorry to be late” said Ang as Faith and he settled themselves on an uncomfortable box, used for a chair. “That’s all right” Bill Ling was standing in front of the group of men and women gathered in the cellar of the Chung Chee house for the purpose of destroying the enemy as common orders citizens, when he arrived. Bill gave Faith a swift glance of approval but went on quickly. Faith and, Janet who was also their heard direction after direction given, words after words, maps after maps seen and finally the meeting was over. Janet slipped quietly up the stairs after the crowd.

“Maret dear” it was Mrs. Chung C.. She sat quietly on the bench, working industriously at some embroidery. “Someone to see you out by the well.” “Meeh” Janet said surprisedly. “Who would want to see me. No one knows I’m here.” “Oh” she added scooting out into the kitchen toward the door. “Must be some of the wanting to see me in regard to the meeting.” She dashed out the door but stopped abruptly. As far as she could see it was a tall young man, grayish pants and a kaki jacket. She couldn’t see his face or any part of the front of him for he was facing away from her. “Who could it be,” she asked herself much question in her large brown eyes. When only a few steps from him, he turned toward her. Blue eyes gleaming in the sunlight. His black hair wavy. “Dick!” she exclaimed joyfully. “Dick Collins! How did you get here? Where did you come from? How did you find me?” He ignored her questions. “Janet” his voice was uncontrollably happy but soft. “Its so good to see you.” She hugged him. “Where can we go where we can talk” he asked her after a minute. “Down by the stream” she took hold of his arm and led him down past the barn, almost jumping with joys toward the best fishing ground. “You look different then since I last saw you” he looked down at her. “I mean well you always had up to the style clothes and well …” “I know” Janet interrupted. “Now with these colonial dresses. It looks different.” “Yes” he smiled at her and with one jerk they sat on the shivery green grass. The cool water rippled on and the birds sang merrily. “Its a beautiful day.” Dick looked up at the cloudless sky.

??? They stayed there for quite some time. Janet telling of her hazardous experiences and in turn Dick telling of his which were varied and great. “Oh!” Janet was collecting her thoughts. “We didn’t even go in and see Faith. She’s married you know? “Yes, I heard she was from Mr. Ling the owner of the hospital. That’s how I found out you were there from him.” “You did.” Janet laughed. “That was luck.” “It sure was” he looked down at Janet by his side walking swiftly toward the house.” “Dick Collins!” Faith exclaimed jumping off the bench in the front room to clasp Dick. Outstretched hand. “I didn’t know you were here.” “Janet” she turned to her friend for some explanation. Why didn’t you tell me.” “Oh I …” fumbled Janet. “I know - love” to Janet Faith seemed to shout these words actually Faith said them in almost a whisper. Janet looked stalled with embarrassment. Dick just looked sadly at Janet. Faith noticed the look. He was in love with Janet. Why didn’t I think of that a long time ago? She scolded herself. “Oh Jan don’t feel so bad about what Faith said” Dick related to Janet as they sat alone on the lawn that evening after supper. The sun was beginning to fade beyond the hills deeper and deeper. “I don’t feel bad about it Dick.” Backed up Janet almost bursting into tears. “I just don’t like the idea of everyone else knowing it before you.” “Oh” Dick sighed not grasping Janet’s words. Then in a second it came to him. “Then you do love me, after all.”

Janet nodded slowly. “Of course, you dope!” “Boy” Faith spoke impatiently. “I wonder what’s keeping Dick and Jan.” She giggled slightly to herself. “Their young” Mr. Chung Chee sat up in bed while Faith went in for the night checkup. “Yes, they are.” Faith smiled at the aged man with delight. “Your arm is almost better.” She informed him efficiently. “That’s good.” He sighed. I still don’t see why you kept me in bed all this time when my arm was useable. “Because” Faith emphasized. “I knew that if you got up out of bed, you’d immediately want to go to work. And we’d have trouble on our hands, cause no matter how good your arm feels it was not to have any strain. “Understand” she added smiling. “No” Mr. Chung Chee revolted. “Well you just stay in bed and you will.” Faith got up off the old chair and whisked out of the door toward her room. Halfway their she met Janet going toward her room. “Faith, we’re going to be married. Isn’t it wonderful.” Janet’s voice brimmed with happiness. “Great Jan. Great” Faith hugged her friend earnestly “Where.” “Nanking and sight now.” “Oh Jan I’m so happy for you.” “I’m happy for me too.” Janet laughed as she pushed open the door of her room with eagerness. “Well” Faith sighed. The Jap armies are slowly advancing. War is all around us.

Destruction everywhere but does that stop Janet or I. No was the emphatic answer the resounded in her mind.

Chapter 11 Janet Receives A Letter

I t was two months later, in the middle of December. Christmas was on its way with uncheerfulness, for the Japanese Armies had advanced about 40 miles and now were only 110 miles away. “Br-rr-r” Janet shivered as she jumped out of bed. Quickly she grabbed her old dressing gown and squirmed into her sandles. The ground was completely covered with a blanket of snow and the sun struggled to come out as if it felt the pains that the Chinese Armies were receiving. As Janet peered out of the snowy covered window she gave a smiled to herself for squarely in her view was Faith skidding sliding on the icy pathway, gave a picture of a small child playing in the snow. Janet pushed the French styled window open and a icy freezing wind hit her in the face. “Hey you” she called to her friend. “Oh Janny you startled me for a minute.” Faith swung around on the frozen snow not too far from Janet’s bedroom window. “I’ll be right out” informed Janet closing the window gladly. She hurried into some clothes and after a little while ed Faith who greeted her with an uncheerful. “Cold isn’t it.” “Do tell?” Janet laughed for the first time in many weeks. “Yes really. Or hadn’t you noticed.” Said Faith keeping up the joke. “Are you kidding?” Janet laughed again, with a shiver. “What do you think?” Faith gave her friend a side-wise glance and a small laugh.

“You couldn’t be kidding cause I’m absolutely frozed.” No more was said as they walked out ??? the barn to get some wheat, for breakfast. “Jan” Faith bent down to get the small bundle of wheat. “Do you think Dick is gone on another secret mission?” Janet cast her eyes down on the floor sadly and stiffly I wouldn’t know” she replied bitterly. Faith looked at her friend for a moment then spoke in a sorrowful tone. It was easy to tell that Janet felt very, very bad at the departure of her flyer husband, a good month ago. “Oh I’m sorry Janet.” Faith put her hand on Janet’s arm pathetically. “I didn’t know you felt bad about it.” “There’s nothing to feel sorry for” Janet began stocking some wheat on her own army, nonchalantly but Faith knew Janet like a book. She know that Janet felt terrible because her husband had left to go God know’s where. Jan, why don’t you have yourself a good cry. You’d feel better.. … I’ve watched you for quite some time now and your stacking your feelings in your heart.. … Let them out. Come on have ??? good cry. … You’ll feel much … much better. I know you will. Faith looked and felted concerned. “Oh, I can’t! I can’t! I just can’t!” Janet clenched her fists and barred her teeth. “You can Janet!” Faith swung back. “You must.” “Oh-h” All the ??? that had been stacked on Janet’s arm fell to the floor as Janet sobbed uncontrollably on Faith’s shoulder. “That’s it” Faith patted Janet on the back. Have a good cry.” “Where. … could … he be” sobbed Janet with short stifled sobs. He … hasn’t … written … since.. … he left, a month. … ago.” “He probably hasn’t got time.” Faith reported quietly. “If he had he I write.

Don’t worry?” “He … might.. … be.. … de-a-d” wailed Janet tears streaming down the pretty cheeks. “No” Faith returned sharply. “Janet you mustn’t talk like that. You mustn’t.” Faith added frantically, Janet was in a terrible state. “Oh, I just can’t help it.” Janet talked a little claimer and easier now. “Bill is here, with you so you don’t have to worry about him.” “I know,” Faith shook her head despairingly. Janet but. …??? about it. “Try” she added lifting Janet’s tear stained face toward her. “I’ll try” Janet dabbed away the tears slowly and soon seemed to quiet down. “Now, come on. Brace up. He’ll write. You needn’t worry over that.” Faith slipped her arm over Janet’s shrinking shoulder with a smile, as they walked slowly up toward the house. Janet, still dabbing the tears out of her eyes smiled. ??? lightly and conceded that Faith was a real, real friend as if she hadn’t know that lots of times before. The breakfast, in a very short time was soon over with and the mournings usual chores began. The ??? hay for the horses had to be stacked neatly in the upstairs of the barn, the wheat also had to be stacked, beds had to be made, rooms had to be cleaned, and other minor things to be done. All these things and more too, had to be done all in 4 hours but Faith and Janet did it cheerfully. But, Faith thought, all this work has its advantages, at least it keeps Janet from thinking about Dick. Later that afternoon Faith considered telling Mrs. Chung Chee about Janet and decided that it would be a wise idea. She found the old women hovering over a large pan of fish, for supper. “Excuse me” she planked herself on a kitchen chair, near Mrs. Chung Chee. “I want to talk to you for a minute. “Its about Janet”.

The old women turned about quickly, hearing Faith’s distressed voice and she glared hard at Faith fear in her eyes. “Is she sick” Mrs. Chung Chee’s voice was expectant for a calamity. “No but she might just as well be” Faith regarded the warm hearted old women. Mrs. Chung Chee, forgetting her fish for the present grappled a chair and started listening to Faith eager for anything she had to say. “She’s been brooding over her husband since he went. … we don’t know where. All we know is that he got a word to report to Nanking and then we don’t know where he went after that.” “Umhum” Mrs. Chung C. nodded her head with a sigh of relief at not hearing something more tragic. “Today” continued Faith. She broke down, and told me she hasn’t received any letter since he left, a month ago.” Faith looked fixeded at Mrs. Chung C, then carried on. “What do you think I ought to do?” “She’s a brave girl or we would have noticed it long ago. I know her by now and she’s not the kind that give up easily or as a matter of fact neither are you. From what I gather, she’s not giving him up for lost-yet. And I don’t doubt that she’s having a tough time. But Faith don’t worry about it. Faith looked surprised at Mrs. Chung Chee’s flippant attitude til the old lady produced an envelope from her long pocket. “For Janet?” she asked excitedly. Mrs. Chung Chee nodded with a smile and turned it over to the back of it. It read at the top from: St. Richard Collins But Faith had not time to read the rest she was too exerted. Quickly she took the

envelope from Mrs. C. C. and flew into Janet’s room where Janet sat at the window looking out absently. “Oh” Janet said weakly as Faith popped in the door. “Janet. Here” said Faith her eyes sparkling with happiness as she shoved the envelope into her friends hand. “Wha … Oh … Gee. … a-a-a let-ter” Janet stuttered as she frantically pulled out the letter. Faith happily and quietly left the room, Janet not even noticing as she, read:

My Dear Jan,

Sorry that I didn’t write before but our squadron has been on an assignment and frankly everywhere I went there was no writing paper. Finally I digged this up though so you’ll have to excuse the rotten paper.

Don’t worry about me, I’m fine not a scratch but you take it easy.

I may not get a leave for quite some time so, and don’t ever forget that each day, each minute I’m thinking about you.

Tell the whole Chung Chee family I’m thinking of them too and don’t forget to take Faith and Bill too.

Dear, I miss you terribly, hope you miss me.

Oh, oh their’s the bell for lights out. So long for a little while, my dear.

With ALL my Love

Dick

P.S. I love you

Tears began streaming down Janet’s face but not tears of sadness this time but tears of joy. Outside the sun was dancing crazily it seemed with joy also. To Janet the whole world was happy. She stayed in her room alone til Faith came in again. “My” she looked Janet over teasingly. “You look like a different person.” Janet smiled at Faith. “Want some food or does that letter make you invincible.” Came from Faith laughing. “It sure does but I’m hungry anyway.” Reported Janet shoving Faith through the door toward the kitchen. Supper was eaten hurriedly for each person had something an important schedule after. Lenya, Pinoa and Ke-Oh were learning how to shoot a gun at night. Bill was making a new room down in the cellar with the excellent help of Bay Hay, Ang and Bee. Janet and Faith were going to teach the other girls who to shoot. Mrs. Chung Chee was to stay with her irritable husband but she declared that a pleasure. “Come on Girls” called Faith to the excited girls as they lumbered down to the stream.

Janet showed them how to shoot while Faith watched their accuracy, the target being heavy board set quite far away. “No, no Lenya.. … This way. … Unknown. … Now … fire.” directed Janet. A shoot rang through the cold air. “How did she do” asked Janet quickly of Faith. “Doing better” was the report. “Good, now aim for the middle.” spoke Janet to Lenya. It was 9:30 when they trudged wearily into their beds. It was a noisy night, comparatively for the Japanese planes that seemed to drone over the house all night, waking Janet with a start. She’d just get back to sleep when they’d drone over again. The planes had gone over and had woke Janet for the 4th time when a light knock came to her door and Faith, in a lacy nightgown, stepped into the room. “I knew you’d be awake.” She shut the door easily, “and I decided to come in and visit. “Come on in, and sit on the bed. I can’t sleep these planes have been droning over for hours now.” “I know,” Faith sat down on the bed nervously. “I couldn’t sleep either and I don’t think anyone else can. Bill can’t, he got up and went down in the cellar to do some reports. So I decided to “I’m glad you did” Janet curled her legs under her. “Something big must be going on.” Faith looked concerned as she too curled her legs under her. “Yes, I wonder what it could be. Maybe they had success somewhere.” Janet smiled ruefully it this thought. “Undoubtedly, they did” began Faith. “Maybe having a celebration - if that’s what they call a celebration.”

“I’m sure no one except friends would call killing and destruction a - a celebration.” “Well all of Japanese are friends no-matter how you look at it.” “You can say that again,” said Janet using a slang phrase. “What did you say Bill was doing?” asked Janet presently. “He’s down in the cellar writing some reports” replied Faith quickly. “Oh” Janet jumped off the bed. “Lets go down and see him. Nothing to do up here.” “Swell elders” responded Faith. Janet grabbed for her Kamona and she and Faith slipped down the hall into the front room. Down the cellar steps they tramped, it was dimly lighted from an oil lamp. “Hello Bill” called Faith quickly seeing the young Chinese man, sitting industriously at a small table and when he saw the girls smiled presently. “What ya doing” asked Janet bending over the table to peer at the queer looking blanks with writing on them. “Trying to make out these reports to send on to Nanking when the men come back.” “Oh, confusing isn’t it though. Guess you don’t have much time for your wife.” Janet smiled at Faith with a wink. “Oh, she knows I love her anyway.” Bill shot a long smile at Faith. “Hey you down there.” Someone was calling from the top of the stairways. “Come on up. Quick.” Bill, Faith and Janet exchanged glances of wonder. But departed up the stairs to see the whole. Chung Chee family running out of the door. “What’s going on” Faith cried to Ang.

“Come on out. Hurry.” They all scrambled out the door and a finery sight met their eyes. The whole horizon was a glowing bald of red fire mounting higher and high in the heaven. “What city is that.” asked Faith hurriedly as Bill swung his arm over her trembling shoulder. “Hang Lang.” Faith didn’t know who answered her but she didn’t care. Everything was so artificial in the eerie glow. “The Japanese planes must have bombed Hang Lang.” Lenya said bitterly. Janet shook her head nervously as a chill ran up her spine. “Must have been on a bombing streak” said Bill reflectively. “Must have?” Janet shot back. “Were.” “Its just horrible - all those people.” Faith felt a tear stream down her cheek. “I’ll make some tea now you come in,” said Mrs. Chung Chee seeing the distressed look on the whole group. Thanks, I think we could use it!” Janet smiled wryly. “So do I,” the group responded.

Chapter 12 The meanest of the Mean

T wo weeks went by and the Japanese Armies advanced 52 miles making them only 70 miles away from the Chung Chee farm. The Chung Chee family, Faith and Janet were tense but no one really said it outright but there was still that horrible feeling inside, right in the part of the stomach. The great day of Christmas came and went without anyone even paying any attention. Planes of the Japanese came more often and ??? the skies with vigor. Janet knew that snow ??? Ang and Bay Hay went to the front, even ??? and little Bee were heartbroken because ??? couldn’t go to fight for China. The days seemed to go by quickly, too quickly. Finally the day that all that was left of the small group had feared come. With the Japanese only 25 miles away, no one let up their work. Lenya was the first to get panicky. It was one afternoon, the Japanese still only 25 miles away, the planes had just gone over while Janet, Faith and Lenya were scouting about looking for paratroopers that might decide to land, so they could give warning. Faith went me way, Janet the other and Lenya in the opposite direction. “Don’t see any signs of a paratrooper” muttered Janet plowing through the snow covered ground, gun slung over her thin shoulder. “But you can’t be too sure.” She stepped quickly over a large rock and tried to figure out her bearings, up ahead, she noted, was a thicket of forest and just to the right was another not so thickly populated with trees area. “Well” she sighed wearily and trudged on toward the thickest settled forest. Just inside she peered up through the takes toward the sky. It was calm, with just a few birds. Casting her eyes from the sky, she rested, then on a branch of a large tree. “What is that she questioned herself in puzzlement and then quickly and quietly moved over, directly under the high branch. “Why!” she almost screamed with anxiety. “Its a parachute!”

No mistake about it, it was a parachute hanging steadily on the branch as if someone had placed it their. All sorts of things ran through her mind as she cautiously creeped along toward the clearing again. She new she must find Faith or Lenya, to tell them the frightening news. She did not have to go too far before she found Faith and with only seconds intervals for breathes told her the story. “Are you sure it was a parachute Jan? asked Faith hurriedly. Janet shook her head decidedly. “Then a paratrooper must be here right on this land, if not closer.” Faith shuddered at even the thought of it. They walked slowly back toward the farmhouse discussing this new problem that had just arisen. “Oh my, more trouble!” Mrs. Chung Chee’s eyes blazed with fear, clearly seen. Bee, Pinoa and Mr. Chung Chee stood in front of Janet and Faith wide eyed as they told the mysterious story of the parachute. Faith saw Pinoa look about wildly as if expecting to find the wares of the white silk parachute right in the front room. “Well” Mr. Chung Chee sighed as he carefully seated himself on the bench and lit his long pipe.” We will have to be careful. From this moon til many many more moons we shall have to carry guns all the time, whatever we do! Mrs. Chung Chee looked disturbed at this latest news. “Me! Carry a gun while I’m making food.” “Yes,” he chuckled then sobered quickly. “I’m afraid so, old women. Mrs. Chung Chee frowned resignedly. “We can’t be too cautious, you know.” Faith put in shortly. “Do you think this - paratrooper is close to us at this present time? Lenya spoke

hesitantly. Janet smiled ruefully. “I wish I only new but he couldn’t have gotten very far, that’s pretty certain.” Lenya’s face grew extremely white fear could be read in every line. “Then he might be in the barn or - or - anywhere - about.” Faith felt reluctant to answer that forward question, one, because she didn’t want to frighten Lenya anymore and two because she herself hated to say the unquestionable words. Instead she decided to shrug it off. “Please tell me?” Lenya pursued. “Is that what your thinking? That I can’t take it. Faith and Janet started to “No” but were bitterly cut-short by Lenya. “Well, I can! I can! I can! Do you understand. I know that’s what your thinking but you don’t know and you’ll never know. “We know you can take it, Lenya, its just that … … …” began Janet. “Oh, now you - you want to make excuses” revolted Lenya hotly. “We don’t want to make excuses Lenya, stop acting like a muel.” Faith through back. “Lenya!” Mr. Chung Chee, who had listened potently to this discussion, spoke up sharply. “Sit down and get control of your senses. This is no time to crab about such foolish things. Of course those girls no nothing of where this paratrooper could be. Sit down!” “Yes, old man” reluctantly Lenya backed down on the bench.” I’m sorry Janet and Faith. I guess ??? ??? eyes. Wha-t are you - … .” said Faith trying to be casual but it was odd, very odd.

“I know! What am I doing among these dirty people? Don’t ask me. I’ve been asking myself that for quite some time” the girl answered hastily. Janet, Faith, Pinoa, Lenya and Mrs. Chung Chee flared all at once, but Mr. Chung Chee stopped all of the hot argument that was mounting. “Who are you?’ “Elaine Celeste Berdine.” “Ok, won’t you all come into my humble home.” Elaine looked about the “humble home” skeptically. “What do you want her to come in for,” asked Faith of Mr. Chung Chee when the others were all in the front room. “She will learn to respect, when she leaves, I promise”. He walked off calmly. “Oh, she’s the biggest skunk that ever walked on two feet” it was Janet, behind her. “She’s terrible pretty.” Pinoa broke in on the aimless conversation. “Yes,” Janet considered for the first time. “She is very much so. I imagine she’s rich too.” “Rich” Faith said with a haughty sneer. “I’m sure she didn’t borrow those clothes.” “As much as I dislike doing it, I’m going to have a little talk with Beh (Miss) Berdine.” Carried on Janet, gazing past the group in the front room, to Miss Elaine Berdine. “Good idea!” said Faith quickly, without hesitation “But be careful of your English. She’s liable to bite your tongue off if you open your mouth too much.” As she said these last words she brushed past Janet and Pinoa into the front room. And as Janet watched her go she suddenly realized how true Faith’s words were.

Mrs. Chung Chee prepared a considerably good meal, considering the war. After the meal, all but a few of the people left to continue on their endless journey toward uncertain freedom. Janet almost burst out protest when Elaine was offered the other part of her bed but she quickly subsided when she considered the fact that she would have a very good chance to speak to the new guest. “Oh, its you!” exclaimed Elaine as Janet pushed open the door to her room, to find Elaine sitting leisurely on the bed. Yes, its me! Returned Janet flatly, as she relaxed her muscles, to lie on the hard bed. “Elaine” said Janet hesitantly”. Why did you come with those people when you itted they were filthy? Why? Elaine looked at Janet sharply, with piercing blue eyes. That’s my business! “Oh but it isn’t, its everyone concerned business. Now why did you?” Elaine fumbled with her fingers as if nervous but as she spoke no signs of nervousness could be distinguished. “I was in Shanghie, with my uncle James, when the Japanese attacked. The reason I had evening clothes on because I was about to leave for a dance - at the Japanese Embassy. I arrived their and they sent me back to my apartment for my suitcase. I got it and I was about to get into a taxi when bombs tore down from the skies. Of course I didn’t know what to do. I was so frightened I pushed the driver over and drove madly out of the city. I met many people fleeing but I didn’t stop. “Didn’t stop!” Janet cried out sharply. No, they were all sick and - a if had no time. Well I finally wound up this way. “You - your the meanest of the mean!”

Chapter 13 Elaine Pulls Through

“T ut, tut” replied Elaine with a small laugh. “What do I care about those people? “Nothing” swung back Janet hotly. No one but your own self-centered self.” Elaine just gave Janet a quick look of disapproval, so Janet continued. “But how could you? How could you? You’d have to be pretty, pretty mean to do that.” “Oh” Elaine laughed shortly. Playing the great heroine, huh!” “No I’m not playing the heroine and who do you think you are - Mademorele Soulfe or something.” “Really” Elaine reported. “You don’t impress me in the least.” No more words could come from Janet’s lips for a minute, she couldn’t think of anything to say to make this girl realize, anything. “Turn over and go to sleep, will you?” Elaine pulled the covers over her slim body. Janet retreated a little unwilling, even though this girl could never be convinced, it seemed “but she must”, this thought turned over and over in her mind as she lie for a long while awake. It even followed her into her sleep. Startled that night, she awoke to hear a loud rumbling coming from the dirt road. It started in a bump then a whiss and finally was as loud as thunder. “Trucks” she shouted instantly. “Wha-t are you screaming for this time.” Elaine turned over toward Janet, who was already out of bed and streaking toward the frosty window.

“Japanese,” this word reached in Janet’s mind for a few minutes. “Japanese trucks. Come on we have to get the Chinese under cover or the Japs will kill all of them. “Who cares, I’m too tired” said Elaine and started to fell back to sleep again when Janet more angry than she had ever been knocked the pretty Elaine onto the floor with a thud. “Get up out of their and help or else you’ll be sorry.” Elaine gazed up and Janet’s determined face and weakly lifted herself from the floor. “All right, I’m coming.” “Hey” cried Faith opening the door. Come on get the Chinese down in the cellar and we’ll pretend we’re living here. They can’t touch us were Americans. Now hurry! Janet and Faith hustled the small group of frightened Chinese into the hidden room in the cellar, once used in the medieval times. Elaine stood by watching the girls hustle about with an impish grin on her lovely face. “Now” Faith said with finality as Janet, Elaine and herself stood in the front room. Janet peeking out of the window. The Japs were now stopping just on the old dirt road. She felt a cold shiver run down her back. “We must go back to bed and pretend we were asleep. Elaine”, Faith looked soberly at the newcomer. Please let us do the talking and if you have a ½ an ounce of goodness in you, don’t tell them the Chinese are here.” “Humph,” was the only reply Faith got. “Alright tell.” Janet blew up. You haven’t got any heart. Just an alarm clock that goes off every time you want it too.” Now a high officials car was coming down the small lane. Everyone was tense, not one word was spoken between any of the girls as they walked back to their rooms.

They lay down stiffy on their bed each minute expecting a gun to be pained their way. Finally Faith heard a lot of jibber jabber in the kitchen and noise of men’s voices boomed through the entire house, echoing and reechoing. The time had come. They must go out and face the barbarian deserts. “What is the meaning of this may I ask” Janet rushed out of her room, Faith and Elaine tensely back of her. Four or five Japanese soldiers with pointed rifles and bayonets stood about the kitchen. “Oh women!” one cried out sharply. “Stop”. The cold voice of another mumbled Janet through and through. “So sorry but as you know we are at war with China but you are Americans, yes” “Yes and please remove your vodoo men right now” Faith challenged hotly, her blood running cold with anxiety and feverish confusion. “No matter, we will have to keep these men here - for your protection against the - barbarians shall we say - Chinese,” the spokesmen bowed shortly and Janet saw Elaine start to speak. “Would she tell? Would she tell? She couldn’t. Fear surged over her. “No we don’t went these men here” spoke Elaine shorty but firmly. All the Japs eyes opened wide. They stared at the girls confusedly. “Sorry” began the spokesmen. “We don’t want them here, we want privacy” characterized Faith sternly. “You have to speak to Commander Tawaki” the spokesmen bowed once more and showed his large frame through the door, then they believed him. “Tawaki! Tawaki! Did I here him say Tawaki?” Janet swing around to Faith. “Tawaki?” Faith jumped a bit startled. Is that what he said?” “Yes yes ye e s that’s what he said.”

“Oh, good Lord”. Faith felt like crying. “What are you talking about.” Elaine stuck her two cents in. Faith and Janet told the story according to detail of the advantageous Mr. Tawaki. “Whow, I don’t blame you! Wow were in a fix.” Elaine twisted about the room nervously. And Janet’s heart warmed for her. She really was a good sport I guess, she laughed to herself. Mr. Chung Chee was right. She did learn her lesson. “Janet Martin, Faith Kingston” it was their old enemy Huito Tawaki storming through the door. “Oh, hello” both girls said unimpressed. After a vivacious greeting by Mr. Tawaki he ordered his bayonettess to take their departure. “My!” he looked about the dull front room. “You’d think Chinese lived here.” He cast a suspicious glance at all three girls. Faith spoke easily. No but we got this place from some Chinese. They were fleeing so they said we could have it. And we took it of course. “Oh” came the reply. Its a lovely place but I wonder how you keep the rice fields in the summer, it must be pretty hard. “Yes quite” Elaine winked impishly at Faith. “We’re married you know?” Faith for the first time felt like laughing. “Married?” Mr. Tawaki glared at them through cold eyes that showed no pity. “Yes, my name is Mrs. William Ling and Janets is Mrs. Richard Collins.” “Ling? Then your husband is Chinese? No, he’s American but Chinese descent.

“I see and Janet’s husband.” “Well, he’s with the American Flying Tiger’s” Janet broke in on the quick witted conversation. “That’s nice, very nice.” Mr. Tawaki put his two thumbs in his thick brow leather belt and with an air of finality spoke: “So long girls. I hope I’ll see you some day. Maybe I’ll be dictating to your President.” He smiled languishly and walked out of the house, leaving the girls in momentary silence.

Chapter 14 The Chung Chee House goes up in Smoke

“J anet” said Faith slowly a few days latter.” We better get out of here and try to make the Chinese lines. With these daily inspection of houses we’re sure to be caught - and soon. They’ll find the Chung Chee family in the hidden room - or they really must be absolutely stupid”. “Yes, I’ve been thinking it over too.” Janet bent over the kitchen fire intently. But how will we ever get the C.C.’s past the Japanese Centry’s. Their sure to know their Chinese.” “I know. That’s the real problem.” Faith countered wisely. “If there was only some way.” Janet paused in deep thought. “There must be someway - there has to be.” Silence fell over the two as many unsatisfactory thoughts ed through their tired brains. Faith gazed absently into the red angry fire that lifted long whiffs of smoke in the air. “Of course” she cried jumping up and snapping her fingers in triumph. “Why didn’t I think of that before.” “What?” Janet’s eyes searched Faith’s lighted face. “Now look,” began Faith hurriedly. If this house started to burn. What would the Japanese Centry’s and the Japanese ground forces do? “Why they’d run here and try to put it out. Of course.” Right. Wouldn’t they be busy if the house was an inferno? Sure. They’d be in panic because when a house starts to burn, especially a farm

well that means no one will live in it, to produce food for the Japanese Armies, but I don’t see what all this has to do with our problem.” “You will.” Faith informed her friend. If all the Japs were in panic well - don’t you see it would be our chance.” “Of course. What a dope I am?” “Hey what’s going on up their.” Elaine’s voice came from down in the cellar. “Come here Elaine and on the double.” “Alright soon as I finish giving you know who their food.” In a few seconds Elaine appeared in the kitchen doorway with a tray in her hand. Faith and Janet with hurried explanation told Elaine their plan and Elaine agreed heartily. “Now to ask Mr. Chung Chee his permission to burn down his home.” Faith swung down the stairs. “Elaine” said Janet. I take back all I said about you.” “It should be I that should be apologizing to you and Faith, after all, the things I said were disgraceful and I it it, I’m a spoiled brat.” “You were,” reflected Janet smiling at Elaine. But that’s all changed now. In about three more minutes Faith appeared in the doorway. “They consented after I told them it was important.” “Good” Elaine swung her arm over Faith’s shoulder. Mr. Salesman. “Are you sure they don’t mind?” asked Janet sensibly. “No they don’t mind.” “I’m glad.” shoot back Janet.

“So to night is the night,” Elaine looked about the cute kitchen sadly. “Yes tonight is the night. I guess.” Faith too glanced about the cute but crude kitchen sadly. “I wish we didn’t have to set fire to it. I’m gonna feel bad.” Janet walked into the front room with a shiver. It was fuzzing in there. “We better set the fire in the fireplace in here.” She rubbed her numb arm with short easy strokes. “Umhum”, the quick reply came from Elaine, she grabbed the old warm coat and slipped into it and hustled out of the door toward the barn. She came back carrying two short legs under each arm and as she set them down in the heat of the fireplace turned to Janet who stood beside her helping with the legs also. “Outside the barn is about 6 trunks and 6 suitcases. I almost stripped over them as I went in. Are they yours?” Janet looked up puzzled to find Faith standing near also. “They couldn’t be, all our clothes are in Shang Hie but lets go see they might be something else.” It wasn’t long before they stood in front of the trunks and suitcase piled neatly more puzzled then before. “Their our’s alright but how did they get here - I’d like to know.” Faith gazed at the other two girls and in turn Janet and Elaine turned to Faith with puzzled eyes. “Lets carry them into the house. No use leaving them out here”. Elaine was the first to speak. “Yes” Faith and Janet agreed and began picking up the comparatively heavy suitcase. Three trips were made from the house to the barn and finally all the trunks and suitcases lay on the front room floor. Janet open her’s to find all her clothes neatly packed. Faith did the same and

found the same. They stacked the suitcases and trunks in the car and filled the gas tank. Soon everything was ready. The touches were being lighted. The Chung Chee family were all in the car. Elaine and Janet were also in the car ready for the departure. Faith first set fire to the barn, a red ball of fire soon was roaring. It outlined the tree’s and the surrounding ground with an eerie glow that made Janet shudder. The houses that were once in the barn now shoot out across the fields wildly, the geese and ducks scampered about. The house being the next objective was set a fire by throwing a touch on the roof, another in the kitchen. Faith ran to the car and gazed firedly at the firedly seen, a tear in the corner of her eye. She was awakened to reality by the shrill whistle of a Japanese Centry. Quickly and automatically, she shoved her foot on the starter and the car jerked into immediate action. The Centry tried to get out of the way of the big black car and barely succeeded. As they turned up the road a car’s dim headlights showed behind them. Faith stepped on the gas quickly. Faster faster the car went. The Chung Chee family in sheer terror of the car for they never had ever been in one. As the headlights disappeared, Faith turned the car off this road and onto the fields. Janet looked back every two minutes to see if there was any sign of moving vehicle. Not one word was spoken as if any word might be heard by the enemy. “Where are we going Faith” Elaine asked sensibly. Faith just shrugged her shoulders.

Chapter 15 A Little Voice

“A ren’t we near the Chinese lines yet?” Janet asked nervously. “Pretty soon.” Faith informed her peering ahead as they rolled along the dirt road. “When we’ll pretty soon” become a reality” Janet spoke irritably. “Be patient my dear”. Elaine laughed. “Patient!” Janet revolted. “That’s a laugh. Mrs. Ling over there is just trying to be funny. “Oh Janet you thrill me at your brilliant deductions.” Faith mimicked with a smile. “Thank you my dear Watson” Janet relaxed still not satisfied even after she used the name of one of the famous English characters Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes assistant. “How many years have you know Janet” Elaine asked interested. “About eleven an ½, I think.” Replied Faith. “Tell me about your childhood” said Elaine. Start with Faith. “Well, I was born in Ridgefield Conn and raised their. I had everything I wanted including my own way. When I was about 8 my father died and my mother inherited all the money which was a luscious sum. We lived in a large mansion with about 20 room and were they beautiful. How I met Janet was, that, she moved in the house on the opposite estate. Well - let her tell you about her house. Anyway, one day I was trotting on my favorite house. Starlit when this young lady comes galloping down the road at about 50 miles an hour. She almost knocked me off my house. So after a continuous apologizes we got

acquainted. How come you both decided to come to China? Asked Elaine now very enthusiastic at the interest summarizing of events. “Well I heard about how poverty stricken they were so I decided I was going to be a doctor. I guess I got Janet enthused so she after a long struggle she too decided to go to China and become a doctor. “How exciting!” Elaine’s face was bright. “So here we are!” laughed Janet. Now you tell us about your life. I was the only child and was raised in Newark New Jersey but we left after my 3rd birthday. We happen to take Ridgefield through I don’t know why. I met Faith and we became best friends. My family was rich and I also had everything my little heart desired. Faith told you the rest. So that’s all. “Hey we’re coming to a city.” Faith exclaimed. Shouts of glee were cut short and not a sound was heard inside the auto except a terrified gasp. “Oh how awful” Lenya buried her head in her arm. No one made any comment. Bodies were strewn along the road, people were running about crazily. One woman sat in the middle of the rims of a building eating poi. “What city is this?” someone in the car asked shakily. Faith guessed it was Pinoa. Faith free hand grappled for the map. “Sung Lei” she returned. “Hey Faith here comes a Jap Centry - Oh - oh we’re in for it.” Elaine cried out sharply. All eyes were shoot toward the surrounding territory. Sure enough, up ahead a

small stealthy figure loomed up in the moonlight, carrying a gun and a shiny bayonets. He was walking slowly toward the car. “What are we going to do?” this question resound throughout the whole car. “Slowly and one by one all of you will get out.” The man came up to the window of the car and pointed the gun in their direction. “Ok, Ok don’t have to get rough.” Faith opened the car door to exclaim. Why your not Japanese, your Chinese. I recognize the uniform. This exclamation brought a burst of joyful from the car. “I am not Japanese dog,” replied the angered soldier. “Oh of course not.” Janet opened her side of the door and stepped out into the brisk night air. “We come here because we wanted to make the Chinese lines and we did. Thank God.” Then Faith related the rest of the story of the burning of the house and the escape from the Japanese. “Come with me please!” he commanded the group politely. They followed after him willingly. They were ushered into a crude office. Benches lining against the four short walls a desk made of logs were set in the middle of the floor and a door was at the farthest end. The centry motioned for them to sit down and doing so departed through the door. The group said nothing but exchanged looks of wonder filled with much relief. “Its cold in here!” Bee said trying to start up an active conversation such as they had in the car. “Yes it is though I really hadn’t noticed!” Mrs. Chung C. smiled down at her son lovingly.

“I don’t think anyone else has either Bee” she added unconcernedly. “Huh?” Janet asked not hearing what Mrs. Chung Chee said. “I said, I don’t think … … … …” “You may go in now. You with the blonde hair.” The centry broke in on the aimless talk. Faith rose and walked through the door. It seemed like ages before Faith finally came out of the office. Eager faces grated her. “The commander here says to go on til our gas runs out then to stay their. Ok.” “Yes, I suppose so.” Came one comment from Janet. “Guess it’ll have to do” was the reply from Elaine. Quickly it was decided that’s what they would do. After saying hurried goodbye’s the car and its occupant proceeded on to know where. On and on it rolled, easily. A few comment were made about the scenery but that’s as far as it went. “How singing some old American songs for these folks” Faith pushed the wheel to the right a bit. It was agreed upon, Janet, Faith and Elaine sang, Way down upon the Swanny River Old black Joe. Always and Down by the Old Mill Stream. Then quietness prevailed for some minutes Janet watched the fields, that were once rich with with rice but now covered with a white blanket of snow. She decided Faith must be having a terrible time keeping the car on an almost unseen path what for the snow covering every inch of ground as far as she could see and also no lights on.

The mountains off in the distance rose high into the black sky, massive peaks of rock. The Chinese used them for shelter when the Mongolians from across the border attacked. As she thought of the war of years back this knew war placed itself in her tired mind. Where is Dick? How will he know that we’ve gone from the Chung Chee house? How will he know? He’s sure to think we were burned in it. Oh, I know I’ll never see him again ever, ever ever. A little voice inside her kept tormenting with these same words over and over in succession. The car forcefully shoved on through the thick snow now turning to ice.

Chapter 16 Kwan Yin Has Never Helped

“O h Oh, no more gas” Elaine said anxiously as the car sputtered crankily and then quieted to a stop. “Correct Sherlock” Faith itted jauntily turning around to the group in back for some suggestion. “Well now what are we going to do. No gas and out in the middle of no where.” Janet racked her brain for a moment. Then with a shrug. “Well looks like were going to have to use our dear, precious limbs. Come on.” She opened her door quickly and stepped out. The other disapprovingly followed her lead. “Brr-r” Elaine buttoned her fur coat more tightly about her as the brisk cold air flurried about her. “I was afraid we’d run out of gas right in the middle of nowhere and we sure did.” Faith spoke quickly. The group stood on a small pathway. In each side, far to the distant was a barrier of mountains and wilderness. The nipping wind blew hungrily about them. “No use standing here.” Janet stuck her icy hands into her long pockets and started forward up the path way. “No I guess not but first lets get something settled. We can’t just push on without food and warm, suitable clothing, returned Faith. “I suppose not” Janet came to the group again and waited for Faith’s suggestions. “Now here’s my plan” began Faith. “All of us will wear over top of our clothes the coats Janet and I have packed away in those trunks.”

She pointed toward the trunks which lay contently on the floor of the car. The eyes of the group all turned on them and as Faith began again turned on her once more. “They may be a little short or long but in a while you’ll be glad you had them. She stopped gathering her words orderly, then continued again. “After that each one of us, from the youngest to the oldest will carry a bundle of food or what ever it might be. Then were to leave the car here and walk until we come to a place that we can rest or somewhere. Is this alright with all of you?” A nod of the head was the response. So Faith and Janet scurried through their trunks and each brought up 5 coats. Mrs. Chung Chee was given a light blue one with a gray fashionable fur collar. Soon each one had received a coat and were all ready carrying small and large necessary articles. Faith carried the bag of hospital supplies. Janet carried 2 bundles of food. Lenya, a great number of sheets and pillow cases. Pinoa the small stove and some kitchen utensils. Bee carried all eight guns and also the ammunition stuffed in his strong pockets. Mr. Chung Chee, the blankets and 4 pu gai (a comfort stuffed with a small amount of cotton and used for sleeping sacks) Keoh took charge of the can of oil used for light. And Mrs. Chung Chee ambled along with the rest of kitchen utensils. “These things are quite heavy” Keoh broke the silence willingly for not word was spoken between any of the group except for a few pointing of fingers and muffed commands that no one actually heard but didn’t want to open their mouth to ask for fear the cold would freeze their aching throat and tongue. On and on they trudged wearily. The car already out of sight beyond outstretched cliffs. Once in a while one in the party, would take the trouble to tryst about to see their surroundings. Short bursts of air come from each throat as if chocking. “Kuan Yin” (guan zing Goddess of Mercy) Mrs. Chung Chee bowed her head as the wind rushed forward. “Have mercy.”

“Kuan Yin won’t and can’t help you just pray to God.” Faith lisped unintentionally. All the Chung Chee’s looked a bit surprised at this knew correction. “Kuan Yin is Goddess of Mercy do you not know that.” Pinoa turned to Faith quickly. “I know. But she can’t help you now as she has never helped you.” Faith replied setedly. “She has always helped our China, just because she does not helped your America is no sufficient reason to speak so of her.” Argued Lenya. “China has been lead astray my children. The girl is right.” Mr. Chung Chee put in wisely. “Old Father, how can you say that. Is it true” Keoh looked inquiringly at the aged father. “Yes my children it is true, very true Deh hun (dĕ hŭn, indeed).” “But how is this? China has worshipped Kuan Yin for millions of moons.” Mrs. Chung Chee questioned her husband. “As I said before. China has been led astray by false men.” “Old father, how do you know of this? asked Bee questioningly. Many moons ago when I went to Su Chung to see our old grandmother. In the city I met a Catholic Missionary. He told me of the true religion of Jesus Christ and of the Catholic Church. “Really old father that must have been exciting” interrupted Bee interested. “Then there is no Kuan Yin, at all” asked Keoh, shifting the cans a bit. “No not at all” he replied shortly. “Why did you not tell us this when you came back from old Grandmother’s.” Lenya broke in suddenly.

“Because my child. I was trying to reason it out also.” “So now you are sure.” Pinoa said quaintly. Mr. Chung Chee nodded his head fixedly. “Oh my this is all so confusing.” Mrs. Chung Chee quipped. Janet and Faith all this time listened quietly to the typical words and phrases of this charming family. “I think we had better rest here for a while” Janet laid the two bundles on a large rock. The others all agreed thoroughly for all were winded, from external execution. The place Janet spoke of served as a shelter from the wind for it was a small bit of ground surrounded by comparatively high cliffs. “It sure feels good to get out of that wind”. Faith set about opening cans of food while the other’s looked for wood to build a warm fire. The dinner was cooked quickly and it consisted of a bowl of rice and some Chinese hard bread but no one complained for all hungrily. “Don’t you think it would be advisable to stay here for the rest of the day and night,” asked Janet of Mr. Chung Chee.” He considered for a moment. “Yes I agree.” he complied. “No sense going out into that wind when its very good in this shelter.” The Pu gai’s were put down in the most warm and sheltered place, blankets, sheets and pillow cases were stacked neatly on one pu gai. It grew dark earlier then the other night it seemed to Janet. Because of this the fire had to be put out for planes of the Japanese might see it and bombs might hurtle down during the night or at any time. The best thing to do was to go to bed and that’s exactly what all, except Mr.

Chung Chee who was to stay up and keep watch, did. “Faith” Janet called softly to the girl who shared the pu gai with her. I just can’t get to sleep with this terrific wind. Can you?” No I can’t but I’m trying awfully hard after all that’s quite a walk we had. You know! “Umhum” They smiled lovingly at each other.

Chapter 17 Refuge In the Nick of Time

T he next day the small group moved on after gathering all their equipment up. Steadily they pushed on through a blinding snow storm that numbed their fingers and for officially the first time felt not the tragic horrors of war but horrors of nature itself. Stopping only long enough to rest and have some food chiefly of which was rice and bread, for fear the cold might take hold of them and sweep them into panic and more confusion. A day slipped by u more and more of the precious energy that is so needed in the stressing days that were ahead. The snow seemed to come down harder every hour. Something had to be done! On that everyone agreed heartily. They couldn’t endure much more what with carrying the equipment and jorking through the snow. “We must be near some village by now!” Janet swung the bag of food over her. Shoulder loosely. At first she had thought it easy to carry but as the snow increased she considered its heavy burden. “That’s what we all thought a day ago” returned Faith mockingly with a quick intake of breath. “How can we stand much more of this?” - days and days it seems since we left the car we were foolish people to let that car go to waste when it could have served as a shelter at least.” Lenya spoke half with bitterness and half despair. “Will just have to stand it - there’s nothing else to do” replied Keoh with a helpless shrug. “We’ll just how to stand it” Lenya mocked. That’s all I hear! Think of something else to say! “How can we?” Pinoa put in valiantly. “If we take our mind off it, we’re liable to trip over a rock-or something.”

“Lenya stop that foolish talk!” corrected Mr. Chung Chee. “Do you think its any easier on the rest of us then it is for you?” “No, old father but I … … .” she began. “Hush now. Lenya no more do we want to hear from you” broke in Mrs. Chung Chee irritably. Lenya quieted at the angered words of her mother. Janet searched in front of her. Bits of snow flakes flurried down onto her nose with a cold tang. She ed the winter’s in her Connecticut home. The wind blew and the snow came down almost the same. All the children went out to play in the white snow. But-ok never like this. She wondered what had ever saved them from a freezing death. As she thought of this a smile ed over her lips. Of course, she thought. “Our prayers did it - at least so far.” “Can’t you just picture this at home” Faith broke in on Janet’s meditation. “Hm” Janet’s eyebrows lifted in dismay. “I can’t picture you at home now - What are you thinking of?” Faith laughed. “Oh I was thinking of home - and all” replied Janet lapsing into thought once more. “Funny” Faith spoke aloud. “But I was thinking the same thing. “Yes, I guess that’s what every one thinks of home when their off in a different place.” “Oh China’s wonderful and I truly love it here but … …” Faith was interrupted by Janet who finished up her query. “Home - there’s no place like home.” she smiled wryly. “Exactly” returned Faith with finality. “But as long as were not home - thinking about it makes you feel good at least.” “Do you know,?” Janet said after a bit of silence. That if it wasn’t for Col. Huito

Tawaki we would have frozen long ago.” “How do you mean” asked Faith. “Well because it was he who brought us these trunks. Wasn’t it?” “Yes, now that I correctly. Boy I’ll bet he’d be burning up if he could see us now.” Faith ambled on jibbly. “I can just see his face. Woooo” laughed Janet. “He needs a good kick” interrupted Faith hotly. “More than that my dear.” “I still can’t understand why he took such an interest in us”. retarded Faith. “Yes I know; that’s a mystery to us but I’m going to solve it if it takes me the rest of my life.” Little did Janet realize that this statement she made would not take the rest of her life but it would come very soon. “I’m determined I’m going to solve it too” replied Faith sourly. “Do you think we just imagined his queerness to us” asked Janet trying to find Faith’s honest opinion. “No” returned her companion. “Its not our imagination. I’m sure of that. , he said a long time ago that we would find out all the answers we asked that time in the hotel lobby.” “Yes.” Janet broke in recalling this. That was the time we were so mad because he ordered us to take the cab to the embassy.” “Umhum and we went in a rich sha any way. Then when he turned up at the Guide Hotel, well you know how we flared.” “, the queer hotel clerk and that Westley Brookes. They were two real queer ducks.” Janet swung back still slashing through the ever deeper snow.

“How could anyone possibly forget such characters” replied Faith with dislike. “I wonder what became of Westly Brooks.? Do you think that the Japs got him? asked Janet. “I really can’t imagine. Probably he’s dealing with them to save his own neck.” broke in Faith. “I truly wouldn’t be a bit surprised” Janet said matter of factly. “No and I don’t believe I would either” Faith blinked her eyes solemnly for the petal like snow flakes that dropped all about her. He seemed like the type that would do anything.” “Hey!” Bee Chung Chee yelled voluntarily. What’s that beyond that next hill? It looks like a building of some kind. “Yes it certainly does?” Mr. Chung Chee halted in his tracks. The group hurriedly and clumsily pushed forward with intensity til they reached the small building. It looked deserted but with the thorough inspection of the group a small peep of light was located. Faith noticed about 9 or 10 other houses in the back as Mr. Chung Chee knocked vibrantly on the door his hands almost numb with cold. A women clad in the uniform of a Nun opened the heavy door. Janet, Faith and Elaine blinked with complete surprise. Rosary Beads hung from her heavy belt made of leather. A white veil covered her head with magnificence. As she glanced at the group her kindly eyes, lit with sympathy and warm welcome. “Come in my friends” she pushed each one of the group into the hallway. “Thank you Sister … .” Janet began and with embarrassment realized she hadn’t asked the Sister’s name. “Sister Margaret Agnus” she finished with a smile. “If I may ask. Did something happen to you from the Japanese or what is the matter.

Faith told the entire story without hesitation or confusion. “This is a hospital and a convent for girls and war refugees. The back building is the hospital and this part is the convent.” Sister Margaret Agnus smiled at the group as she ushered them into the office of the head superior Sister Ann Catherine. “Do you mean there’s another building ??? there”? Janet asked surprisedly. “Yes my dear, the hospital” Sister Margaret Agnus replied gently. Janet took in her surrounding quickly. It was a candle lighted room. Sister Ann Catherine sat at the desk smiling kindly. A few chairs of harsh word scattered about the room, a table with a few religion articles, and a volume of books. “How do you do” Sister Ann Catherine got up from the desk and clasped each persons hand warmly. Janet related the whole story with the attention of each member. “I’m really sorry. You know you can stay here as long as your like. The Japanese have not bombed the convent or hospital yet” the Sister informed the group. “But Sister that would be asking too much of your generous hospitality.” Broke in Faith meaningly. “Tut tut of course your going to stay. In fact I insist” replied the Sister commandingly. “If you insist. Then we must work for our food and shelter” Janet came in. “Alright, I agree. What are you able to do?” she asked business like. “We’re Doctors” chorused Faith and Janet at the same time. “Doctors!” Sister A.C.’s eyebrows lifted with astonishment. Praise be God. Angels from heaven. You don’t realize how we need you.” “I’m glad we can be of service” Faith smiled gladly. Be of service! I’ll say you can! But first you must get those wet clothes off! All

of you. The Chung Chee’s, Faith Janet and Elaine were clothed and fed in the large convent kitchen. “Now all of you we’ll get a good rest and then you’ll be rested enough to start work.” Another Sister, Sister Marie Rose, ordered the group. “Now children you must scamper into Sister Marie Rose and she will give you your food.” Janet dismissed her little charge with an affectionate smile. Then tiredly she sat down on the edge of the fish pond. It was nice to take care of those children she thought, they were all so kind and sweet. Miss Janet! Janet come quick. Come quick. Its Miss ??? Her baby. Her baby. “Faith!” Janet stammered helplessly as she flew open the hospital door toward Nurse Cong. “What’s the matter nurse” Janet cried flashing terrified eyes at the frightened nurse. Then momentarily she saw ??? baby in a weakened condition lying on the bumpy cot. “Get her to the operating room and hurry! She ordered recklessly. The baby was bleeding. Soon Janet was pacing the dim corridor prior to the operating room. Thirty minutes already! She pushed her hair out of her eyes aimlessly. Where we’ll they come out? When we’ll they come out? Supposes something happens to the little one. But nothing could happen could there? “Ok” she new she was all confused. “Doctor Collins!” a sweet voice called from the door of the operating room. Janet jumped very startled. “Yes?” she asked expectantly. “She have ??? like clue seen in many a moons.”

“Great!” Janet smiled relievedly. And ??? how is she? “As well as can be expected”! the nurse replied with a smile and then disappears through the operating room door once more. The sound a baby shrieking made Janet smile affectionate in spite of herself.

Chapter 18 A Happy Reunion

N ow, as Janet sat on the heavy bench, waiting for the nurse to finish cleansing the operating instruments she wrinkled her brow in deep thought. Thoughts, as usual of her husband. Where is he now? And many more of the same kind that whirled in her brain as yet unanswered. Also of the Chung Chee’s who wished to continue on. “Doctor, everything is ready.” The Chinese nurse stood in the doorway of the brilliantly lighted operating room. In the operating room were a long bed set on wheels covered in white sheets. Beside this was a small table; on it were the instruments used in operating and the medical supplies. She rose listlessly when the nurse beaconed. It would be the 7th or 8th time that afternoon that she had lifted the tools used in an operation. But now she couldn’t keep track any longer. Since Faith couldn’t she had the full responsibility. At the thought of Faith she managed a little smile to herself. “Please bring in the patient, nurse” she directed without formality. “Yes Doctor” the short nurse turned and left the room. As Janet slipped into the sterile rubber gloves she surveyed the Chinese soldier before her on the big table. She new it was up to her to save this mans life. Many more stricken patients had to be operated on and were. Her back ached tiredly as she pushed open the exit door from the back of the hospital, the last case finished. The stars were out, she hardly noticed as she crossed the small path toward the small cottage which she and Faith now reoccupied. “Hi their toots” she called cheerily to her friend upon swinging open the cottage

door to final Faith lying on a hard cot. “Hello Jan” spoke Faith with a sad smile. What’s the matter you sound depressed or something. Don’t you like your new son? Janet smiled hearing the exuberant sounds of a small baby screeching in the crib beside Faith’s bed. “Oh yes he’s the cutest, best most wonderful baby ever but … …” Faith broke off. “Well then what’s the matter” Janet walked over to the basin of water and began washing her hands. She stopped for a second with a tiny of self reproval. Of course, she thought Faith is depressed because of her husband. “Oh Faith honey I’m so stupid - really I am” Janet dried her hands and flung herself on Faith’s bed. Faith smiled gently. Quickly Janet decided to talk about the new baby just to change the subject. “What will you call the little fellow.” “I-I can’t name him unless - Bi-Bill was here - I just couldn’t name him - just yet. “Oh - of course not” Janet had put her foot in it again. “Doctor Collins. May I see you a moment.” Someone called from the opposite side of the door. “Be right back.” She informed Faith bouncing off the bed to the door. And with one fling was standing facing Doctor Sung Lao Tang, a wisery young Chinese physician. “Yes Doctor” “So sorry to disturb you but you are needed in the operating room again. More casualties have come in.” Janet listened and when the doctor had finished marched on toward the hospital.

The hospital was way over crowded but she hardly noticed this for Faith’s new problem was on her mind. Now she took hold vaguely that she was approaching the surgical ward. Bill had to be found and soon as Faith would soon worry herself sick. “Excuse please Doctor but there is a gentlemen Soldier in the office”. A nurse interrupted her. “Hush” Janet turned about guiltily for her mind was far away from the hospital travelling near the war front. The nurse hastily reiterated her former words. “Oh” Janet meditated in thought. Who could this be? She thought of this as she hurried along the dimly lit corridors. Well we all soon find out she mumbled to herself stretching her neck a bit as she caught a glimpse of a door marked “office.” “Bi-Bill Ling! Bill! Oh Bill. You don’t realize how glad I am to see you”. Janet chocked, her head swirling with unbelief as she caught the same old smile of the, now, soldier Bill Ling. “Janet!” was all he could say. “Oh Bill” laughed Janet impishly. “I have a big surprise for you. Better sit down before you fall down”. Bill looked at Janet for a second puzzled but soon dropped on a chair. “What’s the matter?” he asked wrinkling his brow. “Well Faith is here - … .” Janet began. “Faith. Here - where” Bill jumped off the chair excitedly. “Just a minute. Not so fast.” Janet pushed him back in the chair with a giggle. Now, let me tell you. Will you. Faith is here, as I was saying, and she has a baby boy, born a week ago.

“A baby”! Bill jumped out of the chair again. Bu-u - went where is it - I mean he - the baby. “In the cottage beyond this building. Go on over and see them but ease upon them. Or else she’ll faint.” directed Janet but before she could finish Bill had shot out of the door. “Husbands” Janet shrugged with a smile. “Are you ready Doctor?” Janet turned quickly to peer into a familiar face. She blinked and blinked again. Her heart stopped beating. It couldn’t be true! She told herself over and over. “Dick!” she ran to her husband and threw herself in his arms sobbing endlessly. “Hey what’s the matter.” He drew out his white handkerchief and dabbed at her brown eyes with a smile. Just when I come to see my wife she starts crying. “Oh - Oh I just can’t help it. Its been so long,” she sobbed still. After she finished two operations she, Faith, Bill and Dick talked around the fireplace. The baby laid in his crib, sleeping quietly. “Its so queer to see us all together. I don’t know why?” “I’ve been thinking the same thing too,” broke in Bill. “By the way” asked Faith. “Where is Elaine?” “She has to work late tonight at the convent. Sister Ann Catherine, didn’t want her to work as hard as she is at keeping up the report on the Japanese bombers but Elaine said she insisted. So she’s going to stay til 12 tonight replied Janet. “What does Elaine do?” Dick asked. “She takes the time the time each Japanese bomber comes over and the kind of plane. Where its headed. She’s working on a lot of other things I don’t understand too. Returned Janet.

“Oh I’m so happy tonight” Faith looked radiant in the firelight. ???

Chapter 19 Seriousness and Sense

A few hours later, Dick reluctantly told Janet that he was to stay at the hospital because he had to recover from a slight gun wound in the shoulder. Of course she was alarmed but soon her fear subsided. Two weeks ed by and everyone on the hospital staff, even the wounded patients were excited. News, traveled faster than a speed boat. “Did you hear Doctor Collins had a baby - baby girl,” was just one of the remarks that ed between the people. “Hello Janet - how’s the baby” Faith sauntered into the room. Elaine following, carrying Faith’s month old son. “Hi ya” Elaine sprang over to Janet swiftly with an encouraging smile. “Hello - oh the baby is fine - she has good lungs at least”, replied Janet with a laugh and unfolded the white linen blanket that covered her. Faith planked herself on the bottom of Janet’s bed. Janet gazed on Faith’s new born son lovingly. “Hello Kenneth James Ling”. She looked carefully at the baby for the first time. He had black hair and vibrant blue eyes. His skin was a creamy white. Finally she concluded he was cute. “He truthfully doesn’t look like either of you” Janet still gazed at the infant. No he doesn’t at all. Except he has Bill’s black hair and my skin. “Yes, he does have your skin!” Elaine put in solemnly. “I wonder” laughed Janet. If he’ll be like his mother in disposition.

“I hope not” broke in Faith quickly with a childish smile. “I hope he does” Janet returned bravely. “..Cause if he does, he’ll have the strongest bravest, heart wonderful character any boy could ever hope for, with no offense to Bill of course. Adding a lot of humor and also seriousness and sense. Faith was about to disown all this praise when a nurse walked through the door carrying a bundle all wrapped in white linen. She smiled at Janet and set it down with the greatest of carefulness beside Janet. “Do you realize you have the cutest, most beautiful baby - outside of mine.” Faith kidded Janet good - naturedly. She peered down at the baby. It had a pinkish skin like roses, violet blue eyes and small bits of blonde hair escaped from the small head. “Of course its beautiful” chided Janet. Unnoticed by any of the girls a tall heavy set man with a sharp determined nose and rimmed spectacles walked into the doorway. “Janet, my darling!” he cried eagerly and rushed toward her. “Your safe.” “Janet swaggered helplessly with complete astonishment. But where did he come from? Who was he? “I came by plane, my dear,” he reported casually. “But lets not dilly-dally I’m your uncle Ted. Janet wondered what this last sentence meant. Why should her uncle come all the way from Connecticut especially since she had never seen him before. Her uncle continued, not even noticing Faith, Elaine or the tiny baby’s. We must get you home to the United States now. Your mother … … .” “Home” cried Janet angrily. Why of course, my dear. As I was saying your …

Chapter 20 Relapse for Janet

“B ill” Faith twisted her wedding ring as she walked beside her husband, having a little time off from the hospital. “What can we do about Janet? She simply can’t go back home! What will I do without her? “Faith, I wish I only new.” Bill returned quite in earnest. “Her uncle is quite determined. No question about that what so ever” “I know he is! That’s the trouble” Faith wrinkled her brow in distaste. “We simply must convince her uncle that Janet has to stay.” “Oh sure and I suppose your going to do that with just a snap of your fingers.” Bill broke in swiftly. “No. Don’t worry, I know it won’t be simple as that.” “I think.” mused Bill. “That it would take a block buster to make his realize anything he didn’t wish to realize.” “Then you think, he just doesn’t want to realize that Janet can’t go back.” “Right, he’s afraid of the truth”. “How can you tell, though,” asked Faith. “From the way you said he wouldn’t listen to Janet or you when you interrupted him.” stated Bill flatly. “Yes, yes that’s true” Faith cocked her head to one side reflectively. “But poor Janet, she has nothing to say about any of it.” Bill kicked a rock to one side. “Do you know that Janet can’t even protest to the way he’s been acting about Dick. He stops her short with an “My dear please” or “Dear Janet Lee, how can

you be so rude as to insult your own uncle”. ventured Faith in imitation of Theo. Collin’s voice. “Disgusting and down right mean” she continued with an air of disgust, herself. “And you know Janet would never think to do such a thing to him and that’s what makes everything worse for her. He’s just taken the advantage.” Bill brought in with a gesture of his hand. “Taken the advantage!” mocked Faith ionately. He has it “lock, stock and barrel.” “We better be getting back to the hospital, they’ll wonder where I took you.” Bill smiled and tried to get Faith’s mind away from the new and more dangerous situation. “Yes” Faith spoke hesitantly. “We better” When Bill and Faith arrived back at the hospital grounds they met Janet’s uncle who rushed up to them in great excitement. “Janet!” he chocked out. Janet, has had a relapse.” “Not Janet” Faith searched Mr. Collins face in hope of hearing him say he was only kidding. “Yes Janet. She’s very ill” Mr. Collins returned all out of breath. “Where is she.” asked Bill hurriedly. “The doctor brought her into the cottage.” replied the uncle. Faith ran toward the house that she Janet and Elaine shared, with Bill hot on her heels. The frantically pushed open the door and bounded in. Janet was lying on her cot limply. Doctor Sung bending over her. “What’s the matter with her Doctor Sung.” Faith leaned toward the aged doctor who smiled kindly back at her.

“Doctor Collins has had a serious relapse. She must have worried … …” “A serious relapse” Faith mumbled with tears filling her gray eyes. Bill put his arm around her with a comforting pat. “Oh Janet!” Faith walked over to Janet who lay unconscious. Janet’s face was a pale white, not a spot of coloring could be seen, her breathing was fast and quick gasps, her brown hair was all tousled and sweat smeared her face. “Janny! Oh Janny” Faith sobbed uncontrollably as she knelt in the floor next to the bed. “Doctor Ling, you must not take it too hard!” the aged doctor pulled lightly on her arm. “Oh she can’t die, she just can’t” still Faith sobbed. “Darling! Don’t cry.” Bill soothed. In an instant it seemed tears came no longer. “I’ll not cry!” she informed herself, then said out-loud. “How much chance has she to-live.” the word “live” came out hesitantly. Doctor Sung bit his lip. “About 5 out of 100” he watched Faith’s face pale. “Oh, I see.” she swallowed very hard and tried to get the lung in her throat out, “What can save her, if anything.” “Well as I was saying before. She must have been deeply nervous and frightened of something. Of course I can’t tell the origin, but there undoubtedly was something she was deeply worried and concerned over.” “Faith, Dick, - ba-baby.” Faith swung her gaze to Janet who was twisting and turning about the bed.

“She’ll be conscious in a minute” Faith reported with eagerness. “Yes. Yes I believe so.” Janet’s head was turning in a “no” fashion on the pillow. It was then that she became conscious. Faith anxiously pushed her fingernails into the palm of her shaking hand. “Hello Faith” Janet said sweetly. “I guess my daughter Judy Ellen wouldn’t be so proud of her mother if she could see me now. Do you think?. “Janet your the same old kid” Faith smiled feebly. Your, daughter would be more proud of you if she could see you now.” “Where is Dick?” asked Janet somewhat alarmed. Faith turned her face toward Doctor Sung and from the alarm in his voice could tell that through all the excitement Dick had not been informed Janet’s sudden illness. “Oh” she turned back to Janet. “He’ll be here any minute. Excuse me for a second!” Faith pushed open the door and ran down the rocky pathway toward the hospital. It was just as busy as usual and for the first time she hardly gave notice to any thing about her, on her way to ward is where Dick was having ex-rays of his shoulder taken. Hurriedly she swung the door open and found herself in the midst of white hospital bed. “Good afternoon Doctor Ling.” a cheesy lad called to her from one of the bed. She only had time enough to smile cordially. Now to find Dick, she thought rushing toward the small room where the ex-rays were taken. She was about to push open the ex-rays door when a doctor swiftly pulled her by the arm. Sorry doctor Ling but no one is permitted in their while an exray is being taken except the attending doctor and nurse.

“But” Faith almost wailed. “Its a matter of life or death, Doctor Sen Ju Loo. The male Chinese doctor looked at Faith intently for a second, then spoke with a smile. “Knock at the door and walk in then” Faith smiled approval and swung the door in.

Chapter 21 It Had to Be You

“D ick, don’t take it too hard.” Faith for the first time felt actually small beside Janet’s husband. Dick just stared ahead into the black fog that covered the entire area about the hospital - Convent. Dick and Faith stood outside the cottage waiting for Doctor Sung to finish his diagnosis. “Why shouldn’t I” Dick pushed his hands in his pockets bitterly. Faith, she just can’t die! She just can’t! I love her too much! To these words Faith could not say a word. “Even when we were kids together I knew she was the one I loved”, said Dick reminiscently starting to pace a bit. Faith was left without words again, there wasn’t anything she could say that would ease the insistent ache in Dick’s heart. “Come on lets go over and have something to drink - some coffee perhaps.” Faith challenged. “No you go ahead.” replied Dick shortly. Faith was about to give protest but decided otherwise and started out into the gray dewy fog toward the convent. This fog makes everything worse, she thought and set her lips in a straight line; to keep back the tears that mounted. She finally gave way near the fish pond where she fell upon the bench, sobbing. She did not realize how long she was sobbing there until the sound of footsteps came closer and closer. too tired she did not even lift her head from her former position.

Darling! She lifted her head weakly to find Bill standing beside the bench looking down at her. “Cry it out!” he advised sitting down beside Faith. “Oh Bill, she’s worse I know!” she sobbed on Bill’s shoulder. “Faith, I know how you feel, but you know if Janet could see you now, what she’d say.” “Yes, she’d probably say, “What’s going on now? Faith your you’re is all wet, don’t you ever dry your face.” Faith smiled shortly. “Sure and you know she wouldn’t want you crying over her. Now would she?” Bill lifted Faith’s head up and their eyes met in a great understanding. She nodded and put out her hand for Bill to give her his handkerchief. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief. Faith dried her eyes and blew her nose. They walked arm in arm up toward the convent. “Hello Mrs. Ling. Mr. Ling. Is Janet any better.” Sister Ann Catherine greeted them as they entered the kitchen door. “Not so good!” stuttered Faith slowly. “Oh I’m so sorry!” Sister Ann Catherine brought them a pot of coffee and some cups on a tray. “I was just about to ask if we could have some coffee.” Faith spoke tiredly as Sister Ann Catherine handed her the tray. They stepped out the door again. “Let me carry that, darling!” Bill took the tray away from Faith. “Thanks” returned Faith.

All of a sudden a song could be heard through the dense fog from one of the hospital room. Mens voices sang out with merriment. It had to be you. Faith repeated this title, thinking once more of Janet. “It will always be you.” she muttered to herself. “Where is Dick, I thought you left him here.” Bill mentioned. “I did” Faith shook herself and tried to get Janet out of her mind. “Where is he?” asked Bill setting the tray down on the doorstep of the cottage. “This is just where he was!” Faith was mystified. She began searching through the fog. No sign of Dick anywhere. “We better find him, he’s in no condition to go roaming around.” Bill said in alarm. “Yes we better.” replied Faith hurriedly. Just then all attention was turned to the bench just beyond the cottage. “Why its Dick!” after saying this Faith couldn’t understand why she seemed so surprised. They both rushed over to the bench. Dick was sitting limply staring out into the fog that seemed to caress an evil spirit of same soul. “Dick, I have the coffee.” Faith touched him on the shoulder lightly. Not a sound or a move did Dick make so Faith repeated. Dick! Dick! I have the coffee. “Huh” he looked up at both as if he really didn’t even know they were there, “Oh, sorry.”

“That’s all right.” Faith looked down on the handsome pilot with growing pity. Not a word between any of the three was said during the drinking of the black coffee. Dick stood still gazing into the fog. Bill watched Dick over his cup. And Faith looked down at the ground trying to think of some way to get Dick’s mind off Janet. They were nearly threw when a thought popped into her mind. Why not get little Judy Ellen and bring him to Dick, Yes, she decided that was what she was going to do. “Excuse me” she said and began skipping and running, toward the hospital door. “Nurse get me the Collins baby please and dress it up warmly,” she ordered a nurse and in a second Judith Ellen Collins was snugly in her arms. She walked out of the door. “Dick” she called to Dick when she saw him sitting on the bench as formerly. Bill was with him. “Here’s Judy Ellen.” Dick looked up surprisedly. For a minute he gazed up at the baby. Finally Faith put Judy in her father’s arms. “Hello Judy honey.” For a minute Faith saw tears come into Dick’s eyes. The baby giggled and moved its little hands and feet. “She’s beautiful” he conceded out loud. “Yes she is” Bill spokes suddenly. Slowly Dick put his elbow on his knee and his hand over his eyes. “Dick … …” Faith was about to say she was sorry but Dick only said. “Its alright Faith.” “Faith, Dick, Bill! Where are you?” Dick still holding little Judy preciously jumped off the bench and Faith Bill and himself rushed toward Doctor Sung who had come out of the cottage and was now standing on the doorstep.

He looked soberly at each eager face before him. Faith’s heart seemed to stop beating. Dick’s eyes never left the aged doctors face. “Janet! How is she.” he asked shakily. “Janet son is going to be alright in due time.” Doctor Sung smiled at Dick with merry eyes dancing. “Yoo hoo! exclaimed Dick. Did you here that Judy Ellen? Your mommy is going to be alright soon.

Chapter 22 Janet is Saved

“J anet you sure gave every one a scare!” Faith tried to laugh as she planked herself on the cot with Janet. “Did I now?” Janet smiled gratefully. “I’ll bet you weren’t afraid I was about to depart from this earth but because there’d be more work at the hospital for you! “Oh sure. You should have seen the work I had to do. You truly would have been sorry for me.” Faith laughed. But seriously Janet we all were worried about you especially your husband.” “Yes I know, I’m so awfully sorry I caused you to worry. Oh hi ya Elaine!” Janet called as Elaine marched into the room. “Hello their toots” Elaine sprang over to the bed also. But her face soon darkened. She eyed Faith rolling her eyes toward the door when Janet was not watching. I wonder what’s the matter with her? Faith wrinkled her brow and cocked her head to one side. Elaine pursed her lips and silently formed words. Go out side! That’s what she wants me to do. “Well” Faith rose off the couch and tried to act casual. I have to get back to the hospital. “But you just came from their!” Janet said. “Busy days. You know” Faith smiled. “So long, I must be going too.” Elaine scampered out after Faith. Janet stared for a minute. What’s going on around this place. “What’s the matter?” Faith asked as Elaine out of breath ran up to her.

“Mr. Martin is on the rampage. He is positively is going to have a stroke. He says that Janet is going back to the United States if he has to carry her.” Doesn’t he know that Janet doesn’t want to go back, that that’s why she had the relapse. “No he thinks that it was because of living in with such filth.” cancel Elaine. “How do you know?” asked Faith hurriedly. “Because I was coming through the hospital corridor and I heard all this screaming inside the office - at first I thought it was you - from a distance that is but when I got up real close - bang, that’s what I heard.” “Where is the scoundrel?” Faith took hold of Elaine’s shoulders. He’s probably still at the office! informed Elaine excitedly. Who’s he with? “Doctor Sung.” In only a few minutes Faith clambered down the corridor toward the office. It was quiet inside the door. She swiftly opened it. “Well Mr. Martin!” her voice was cold. “Oh hello Faith” he smiled languishly “What’s the big idea taking Janet home when you know very well she’d die leaving her husband. “Will you please explain the meaning of this audacity?” “I’ve explained for the last time I think its just about time you did some explaining.” “Their is nothing to explain. I am taking Janet back to the United States that’s all.” Mr. Martin eyes narrowed angrily. “That’s all! I’d say that was enough.” Faith cried. “Don’t you realize that is why

Janet had the relapse. “Yes but … … .” You know and yet your going to take her anyway … … Mr. Martin I don’t under - ??? Mr. Martin drew in a deep breath, eyes furious with anger. “My dear Mrs. Ling, I don’t see as if it is any of your business.” “In a way it is and in a way its not but answer me this would you like someone to take your very best friend and companion away. Not only from you but from her husband. And Mr. Martin as Janet’s official doctor I refuse to let her leave.” “You wouldn’t dare - Emperor Hirohito would kill me Octung” “Mr. Martin your y … … your German! Faith fell back on her heels as the man began giving himself away with a burst of the German language. “Your not Janet’s uncle are you - your not - I’m getting out of here, you won’t get very far.” Faith started toward the door but felt a hand grip her arm and shake it till she thought it would fall off. A handkerchief was stuffed into her mouth disrespectively. “You’ve given me more trouble then the worst obstacle I’ve been up against since my career as an agent.” She heard him say as he looked around for something to bind her. Her heart pounding, her will stretching as it always did when she got into a tight spot. She struggled but it was all in vain for a rope was tightened on her til the skin itched. “Now my fine little pidgion. I’m leaving but I’m taking Janet with me. Ha ah haah. The German agent slipped his hand onto the door knob and laughed. Faith lay on the floor struggling and making puffy noises trying to remove the gag. “By the time anyone discover’s you. Janet and I will be gone she still thinking I’m her uncle. You may be wondering why we want Janet. Well I’m going to tell you. I came to China purposely to get you or Janet. When I found out that Janet had just had a baby I decided to play her uncle. I got all the information on T.M. and came here. Janet seemed like the easiest one since she was ill.

Skunk! Faith thought. “Well so long!” There must be someway to stop him. Their has to be. The agent walked over to her and with an impish grin bent down. Then everything went completely black. “Oh-hh-h” she felt dazed and tired and oh her head how it did ache. What happened? She opened her eyes. Where was she? In a bed and nice white covers. Heaven! A group of people stood about her. Doctor Sung another doctor three nurses and Elaine. “Janet!” Faith jumped up. Janet! Find Janet! “Its all right.” Elaine was laughing. The make believe Mr. Martin is out of this world! You mean you killed him?” Faith asked rubbing her head. “Not as bad as that I just hit him on top of the head with a vase.” How is Janet? Where is she? She Ok that agent was just about to take her away but Janet refused and I was just coming in and I saw him slap her. Boy I got so mad I just pushed up the nearest object and smacked him on the bean. Faith and the rest bust into gales of laughter.

Chapter 23 First and not Last

“D r. Ling.” a pretty Chinese Nurse stepped into the door of Faith and Janet’s office. Faith looked up from her daily reports. “Yes.” “Excuse me but more patients have come in and your the only one available to survey them.” “Oh.” Faith said worriedly. It was just beginning and the hospital was almost full. “Where is Doctor Collins”? she asked. “She is in the Surgical ward. On her fifth operation”. The girl walked in and stood by Faith’s desk waiting for orders. “I’ll be right there in a minute.” Faith dismissed Liki with a smile. “More wounded.” Faith thought with a frown. More that were kicked around by the Japs. She straighted her white dress stiffy and walked out the door toward the ward where the wounded were brought first for surveyal. She opened the door and slid in. Everything was spotless. A few nurses padded up and down, wrote on charts, washed the wounds and some were engaged in preparing the diet. “Doctor Ling”! the head nurse clamored toward her. “That soldier American, will not stay in bed. He simply refuses.” The nurse was on the verge of tears as she pointed toward a bed where nurses hurried about. “Oh I’ll take care of him! Go on about your work!.” The head nurse started forward with a sigh of resignation and Faith continued over to the bed where an upheaval had begun. “What’s going on here!”

The Nurses turned pleading eyes on her. “Please Doctor Ling make this soldier American stay in bed” one brought forth. The American soldier was lying in a mass of bed-clothes which her personally kicked off. He looked at Faith and blinked with amazement. “Are you real or am I dreaming.” he tried to sit up but fell back in pain. “Your not dreaming.” she took his pulse then turned to the nurses “You may go now.” They obeyed in relief. “Wow.” he exclaimed! Your a knock-out.” Faith lips curled into a small smile but she recovered quickly. “You have to stay in bed. That’s an order.” she started putting the cover over him. “Will you be here?” he asked. “Please I’m not allowed to discuss such things.” she looked down at his blonde tousled hair, clear blue eyes and impish grin. “You will obey the nurses. They will be in charge in my absence.” she said in a business like manner. “What’s your name?” Faith hesitated but said. “Faith Ling” “Oh. I’ll be seein ya Faithy old girl.” he winked as she stepped out another bed. This patient was breathing rather heavily. “Temperature, please?” she asked of a nurse. The temperature is 105” the nurse replied quickly. “Keep him covered and have a nurse keep good watch on him their may further developments because of that brain injury.”

On to another bed she went and read the chart at the foot. “Shrapnel imbedded near the heart.” she reported to the Nurse. Have him sent to Surgery immediately. “Yes doctor” There were so many patients this time. Faith looked over the whole large room when she got a free minute. Later Faith finished on that ward and started for Surgery. When a sound that numbed her cold, rang through the hospital. Air Raid Siren! Must be a mistake she stopped right in the middle of the corridor. No it was no mistake she must keep her head and must she was a doctor. Back into the ward she went, heart pounding til she thought it might break. The nurses were in a streak of terror but no one uttered hardly a sound each ear poised for the sound of planes. The patients were moved from the bed to under the beds just as the second alarm sounded. Faith walked up and down seeing that everything was as it should be. Every patient was under there bed waiting for the planes. Then they came, Faith stood by the window, six bombers and 8 fighters. Some of the wounded were lying on their elbows, others just stared ahead into no-where. On and on they came, giant birds in the sky. Faith’s expectant eye caught the glimpse of a bomb fall out of one plane. She jumped back from the window, the bomb screeching to earth. In a second the whole world seemed to be rumbling and shaking violently. The window shook and plaster from the wall came down. One after another the screeching bombs fell and one after another the earth shook. The very floor seemed to be crumbling. Bombing a hospital, Faith stumbled under another explosion, I must be dreaming. No, no dream was ever so horrible or so realistic. This was the first time but not the last. “Doctor Ling, get down!” one of the patients cried. But Faith had already gotten down. The screeching was so loud that it vibrated. She had no time to think. The whole world must be crumbling this time but no they still were all very much alive. “Gush that one must have brought gray hair to a lot of people.” The soldier that refused to stay in bed said bluntly. “Yes it certainly must have.” Faith replied.

She looked over each soldiers to see if they were all right. The all-clear signal sounded and the patients were placed back in bed. Faith then clamored up the stairs toward the Surgical Ward. “Is Doctor Collins in the operating room yet?” Faith asked of a nurse who was hurrying along. “Yes Doctor Collins has been in there all during the raid,” the nurse returned. “Oh thank you.” Janet sure must have been busy all day, I wonder if Kenny is alright and Ellen. Supposes.. … “Oh no she would not think of such a thing. “Will Doctor Collins finishes this operation will you tell her to come right home, please.” The nurse bowed politely. Out of the hospital Faith went toward the small cottage. She opened the door tiredly. Amah was sitting on the bed cuddling a cute little baby now three months. “How is Ken and Ellen?” she asked of the old Chinese woman who took care of the babies during Faith or Janet’s absence. “Good!” “Fine then. You can go now. Thank you very much.” Amah bowed and handed Faith & Kenny and left. How mommy’s little darling?” Faith talked to Ken sweetly. Have to put you down for a while mama has to wash up”. Kenny was put back into his crib. Faith was drying her hands when Janet stepped into the door. Her brown hair tousled and her face greasy from sweat. “Oh Faith I’m so glad your safe.” They clung together in not only in arms but heart.

Chapter 24 Friendship

F our months ed by with the Japanese planes coming over the hospital once a day. It began to be the same routine, “praying that this bomb would not hit the hospital watching it hurtle downward. Where would it hit? Would it do any destruction? These questions rang in every mind. Faith and Janet busy every minute, not knowing they might take there last breath. Finally it became the custom of the Jap planes to come every day and every one took it for granted. The air raid alarm did not disturb anyone that too was taken for granted. No one had any time to think of there own comforts. In fact no one had any time to think. Besides having the war to think about, Faith had to think of Bill, their small baby and a million other worries. She did not have a letter from Bill in two months, trying hard not to think about it she continued about her work. Nov. 25, she was on ward 15 when a nurse stepped up to her. “Doctor Ling, a gentlemen soldier to see you he say very important, must come at once to office”. “Oh” Faith’s heart jumped could it be Bill. “I’ll be right there.” She was at the office door in 1 minute. On opening it her hopes fell to the floor. It was not Bill but it was a Chinese Soldier. “Yes?” she brought a chair up for him. “No thank you Doctor” he refused the chair politely. I prefer to stand. “Mrs. Ling - I - don’t know how to tell you this … … .” “What’s wrong? Is there something wrong?” she could not conceal her anxiety. “Well you see Mr. Ling is reported missing.”

Bill missing … …” she could not believe it. “No you are only fooling!” “No Mrs. Ling I am not … …” “Oh h h” Faith felt awfully funny. It couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t! Then everything went black. “Is she coming around” Janet asked bending over Faith’s limp figure lying on a white hospital bed. “Yes.” replied Doctor Sung. “She had a terrible shock, poor dear! Janet felt miserable. “Oh Faith … … how do you … feel.” she said as. Faith’s eyes’ opened in a searching manner. “Please go out all of you. I want to talk to Faith alone.” in a minute she added. Everyone departed through the door. “Janet it can’t be true! It just can’t! Tell me there only joking!” Faith’s voice quivered. “Faith he isn’t dead, you should be thankful.” Janet replied taking her hand. “Oh I know he is!” “Faith there is still hope without hope there’s no life. Don’t give up. You have Kenny to think about.” Janet squeezed Faith’s hand gently. “Yes there’s still Kenny!” Faith lifted herself to an elbow. “But what hope have I that Bill will return - safely. What hope out of this world of millions and millions of people. … Oh I new my luck couldn’t it last forever … … But …” she turned her tearful eyes on Janet and a short smile of love and gratitude ed over her lips. “I still have you. Thank God for that. “I’ll always be near you whenever you are.” Janet returned. Thanks Janny its good to know that.” Faith tried to hold back the tears. “Faith you had better get some rest now.” Janet suggested.

“Rest! I don’t need any rest. I’m getting up right now!” Faith tried to act natural though her heart was breaking in bits. “No! I’ll do your chores. You have a good sleep. You need it!” Janet reminded in a sisterly way with a bit of command in it. “You’ve been working straight hours for the past four months.” “So did you” replied Faith tiredly. Her fighting spirit was giving way to drowsiness. She was too tired to argue anything right now. Too tired! “Well she’s asleep Janet covered her best friend over gently. As she looked down on the pretty features she realized for the first time, that behind it there was love, ambition, determination, will-power and stubbornness. She smiled gravely. As Faith lay there quite still Janet felt on overwhelming urged to hug her just for being her friend. It gave her strength just to have Faith pat her on the shoulder. “Some people,” Janet thought, think friendship in just playing and doing things of interest with each other but ours is different. We do things of interest together, we laugh, share our joys our sorrows, our cares as one person. We joke and jabber continuously. Everything we do no matter how small or how big is friendship. As we work in the hospital our hearts go in accord. Anyone without a true friend has missed something big and wonderfully important.” Then she patted Faith’s hand and closed the door between them. “She’s sleeping!” she related to the expectant feces that awaited her. “Good work.” Dr. Sung slapped her on the back. “Thanks but I did nothing important” she remarked modestly. Miss Dri Fonetroy. Please call me when she wakes. I’ll be in the office. The nurse nodded understanding. “Lets go and have some coffee.” Dr. Sung invited taking Janet’s arm. “Thank you I think I could do with some” Janet agreed with a feeble smile as they started down the hall. “How’s your husband?” he asked in ernst. Have you anything from him? “Yes I received a letter the other day. He says he’s fine and asks about the baby

and I as usual.” “Oh yes” he laughed heartily. “He’s a fine boy. How old is he anyway? “Twenty five. We’ve been married over two years now. “Wonderful but I’ve been married no years.” “Oh you have no wife” “No.” he replied shortly. Before much more could be said they were at the kitchen. “This coffee is good” Janet sipped a bit from the tin can. When all the coffee was gone in Janet’s can she left to go to her office. Hour after hour she sat checking the health and progress chart of each patient. Those that had died were stamped as such and placed in one pile, the one’s that were recovering were put in another pile and etc. Those that she was not absolutely sure if she brought to each word for confirmation. It was late that night. Long after. Faith was put in her own for Janet creeped into her’s wearily tugging at the covers for protection. Janet lay awake for a long while just thinking. Not a sound accept the steady breathing of the two baby’s could be heard. “Janet” it was Faith. “Oh Faith are you still awake.” said Janet a little glad at the idea she would have someone to talk to. She felt like talking. “I didn’t think you were awake but I’m sure glad you are.” Janet hopped up on an ebbow but Faith just lay back on the pillow, hands folded. “I was thinking.. … I may never see him again … even Faith stuttered in bewilderment. “Faith you will see him! You will!” Janet consoled.

“How do you know”? asked Faith. “Well … … .by my … … instinct.” “Your instinct often got us into a lot of trouble.” replied Faith. “This time it won’t.” “That’s a pretty grave statement.” Faith come back. “But I’m positive” Janet gulped. “Judging from past experience your instinct has always been on the wrong track,” said Faith soberly. “So it was … once or twice,” Janet jumped over to Faith’s bed. “But Faith in your own heart you know Bill is … alive.” “I’m afraid to let myself think!” Faith burrowed her head in the pillow. I’m afraid! “Faith this isn’t like you!” Janet shook Faith’s shoulders. “Its not like you at all.” “I can’t help it! I just can’t help it.” Faith began to sob. “Yeh sure I know Faith!” Janet began to reprimand herself for being so sharp on Faith. I should talk! I know how you feel! There was a long silence as Faith sobbed on the pillow and Janet sat on Faith bed patting her back. The night was still with the tension of this room. And the moon seemed to be sending off its lighting rays toward this room only. Janet gently lifted herself from the bed and tiptoed over to the handmade wooden cribs, peared inside to find two sound asleep babies. She quietly covered Kenny over a little more just smiled at Ellen and went back to Faith’s bed with a suggestion in mind. “What-ya-say we have some coffee?” she leaned hopefully toward Faith, a frale figure in a white lacy nightgown rescued from the car they had left behind also

with the rest of their many clothes, lifted her head and nodded. Triumphantly Janet struck a match and lit the oil lamp as Faith climbed into her slippers to pull the blackout shades. “Wow it certainly is cold in here!” Janet noticed the cool atmosphere while blowing out the match. “Yes” agreed Faith rubbing her arms. “I’ll light the fireplace” Janet said going into action immediately. Soon the fireplace was burning brightly casting a shadow about the room. “Janet” “Yes Faith?” “I - I’m awfully sorry the way I acted - tonight … … I must’ve been quite a burden with all my troubles” said Faith hesitantly. “Don’t be silly, Faith” surprisedly Janet replied. Were just like a corporation. We always have been. Don’t tell me you beginning to get to old for me Faith. Too old to spill your problems.” “..Course not silly. Were just like a corporation and even more so.

Chapter 25 A New Topic of Discussion

“I don’t know why but I feel very funny about that soldier we brought in the other day his wife is in the women’s ward about to have a baby and he is in the soldier’s ward maybe about to die.” Janet said as Faith walked through the corridor. “Yes, sort of makes a lump in your throat” replied Faith. “She doesn’t yet know he’s here” Janet made an unpleasant face at the thought of what might happen if she did find out. “She doesn’t?” Faith exclaimed in surprise and grief. “No. She has an idea somethings wrong though. She keeps asking me questions which of course I have to give wrong answers too!” Janet was in a concerned mood. “Oh that’s a shame” said Faith sympathetically. “If we only could do something for him … but we can’t and besides were only internes here and that’s too important and operation for internes.” Janet heart revolved within her. “What is the matter with him?” asked Faith. “A bullet went threw his thigh and abdomen and lodged in his spine.” came back Janet stiffly resenting the Japanese more and more. Suddenly the air - raid siren sounded a low screeching noise at first which ended on a shrill high note. “Better get to our words!” Faith spoke over the siren. Janet nodded and they departed, Faith toward. Convalescent ward, Janet toward Surgery.

When Janet got to Surgery all the patients were being removed to the shelter mostly by stretcher. It had been built during the long months before. The hospital corpsmen carried the stretcher’s while the Nurses went after them. Only those that were absolutely sure to die were left. Soon the hospital was comparatively empty. At least Amah has taken the babies. Afterward Kenny ??? to the shelter. Now if anything happened they would be safe. She stood by the ward nurses desk when a messenger come to her. “Are you Janet Collins?” she was surprised to find he was American. “Yes. I am” she informed him graciously. “Herein a letter” he handed her a letter. She nodded her thanks and ripped the neatly sealed envelope. It was from her mother, her heart pounded rythmatically with joy. My darling Janet. Am glad to hear you and the baby feeling well. Your father and I nearly go crazy when we hear about those horrible Japanese. Please take care of yourself. I’m still so thrilled over being a Grandmother but you should be home where I could see it. The only thing that sets my mind at ease is that I know the Japanese do not bomb hospitals. “Do not bomb hospitals” Janet farely screamed out loud. “But I guess its better that she doesn’t know or she’d worry herself sick. Just then a screaming bomb woke her up to reality. One after the other til one hit so close Janet fell on an unoccupied bed. “Janet! Janet!” the door was pushed open and Faith ran in. Come quickly! Come on!” “Wha - What’s the matter?” Janet’s eyes were terrorized in fear. “The left half of the Convalescent ward is hit. Come on were the only one’s in the hospital that can help.” Faith had already taken Janet by the arm and was flying down the corridor.

“Where’s Doctor Sung and the other new Doctor” Janet asked sounding the corner. “They were both needed over at the shelter” replied Faith hurriedly. “Is everything a mess?” Janet beared down harder on the marble floor. “I’m afraid so.” Faith concluded in a rush. “Ok” They were now at the door. Faith started in. “Oh hurry Janet” she called. “Get that mess cleared away on that side. There are some wounded soldiers un - under it - I think. It was a mess. The whole left wall was a gaping, torn hole, beds looked like shredded wheat, the head nurse’s table was piled in a heap on the opposite side of the room. The growns of the pained soldiers spurred her into action. “Janet I’ll straighten up these beds that can possibly be used.” Faith’s voice had more of its usual magnetism and electricity in it as before. As Janet went about she thought of the days she and Faith had sweated over dummies back at Medical School and now she was faced with not dummies but real humane beings. “Lets move them into the next ward” suggested Faith. “Yes” agreed Janet. One after another they carried the patients into the ward in the middle of the floor. “Janet! Faith!” Faith and Janet turned about to face Doctor Sung who apparently came through the side entrance. “Oh doctor Sung. I’m so glad your here.” “I had forgotten all about it.” Janet laughed.

“Of course you both are dumb bunnies” Elaine proclaimed with a warm smile. The room was decorated with holly leaves everywhere, a fir tree - very small stood in the middle of the cheerful looking room, it was decorated with electric light bulbs hand painted with red and green paint, underneath the tree was a bunch of wrapped packages. The two babies were standing up in their cribs bubbling over with joy at this knew experience. “Mama see” Ellen pointed a fat babyish finger at the lighted tree. “Pesty!” Kenny agreed proudly. “La La put run on” Ellen referred to Elaine as La La.” “Oh yes darlings its beautiful truly” Janet smiled forgetting her tiredness. “Elaine how did you ever do it though,” asked Faith marveling at the art. “Oh I don’t know it just hit me.” Elaine smiled happily. “It hit you good then.” Janet laughed. “Come on now will give these two kids a wonderful Christmas. Put on a nice clean dress and wash up. Alright!” Elaine proposed. “Wonderful!” cried Janet and Faith. Soon they were both ready. Janet put on a green wool dress, Faith a blue plaid. “Mama look afoo nice!” Little Kenny jumped up and down in his crib. “So does my mama!” Little Ellen resented this remark indignantly. “When is Santa Clause going to come” asked Kenny. “Tonight darling - tonight” Faith pulled up a chair near Kenny crib, “Tonight?” “Yes Kenny” Janet laughed at the surprised expression on the baby’s face.

Mommy where is dadda -” Faith just stared horribly hurt expression on her face. Janet and Elaine were mortified. “Why” Faith began. “Dadda is - …” she stopped for a minute. “Dadda is off fighting the one’s who bomb our hospital. The room seemed to be electrified by this courageous answer. “Dadda shoot gun” Kenny asked. “Yes, yes dadda shoot gun!” Faith replied adding to the terrible silence. “Dadda brave man!” “Yes dadda is a very brave man!” tears mounted in Faith’s eyes. “Why is mommy crying.” Kenny asked. “Mommy isn’t crying dear.” “Ah” Janet couldn’t bear it any more she simply had to say something. “Well” Elaine too couldn’t bare it. Lets tell the kids about - about Santa Clause”. “Santa Clause” questioned Kenny.” Is a big wolly man and polky too. The ice was broken finally as all burst into joyous laughter. “Yes dear, Santa is a rolly,, poly, man” Janet was still laughing. “What a kid!” Elaine smiled. “Certainly” Faith grinned. “He’s my boy.” “I’m mama’s boy” Kenny giggled enjoying the first laughter he had ever really heard. “Yes I’m sure your mama’s boy” Elaine laughed.

“Is dadda mama’s boy too.?” After this question Kenny couldn’t understand why everyone was so silent. “Yes darling Daddy is mommy’s boy too” Faith spoke hesitantly.

Chapter 26

J anet walked into the Convalescent ward. “What th …” her voice trailed off in utter astonishment. The whole place was in an uproar. Everyone was laughing heartily. She saw the center of the laughter was on Brad Palmer, the American soldier who had made such a fuss in the Surveying Ward. She almost laughed herself upon seeing the faces on the nurses - they looked like they all were about to cry as they tried to calm the patients. Finally one of the nurses spied Janet. “Ok Collins Doctor - this is not our fault it is that soldier American he is making this trouble.” “I know nurse Tic Mei” Janet saw that the patients were really enjoying themselves but it must not go too far. “What are they laughing at?” “Soldier American tell them about … about” she turned another nurse. “What is this thing he talks about?” “He is telling them about something called the Dad..gers.” “The Dodgers!” Janet laughed “Well of all things.” “What shall we do?” another pleaded. “I’ll handle it” Janet announced as she moved into the center of the ward and broke the news to have patients that they must not over excite themselves. Presently when everything was back to normal ??? went on her checkup. “Well Brad” Janet shook her curly ??? ??? menacingly as she came ??? him. “I should give you a severe scolding for making these patients so excited.” Brad smiled, his handsome face beamed.

“I’m sorry!” “Well no harm done but please that some of these patients are still ill” she fastened the stethoscope in her ears. “At least their not as well as you!” She put the other piece to his chest, and listened to his heartbeat. “Well … Doc” he laughed as he said the latter. “Aren’t I a healthy specimen?” “Oh, yes.” Janet announced. Quite healthy but still not healthy enough. You can get up for a while everyday but your not to over exercise. Understand?” “Oh gee Janet” Brad revolted. “You know they need me at the front lines.” “Yes Brad, I know how they need you - but they need you healthy extra healthy. If I sent you into battle now. It would be just as if I murdered you”. “OK, doc! But you know something Brad?” Brad smiled. “No! What?” ventured Janet. “It really hasn’t been too bad here though” he looked at Janet and she knew what he was trying to say. “Thank you, Brad. Your very sweet” She moved on to the next bed but Brad looked after her. “Your sweat too” he thought and realized for the first time what was going on in that brain of his. He was in love! In love with Janet. In love with Janet who only loved her husband. For a second he felt a wave of nausea coming on but it es off quickly. So tried not to love her but it was no use. Suddenly he thought “I don’t care if she’s married or not.” ??? “Its nothing” Janet said. “Mrs. Collins has this, so called Dr. De Carlo been here very long.” Lois asked “I mean has he been here long enough to acquire a good position.” Lois seemed

a bit confused. Lois I don’t exactly know what you mean” Janet returned, “Doctor De Carlo is no miracle man you could hardly expect him to become head of this hospital in three day. “He’s only been here three days” Lois ventured in surprised tones. “Yes” continued Janet. I’ve been here for months now and I’m still an intern. “Who is the head of this hospital” Lois stepped aside to let Janet open the hospital door. “Dr. Sung but fortunately he isn’t a tyrant so don’t be afraid.” Janet laughed. “By the way your room is in the hospital on the last floor. I think that’s where we’ll start, getting you acquainted with your room.” They went to the top floor with no further discussion on De Carlo but apparently Lois would take it up again. The Nurses dormitory was silent accept for a few Nurses pattering about and talking in light tones. “Your room is down this corridor.” Janet brought out. Here we are!” Its not so fancy but I’m sure you’ll find it comfortable. They went in. “You have a roommate, hope you won’t mind” Janet asked. Lois’s reply was a lifting of the eyebrow. “Where is she?” Lois asked sharply. “Eating! Apparently!” The room was crude but as Janet said comfortable. An hour went by and they finished the tour of the hospital. She even met Faith who on one look liked the girl to Janet’s complete amazement. When Janet got home that night she was not as tired as usual since the Japanese did not bomb the hospital and ready for a good talk.

“Faith” Janet’s voice was uncertain. “What do you think about that so called Lois Cavalier?” What do you mean that “so called” Lois Cavalier? As far as I’m concerned she’s very nice. Now where’s my button I just put it on this table.” “How would I know? She seemed awfully queer to me.” Janet countered. “Who?” asked Faith still searching for her button. “Lois Cavalier of course - silly.” Janet replied annoyed at Faith. “Oh! Lois Cavalier” Faith sounded as if she had never heard that name before in her life. “Miss Faith!, your not even paying any attention to me.” Janet said in confusion. “Why Janet how could you ‘accuse me of such a thing.” Faith still paid no attention as she bent over a drawer looking for the button. “Well I am, now you listen to me.” Janet demanded. “Huh! Oh sure!” Faith laughed. I’m sorry Janet I’ll listen.” She planked herself on the bed, Janet leaning against the bureau. “Well at last” Janet settled down to tell her of her fears. Well when I met her she acted so funny - so unnatural and my first impression was that she was going to bring trouble.” “Your intuition, I suppose” laughed Faith. Janet just eyed her jauntily. “And when we were going Sister Ann Catherine said something about the new doctor De Carlo and Lois turned around and almost scared us half to death.” “What did she say?” Faith asked “She said De Carlo! here!” Janet imitated Lois. “So she knows him, what’s wrong with that” Faith started to become irritated.

“No Faith then she completely denied knowing him by saying she just was surprised at finding a Spanish name here.” Janet defended her conviction. “Are you sure?” Faith ventured. “Yes and then she began asking me questions about De Carlo. Faith! I’m sure she realy knows him and just didn’t want to it it to us. “I don’t like De Carlo very much.” Faith began. “Of course not and neither do I.” Janet said. So are you beginning to see what I mean.” “Well yes - but still Lois seemed nice enough -” “But she’s not I’m sure!” responded Janet “Alright I agree! What do you want me to do?” said Faith. “Keep an eye open for anything suspicious we can’t take chances.” Janet proposed. “Alright I promise!” Faith said. “Good!” Janet proclaimed. “Now may I look for my button?” laughed Faith. “Oh you goon” Janet felt much relieved at Faith’s promise. “Go on and look for the old button.” “Thank you me Lady!” kidded Faith. By the way Elaine said not to wait up for her”. “Why are you planning to go out.”? “I have to go on night duty in about 10 minutes,” Faith replied. “But you did day duty all today”. Janet protested. “I know but we have so many casualties in Surgery.” Faith said as she began

hunting again for the button. “You haven’t slept at all though.” Janet said. “Oh yes I’ve slept most all afternoon til a little while before you came.” “Oh but then I suppose I’ll be on night duty pretty soon too.” “Oh god gosh here I’ve been standing talking to you and I have to get going.” Faith slipped into her coat. “Faith!” Janet was serious. “Do be careful!” “Of course Janet you know me!” Faith patted Janet’s hand. “Yes! I know you, what do you think I said that for.” Janet smiled. “By By” “So long! As Faith stepped out the door she shivered. It was getting colder, the wind howled and howled about the building. She was glad for the shelter of the hospital and closed the door gladly. She went immediately to her ward; Surgery. As she opened the door leading into the Surgical ward she saw with displeasure she was to relieve Dr. De Carlo. “Oh good evening Dr. Ling” he said in his usual smooth voice that had sarcasm in it. “Good evening!” “Everything is fine here now everyone is apparently asleep see that - is stays like that” he almost sneered. Faith was mad but she held her temper. “Dr. De Carlo, I believe I’m capable of doing as much.” “Oh my dear Faith, I may call you Faith. I was not implying that you are incapable its just … … well you could hardly expect a women to be, be as cap

… .” “Dr. De Carlo I don’t think that my sex has anything to do with my capability in any matter.” “Of course, of course well I’ll be going now. Don’t be frightened if you see any shadows.” he laughed. “I’m not a child” replied Faith in a rage.

Chapter 27 Real War!

T he night ed very slowly at one in the mourning. Faith was sitting in her office checking on the supplies of the hospital when she was a bit startled at hearing voices on the corridor. Figuring it was two nurses she thought she could have them finish the sensible and she could go on her ward check-ups. She walked out of the door, closed it and stood a minute listening for their voices so that she could estimate where they were. Then she heard it and imagined they were in the opposite corridor. Swiftly she stepped along and sounded the corner to her complete astonishment sew none - other than Lois Cavalier and Dr. De Carlo talking in quipped tones. “Lois!” she called harshly. “What are you doing here your suppose to be in your room.” Faith watched the white face of Lois get whites until she replied heavily. Its none of your business!” Lois it is my business and Dr. De Carlo might not be here either if Dr. Sung should ever find … .” Faith almost shouted. “Dr. Sung will not find out.” Dr. De Carlo looked determinedly at Faith with piercing eyes. “This is disgraceful, get back to your room immediately, Lois” Faith held her temper as she spoke to Lois then in an angered rage said to De Carlo as in his left. Dr. De Carlo I respect you as a doctor but I have no use for you as far as your private life is concerned and if this happens once more I shall have to take steps that will not please you in the least … … If you have no regard for this hospital please regard yourself.” “My dear Faith” he was unusually calm as he took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and spoke to Faith. Have one.”

“No thank you Dr.” replied Faith. “I’m leaving now but if ever I see this again.” She started away but was held by Dr. De Carlo’s strong arms. “Let me go! Let me go! Do you hear?” Faith cried trying to pull away. “You little wildcat! Stop your biting my hand! Ouch! Oh huh my foot my foot!” “You’ll get worse if you touch me once more.” “Listen Faith lets try to be reasonable?” he asked cordially seeing no alternative. “Reasonable! Reasonable you say! That’s very amusing but I am reasonable only when people are reasonable to me. Good night Dr. De Carlo.” De Carlo watched Faith round the corner, fearful for the first time. Faith was as spoil as a whip and could cause plenty of trouble. She was pretty, he had to it and had spunk. He had never met a women like her before they usually were so petite and dumb but not Faith, he had found that out she - was dynamite. Faith went back to the office to find Dr. Sung waiting for her. “Oh Dr. Sung!” Immediately she sensed that he had something on his mind. “Faith?” he questioned after a while. “Yes?” I … . … Faith we have only 12 cases of medicines left in the whole hospital. Faith stared dumbly. “But we had …” “I know its a shock but someone must have taken them.” “Taken them?” “Yes that’s the only logical explanation.” “But who would do a thing …” her voice trailed off in momentary confusion. “Faith what shall we do?” he appealed.

“Yes, yes we have to do something!” she paced the floor nervously. “If we don’t have those instrument all the patients will die … …” “Did you tell anyone else?” Faith asked. “No I came straight here after I checked in the storeroom.” “Lets keep it to ourselves, its best that way then we won’t have any pains on our hands at least.” “Yes of course that’s the best way. Aren’t you going to tell Janet though.” “Well … .if you don’t mind.” Faith said innocently. “Do tell Janet!” “Oh thanks I will!”.. … Say Dr. lets take a look down in the storeroom we may find something. “Come on!” Faith exclaimed. They were down in the storeroom in a jiffy. “Musty old place isn’t it! Reminds me more of a burial place! Faith looked around. 12 boxes were piled in one corner a table a partition separated it and there were old empty crates. Dr. Sung was on one side of the partition when he heard a loud crash and the tumbling of boxes. He rushed around the partition to see Faith lying in a help of empty crates. “What happened?” he asked trying to help her up. “Oh nothing I mistook those crates for my bed I guess and decided to test my weight. Lost fifty pounds too.” “Faith you - you. What does Janet call you now?” “Goon! My pet name.” “I know your just trying to cheer me up.” “I guess everyone needs a cheering up. You know I haven’t been light-hearted since Janet and I left the boat.”

“I know!” “Well we’ll never get anywhere just standing here” Faith laughed and for some reason thought of Bill and felt like crying again but that would only make - it tougher for those around. But as Faith is thinking of Bill, Bill is thinking of Faith. Stranded in Japanese territory he and a few of the men with him, tired and worn out, lay for a small rest while two other men stand guard. But no one can find sleep all day dodging Japs was no easy task still rest does not came each one is thinking of their lovedones. A Chinese soldier named How Kon speaks: “I wonder what Lika is doing now. Her pretty face is always before me.” “I know I have a wife and baby boy. She’s beautiful and the baby’s the cutest thing. Want to see her picture!” Bill took a picture out of his pocket. “She is beautiful American isn’t she!” How Kon asked. “Yes and one of the sweetest people you ever want to meet.” “I do not dought that!” another soldiers said looking at the picture. “What’s your baby’s name?” How Kon kicked the dirt in a manner that said “we will probably never see any of them again.” “Kenneth!” Bill bit his lip rembering the last time he saw Faith and the baby standing in the doorway waving goodbye. Except for a chains of deep sighs silence prevailed. “You know this is real war. I don’t mean to imply that.” Bill reminisced. Shooting your enemy isn’t war but just sitting her not able to shoot is real war.

Chapter 28 Reminiscing!

F aith slammed down the pencil on her desk in a rage of anger. What could she do? Dr. De Carlo was certainly getting worse and worse! Now this! What should she do? She picked up the small note that lay crumpled up and smoothed it out. My Dear Mrs. Ling Isn’t it a shame you found no clues in the supply room. I am truly sorry. Try and try again! When you find out who took them please inform me. But I’m sure you won’t since I won’t tell. Dr. Fernando De Carlo. Each time she read it her blood pressure steamed higher and higher. “The nerve!” Faith exclaimed a loud. “The arrogance!” “Who! Me!” Faith twisted around to exclaim: “Dick!” Oh come on in! How’d you get here!” “Oh I flew in!” Dick laughed. “Oh good! Have a nice trip? “Yes as a matter of fact it was the best I’ve had!” “Did you see Janet yet?” “No I was ing and I saw you in here so I poped in if you don’t mind now I’ll go and see Janet. Where is she?” “She’s sleeping now!” she glanced at her watch. No no she’s probably washing clothes. She has night duty now. Since its only ten after eleven A.M. she doesn’t

go to sleep til 1 but now that your here she won’t at all. “Oh yes she better!” he called going out the door. She’s needs her rest!” Dick was out of the hospital and down the path to the cottage in only 10 seconds. He strode to the door and opened it with one swing. “Faith is that you already?” Janet had her back toward Dick and was full of soap digging in the large basin of clothes. “No its not Fa … …” “Dick! Dick” she threw the basin on the floor with a thud as she ran to him throwing her arms about him, she kissed him lightly. “Janet! Darling” they could hardly say a word but just looked at each other lovingly. “Mama! Mama” someone was tugging at Janet’s hem. “Karen” Dick and Janet bent down as Dick picked the pretty, chubby baby up in his arms. “You know Janet this would make anyone forget this horrid war.” Dick took Janet by one hand and held the baby in the other. “Does it Dick?” “Yes you little imp!” “Oh the war hasn’t changed you has it?” laughed Janet lifting Karen from her husbands arm. “Time for her naps” she added apologetically. “She hardly had any sleep at all last night, the Japs bombed the nearby city”. “Janet I’m afraid … … the Japs have been bombing this hospital haven’t they.” “Dear, don’t worry I’ll be safe,” she said slipping Karen into her crib. “So will Karen!”

“She’s cute! Huh?” Dick and Janet bent over the crib in iration. “Yes she certainly is” The baby was cute with blonde curly hair and dark blue eyes that could look at you in the saddest way then instantly they would seem to dance with sheer joy. “Say where’s Kenny?” Dick asked eyes lighting up. “Oh he’s out with Amah now. For his walk!” “Bet they must have a horrible life though with the bombings and everything.” Dick said soberly. “Not as bad as some!” Janet replied. “Janet?” Dick looked down and seemed very nervous. “Would you consent to going home … I mean to the United States it would be much safer.” “Listen! I don’t care how dangerous it would be, I couldn’t leave China - it kinda gets under your skin … the United States is the best but China certainly comes second.” “I’m sorry I asked you!” Dick said. I knew what your answer would be.” “Lets drop this issue … OH I almost forgot … Faith received word that Bill was missing.” “Bill! No kidding! Oh that’s a shame!” Dick wrinkled his brow. He was as well fellow! “I know!” Janet began picking up the basin of clothes. “You know when we were kids and you used to talk about him I used to get as jealous as anything.” Dick laughed. “Oh you silly” Janet started to laugh too. “ the time I took you to the prom and Walter Lindsay took Faith it seemed to me I danced with Faith more and you danced more with Walter.”

“By the way how did that happen?” asked Janet as Dick helped her. Someone would always cut in so I took Faith!” Dick was smiling. “Oh yes!” Janet laughed. Don’t sound so sad. You had me fooled, I didn’t no whether you liked me or her the best.” “How is Elaine?” he asked placing the tub on the bureau and taking Janet by the hand and waking sat of the door. The weather was very warm since it was in the last part of April. Flowers were blooming and birds were singing. The hospital looked older and crumbly then the first time they had seen it a good many months before. “Janet where did the Chung Chee family go?” Dick kicked a rock and watched it fly through the air. “Why Dick didn’t you know that they went on after the refugee group.” “No I didn’t know” Dick proclaimed. “They’ve been gone quite some time now.” “Hello! Faith! Voice came up behind them sorry to have to separate you two” “Oh hey Faith!” Janet saw that her friend was disturbed about something. “Dick I hope you won’t mind but I need Janet right away its very important!” Faith wasted no words. “Why … I suppose its all right but hurry back.” “Now what in heaven’s name is so important that you take me a way from my husband.” Janet said as they walked along. “Janet! Dr. Sung wants to see you and I and it sounds terribly important.” Faith spoke with a frown. “The way you talk Faith … … … … … Something about De Carlo? “Why I don’t know what gave you the idea that … that De Carlo had something

to do with it?” “Faith don’t try to kid an old friend. I know your worried about that “crumb” with a capital “K.” “Janet how could I ever keep anything from you?” Faith smiled. “Next time don’t try” Janet stepped into the entrance. “Confidentially” Faith whispered. “I am a little worried about that character that calls himself Fernando De Carlo!” “Confidentially” Janet replied in the same tones. “So am I”

Chapter 29 Campaign of Evil

T he hospital was quite busy now since it was time for lunch. Faith and Janet walked as quietly as possible and when they neared. Dr. Sung’s office. Faith began really wonder what was going on. “Oh Faith, Janet” “Oh De Carlo!” Faith’s voice dropped and her head went up determinedly. “Don’t sound so disappointed” he smiled in his calm way. “We aren’t disappointed brother … just a bit under-joyed that’s all” Janet said. “Same old girl”. De Carlo slapped Janet on the back. “Ha ha! Same old De Carlo” Janet smacked him back. “Listen Dr. De Carlo we didn’t come up here to slap each other on the back. Where is Dr. Sung?” Faith revolted. “Dr. Sung? Oh him!” “Yes him!” Janet put in. “Didn’t you hear?” “Hear what? What are you talking about.” Faith was exasperated and cold fear swept over her. “Why Dr. Sung just had an unfortunate - accident.” “Accident!” both girls cried together. “Yes!”

“Where is he”? Janet exclaimed. “It’s right in the back room.” De Carlo said opening the door. I think he has something to tell you. “What happened?” Faith glared at De Carlo accusingly. Janet had already gone into the room and was talking with Dr. Sung while Faith and De Carlo stood outside the door. Dr. Sung was propped up in bed and a heavy cast on his leg seemed to weigh him down his face was unusually pale and his fingers were sweating as he fared the girls. “Janet and Faith I have just had an unfortunate accident.” his voice was not smooth but nervous. I fell down cellar stairs and I broke my leg so … …” “Broke your leg?” Faith examined the cast. So I shall not be able to rule this hospital for quite some time but I have appointed Dr. De Carlo head til I recover. I was going to make you or Faith head but as Dr. De Carlo so wisely put it, it would be too hard a job for a woman. “Wisely!” Janet muttered under her breath. “What did you say Janet?” Dr. Sung asked. “Oh I said Fine!” Janet returned. “But you can’t make De Carlo … .” Faith started to protest but cut herself short thinking better of it. “Were you going to say something Faith” Dr. Sung leaned forward. “No its nothing, nothing at all” she turned around and started out the door Janet following. By I’ll be in to see you soon!” “Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” Janet used an old American slang phrase. “So De Carlo is now head of the hospital. I wonder how he maneuvered that one.” “Janet I’m convinced theirs something sinister about Lois Cavalier and De Carlo. Here, “Faith handed Janet the note she received from De Carlo.

Janet read it attentively and when she finished reading she looked at Faith with a puzzled expression. “He’s pretty smart!” “He is and that’s what I mean! For some reason which is yet unknown to me he wants to get this hospital under his control. “Faith!” Janet exclaimed. I just thought now that De Carlo’s head he can do whatever he wants too and he might try to get even for all the things we said. There’s trouble ahead.” “And the Japanese are getting terribly close to make everything honky-dory.” Faith wailed with a deep sight.” “Double trouble!” Janet quipped worriedly. “You can say that again!” said Faith in the same time. “Oh oh!” Janet whispered distastefully. “Cut the gab here comes De Carlo right behind us. “He would!” Faith said ionately. “Well hello girls fancy meeting you here!” Dr. De Carlo said thinking the girls didn’t see him come up. “Fancy? I suppose you just happened to run up to us?” Faith quipped and then seeing the expression on De Carlo’s face tried to suppress a laugh. “Well … … I … .” De Carlo was actually embarrassed. “Oh drop it, what’s are you here for?” Janet asked dully. “I just wanted you to know that I want Lois Cavalier in charge of all the Nurses Department.” De Carlo’s voice was triumphant. “But she knows nothing of being head Nurse.” Faith implored and realized that De Carlo was already starting his campaign but what kind of a campaign and what for. “That’s what I came to tell you so good day.” he bowed and started to leave.

“And another thing” he added “that patient in bed 75 will not get any food because he made Lois distraught.” “Listen De Carlo are you crazy or something that patient has to eat whether he made Lois Cavalier distraught and that’s something that I’d like to do right now is give her a good ???.” Janet was raging mad. “This is a hospital!” Faith put in angrily. “Not a dog kennels!” “That man does not eat!” he proclaimed diligently. “Oh doesn’t he!” Faith challenged. “No!” “Will see!” Janet brought. You in humane person. “We will see because if that man is fed or you disobey any of my order’s. I think I’d think twice. Good Day girls.” “It was good til you dropped in.” Faith felt like kicking him. De Carlo smiled and left the girls in a miserable state. “Can you beat that he actually threatened us.” Janet was astounded. “Now I am convinced their something going on and it isn’t anything that’s going to do this hospital any good.” “Or the patients!” brought in Faith getting an idea. “Janet lets go down and see that soldier in bed 75.” “What in heaven’s name for,” puzzled Janet following Faith down the stairs. “I want to find out something! replied Faith hurriedly now far ahead of Janet. “Hey wait for baby!” Janet called back. “Hurry up then!” Faith returned. “Well who do you think I am Hurkula or the speedboat that went around the world in two seconds flat.”

They reached the door of the ward and went in. “Bed seventy five … Oh their it is.” Faith looked at the number on each bed. “Excuse me” “Yes! Ok! Dr.” the soldier stuttered with surprise. They talked for a minute of unimportant things then Faith asked. “Do you know a nurse by the name of Lois Cavalier?.. “Lois Cavalier! Why … I … No I never heard of her. Please Dr. don’t talk of Lois. The soldier began to sweat with complete fear of something. “Did she do something to you?” Janet put in dramatically. “Why … … please don’t tell her I told you please but she slapped my face because I asked for water,” his words broke out hurriedly. Janet and Faith felt horror sweep over them but they couldn’t say a word. The campaign truly had started.

Chapter 30 Faith has a Rough Time!

I t was around 8 o’clock in the evening, Janet and Faith, two days after Dick left for duty again, were taking a swim in the stream only a short distance from the convent and hospital. “Isn’t it simply beautiful.” Janet forgot the war, De Carlo and all the rest of her troubles. “Great!” Faith had no time to say more for a mouthful of water interrupted. “I’ll race you to the other side and back.” Janet proclaimed laughing. “Its a deal” returned Faith. “Ready! set! go!” The girls laughed and the water splashed and splashed as their slim bodies raced across the stream and back. It was great fun and after a while they got awfully tired and crawled up on the back to get a pint. “Whew! What exercise!” Faith pulled her robe about her. This night was dark and the crickets chirped away. “Brother!” was all Janet could gasp out. “Wasn’t it grand, though” Faith dangled her feet in the water. “I think I had more fun for just this little while then I ever did.” Janet smiled. “I suppose when your husband comes home you aren’t happier then any time in your life” Faith said jokingly. “Well at least this was the second best time I ever had.” Janet kicked at the water and a splash of water rose up then settled down in little drops on the water.

“Hey I think I just heard someone talking behind us somewhere. If its Elaine I’m going to save her. Be right back!” Faith jumped up and sneaked into the woods before Janet could say anything. She heard the underbrush rattle and then the air was tense with silence. Then suddenly a sharp scream rang through the air stabbing at Janet’s heart. Quickly silence prevailed again. She rushed into the shrub crawled piece of forest, branched slapping against her tender skin. One thing was in mind, something had definitely happened and she had to find out. In a second she was running harder than ever, her white robe flowing out behind her but her face was white and determined. “Faith!” she screamed seeing a crumpled body lying in her midst, blonde wet hair twisted. She bent down fearful and afraid her heart in her mouth. Sweat was pouring down. Was she dead? What happened? Faith’s head was bleeding from a wound apparently made by a heavy article. She must get help. Taking off her robe she placed in about Faith and ran toward the hospital. She swung open the door as if she was all hands. Doctor Lao’s office was her objective and she reached it all out of breath, she burst in almost toppling over Lao. “Well Janet! What’s going on!” he sounded surprised. “Dr.! Faith just was control on the head! Come with me! Bring your medicine bag she might be badly hurt!” Janet said quickly. “Wha … Who … What’s going on!” Dr. Lao was terribly confused. “You’ll see. Come on! You have to help me with her.” Janet was already down the stairs. “Apparently Faith is hurt?” “Apparently is right!” Janet wasted no words. “What happened?” Dr. Lao skipped a few steps. Before they reached Faith again Janet told ??? much as she knew if the weird story. Dr. Lao unusually tell for a Chinese ??? carried Faith back to the hospital. Janet trailing along nervously.

“Janet you had better stay out!” Dr. Lao patted Janet’s shoulder kindly as they stood outside the room where Faith is ???. “I’m alright! Truly I am” she replied trying to smile. “Please let me come in! “No you stay out here! I’ll be right out!” Lao commanded in an easy manner which made him a good Dr. “Oh alright if you insist!” just in Janet but tell me when she comes around. “I will!” he said then smiled and walked into the room, soon the door was closed and Janet was alone not even as secure was in sight. The lights were very dim and made large shadows on the old walls when anyone ed. “If only this whole mess were a nightmare or a bad dream.” Janet thought. All the few minutes that Dr. Lao was in with Faith seemed like an eternity to Janet’s overaught nerves. Finally the door opened and Dr. Lao walked out. “You can go in now, Janet” his voice was confident and clear. “How is she?” asked ??? “Fine but a bit hazy of course” Dr. Laos laughed. “Of course!” Janet breathed easily and went into the room ???. Faith lying in bed with a bandage on her head. “Honey!” Janet brought a chair up to the bed. How do you feel? What happened? I knew you shouldn’t have gone.” “Hey! Slow up!” Faith felt her head. Ooooh what a headache!” “Faith no kidding what happened when I saw you I thought you were dead.” “Oooh! My head will to start. I walked through the woods toward the, Oooh! The voices still thinking it was Elaine but when I got up a little closer I saw two men talking it was too dark to see who so stupid me I move a little closer, then I saw someone - in uniform coming toward me I saw and then - blackout and I don’t know anything else.” Faith related the story painfully.

“Apparently someone clipped you, one” Janet said. “Apparently huh! if you had this head you’d say more than apparently. Oooh my head! Faith smiled. “I knew someday you’d get that thick skull of yours conked” Janet laughed. How can you act so frivolous when I have a head as big as a blimp. “Sorry my pet!” Janet still laughed “but if you could see your face and with that bandage … .” Faith laughed too but that ed quickly for they talked seriously. “Janet do you think this has something to do with De Carlo or Lois?” Faith returned solemnly. “I’ve been wondering the exact same thing.” Janet wrinkled her brow in a thinking manner. “Are you sure you didn’t see who did it?” “No all I know is that he was in uniform and I can’t exactly but there seemed to be more people too … Faith tried to but only vague memories replied. “Hey what’s going on … .” the door opened and Elaine walked in. I just saw Dr. Lao and he said, Faith got conked. “I certainly did! … . “And if you say oooh once more you get another conk.” Janet laughed jokingly but though … what a rough time she must have had.

Chapter 31

T he next day Janet was called into Dr. De Carlo’s office. “Dr. De Carlo” she opened the door to the office., “did you wish to see me?” her voice was cooled and almost expressionless. “Oh Janet, sit down.” He looked up from the papers he was busily arranging you must not work too …” “I prefer to stand, please” she interrupted him firmly. “As you wish!” he smiled vaguely. “But you may be standing a long time so I think it would be wiser to take a seat.” Janet unwillingly decided to heed his advice one reason because she was very tired and other she had no resistance to argue with De Carlo over a mere chair. “I have decided that you need a vacation, Janet.” he said calmly. Janet’s brown eyes opened wide in amazement but she rose from the seat indignantly. “Dr. De Carlo, this time is not the time for taking vacations no matter how tired or weary we are and don’t you realize that people are dying! We’re at war!” Is that all you have to say?” Faith retorted angrily. “Good grief what am I suppose to say?” Janet replied. “Oh lets not argue about it!” proclaimed with twisting her head to see if she could here anyone walking outside the door. “The coast is clear now. I think so you scamper to our office on the double and I’ll … .” “Not our office; that’s where the patients are how.” “Oh bosh!” exclaimed Faith “I forgot. Well their - home! Get home! I’ll meet you there.”

She was about to press the key when she said “I hope!” In a second she opened the door and pieced up and down the long corridor, seeing that everything was clear she rushed along down the stairs and practically knocked Dr. Lao back through the exit door again. “I’m sorry!” she smiled and gone. Dr. Lao looked after her in sight amazement but he was beginning to get used to these energetic people. If it wasn’t Janet it was Faith that was slamming around. So he continued on his way. Janet was waiting for her when she rushed in all out of breath. “Lets find out what the paper’s say!” said Janet anxiously after Faith had gotten back to normal breathing. “Righto!” exclaimed Faith peering at me … She glanced over it her eyes wide with fear and excitement. “For Pete’s sake let me see too,” put in Janet. “It says,” Faith quoted. “Dear Dr. De Carlo. I hope everything is in readiness for we will arrive soon but of course the stupid Americans do not know (“ha”) this. It is good you so carefully took precautions by eliminating Dr. Sung. A wiser suggestion is to past those two American women but please do not kill them for they are very valuable. I will not be so easy I assure you. With very best wishes. Gen. Saki Morushi “So were very valuable” quipped Janet sneeringly. “This is evidence! We have the real evidence now. We know De Carlo is working for the Japs,” said Faith triumphantly. “But what will we do about it.” asked Janet. “Nothing my two friends.” the door was suddenly swung open and De Carlo stood there his handsome face purple with rage. “You have caused me more trouble than fifty lions.” he took out a pistol and pointed at them. But no more!

No more because you are my prisoners, do you understand.” “O.K. granpa we here you.” Janet said sarcastically. They were not facing De Carlo. “Shut up” he shouted. “Shut up.” he says “he wants us to shut up we can’t get a word in edge-wise and he wants us to shut-up.” Faith retorted. “Silence! This whole hospital is my prisoner.” “Well call me a convict and where’s the brig; if I’m not too inquisitive or should we just stand here and enjoy our little party.” “March!” he commanded “Straight ahead. “Thank you magician but tell us how to go through the wall,” Faith said. “Turn around.” he was getting really angry. They marched til they came to the hospital then they were almost thrown into a room where Dr. Lao was present also. “Hi fancy meeting you here” Faith waved. The door was locked the windows berred. No way of escape was possible. “I’m just a bird in a gilded cage.” Janet sneered with a weak laugh. “What will happen to us?” Dr. Lao asked.

Chapter 32 Mr. Kiki

T hey spent the night in the one small room a rug serving on their bed. As the dawn broke through Faith woke but Janet and Dr. Lao slept on. She lie their looking at the sun coming over the large mountains and thought of Bill. Soon little drops of tears streamed down her cheek. “So long! Its been so long now” she said to herself. And someday you and I had planned to settle down and raise a nice little family. “War! How awful it is. But my dear where ever you are I love you. Suddenly outside the door came the sound of marching feet then voices. “Janet!” she reached over and shook Janet’s shoulder lightly but firmly. “Uhuh! What? What is the matter?” “Someone’s out side the door! Listen!” Faith said in a low tone. They heard the sound of men’s voices just outside the door but could not hear any of the words. “Who is it? Do you know?” ventured Janet nervously. “No” gulped Faith. Quickly a key was placed in the lock. Janet and Faith looked at each then in fright. “Lay down! Quick!” Janet hissed. Her heart pumping unbelievably fast, she heard the door open and her teeth chattered. “Asleep!” said voice the girls had never heard.

“Just like them!” both girls knew that voice to be Dr. De Carlo’s. “Get them up!” that same unfamiliar voice commanded harshly. “Come with us!” De Carlo grumbled shoving Faith lightly. Both girls acted up sleepily but finally started to go. “Goodbye Dr. Lao!” Janet went over to Dr. Lao shook his hand and smiled. Faith did the same. “Girls! Don’t let them hurt you. I mean ??? care of yourself.” he said blinking his eyes nervously. “We’ll try” Faith tried to give a convincing smile. The man with unfamiliar voice was a Jap, big and fat too. As they walked down the hospital corridor. Janet felt like this was all a nightmare. This could not happen to her? But it was though it was so much horrible than a nightmare. The girls were led by De Carlo and the rear brought up by the Jap and his gun. “What do you think there going to do.” Janet whispered trying not to move her head. “I don’t know? I think they think we either have or know something.” Faith did the same. “Stop here! the Jap behind them boomed. “Either he thinks we are deaf or intends us to be.” Janet retorted. The Jap said something to De Carlo and in turn De Carlo told a soldier. And then they waited for at least ten minutes. Until Faith exclaimed horrified. “Elaine!” Yes it was Elaine her blonde hair a straggle, her clothes torn and dirty ??? struggled toward them.

Both girls stared for a minute in a complete daze. “Its Elaine said weakly. And fainted dead away at Janet’s feet. Faith looked up to see the Jap snickering contentedly when she looked down again Janet was giving Elaine some water. Her mouth is bleeding too!” Janet said her words sticking in her throat and her heart was keeping time with a steam engine. “What did you do to this girl?” Janet asked in a rage. “Nothing she was just trying to hold some information back.” De Carlo said haughtily. “She’s an American citizen.” Faith stormed helping Janet out. “So are you!” the Jap smiled. “What are you going to do about it.” There was silence. “Pick her up!” De Carlo shouted to Janet and Faith. The girls helped Elaine up onto her feet and since she was still a little weak the girls let her put her arms about their neck. They left the hospital and were ushered into a ear. De Carlo and the Japs in the front and Janet. Faith and Elaine in the back. “Oh my head!” Elaine said, opening her eyes. “How do you feel now darling?” Faith placed her hand on Elaine’s forehead. “Where am I? Don’t let them hurt me, please!” Elaine seemed to be in terror of something. “No we won’t let them hurt you.” Janet spoke soothingly. “I wonder why they wanted to hurt, Elaine.” Faith scrutinized Elaine’s pretty features. Both girls were talking on very low tones so the Jap and De Carlo couldn’t be able to hear.

“Can’t we do something!” finally. Faith revolted. “There’s nothing to do” Janet’s voice had that notable discouraged tone that was so odd for her. “Gosh I an old saying, ‘Where there’s life there’s hope”. Faith recalled. “Don’t worry! There’s no life in this party” muttered Janet kicking the back of the front seat. “Were alive! And do you realize that your giving up. Actually, I don’t think you give a hoot.” Faith hissed. The words Faith had spoken continued to ring in Janet’s ear until the car stopped for a second at the gate of a large what seemed to be a medieval castle. “Holy Cow!” exclaimed Faith on looking out of the one window. “Wow! Holy Jumpin Cat Fish!” Janet rambles off. Before them stood a large tree framed house. The car stopped, De Carlo and the Jap got out. Then the girls got out helping Elaine along. “Follow us!” the Jap commanded. “Oh you harsh man you!” Faith wrinkled her nose at him when he had turned his back. “I think your only fooling! They halted at the door a second after De Carlo rang the bell. A Japanese girl dressed in true Japanese style let them in. “Wow!” a whistle escaped Janet’s mouth. It was beautiful! It was magnificent and was it large. A big window with heavy velvet drapes, a staircase that looked like it was used for a Queen, a ceiling with an expensive chandelier. The girls were dumbfounded. “You like it” the Jap sneered.

They would not talk. “All right don’t talk!” he threw up his fat head and laughed. Well, well you certainly are as I expected but we shall change all that. For now you shall see Mr. Kiki - who was Mr. Kiki the girls were saying.

Chapter 33

E ach wanted to ask who Mr. Kiki was but then silence was better for no doubt they would soon see this Mr. Kiki in person. “But come along now we have wasted enough time.” The Jap sobered quickly. They walked up the beautiful stairs and onto a corridor with door after door. Coming to one of them the Jap said. “This is your room, ladies! Don’t try to escape it is impossible for you will have guards night and day and the windows are barred.” “Nice room!” Janet said when the door was closed and the Jap and De Carlo had left. “Did you hear something outside the door?” Faith asked. “No!” replied Janet. Oh yes I do! Its probably our guard of honor. The room was large having twin beds done in lacy white, bofeau’s and bureau’s. “Hey look what I found a balcony!” Faith exclaimed happily walking onto it. Looking over the edge she saw a Jap guard below her. “Damn those Japs! I feeling like hitting him on the head with something!” “And” she said quickly I think I will. “Think you will what” asked Janet sitting in one of the chairs peacefully laying back and closing her eyes. “Think I’ll hot that Jap with something.” returned Faith. “What!” Janet jumped up startled. Are you crazy! That would made everything worse. Don’t you see.” “I was only fooling.” Faith laughed for the first time in a long while.

Do you want to give someone heart failure.” Janet and Faith put Elaine on a bed and now she started to perk up. “Boy do I feel drowsy” she said touching the bed in unbelief. Quite a difference from a dirty old cot,” she thought. “How do you feel!” Faith walked over and sat on the bed. “OK! But those Japs sure give you a tough deal. Don’t they?” a faint smile of hate came over her lips. “What did they want from you?” ventured Janet. Oh about my checkup on their planes and mostly about — you!” she stared at Janet and Faith fixedly. “! What in heaven’s name for?” Faith laughed confusedly. “We’ll it seems they have an idea that you two know something important about their war with China.” “Well for goodness sake” Janet slammed her arm hard on the chair in an unbelieving manner. There was silence then the sound of heavy footsteps in the corridor … … the door swung open. Both girls stared. “Westley Brooks!” Faith managed to stutter. “No! No! dear girl, Mr Kiki as the Japanese call me! Are you surprised?” the owner of the hotel in Shanhai was Mr. Kiki. Their surprise subsided. “No Mr Kiki or Brooks or whatever your name is, were not surprised at all. We had you all figured out. Long ago! “Then!” he snapped harshly “You do know something about China away effort. He seized their arming terrifying grip. Then he turned his head toward the

ceiling. Many planes were their. Janet gazed out of the open window - The ship army and they were bombing this house. Great! He let their arms go and ??? auto a man a Chinese Gurilla. Faith and Janet were dozed. From the air bombs on land - Gurilla. It was a dream. Janet looked up on time to see the smiling face of a Chinese looking down at her. Then he spoke! “Come now Mrs. Collins! You have had terrible experience!” “What is going on” Janet asked wonderingly. “Yes!” Faith muttered in a daze seeing more Chinese coming in. Instantly both women warn out by the hazardousness of their experiences fainted dead away to the floor. When Faith awoke Dr. Lao was bending over her. “Whe … re am I” she asked trying to raise herself. “Your back at Mercy Hospital” Dr. Lao smiled. “I am! How? What happened?” she asked. “The Chinese Gurillas attacked that Kiki’s house and the American Airforce bombed it.” “How did they find out!” ventured Faith quite puzzled. Well! oh!. … I’d rather not say … … well I got out (hit the guard on the head) and ran for the radio room and called the Airforce base. That’s all. The fliers must have called in the Gurilla. “Dr. Lao your wonderful.” Faith said excitedly. “You deserve a medal” “Where is Janet?” Faith added. “She is here! Her husband was given a week … … .and Faith there’s someone here to see you, too” Dr. Lao became the nurse to issue in the caller. He turned to Faith again. Prepare yourself for quite a answering the call of the nurse was - Bill Conroy he had with him ???

Faith sat up in bed. She stared unbelievably. “Faith! Faith darling!” Tears were streaming down Faith’s happy face. “Mommy feels bad?” Kenny climbed up on the bed. “Oh Kenny! Mommy couldn’t be happier!” Faith hugged the handsome little boy and her eyes shone.