to be perfectly

correct.”

“Send teams in to assess the damage,” Ben ordered. “And continue the searching for art and literature and music.”

West had driven up to Ben’s temporary position during the shelling. “Brilliant move, General.

You have my compliments and my respect.”

“Thank you, West. But it was just a guess on my part, that’s all.”

“Accurate guessing has won more battles than brilliant mental maneuvering.” He smiled.

“But I think you are more than aware of that.”

“How’d the treasure-hunting go this morning?” “Very well, I would say. I found a trove of priceless art. Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, Kiprensky, a few by Bower. I found a great deal of sculpture, most of them small bronzes from the Italian Renaissance period. Quite lovely.”

He glanced at Ben. “Did you get a chance to visit your old publishing house?”

“How did you know I was going to do that?” “Just a guess. I would, if I had been a popular writer.” Dan walked up. “Dan, while you and the rest of the people are out and about gathering up this and that, I would like for you to gather up something else, as well.”

“Certainly, General. And what would diat be?”

Ben smiled. “Blow the bank vaults and gather up all the gold in this city.”

Jerre sat back in Ben’s temporary CP, just off Mitchell Square, and looked at the man.