Chapters 19, 20 & 21 Summary

To undermine the Americans, Mayor Nasta goes around town, spreading bad gossip about the Americans. The town initially does not believe him, but the rumor picks up speed and the Mayor used to have power in the town, the semblance of which can still occasionally be felt.

After Nasta's consistently ugly behavior, the Americans send him to a prisoner camp. However, after just a little time there, he manages to convince some Germans to help him escape. Borth chases him down and ties him up, gagging him and pulling him through Adano. Everyone is outraged by his actions, even Joppolo, and they threaten to send him to Africa.

The spirit of the town is best reflected in the works of Lojacono, the town painter. If the atmosphere is depressed, he does not work very often. However, Major Joppolo has not been in town...