Section 2 Summary

Finally, after eleven hours traveling and three hours resting time, the coach reaches the town of Totes, far behind their anticipated arrival time of midday. The horses take them through the tiny, quaint village before stopping in front of the Hotel du Commerce. The coach comes to a stop and a German voice is heard outside. The passengers freeze, afraid to leave the confines of their cabin for fear of what will happen next. The driver castes a light into the cabin illuminating the ten faces of the travelers. Beside the driver stands a young German soldier.

In French, the German officer tells the passengers to get out of the carriage. One by one, the passengers obey. Each tries to maintain their dignity in the face of great fear. The German soldier leads the group into the kitchen of the inn where he...