Summary

Chapter 16

The next day the Commandant orders signs to be posted throughout Riswyk demanding that the children go back to school and that normal activities begin in the village. The regular teacher is not there any longer, so the people are told that a German soldier, who had been a teacher, will instruct the children.

The people in the village patently ignore the soldiers, going about their business as if they are not even there. Peter goes with his mother to the pastry shop where he sees a blue-eyed soldier that he recognizes from the beach. Peter is able to observe him closer this time and realizes that the soldier isn't but about a few years older than he is. He can also tell that the soldier is sorry for what he is having to do.

When Peter and his mother leave the...