Chapter 1 Summary

Foreign soldiers have invaded a small, unnamed European town. The town had been unprotected. Mr. Corell, the town's popular storekeeper, had lent his fishing boat to the postman and the policeman for an outing. The town's twelve soldiers had been given free ammunition by Mr. Corell for a target practice expedition out of town. When the soldiers heard the approaching aircraft, they hurried back to town. Half of the town's twelve soldiers, all young men, were killed upon their return. The invaders with their automatic rifles slung over their shoulders and their silvery/gray helmets scout out the town and spread fear. A message is delivered to the mayor, Mr. Orden, that the invading forces leader, Colonel Lanser, would like to meet with him at 11 am.

An advance team led by Captain Bentick is sent out by the Colonel. The Mayor and the...