Chapter 18, The Polish Post Office Summary

Oskar dreams on top of letters in the mail cart until machine gun fire wakes him up. He goes in search of Jan Bronski and the janitor, hoping to have his drum repaired. He finds the Post Office staff behind barricades of sand bags and office furniture, exchanging sporadic fire with the Germans outside. The post master, Dr. Michon, wearing a Polish steel helmet, directs their efforts. As Oskar watches, two shells strike the building, scattering debris and wounding two soldiers. The remaining postal workers carry the injured to Oskar's windowless room and deposit them in the mail carts. Oskar becomes convinced the Germans are actually after his drum, which is buried in the wreckage.

Looking for Jan Bronski, Oskar wanders into the living quarters of the Chief Postal Secretary. Jan Bronski and the janitor...