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[Assistant] Previously published as Danger in the Darkest Hour. This is Mary Pope Osborne.


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[Assistant] It was filled with books. A boy named Jack and his sister Annie found the treehouse and soon discovered that it was magic.


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[Assistant] They could go to any time and place in history just by pointing to a picture in one of the books.


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[Assistant] While they were gone, no time at all passed back in Frog Creek.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie eventually found out that the treehouse belonged to Morgan Le Fay.


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[Assistant] They have since traveled on many adventures in the Magic Treehouse and completed many missions for both Morgan Le Fay and her friend Merlin the Magician. Teddy and Kathleen


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[Assistant] Two young enchanters from Camelot have sometimes helped Jack and Annie in both big and small ways. Now Jack and Annie are about to receive an unexpected call for help.


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[Assistant] Jack! Annie shouted from the front yard. Jack looked up from his book.


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[Assistant] This better be good, he said. I was in the middle of a book. Annie was still looking up at the sky. Where did he go? She said. Where did who go? Said Jack. Annie didn't answer. She walked to the edge of the yard and kept looking.


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[Assistant] Oh darn, I don't see him. See who? said Jack. What are you talking about? The pigeon! said Annie. Jack stared at Annie for a moment. Seriously? he said. You're looking for a pigeon? Yes!


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[Assistant] You called me away from my book to see a pigeon, said Jack. Yes, help me find him, Annie said. Jack rolled his eyes and stepped into the yard. He looked up at the hazy sky. He was following me.


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[Assistant] When I was getting on my bike at the lake, I heard a loud cooing. I looked up, he was sitting on a branch, and he looked straight into my eyes. He was super intelligent, I could tell.


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[Assistant] Are you sure you weren't out in the sun too long? asked Jack. I'm serious! said Annie. He had these intense staring eyes.


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[Assistant] I talked to him, like I said hi, and then he took off. I thought okay, so much for that.


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[Assistant] I just know he circled above me all the way home, said Annie. He even swooped down a couple more times.


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[Assistant] But I don't see him now. I don't see him at all.


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[Assistant] You won't believe this, I didn't see it until now. What, see what? Said Jack. Oh wow, oh wow, Annie whispered. Jack walked slowly toward Annie.


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[Assistant] When he reached her side he stopped and stared at the bird too. It was an ordinary looking pigeon.


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[Assistant] Jack bolted into the house, grabbed his backpack from the hallway and hurried outside. Jack and Annie raced up the sidewalk. They crossed the street and ran into the woods.


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[Assistant] As they weaved in and out of dark green shadows, the late summer air smelled of sun-dried wood and fallen pine needles. Birds called lazily from the treetops.


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[Assistant] She grabbed the rope ladder that dangled from the tree top and started up.


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[Assistant] Golden sunlight lit the stacks of books and the shimmering em in the floor. Of course, said Jack.


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[Assistant] A soft cooing sound came from the window. The carrier pigeon was pacing on the windowsill.


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[Assistant] Then she snapped the lid shut and unrolled the piece of paper Annie and Jack looked at the writing together


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[Assistant] The apprentice sorcerer from Camelot often made them laugh.


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[Assistant] Sometimes he made big mistakes when he tried to do magic. Many of the mistakes were funny, but a few had been terrible. Annie read the letter aloud. Dear Jack and Annie, I sent Commando to find you. Commando? Jack interrupted. That's a funny name for a Camelot pigeon. Yeah, it sounds like a tough army guy, Annie said. She kept reading.


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[Assistant] Kathleen and I are working with the forces of good in one of the darkest hours of history, and we need your help. Please come to Glastonbury, England, right now. Your friend, Teddy. I can't wait to see Teddy and Kathleen, said Annie. Yeah, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He was especially excited to see Kathleen, a brilliant and beautiful young enchantress from Camelot.


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[Assistant] But what does Teddy mean, one of the darkest hours of history? Annie shrugged. The pigeon made a low cooing sound. Commando wants us to hurry, said Annie. Okay, let's go, Jack said. He took another deep breath and pointed to the words, Glastonbury, England, on the tiny piece of paper. I wish we could go there. The wind started to blow.


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[Assistant] Well, I guess we're here, said Jack, shivering in the chilly air. But our clothes didn't change. I wonder why.


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[Assistant] The treehouse had landed in the branches of a tall maple tree. Through the haze.


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[Assistant] Beyond the hedges were broken down buildings, stone pillars and crumbling archways. There was no sign of people. It looks ancient, said Annie. Is Glastonbury part of Camelot? I don't know, said Jack. This looks sort of like Camelot, said Annie. Yeah, the ruins of Camelot, said Jack. Teddy, Kathleen, Annie called.


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[Assistant] The roofless building had tall ivy-covered walls and grand arches made of stone blocks. Cheerio, friends! A teenage boy strode through one of the arches. The boy wore an old-fashioned flight suit, gloves, and a tight-fitting leather helmet. He carried a khaki duffel bag. Teddy! cried Annie. She and Jack hurried to the young enchanter of Camelot.


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[Assistant] Teddy put down his bag and they all hugged. I am glad Commando found you, said Teddy. He is quite a smashing soldier, you know. Who, the pigeon? said Annie.


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[Assistant] Yes, Commando is a member of the National Pigeon Service, said Teddy. Jack and Annie giggled. You're kidding, right? said Jack. Not at all, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] Pigeon breeders have given over 200,000 pigeons to the British military to carry messages throughout Europe. Commando has been on dozens of missions. The missions were all in this time, of course. He needed the treehouse to take him to your time. So what is this time? asked Jack. It is June 4th, 1944, said Teddy. And you have landed in Glastonbury, England.


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[Assistant] You can still see an ancient tower on the sacred hill of Glastonbury Tor.


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[Assistant] He pointed to a conical hill overlooking the flat countryside


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[Assistant] Eventually, all the sacred buildings fell into ruin, but legends of King Arthur still surround this area.


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[Assistant] For that reason, I thought it might be a good place to meet you. A living midpoint between our worlds. Where's Kathleen? As Annie looking around. We thought she would be with you. Well, that is why I called for you, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] But first, how much do you know about World War II? Jack gasped. Did we come to the time of World War II? I'm afraid you have.


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[Assistant] I know that America fought Germany and Italy and Japan.


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[Assistant] And a man named Adolf Hitler was the leader of Germany, and his political party was called the Nazis.


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[Assistant] Kathleen used a bit of magic to make us both appear older than we are.


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[Assistant] SOE stands for Special Operations Executive, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] It conducts undercover missions in countries occupied by the Nazis.


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[Assistant] In the short time since Kathleen and I completed the required training,


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[Assistant] We have both been sent on many secret assignments. Is Kathleen awake on an assignment now? asked Annie. Yes.


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[Assistant] Kathleen left for a mission in France more than three weeks ago. And now, Teddy stopped. And now what? Asked Jack. Now it seems she has disappeared, said Teddy. No, what happened to her? Asked Annie. I do not know, said Teddy. What was her mission? Asked Jack. I do not know that either. She could not tell me, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] All I know is that two weeks ago, I was asked to fly behind enemy lines to a location in Normandy, France to pick her up.


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[Assistant] Yes, I have done that many times, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] I was frantic and then yesterday I received a message from her, delivered by a French carrier pigeon. So she's okay, asked Annie. Well at least I know she is alive, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] The problem is, she wrote her message in a code, in case it fell into enemy hands.


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[Assistant] But I have had no success trying to make sense of certain parts of it. He pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and read Kathleen's message aloud. Come to me in the darkest time, a wand I need and a magic rhyme. Three miles east of Sir Kay's grave, cross the river to find a cave. Look for knights in small round cows, a crack in a rock beneath the boughs.


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[Assistant] Teddy sighed. You see why I cannot share this with anyone in the SOE, he said. Even if they could decipher the code, others would not understand her request for the wand and magic rhyme. But why does she need them? asked Jack.


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[Assistant] But these are very, very dark times," said Teddy. I am not surprised that she may need extra magic. I have found my own powers very limited. That is why I sent for you. So, do you have something we can take to Kathleen? asked Jack. Oh yes, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] The secret burial places of Arthur's knights are revealed in one of Merlin's books, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] Kathleen knew I would know that the burial place for Sir Kay is Caen, a town in Normandy, France. Wait, I'd better write this down, said Jack. He pulled his notebook and pencil out of his backpack. Spell that, please. C-A-E-N, said Teddy. Jack wrote the town's name in his notebook. So we go to Caen, said Annie.


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[Assistant] We travel three miles east, cross a river, and look for a cave. Yes, said Teddy. But I cannot imagine what the next two lines could mean, he read from the note.


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[Assistant] When Kathleen and I went with you to New York City, you figured out the secret poem to free the unicorn from the museum tapestry, remember?


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[Assistant] And Morgan's missions for you were often written as riddles. Yes, but, started Jack. We have to find Kathleen, said Teddy. I cannot lose her. So many people have been lost in this war. It really is the darkest time. Truly, a terrible time. It's okay, Teddy, Annie said. We'll help you. Of course we will, said Jack. We'll do our best.


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[Assistant] Teddy took a deep breath and smiled. Thank you, my friends, he said. I am most grateful and sorry that I cannot be with you in France. You're not coming with us? Jack asked.


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[Assistant] No, tonight the SOE is sending me on an urgent mission to rescue downed airmen in Holland and Belgium, said Teddy. I must do so before daylight. Wow, said Annie.


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[Assistant] It is the sort of thing the SOE does every day, said Teddy. Then he clapped his hands together.


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[Assistant] Alright, let us roll up our sleeves and get moving. It is time you put on your parachutes. Parachutes? said Jack. Yes, said Teddy. You cannot jump from a plane without parachutes. He picked up his duffel bag and strode off. Wait, did he say we're going to jump from a plane? Jack asked Annie. He did, said Annie. But don't worry, he said he'd give us some magic.


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[Assistant] She hurried after Teddy. I know but, began Jack. Come along, Jack, Teddy called to him. The moon is rising over Glastonbury Tor.


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[Assistant] A full moon glowed over Glastonbury Tor as Jack and Annie followed Teddy between the hedges. Moon shadows stretched along the ground.


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[Assistant] Teddy rounded a tall bush at the edge of the abbey grounds.


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[Assistant] A single propeller was attached to its rounded nose, and it had big clunky tires.


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[Assistant] Yes, we call it a spy taxi, said Teddy. It was made especially for secret operations.


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[Assistant] It can fly low under enemy radar and land in tight places. How many people does it carry? Ask Jack.


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[Assistant] I have been to that drop zone before. It is a lonely field, and to the best of our knowledge, not under enemy observation.


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[Assistant] You will have to get back there from wherever you find Kathleen. Got it, said Annie. But an equally important question is when I will pick you up, said Teddy. And that is a question you will have to answer. How do we answer it, asked Annie.


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[Assistant] When you know that it is time to leave, you must send me a secret message, said Teddy. By pigeon? asked Annie. No, a carrier pigeon might be difficult for you to find.


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[Assistant] And then add the date and time, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] Send that message over a wireless radio, and I will pick you up at that time in the field where I drop you tonight.


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[Assistant] As you go about your mission, be on the lookout for members of the French Resistance, said Teddy. Any one of them will help you find a wireless. What's the French Resistance? asked Annie.


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[Assistant] Throughout France, there are French citizens who are secretly fighting back against the Nazis who have occupied their country, Teddy explained. They are called resistance fighters. They live very dangerous lives.


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[Assistant] So how do we find someone in the French Resistance? There are many ways, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] The simplest way, though, is to make the V is for Victory sign. He held up two fingers in the shape of a V. It is a secret way for one resistance fighter to recognize another. You can make the sign with your fingers, draw it on a piece of paper, scratch it into the dirt, or signal any way you can. Jack and Annie both held fingers up in a V is for Victory sign. Good. But be very careful.


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[Assistant] Said Teddy. If you give the sign to the wrong person, you could end up in the hands of the enemy. Teddy reached into his large duffel bag and took out some clothes. These are your disguises, he said.


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[Assistant] He handed Jack and Annie each a pair of corduroy overalls and a long sleeve shirt. They pulled them on over their shorts and t-shirts. And these, said Teddy, he handed them each a pair of boots. They took off their sneakers and pulled on their boots.


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[Assistant] And a field pack instead of your backpack, said Teddy. He gave Jack an old-fashioned looking pack with buckles.


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[Assistant] You will have to wear it on your chest. Your parachute will be on your back. Jack moved his notebook, pen, and pencil from his backpack into the field pack. He left his backpack beside his sneakers. And now your flying gear, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] He took out two leather helmets and two pairs of goggles. Jack and Annie each pulled on a tight fitting leather helmet.


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[Assistant] Teddy climbed up a short stepladder to the door of the plane and pulled out two bulky contraptions.


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[Assistant] They looked like long canvas backpacks.


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[Assistant] Attach to a complicated web of straps and buckles.


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[Assistant] Your parachute harnesses, he said, descending the stepladder. Come on, I will strap you in. One at a time, Teddy buckled Jack and Annie into their parachutes.


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[Assistant] Then he attached the fuel pack to the front of Jack's harness. So how does all this work? Said Jack. He was fighting to stay calm.


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[Assistant] He was relieved when he remembered they would have the wand of Dianthus. He thought their mission would be impossible without magic.


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[Assistant] Climb aboard, said Teddy. He scrambled up the stepladder. Annie bounded after him. Jack didn't know how she did it.


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[Assistant] He climbed awkwardly into the plane after Teddy and Annie.


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[Assistant] Teddy was already sitting in the pilot seat in front of a control panel.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie crouched in the narrow space behind the pilot seat, squashed by their parachute gear.


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[Assistant] Remember, when you jump face the earth, said Teddy.


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[Assistant] As you float down, keep your elbows close in. Then roll onto your left side. Wait, wait, said Jack. Can you go over all that again? Easy, said Teddy. Eight simple steps. Hold on, I'll write them down, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He pulled out his notebook and pencil from the field pack.


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[Assistant] As Teddy gave the directions again, Jack wrote, One, legs together. Two, face earth. Three, arch back. Four, spread arms. Five, count to five. Six, pull ripcord. Seven, elbows in. Eight, roll to the left. Annie and Jack stared at the notebook, whispering the steps to themselves. Got it, said Annie.


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[Assistant] After you land, said Teddy, roll up your chutes and hide them. Hide your helmets and goggles, too, and destroy your notes. Got it, said Annie. All right, said Teddy, gas, oil. Jack peered around Teddy at the instrument panel. There were at least a dozen round gauges. Some monitored oil pressure, fuel pressure, and temperature.


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[Assistant] There were also compasses, brake controls, knobs, buttons, switches and levers. Oh man, thought Jack.


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[Assistant] You must have had a lot of training, he said to Teddy. Indeed, a full week, said Teddy. A week, that's all? said Jack.


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[Assistant] Yes, it was very intense, said Teddy, as he started flipping switches. They said it was a natural. Green lights lit up the panel. Needles swung right and left. Error and take control, Teddy announced. He turned a knob. It is much easier than learning magic. Jack felt a wave of panic. Teddy, slow down, he said. Engine starter button, Teddy shouted, pushing a button.


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[Assistant] But his voice was drowned out by the sound of the engine as the propellers started to spin. The big wheels began rolling. The plane shook as it bumped over the grass. Then rocking from side to side, the spy taxi lifted into the air.


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[Assistant] Legs together, face earth, arch back, spread arms, count to five, pull ripcord, elbows in, roll to the left. What does that mean? Jack shook Annie's arm. What does number eight mean? He shouted.


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[Assistant] Shout at Jack, jabbing his finger at the list.


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[Assistant] Do you roll in the air or roll on the ground? I think on the ground, Annie answered. Jack nodded. That made sense. As the plane rumbles through the night,


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[Assistant] Jack whispered the instructions to himself again and again. We are crossing the English Channel, Teddy called. Normandy soon and your dropping point. Get ready.


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[Assistant] Jack crammed his notebook and pencil back into his field pack.


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[Assistant] His fingers were trembling so much he had trouble buckling it. We are over France now, shouted Teddy. No, murmured Jack. We are coming to the drop zone, cried Teddy. Get ready to jump, Jack froze with fear. Open the door, yelled Teddy. Jack couldn't move.


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[Assistant] Annie pulled up the latch, slid open the door, and crouched at the edge of the plane.


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[Assistant] It was too late. Annie leaned out of the plane.


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[Assistant] She fell forward, arching her back and spreading out her arms. Teddy! The magic! cried Jack. Jump, Jack! Teddy yelled. Jack had no choice.


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[Assistant] He had to jump now or he'd land far away from Annie and they'd never find each other.


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[Assistant] Jack closed his eyes and hurled himself out of the plane down into the moonlit, windless night.


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[Assistant] Falling through the air, Jack forgot everything he'd written down.


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[Assistant] He forgot legs together, face earth, arch back, spread arms, count to five.


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[Assistant] But miraculously he remembered, pull rip cord. Jack fumbled for the cord on his chest strap. He grabbed the metal ring and pulled hard. The parachute popped out from Jack's harness.


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[Assistant] As the chute's white canopy opened above Jack, it yanked him backward.


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[Assistant] The drone of the spy taxi engine faded into the distance. Teddy was gone. Not far away Jack could see Annie in the moonlight, floating to Earth too. Hi! She yelled to Jack. Jack was too amazed to answer.


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[Assistant] Jack hit the ground with a thud, and remembering the eighth step, rolled onto his left side.


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[Assistant] She threw off her parachute harness and ran to Jack. We did it, he repeated, sitting up. His parachute lay spread on the ground behind him. We did it. Wasn't it fun? Said Annie. Yeah, yeah, it was, said Jack in a daze. Jack wiggled out of his harness. Floating through the night sky actually had been fun.


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[Assistant] Although he had no idea how he'd done what he'd just done. I have some bad news though. What? asked Annie.


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[Assistant] Teddy forgot to give us the magic wand for Kathleen, said Jack. No, moaned Annie. No is right, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Hold on, we have to roll up our chutes and figure out where we are first, said Jack. He and Annie looked around.


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[Assistant] In the moonlight they could see trees bordering the field on three sides and a road on the fourth side.


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[Assistant] Ian and Annie carefully rolled up the soft silk canopies of their parachutes.


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[Assistant] They gathered the straps and tangled cords in their arms and started across the field. Hey, said Annie stopping. I hear a plane. Teddy's back, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He remembered that he forgot to give us the magic wand and spell. Yay, said Annie. Wait, said Jack, squinting at the sky. Not just one plane, but three planes droned overhead. It's not Teddy, said Annie. Run, said Jack. As the plane stepped down over the field, Jack and Annie ran toward the road.


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[Assistant] Clutching their gear, they lay in a thick bed of wet and rotting leaves. The planes roared off into the distance. After a long silence, Jack and Annie stood up. They're gone, Jack said. So what do we do now? Annie asked. We have to find that town, said Jack. He looked around at the moonlit dark.


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[Assistant] But we might have to wait for daylight to figure out how to get there. Jack saw the glare of car headlights coming up the road. Hide, cried Annie. They threw themselves face down again in the ditch. Jack held his breath as the car rumbled by. Soon all was quiet again, except for the distant barking of dogs. Jack and Annie lifted their heads. We have to get away from this road, said Jack.


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[Assistant] And find a place where we can stay hidden for a while. Remember, we're behind enemy lines. Nazis could be anywhere. Come on. Annie didn't say anything. She didn't move. Hey, are you okay? Jack asked her. No, I'm scared, Annie said in a whisper. You are? Said Jack. He knelt beside her. Annie was never scared. He was always the scared one.


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[Assistant] It seems so dangerous, she said, hiding from Nazis. Jack was frightened too. She was right.


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[Assistant] Hiding from Nazis seemed much scarier than anything they'd done before. But if Annie was scared, he had to act brave. It's okay, he said. Think about what you told me earlier.


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[Assistant] We don't have magic, but we've got skills, and we've used our skills again and again on our missions, right? Right, said Annie. Well, we'll use them this time, said Jack. You think we can? asked Annie. I know we can, said Jack. First, we need to get to a safe spot.


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[Assistant] He pulled out his flashlight and pointed it toward the road. The light lit up a sign that said, BAville. Not far down the road was the white church. Okay, BAville. This is where Teddy will pick us up with Kathleen. Right, said Annie.


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[Assistant] The field near the sign that says Be'evil. Near the white church.


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[Assistant] See, we solved that with our observation skill, said Jack.


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[Assistant] They buried their parachute gear under piles of leaves and brush. Don't forget these, said Jack.


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[Assistant] And my notes. Jack ripped his notes out of his notebook, tore them up and hid the pieces with everything else.


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[Assistant] Okay, he said. Onward, let's go! With Annie close behind, Jack led the way across the road and into the woods.


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[Assistant] Tramping through tangled undergrowth, Jack and Annie made their way deeper into the moonlit forest. They didn't stop until they came to a wooden fence.


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[Assistant] When Jack pointed their flashlight toward the area beyond the fence, it shone on neat rows of vine-covered trellises. Looks like a vineyard, he said. What's that? Asked Annie. You know, where they grow grapes to make wine, said Jack. We shouldn't trespass. Before he could finish, Annie grabbed his arm. Listen. Jack listened.


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[Assistant] From the woods behind them came the sound of a dog barking. Then he heard men's voices. They're searching for us said Annie. Trespass said Jack.


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[Assistant] He turned off his flashlight, and they scrambled over the wooden fence and took off running through the moonlit vineyard.


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[Assistant] He grabbed Annie's hand and pulled her toward the barn.


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[Assistant] Jack yanked open a wooden door, and the two of them ran inside.


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[Assistant] Jack switched his flashlight back on and shined it around the barn.


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[Assistant] He and Annie waited motionless, huddled on the floor, inhaling hay dust and animal smells and trying to breathe as quietly as they could. The barking grew louder and closer. The horses moved restlessly. Jack heard men shouting above the barking, but he couldn't understand what they were saying. Then the door to the barn banged open. Fritz, check inside, a man said.


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[Assistant] Jack heard two sharp barks and the sound of a dog sniffing and scratching.


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[Assistant] Jack didn't move a muscle as Annie gently stroked the dog's head and whispered in its ear. The dog grew calm. Annie whispered again. The shepherd licked her face.


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[Assistant] I just didn't tell him whose friends we were. Jack shook his head in amazement. Let's escape while we can said Annie.


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[Assistant] Jack was relieved Annie sounded like her old self again. Calming the dog calmed her too, he thought. Okay, but let's go slowly. Just as Jack and Annie stood up, the door to the barn creaked open again.


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[Assistant] The barn was lit with flickering lantern light. Jack heard footsteps on the wooden floor. The steps grew closer and closer.


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[Assistant] Then a man with a black beard peered over the hay bales.


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[Assistant] Annie slowly held up two fingers in a V is for victory sign.


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[Assistant] Did we really just find a member of the French resistance? Who are they Gaston? A woman called from the barn doorway. Who are you? Gaston asked in a raspy voice. Je, je. Jack stuttered, terrified. Jean and Aimee, Annie said quickly.


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[Assistant] Oh brother, Jack thought, she's a terrible spy. And what are Jack and Annie doing in our barn? Asked Gaston. We're hiding from the Nazis, Annie said. Well then, said Gaston, you are in the right place. For the moment you are safe children, said the woman stepping forward.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie climbed out from behind the hay bales and followed the French couple to the door of the barn.


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[Assistant] Guesson and Suzette led Jack and Annie through the dark to the front door of the small stone farmhouse. Once they were inside, Jack and Annie looked around the room. It had a low ceiling. Candles burned on a heavy wooden table. A fire flickered in a large fireplace.


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[Assistant] Suzette placed an iron bar over the front door while Gaston closed the window shutters. Set children, said Suzette.


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[Assistant] We will have apple cider, and you will share our dinner.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie sat at the table near the hearth.


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[Assistant] A pot hung over the fire. Jack relaxed a little as he smelled roasting potatoes, onions, and carrots.


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[Assistant] Gaston poured cider into mugs, and Suzette prepared four bowls of stew. Then the couple joined Jack and Annie at the table.


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[Assistant] When the Nazis were here earlier, they were not looking for you. They weren't? Said Annie. No.


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[Assistant] They were looking for two paratroopers who'd been spotted dropping into a field near here, said Gaston. Oh, then they were looking for us, said Jack. No, no, Gaston stopped and gave Jack a funny look. Unless you two could be those paratroopers. Yes, we could be, said Annie. But no, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] How could two children parachute into Normandy? And why? We're working with agents of the SOE, said Annie. But no, Gaston said again. My, said Suzette.


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[Assistant] Are things so bad that children are being recruited as spies now?


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[Assistant] We have information that she is three miles east of Caen. We're supposed to find her and get her out of France. Then you do not have far to go said Gaston. We are only four miles northwest of Caen. There is great danger though said Suzette. The city is surrounded by Nazi patrols. You will need the right papers. We have identity cards said Annie. Good.


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[Assistant] Come with me. We will hide you here tonight and help you get on your way in the morning. Thank you, said Jack, standing up with Annie. Thanks for the dinner, Annie said to Suzette.


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[Assistant] He led Jack and Annie down a staircase to a cellar.


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[Assistant] Hundreds of wine bottles sat in racks along the walls of the dank, musty room. Suzette will bring bedding, said Gaston, and you can keep the light with you.


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[Assistant] He placed the lantern on a long table and then started back up the steps. Without looking back, he raised his hand. Good night, he said. Thank you, called Jack and Annie. When Gaston was gone, Annie sat down at the table. Wow, they saved us, she said. For now, said Jack.


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[Assistant] I wonder what these little rubber blocks are for, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She picked up a small block from the table and held it to the lantern light. Look, it has the letter H on it. Jack walked over to her.


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[Assistant] On the table were dozens of small rubber blocks and several stacks of paper. And this one has the letter S, said Annie, holding up another block. Here's a D, said Jack. S and U. They're all letters. It must be a printing set. Check this out, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She picked up a piece of paper from one of the stacks on the table. She showed it to Jack. He read the print on the page aloud. Hope and courage. Freedom soon. Annie thumbed through more papers in the stack. They all say the same thing, she said.


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[Assistant] It's a bunch of flyers. Do you think Gaston and Suzette secretly passed them out?


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[Assistant] Here's your bedding, children, said Suzette, coming down the steps to the cellar.


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[Assistant] What are couriers? Ask Jack. Couriers travel on bicycles.


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[Assistant] Tom and Theo also printed flyers to give people hope.


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[Assistant] We received word that Tom and Theo were picked up in Paris by the Nazis, said Suzanne. So they're in prison now?


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[Assistant] Are you and Gaston in the French Resistance 2? asked Jack. Suzette nodded. Our job is to gather and send information. She turned away from them. But now my job is to make your beds. We'll help, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She and Jack helped Suzette spread the threadbare blankets on the floor. I fear you will not be so comfortable, said Suzette, but at least you will be safe. That's all that matters, said Jack. Thank you, Suzette, said Annie, and she hugged the kind French woman. Try to sleep now, children, said Suzette. You will need all your strength tomorrow to find your friend. Then she climbed the stairs and closed the door to the cellar.


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[Assistant] That's so sad about their boys, said Annie. Yeah, said Jack.


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[Assistant] The couple was willing to risk their lives to help others. So tomorrow we head to Ca, said Annie. Jack nodded. Do you have Kathleen's message?


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[Assistant] Annie pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and read aloud. Come to me in the darkest time, a wand I need and a magic rhyme. Three miles east of Sir Kay's grave, cross a river to find a cave. Look for knights and small round cows. A crack in a rock beneath the boughs. So we figured out the first four lines, said Annie.


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[Assistant] We know Kathleen needs magic, which Teddy forgot to give us. Right, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Look for knights and small round cows, a crack in a rock, beneath the boughs. Jack shook his head. His brain was getting foggy.


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[Assistant] Let's ask Gaston and Suzette in the morning if they have any ideas, he said. Good plan, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Right now I'm way too tired, said Jack, closing his eyes.


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[Assistant] He was exhausted from traveling through time to Glastonbury, flying over the English Channel


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[Assistant] Parachuting into Normandy, running from planes, lying in a ditch, hiding in a barn, escaping Nazis, and making friends with people in the French Resistance. All between twilight and bedtime.


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[Assistant] Jack, Annie, wake up, said Suzette. She stood at the bottom of the cellar stairs. It is morning. There is news. Jack opened his eyes. Where were they?


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[Assistant] He squinted at the racks of wine bottles against the wall and the table with the flyers and the printing set. Then he remembered, a cellar in Normandy, France. He sat up. What news? Annie asked.


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[Assistant] We just received a message from the London BBC, said Suzette. It was the message we had been waiting for. The hour of the great battle is coming, tomorrow, June 6th. What battle? asked Jack. The invasion of France, said Suzette.


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[Assistant] The invasion by the Allies, the English, Scots, Americans, Canadians, and others will all invade France and drive out the Nazis, starting tomorrow. Really, said Jack. Yes, said Suzette. Excuse me, I must get back to Caston. He is getting more news from the BBC over the wireless. She hurried up the steps. Oh wow, said Annie.


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[Assistant] They have a wireless. Once we find Kathleen we can come back here and send Teddy a message. You're right, said Jack. But now let's go find out more about that invasion.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie dashed up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. Guest zone was at the kitchen table.


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[Assistant] Smoking his pipe, he was hunched over a small open suitcase. Inside was a radio with tubes and knobs.


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[Assistant] They must destroy communication lines to keep the Nazis in the south from finding out about the invasion. Gaston took off his headset and pointed his pipe at Suzette. Plan green and now plan purple. What's plan green? said Jack.


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[Assistant] We received word of Plan Green a few days ago, said Suzette.


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[Assistant] It called upon resistance fighters to blow up bridges and train tracks to keep enemy troops from traveling here. Why would they travel here? asked Annie.


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[Assistant] This is where the allied invasion will take place, said Gaston. Here in Normandy.


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[Assistant] The Allies will come by air and sea. Tomorrow they will land on beaches not far from Caen. And then fight their way across France. Oh man, I get it now. Jack murmured. D-Day.


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[Assistant] Tomorrow is D-Day. Listen to me, children, said Gaston. He pointed his pipe at them. You must tell no one what we have just told you.


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[Assistant] We won't, we promise, said Annie, shaking her head. And you must leave France at once, Gaston said. Now, leave now, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Yes, return to England immediately, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] There will be terrible fighting here tomorrow. Many bombs will drop.


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[Assistant] It is quite possible, children, that your friend has already gone south, Suzette said.


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[Assistant] Perhaps she has crossed the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. Many people have escaped that way and found safety.


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[Assistant] We have to at least try to find Kathleen before we can leave, said Annie. That's our mission.


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[Assistant] Then you have only today to find her, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] You must leave France by nightfall. We'd better get going then, Annie said. Wait, said Jack. He turned to Gaston.


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[Assistant] We have a favor to ask. Can you send a message by wireless to our contact in the SOE and let him know that we must be picked up tonight? Yes, I can do that, said Gaston. And I will prepare food for you, said Suzette. And I'll get our stuff, said Annie. Suzette and Annie left the kitchen. Gaston grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. What should the message say? He asked Jack.


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[Assistant] I would like to get about my sons someday. I'm sorry they disappeared, Jack said. Yes, whispered Gaston. As am I. He shook his head. Well, his voice boomed.


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[Assistant] It's wartime, and war is terrible for everyone, is it not? Yes it is, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Got everything, said Annie, returning to the kitchen. She was carrying their boots in Jack's field pack. And here is a bit of food, said Suzette. She gave Annie a small sack. Thanks, said Annie. She put the sack of food in Jack's pack. Then she and Jack pulled on their boots.


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[Assistant] So you have nearly 12 hours to find your friend. Oh, we almost forgot to ask you, said Annie. She pulled out Kathleen's rhyme.


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[Assistant] This is the message she sent about where to look for her.


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[Assistant] And then we'll head three miles east from there and cross a river. The river Orna, said Suzette. Great, said Jack. And then we look for a cave.


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[Assistant] Yes, but there are many caves east of the river Arna, in Montville, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] She showed Gaston the message and read aloud. Look for knights and small round cows, a croc and a rock beneath the boughs. Knights? growled Gaston.


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[Assistant] What does your friend mean? Knights in armor? Knights from the middle ages? Annie shrugged. Small round cows? Said Suzette. She shook her head. That doesn't make sense to me. Nor to me, said Gaston. It's okay. We'll figure out that part later, said Annie.


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[Assistant] He took his field pack from Annie and pulled it on. Come along then, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] He led them out of the farmhouse into the chilly morning. The windy air smelled of wood smoke. The sky was overcast. Do you have money? said Suzette. Actually, no, said Jack. Gaston? said Suzette.


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[Assistant] Gaston reached into the pocket of his trousers and brought out a handful of coins. French francs for you, he said, handing them to Jack. Thank you. Jack dropped the francs into his pocket. Gaston, they will need bicycles too, said Suzette. Yes, yes, come along, said Gaston.


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[Assistant] They all followed him to the barn. Gaston stepped inside and came out a moment later carrying two bikes.


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[Assistant] You can ride these. They belonged to our boys when they were younger. Just follow any road to the south, said Suzette, and you will come to Caen. Keep to the back roads, said Gaston. There are fewer motor cars on them. Which way is south? asked Annie. Wait, I will give you something to guide you.


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[Assistant] Susette slipped back into the house and returned a moment later. Take this compass. It belonged to Tom and Theo. She handed a small silver compass to Annie.


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[Assistant] Then she gave Jack and Annie each a flat black cap. These berets belonged to them too. Thank you, said Annie.


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[Assistant] When they put on the berets, Jack adjusted his to look like Gaston's. Suzette smiled. Good. Now you look French.


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[Assistant] If you come to a checkpoint, said Gaston, act very calm when you pass the sentries.


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[Assistant] If they stop you and ask for papers, show them your identity cards. Do not give the V sign to anyone unless you are certain that person is on our side.


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[Assistant] And that is why you must tell no one about the invasion tomorrow. We won't, we promise, said Annie. But I'll tell you guys something, said Jack. What is that? Said Gaston. Jack took a deep breath and then said, the invasion will be a success. Tom and Theo wrote the truth. France will gain back its freedom.


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[Assistant] Gaston gave him a crooked smile. Jack's right? said Annie.


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[Assistant] Said Suzette, putting an arm around Gaston.


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[Assistant] Ride south on the lane, running past the farm. Gaston will send your message over the wireless. I hope your SOE contact receives it, and I hope you find your dear friend and take her back to England with you. Thanks, said Jack. Thanks for everything. Jack and Annie climbed onto the bikes. They rode down the bumpy dirt path, away from the farmhouse. When they came to the lane, Annie pulled out the compass.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie each flashed the sign back at him. Then they turned onto the lane and headed south.


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[Assistant] The spring air smelled of plowed soil and freshly cut hay.


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[Assistant] As their bicycles wobbled down the dirt lane, they passed apple orchards, wheat fields, vineyards, and farmhouses.


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[Assistant] The Allied invasion of Normandy. That was called D-Day. D-Day. Have you ever heard of it?


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[Assistant] Yes, but I don't know exactly what it was said Annie. I read a book about it said Jack.


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[Assistant] Over a hundred thousand soldiers landed in Normandy, France to fight Hitler's army. It was the beginning of the end of World War II.


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[Assistant] I can't believe we came here on the day before D-Day.


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[Assistant] I hope everything doesn't get destroyed by bombs, said Annie. It's beautiful here. Yeah, it is, said Jack.


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[Assistant] The countryside looked like an old painting. Peach colored farmhouses. Apple trees with white flowers. Red poppies blooming in fields. Everything was so peaceful and lovely.


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[Assistant] That Jack could hardly believe the battle of D-Day would start here tomorrow. It gave him a strange feeling to know what was coming.


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[Assistant] After bumping over ruts and ridges, Jack and Annie came to the end of the dirt lane. Annie checked the compass. Left, she said. They turned left.


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[Assistant] And pedal down the wide road bordered by hedgerows.


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[Assistant] The hedges were so tall it was impossible to see beyond them. Are we on a back road? Annie asked. I can't tell, Jack said.


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[Assistant] They hadn't gone much farther when a motorcycle turned onto the road and headed their way. Friend? Enemy? Jack wondered anxiously. In case it was an enemy, he called out to Annie. Act normal! Right! said Annie.


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[Assistant] They both smiled broadly and steered their bikes single file along the edge of the road.


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[Assistant] Jack was glad that Suzette had said wearing berets made them look French.


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[Assistant] When the motorcycle roared past, the driver didn't even look their way.


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[Assistant] The motorcycle disappeared in the distance, but then another car turned onto the road.


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[Assistant] As it headed toward them, Jack tried to look normal again.


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[Assistant] Just as the car sped past, he glanced in its direction.


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[Assistant] To his amazement, a woman driver flashed a quick, V is for Victory sign. Jack grinned and gave the sign back. Friend, he called to Annie. The woman's V signal made him feel hopeful.


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[Assistant] Coming toward them next was a horse and cart driven by a young man who looked like a farmer. Seated beside him was a teenage girl. When they saw Jack and Annie they smiled and nodded. Definitely friends, Jack thought.


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[Assistant] When he got close to the couple, he flashed the V as for victory sign at them too. An angry look crossed the man's face.


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[Assistant] He cried out in alarm. He pulled his horse to a halt and pointed at Jack and Annie. Couriers! Resistance! He shouted.


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[Assistant] Oh no, thought Jack. Gaston was right.


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[Assistant] Behind the horse and cart another motorcycle was rumbling down the road.


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[Assistant] He and Annie wheeled around and raced their bikes against the wind.


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[Assistant] When Jack looked back, the motorcycle was coming toward them. Fast! Ditch the bikes! Annie shouted.


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[Assistant] Scrape by branches and thorns, they pushed their way through the narrow gap until they burst onto farmland.


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[Assistant] As they ran through a cow pasture, Jack looked around wildly for a place to hide.


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[Assistant] When they drew closer to the entrance, they saw a man in white clothes putting two large milk cans into the back of a white truck.


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[Assistant] The milkman looked startled, but as the motorcycle crashed through the hedge at the edge of the property, he seemed to understand everything at once. Quick, in the truck! he shouted.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie scrambled into the back of the truck and found a hiding place behind rows of tall milk canisters.


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[Assistant] Crouching behind the canisters, they covered their mouths so no one would hear them gasping for breath. The milkman slammed the back door of the truck shut. There was a panel between the front seat and the windowless back area. Jack and Annie sat in the dark.


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[Assistant] And listen to the motorcycle thunder closer and then stop.


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[Assistant] Through the closed door, they could hear bits of conversation from outside. Yes. Two. Boy and girl. Resistance couriers. Yes. You are sure. Yes. Good. Thank you for your help. Moments later, Jack heard the motorcycle rev up and drive away. The milkman started his engine.


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[Assistant] Then with the large canisters jiggling in their crates, the truck began bouncing over the road. I guess we're going with him, whispered Annie. I wonder if he's a friend or enemy, whispered Jack. A friend, said Annie.


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[Assistant] He must have told the motorcycle guy we went in the opposite direction.


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[Assistant] Maybe the motorcycle guy was thanking him for locking us in his truck and taking us to the Nazis. Oh no, I hadn't thought of that. Annie whispered.


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[Assistant] Clutching their berets, they jiggled with the clattering milk cans as the truck continued on. After a while, the milk truck stopped again. It sounded like the driver was getting out. Jack froze. He heard the back door handle click. Then the door swung open.


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[Assistant] The milkman pulled out a large milk canister and whispered, All clear, hurry. Thanks, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Leaving the door open, the milkman carried the canister away from the truck. Go! said Jack. He and Annie jumped out of the back of the truck.


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[Assistant] It was parked in front of a long building with a sign that said, Kong Milk Processing Plant. Look, we're in Kong, said Annie pointing to the sign. Isn't that great? Go, go, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He and Annie raced across the street and headed down a narrow alley.


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[Assistant] Wait, Jack said, stopping in his tracks. We shouldn't run. It will make us look suspicious. They stopped for a moment and tried to catch their breath. The milkman was a friend, said Annie. Definitely, said Jack. Okay, let's go. Act normal. Jack and Annie stepped out from the alley and into a busy town square. In the middle of the square was an outdoor market.


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[Assistant] Women with children strolled from booth to booth, buying lettuce, peas, potatoes, flowers, linens, and lace.


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[Assistant] Surrounding the square were cobblestone streets lined with quaint buildings.


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[Assistant] There was a church covered with ivy, a small train depot, and a sidewalk cafe with a red striped awning.


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[Assistant] Again, Jack found it difficult to believe that a great battle was about to take place. This is all going to change tomorrow.


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[Assistant] He said to Annie as they strolled through the market. I know, Annie said. I wish we could tell everyone to leave today. Yep, said Jack. He looked at a clock tower in the square.


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[Assistant] It's almost ten. We have ten hours left until nightfall. Well, we're in camp, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Now we have to go three miles east to the river Orna and the caves of Mon Vieux. Right, said Jack. Excuse me, Annie called to a young woman pushing a baby buggy. Can you please tell us how to get to Mon Vieux?


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[Assistant] It is very easy, said the woman. Just a short train ride. You get off at the first stop. She pointed to the depot next to the cafe. Thanks, said Annie. You're welcome, said the woman.


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[Assistant] She waved two fingers and kept pushing the carriage across the square. Friend, Annie said to Jack. How do you know, he asked.


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[Assistant] She gave me a V is for victory sign, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Or maybe she just happened to use two fingers to wave to you, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Even though the milkman was a friend, we can never be sure who our friends and enemies are. Remember the farmer and the girl in the cart?


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[Assistant] Each car had a red, white, and black symbol on the side. Jack recognized it as a swastika, the symbol of the Nazis.


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[Assistant] Soldiers got out of the cars and stood at the edge of the square, watching the shoppers.


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[Assistant] They wore gray uniforms with black belts and tall boots. Enemies, Jack said under his breath. Definitely.


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[Assistant] Shoppers lowered their heads and grabbed the hands of their children.


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[Assistant] We should catch that train as soon as possible said Jack. You bet said Annie. Look normal.


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[Assistant] With their hands in their pockets, Jack and Annie walked as calmly as they could from the market toward the train depot.


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[Assistant] He headed to the ticket window and placed some coins in front of the ticket agent. The ticket agent counted out some coins, then gave Jack two tickets.


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[Assistant] Ian and Annie stepped away from the window and walked out to the tracks.


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[Assistant] Jack noticed that the waiting passengers were anxiously watching a scene at the end of the station platform Some Nazi soldiers had stopped an old man The man had his hands in the air


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[Assistant] He looked terrified as the soldiers checked his pockets. What are they doing? Annie asked. Don't look said Jack.


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[Assistant] He grabbed her hand so she wouldn't hurry to the man's aid. But he felt fury too. Why torment an old man? He wondered. He wanted to shout at the Nazi soldiers. Leave us all alone! But just like the other bystanders, he was too scared to do anything.


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[Assistant] He gripped Annie's hand tighter and pulled her in the other direction. Come on. To Jack's great relief, he heard the train whistle blow. Soon the train rounded the bend, puffing steam. The crowd stepped back as the black engine chugged into the station. It let out an ear-piercing shriek and jolted to a stop.


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[Assistant] All aboard, shouted the conductor, and the waiting passengers moved toward the tracks. Jack and Annie climbed into one of the rear cars. Where are our seats? Annie asked Jack. I don't know, he said. He looked at their tickets. It says second class. Excuse me, where are the second class seats? Annie asked an older woman with a friendly face. Follow me.


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[Assistant] The woman led them up the train corridor and stopped in front of an empty compartment.


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[Assistant] Annie and Jack opened a glass door and stepped into a small space with four seats.


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[Assistant] Two Nazi officials stood in the doorway. Identity papers please, one said. Jack's heart started to pound, but he turned and faked a friendly smile. Oh, yes, sure, he said. He pulled out his identity card and showed it to the official. Annie smiled and showed her card too.


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[Assistant] The soldier looked carefully at the cards, then handed them back. Your bag now, he said to Jack holding out his hand. My pack? Sure, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Just lunch in Jack's pencil and notebook with all the notes torn out. Give it to me, demanded the official. Annie didn't move. Her smile had faded, replaced by a look of fear. What is wrong with her? Jack wondered. He gently pried the field pack loose from her grip. It's okay, he assured her. He can look in it.


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[Assistant] Grinning crazily, he handed the field pack over to the soldier. The Nazi umbuckled Jack's pack.


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[Assistant] He opened it and took out two apples, a chunk of cheese, and two pieces of black bread. He handed the food to the other official. Then he reached deeper into the field pack and pulled out some papers. Jack was confused. Where did those come from? The soldier held up one of the papers.


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[Assistant] It was one of the flyers printed by Tom and Theo. Hope and courage. Freedom soon. The soldier put the papers back into the pack. Then he narrowed his eyes at Jack. So you are working for the other side. What? No, said Jack. He looked at Annie. How? Sorry, Annie whispered.


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[Assistant] Please, he didn't do anything, it was me, I did it. The Nazi official pushed Annie aside. Boy, I am placing you under arrest, he said. But just as the man reached out to grab Jack, an explosion rocked the train car. The sound of screeching brakes split the air. The train ground to a sudden stop. Jack and Annie were thrown from their seats.


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[Assistant] Passengers scrambled up the corridor, screaming and yelling, what happened, what happened? Resistance blew up tracks ahead. The two Nazis jumped to their feet. Ignoring Jack and Annie, they hurried away from the compartment. Jack looked out the window. A few hundred yards in front of the train, black smoke was rising into the air. Plan green, he said.


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[Assistant] Let's get out of here. He grabbed his field pack and started out of the compartment. But more soldiers were running down the corridor, shoving all the passengers aside. Annie grabbed Jack's arm. The window, she cried. Out, climb out. Jack straddled the window ledge.


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[Assistant] Then swung his leg over and dropped to the embankment below.


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[Assistant] Looking down the tracks, Jack saw train workers and soldiers running toward the billowing black smoke. Sirens were screaming


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[Assistant] Passengers were fleeing from all the cars on the train. Come on, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Ian and Annie ran down the embankment, towards some woods near the tracks.


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[Assistant] Then they took off through the brush, weaving around mossy trees and pale spring ferns.


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[Assistant] They pushed back twigs and vines, trying to get as far away from the train as possible. Are we heading in the right direction? Jack asked, panting. Annie pulled out the compass and looked at it. Yes, southwest. Good, keep going, said Jack. They ran until they came to the edge of a road. Up the road a bridge crossed a wide river.


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[Assistant] A sign on the front said Sylvie's bistro. Stop, stop, said Jack gasping. Before we go any farther, let's stop there, rest, and make a plan. Great, I'm dying of thirst, said Annie. They caught their breath. Then they straightened their berets, smiled fake smiles, and walked into the bistro.


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[Assistant] The air smelled of coffee and cigarette smoke.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie slipped over to an empty table and sat down.


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[Assistant] I'm so sorry, Annie said, leaning toward Jack. I didn't mean to get you in trouble, I- Before she could go on.


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[Assistant] For a moment Jack just stared at the dark haired, rosy cheeked girl.


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[Assistant] He was still in a daze both from being arrested and from the explosion. Can we have two lemonade, please? Annie asked. The waitress nodded and left. I'm so sorry. Annie whispered again to Jack.


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[Assistant] The waitress put down their drinks and hurried to the kitchen at the back of the bistro. We have to go, said Jack. She saw the flyers. He jammed the papers into his pack. Wait, said Annie. We can't, said Jack. She's gone to tell someone like her boss. They'll call the police. Before Jack and Annie could stand up to leave.


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[Assistant] The waitress burst out of the kitchen with a tall, stern looking woman wearing an apron.


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[Assistant] The woman's heavy shoes clomped on the wooden floor as she headed over to Jack and Annie. My mother wants to talk to you, the waitress said. No, thought Jack. The woman pulled up a chair and sat down. She leaned forward. Tell me please, she whispered. How do you know Tom and Theo?


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie stared in shock at the woman. Before they could answer, the door to the bistro swung open, and three Nazi soldiers entered.


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[Assistant] She said in a low voice, We know their parents. I have never met Tom and Theo's parents, said Sylvie. She glanced at the table in the corner. The Nazis were laughing loudly with her daughter. In the resistance, we keep our personal lives secret from each other.


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[Assistant] Then they crossed over the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. That's great, whispered Annie. Jack looked at the Nazis. They were still joking with Sylvie's daughter. Was there any chance Sylvie was working with them? What if this was a trap? Was she making up the story about Tom and Theo?


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[Assistant] Are you sure that's true? He asked, narrowing his eyes at Sylvie. I understand your caution, Sylvie whispered.


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[Assistant] Then she slowly moved two silver spoons into the shape of a V. Jack nodded. Okay he thought.


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[Assistant] He was willing to take the chance that Sylvie was telling the truth. Sylvie then straightened the spoons


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[Assistant] We got caught on a train and Jack was almost arrested.


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[Assistant] But then the tracks got blown up and we escaped. Sylvie smiled. You are brave, she said. In this time even children must be brave. But helping Tom and Theo isn't really our mission, said Annie.


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[Assistant] The only lines we don't understand are the last ones. Jack glanced at the soldiers again. One of them looked up, and his gaze rested on Sylvie. They're watching you, Jack whispered. Sylvie nodded. Then she laughed. So you both love apples, she said. What is she talking about, Jack wondered. Is she speaking in code?


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[Assistant] Yes, we love apples. Annie said smiling.


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[Assistant] I like Granny Smith apples, said Annie. So does Jack. Good, good, said Sylvie.


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[Assistant] But my favorites are the yellow nights in the white calves.


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[Assistant] Kathleen was secretly writing about apples, not knights, not cows. And he laughed.


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[Assistant] And can we find those delicious varieties of apples somewhere near here? She asked. Oh yes, said Sylvie.


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[Assistant] In fact, my bistro is on the road of rocks. Down the street is a deserted chateau with a small orchard. Beautiful yellow nights, and white calves grow on trees there.


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[Assistant] So perhaps that is where you will find what you're looking for. She casually tapped the note.


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[Assistant] Jack saw that her fingers were pointing to the line, a crack in a rock beneath the boughs. Cool, Jack said. Thank you. You're most welcome, said Sylvie. She stood up and straightened her apron. Enjoy your day, children. I hope you find the apple of your dreams. With your help, I think we will, said Jack. He glanced at the Nazis.


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[Assistant] He was lighting a cigarette and listening to his friends.


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[Assistant] Annie said to Jack as she put the note back into her pocket. Big time, Jack said. He checked a clock on the wall. It's almost two. We have six hours left. He took a long sip of lemonade, left some money on the table and stood up. As he and Annie quietly slipped out of the bistro, he heard the Nazis laughing with each other. It was still cloudy outside. A damp wind was blowing.


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[Assistant] This is the road of rocks, said Annie, looking at a sign. Now we just need to find a deserted chateau. What's a chateau? I think it's like a big fancy house, said Jack. Cool, said Annie. Let's find it. Await, said Jack. We have to do something first. What, said Annie. Come with me, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He led the way around the bistro to an open window in the back. Through the window they saw Sylvie in the kitchen. She was stirring a pot on the stove. Jack looked around to make sure that no one was watching. Then he called in a loud whisper. Sylvie. She looked surprised and came over to the window. Yes. Could you do us a favor? Said Jack.


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[Assistant] Could you send a wireless message to the BBC? She nodded. Could you have it say, Jack thought for a moment, have it say your twin unicorns are free in Spain? Sylvie looked puzzled. Tom and Theo said Jack.


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[Assistant] Annie said as she and Jack slipped back around the restaurant. Yep, said Jack. Now, a deserted chateau with apple trees. Onward, said Annie.


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[Assistant] As they started up the road of rocks, Jack and Annie strolled past a couple of houses, a churchyard, and an ancient looking cemetery.


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[Assistant] They passed a butcher shop, a bookstore and a bakery called La Baguette. I don't get it, said Jack. Why would Kathleen be hiding in a cave?


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[Assistant] You have to be cautious, but you can still travel around. Something's not right. Yeah, really, said Jack.


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[Assistant] On its grounds were fallen down sheds, overgrown gardens, and a scattering of bushes and weeds.


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[Assistant] Annie pointed to a cluster of flowering trees in front of the hillside.


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[Assistant] The spring breeze shook their bows and white petals floated to the ground like snowflakes. Yes, said Jack. He looked around. No vehicles or pedestrians were close by. Trespass. Jack and Annie walked up the driveway. Their boots crunched over the gravel path as they hurried across the weedy grounds of the chateau.


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[Assistant] She pointed to a crack big enough for a person to slip through. Okay, said Jack. Wait. He reached into his pack and took out the flashlight Teddy had given them. I'll go first, said Annie.


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[Assistant] This must be one of the limestone tunnels that Suzette and Gaston talked about, he said. Listen, said Annie. Voices were singing deep inside the tunnel. Hi, sweet voices. Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.


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[Assistant] What's going on? Jack whispered. Let's find out, said Annie. Jack turned off the flashlight. The sound of the singing guided them as they tiptoed through the downward sloping tunnel and into a giant cavern. Across the cavern, candles flickered in a corner.


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[Assistant] The candlelight shone on a group of small children sitting with a teenage girl. Most of the children were no more than three or four years old. They sat on a pile of blankets, facing the girl as she sang with them. Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.


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[Assistant] Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.


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[Assistant] The children's bell-like voices were beautiful, Jack thought. When the blazing sun is gone, when it nothing shines upon, then you show your little light. Twinkle, twinkle all the night.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie waited until the children had finished their song. Then Annie called, Kathleen. All the children turned to look.


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[Assistant] Kathleen let out a cry and hurried across the cavern into Annie's arms.


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[Assistant] The Enchantress wiped tears from her sea blue eyes. Her long curly hair was tangled and dirty. She looked tired and thin. I am so glad to see you. But what, what are you doing here? She said. Where is Teddy? Teddy's in us instead, Jack said, because he thought we could decode your message.


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[Assistant] Plus, he had to save downed airmen in Holland and Belgium, said Annie.


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[Assistant] What happened to you? Who are these little kids?


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[Assistant] By now the children were tugging on Jack's and Annie's overalls, chattering, Hello! Who are you? What's your name?


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[Assistant] They wore ragged clothes and no shoes, but their small pale faces were open and trusting.


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[Assistant] Are you taking care of all these kids? Annie asked Kathleen Yes.


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[Assistant] I have two wonderful helpers, Sarah and her sister Sophie, said Kathleen. She pointed to the tallest children in the group. The sisters looked to be about six and seven years old.


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[Assistant] These are my friends, Jack and Annie, Kathleen said to the children. They have come a very long way to help us. Jack and Annie meet Solly, Eddie, Daniel, Eli.


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[Assistant] Kathleen pointed to each tiny child as she said the names. Pierre, Leo, Marcela, and Ella.


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[Assistant] Talking over her the children asked questions all at once.


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[Assistant] Children, children, Kathleen said in a calm voice.


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[Assistant] Hush, please, go back to your blankets now with Sophie and Sarah and rest. You can play with Jack and Annie after you wake. The children did as Kathleen asked. Still chattering, no more softly, they followed the older girls back to their blankets.


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[Assistant] Sophie and Sarah seemed very grown up as they tried to settle the younger children down. Have you all been living in this cave a long time? asked Annie. This is our hideout during the day, said Kathleen.


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[Assistant] After dark, I sneak them into the empty chateau and we hide in the attic there. The plumbing still works and there is fresh well water. I found a supply of candles, thank goodness. Sophie and Sarah are very capable. They watch the others at night while I look for food.


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[Assistant] I visit gardens and gather old bread from behind the bakery. Before daylight, I lead the children back here. We sing and play games and nap and talk. I don't think they realize that we are in hiding. Why do you have to hide them? asked Jack. To keep them safe from the Nazis, said Kathleen.


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[Assistant] They were both arrested in Paris by the Nazis because they are Jewish, said Kathleen. That's crazy, said Annie. Yeah, said Jack. Yes, it is, said Kathleen. When I arrived in Normandy, I found that the orphanage had been abandoned, but there were still children there. Sophie and Sarah were taking care of them as best they could.


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[Assistant] Because all the children were Jewish, I needed to hide them.


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[Assistant] He couldn't understand why the Nazis hated Jewish people so much. He'd read about it and seen movies about it, but he never understood it. There are too many for me to get them all to safety, said Kathleen.


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[Assistant] That is why I sent word to Teddy that I needed magic.


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[Assistant] I wanted something to make us invisible, or something to help us fly.


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[Assistant] If only I could turn them into little birds, I thought. They could fly across the channel and then become themselves again. Right, said Annie smiling.


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[Assistant] Like when you once turned us into seals off the coast of Ireland. Exactly like that, said Kathleen. Well, why do you need magic from Teddy, asked Jack. What happened to your own magic powers? I do not know, Kathleen shook her head. I, I seem to have lost part of myself here.


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[Assistant] I fear that sadness and worry have drained me of my ability to perform magic. Perhaps being terrified for the children. She shook her head again. But you have brought help, yes? The wand? Jack took a deep breath. Actually, no, we didn't, he answered. No magic, only ourselves. Kathleen looked confused. But in my message,


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[Assistant] Teddy meant to give us the wand of Dianthus, but he forgot.


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[Assistant] He was flying the plane and helping us learn how to parachute. And somehow he forgot. And we forgot too.


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[Assistant] I remembered just as we were about to jump out of the plane, said Jack. But then it was too late. He forgot? I cannot believe it, how could he? Kathleen's voice trembled. Oh, that is terrible. Only magic can help these children escape harm. We cannot leave France now, we are trapped. You have to leave, said Jack. We all have to leave France by nightfall.


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[Assistant] A giant military invasion is starting tomorrow. It's called the D-Day Invasion.


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[Assistant] Skills, you know, you said so yourself, remember in the ditch? said Annie.


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[Assistant] With all these kids, we won't be able to fit into Teddy's little plane. She turned to Kathleen.


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[Assistant] We already sent a message to Teddy telling him to pick us up at nightfall at the same spot where he dropped us off.


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[Assistant] So now we just need to send a message telling him to bring a bigger plane. Sylvie at the B stroke can do that, said Jack. Annie's confidence was lifting his spirits. Good idea, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Next, we have to figure out how to get from here back to the drop zone. That's the hard part, said Jack. We need a truck or something, like the milk truck that took us to Caen. Right, said Annie, so the kids can hide in the back. Kathleen's face lit up. Oh.


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[Assistant] Every night I go to the bakery up the street after it closes, she said. There is always a delivery truck parked in the driveway. It is never locked.


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[Assistant] I know this because I gather scraps of stale bread from the back. Okay, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Jack's not old enough to have a license, but he learned how to drive an old truck on our great-grandfather's farm.


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[Assistant] So all we have to do is gather the kids, use the truck to get them to the drop zone, wait for Teddy to show up with a bigger plane, get everybody on board, and we're all out of here by nightfall. Fantastic said Kathleen. We have a plan.


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[Assistant] I will go tell Sophie and Sarah to get the children ready. She hurried across the cavern. Jack whirled around to Annie. No, no, no, he whispered. This is not a


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[Assistant] I wanted to drive it too, but I couldn't reach the pedals. But that said Jack.


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[Assistant] You always say you can't wait to drive that truck again. But this is so different, said Jack. It's not that different, Annie said.


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[Assistant] Are you crazy? It's totally different, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Stealing a truck, loading it with tiny kids, and driving through a foreign country to try to escape Nazis in World War II is totally different from driving in a circle in our great grandfather's pasture. Okay, it's different, said Annie. Thank you, said Jack. It's different because there are lives at stake here, said Annie. And that's why you have to do it.


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[Assistant] What was the location of your drop zone? She asked. It's a field in B.A.Ville next to a church, said Annie, six miles northwest of Caen. Good, said Kathleen. I have the Normandy map the SOE gave me.


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[Assistant] It will help us. Let's go get the truck.


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[Assistant] By the light of her candle, she led the way out of the cavern and through the limestone tunnel. Jack's heart was racing. Annie was right. Lives were at stake.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed Kathleen through the tunnel to the crack in the rock. Then they walked into the gray light of late afternoon.


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[Assistant] He hoped it meant her magic skills would soon return.


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[Assistant] Right now he thought they really needed a little magic. When they came to the road, Kathleen turned to Annie. You should go ahead of us to Sylvie, she said. So we will not look as if we are traveling in a group. The Nazis do not like groups. Okay, meet you guys back here, said Annie. Good luck.


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[Assistant] Jack took a deep breath as he and Kathleen stood together, waiting for Annie to get a good distance away.


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[Assistant] I knew it was possible I could be responsible for the loss of ten children.


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[Assistant] But you will, she said. I admire you very much. She looked up the road of rocks. Annie is far enough ahead, I think. We can go now.


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[Assistant] Jack straightened his shoulders as he and Kathleen walked together up the road. He was ready to drive the truck.


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[Assistant] Look just like the cab of Jack's great grandfather's truck. The back was different, though. His great grandfather's truck was a pickup, but the back of this truck was box-shaped, like a van. The words La Baguette were painted on the side. Jack looked at the bakery truck. He took a deep breath. Okay, this should work, he said, trying to sound calm. Let's see how she looks inside.


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[Assistant] He pulled on the handle of the cab and the door swung open.


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[Assistant] Jack stuck his head inside and saw that the truck had a keyless starter switch, just like his great grandfather's truck. He turned back to Kathleen. We're in business, he said. Wonderful, Kathleen said. Do you have a piece of paper so I can leave a note for the baker?


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[Assistant] Jack reached into his pack and gave Kathleen his notebook and a pencil. She wrote on a blank page, Thank you for letting us borrow your truck.


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[Assistant] It is waiting for you near the church in B.A.Ville." She tore the paper out of Jack's notebook, folded it, and slid it under the back door of the bakery. Then they both climbed into the front seat. Good to go? Jack asked. Yes, she said smiling. Good to go. Jack looked at the floor and found the clutch pedal on the left, the brake in the middle, and the gas pedal on the right.


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[Assistant] Just like in his great grandfather's truck. He put his hand on the gear shift next to his seat. Everything felt familiar. Okie dokie, he said. Let's get this show on the road. Jack pressed the brake with his right foot and then pushed the clutch pedal down with his left. He moved the gear shift into neutral. Then he turned the starter switch and the engine rumbled to life.


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[Assistant] Jack shifted into first gear. He moved his right foot off the brake and pressed the gas pedal. The truck engine roared.


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[Assistant] He operated the clutch and gas pedals perfectly.


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[Assistant] And the bakery truck moves smoothly onto the road of rocks. Brilliant, said Kathleen. We are on our way. As Jack headed up the street, he kept all his attention on his driving, not daring to think of their plans.


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[Assistant] Instead, he imagined he was just driving around his great grandfather's pasture. When the truck came to the old chateau, Annie was heading into the driveway.


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[Assistant] Seeing Jack behind the wheel, she raised her arms skyward and jumped up and down as if he'd just crossed a finish line.


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[Assistant] Jack and Kathleen laughed as Annie ran alongside the truck waving her arms.


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[Assistant] Yes, I snuck around the back of the bistro and tapped on the window again, said Annie.


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[Assistant] The little kids raced across the grass to the bakery truck.


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[Assistant] Then he, Annie, and Kathleen lifted each child into the back. Is everyone here? Called Kathleen. She called out all their names to make sure. Ella? Eli? Leo? Daniel?


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[Assistant] As each high voice rang out, yes! Jack climbed into the driver's seat. Soon Kathleen and Annie joined him.


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[Assistant] Jack could hear the children chattering behind the partition that separated the cab from the back. They are so excited, said Kathleen. It smells like bread back there, said Annie. The children found lots of old crusts to eat. Really, said Jack. He could hear their voices saying, this is good. I love it. It's hard to chew.


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[Assistant] Yes, but it's very good. Jack's throat tightened.


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[Assistant] He wanted only one thing in the world right now. To help these little kids escape from France.


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[Assistant] Kathleen opened the map of the Caen area and showed it to Annie. Montville, Annie said, pointing. Embayville. It looks like we have about seven miles to go. All set, said Jack. He took a breath. He started the truck, shifted into gear, then drove down the driveway toward the road. Turn right, said Kathleen, studying the map. Jack turned right.


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[Assistant] He drove faster and shifted gears as they moved up the quiet road of rocks. Left onto Calmet Street, said Kathleen, then right onto Clopie. Jack followed her directions.


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[Assistant] Right onto Cop Org, said Annie, then a quick left. Jack turned onto Cop Org, then made a quick left, and landed in the middle of a traffic jam. Oh no, Kathleen said quietly.


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[Assistant] Up the road, Nazi soldiers were stopping traffic.


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[Assistant] Two of the Nazis held up spotlights as vehicles crawled toward them. What's going on? Asked Annie. It's a checkpoint, said Kathleen. Jack stopped breathing. What does that mean? He asked.


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[Assistant] It means officials randomly stop vehicles and check identities, said Kathleen. The soldiers waved one car through, but they stopped the next.


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[Assistant] Traffic came to a halt as a Nazi official shined a flashlight into the car that had stopped.


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[Assistant] When he saw another Nazi inspect the car's trunk he started to panic.


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[Assistant] As if you drive this truck every day to deliver bread. Yeah, like it's no big deal, said Annie. I, I don't think I can, Jack said in a strangled voice. You have to, said Annie. Wait, wait a moment, said Kathleen. She closed her eyes and opened them. My. What is it, asked Jack.


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[Assistant] I just recalled a spell that will keep us safe, she said. Really? said Jack. Yes.


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[Assistant] I think that feeling of hope is bringing back some of my magic, said Kathleen. That's wonderful, said Annie. What's the spell you remember? It is a spell to make us invisible, said Kathleen. Really? said Jack. Yes, drive on Jack, said Kathleen. The cars had started moving again. Do not look to either side, stare straight ahead.


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[Assistant] As Jack shifted from neutral into first gear and then second, Kathleen closed her eyes and whispered a rhyme. Powers of goodness, powers of light, shield us now from powers of sight. When Kathleen started to repeat the rhyme, Annie closed her eyes and joined in. Powers of goodness, powers of light, shield us now from powers of sight. Holding his breath and staring straight ahead,


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[Assistant] The Nazis are completely ignoring us, said Kathleen.


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[Assistant] They see nothing but empty space between the car in front of us and the car behind us.


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[Assistant] When it is our turn to pass the checkpoint, be calm and drive straight through.


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[Assistant] Jack relaxed a little as he imagined being invisible. Kathleen whispered the magic spell again. Powers of goodness, powers of light, shield us now from powers of sight.


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[Assistant] The soldiers waved at the driver of the green car ahead of the bakery truck, giving permission for it to move on. Good, said Kathleen.


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[Assistant] Now just follow closely behind that car and we will be fine. Jack fixed his eyes on the back of the green car, following it.


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[Assistant] He drove steadily and calmly past the checkpoint.


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[Assistant] When he glanced in the rearview mirror, he saw that the soldiers were paying no attention at all to the bakery truck.


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[Assistant] He had no doubt now that Kathleen's magic was working. They were definitely invisible. Drive on, Jack, said Kathleen. Jack drove on. When he looked in his rear view mirror again, he saw the soldiers stopping the car behind them. We made it, said Annie. Yes, said Kathleen, looking at the map. Turn left here, Jack.


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[Assistant] Then an immediate right and follow the sign to Saint Claire. Jack did as Kathleen said. He turned left, then right, and pressed harder on the gas pedal. The road ahead was empty. He drove faster and faster, shifting into third gear.


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[Assistant] The white steeple of the church was rising into the darkening sky. Next to the church was the drop zone.


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[Assistant] The empty field where they had landed with their parachutes. That's where Teddy will pick us up, said Annie. Good, drive to the back of the church, said Kathleen, so the truck cannot be seen. How can the truck be seen from anywhere, Jack wondered. Has Kathleen undone her spell?


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[Assistant] He pulled off the road and bumped over the grass to the back of the church.


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[Assistant] Jack, I fear I did not tell you the truth, said Kathleen. I still do not have magic powers. I did not make us invisible with a spell. You didn't, said Annie. No, said Kathleen. I knew that as long as Jack felt confident, an ordinary bakery truck would not draw the attention of the Nazis. I felt sure we could slip safely by.


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[Assistant] Oh brother, said Jack. He took a deep breath.


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[Assistant] He didn't know whether to be angry with Kathleen or amazed at himself. In his confusion he just laughed. Annie and Kathleen joined in.


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[Assistant] Well, at least the scariest part of the journey is over, Jack thought. Kathleen, Jack and Annie climbed out of the cab. The countryside was quiet. No vehicles were in sight and no dogs were barking. The moon was on the horizon.


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[Assistant] I hope Teddy received the messages from Gaston and Sylvie, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Sometime after midnight, more than a hundred thousand Allied soldiers will invade by sea and air to drive the Nazis out of France, said Jack.


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[Assistant] It will be the beginning of the end of World War II. That is good, very good, breathed Kathleen. All the world is living a great nightmare now, when it wakes.


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[Assistant] Everyone will wonder how this could have happened, and I fear no one will know the answer. She shook her head. Well, what should we do now?


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[Assistant] Kathleen, Jack, and Annie walked to the rear of the truck. When Kathleen opened the door, they found the children sprawled all over the back, fast asleep. Even Sophie and Sarah had closed their eyes.


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[Assistant] Wake up birdies. Kathleen sang softly. Wake up. Her sweet voice roused the children from sleep.


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[Assistant] As they began to stir, some reached out and put their arms around Jack, Annie and Kathleen.


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[Assistant] Then he clutched their hands and walked with them across the grass.


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[Assistant] Is this our new house? Leo asked rubbing his eyes. Can you live here with us? Said Eli.


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[Assistant] While Annie, Kathleen, Sophie, and Sarah shepherded the others after him.


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[Assistant] The air smelled of old wood and incense.


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[Assistant] The last light of day, shone through stained glass windows.


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[Assistant] After Jack, Annie and Kathleen got everyone settled in the front pew, Kathleen started to lead the children in song. Let's move the truck now, Jack said to Annie. She nodded.


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[Assistant] As they slipped down the aisle and out of the church, they heard


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[Assistant] Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping, Brother John? Brother John? Morning bells are ringing. Morning bells are ringing. Ding dong ding. Ding dong ding.


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[Assistant] Night was falling fast as Jack and Annie climbed back into the bakery truck. We shouldn't drive far, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Kathleen left a note for the baker telling him to look for his truck near the church in Bayville. I hope he's still alive tomorrow and comes to get it. You hope he's still alive tomorrow, said Annie. That sounds terrible. I know, said Jack. War is terrible. He started the truck and they bumped back over the grass to the road.


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[Assistant] Jack drove about a hundred yards, then pulled off the road and parked the bakery truck beside a clump of trees. I think this should do it, he said. Annie hopped out of the truck. Jack switched off the motor and rolled up his window. Then he climbed out too. Let's hurry. Look, Jack. Annie sounded scared. Look up. Jack looked up.


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[Assistant] Two giant beams of light were sweeping across the sky, crisscrossing each other. What's going on? Asked Annie. Those lights must be looking for planes to shoot down, said Jack. No, said Annie. What if they spot Teddy's plane? Jack didn't answer right away. Maybe the worst isn't over yet, he thought. Let's hurry back and tell Kathleen, he said.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie ran up the road to the church. Inside, they found Kathleen still singing with the children.