“We must shut up,” said Manera. “We talk too much even for the Tenente .”

“He likes it,” said Passini. “We will convert him.”

“But now we will shut up,” Manera said.

“Do we eat yet, Tenente ?” Gavuzzi asked.

“I will go and see,” I said. Gordini stood up and went outside with me.

“Is there anything I can do, Tenente ? Can I help in any way?” He was the quietest one of the four. “Come with me if you want,” I said, “and we’ll see.”