He introduced himself: "Lieutenant Peter Lafitte, Dartmouth 1942. Ski Patrol, Cannon Mountain. Formerly." This was, he hoped, a respectable introduction that would put her at ease as regards his intentions. "My sister is a Land Girl," he said. "I do not have to board immediately. Can I help you?"

"My brother has boarded the train with his unit, and I do not know where they going. This", she indicated the line of tanks and trucks boarding flatcars, the multitude of soldiers boarding the train. "This..."

"The army has imposed secrecy for the protection of your brother and all the soldiers in his unit." Pete repeated these words that he remembered from US Army explanations. In his pack were chocolate chip cookies and a thermos with which his friends on the mountain bid him goodbye. He was not sure what was in the thermos. "I have homemade cookies in my pack," he offered.