Author's Note: Italics still imply German.

Moffitt was given a twenty-four hour leave. He decided to go to the a museum in the nearby neutral territory. He was studying some Egyptian artifacts when he heard a slight clearing of a throat behind him. Moffitt turned and came face to face with Dietrich.

"I did not know Egyptology interested you, Captain."

Dietrich smiled slightly, "Yes, I have always had a fascination with the Egyptian culture. Tell me, Sergeant Moffitt. I heard some rumors that you were involved in some spying activity. Is this correct?"

"I couldn't say, Captain."

"No, it could not have been you. I was told the man spoke excellent German with no accent."

"I speak very good German," Moffitt said proudly.

Dietrich smiled smugly, "Thank you, Sergeant Moffitt. You have just answered my question. Perhaps you would like to converse in English?"

"Why would I want to? I am quite comfortable speaking in German."

"Perhaps you might, but I cannot stand listening to you butcher the language. If English does not interest you, than would you prefer French or Swahili?"

"I only declined the offer to speak in English because I know how you have some difficulty speaking our language."

Dietrich was indignant, "My English is much better than your German. I have absolutely no difficulty speaking English. I cannot say the same for you and German." He switched to English. "You do not put the right emphasis on some words. Also, your vocabulary is not extensive."

They got into such a heated debate, they were asked to leave the museum. They left and went to a nearby bar to continue the discussion.

"For instance," Dietrich said, "You do not know many of our German idioms. Could you tell me what this means: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei."

"Quite simple, it translates in English to 'everything has an end, only the sausage has two.' It means everything must end."

"That was very obvious. What about this one: Dir haben sie wohl etwas in den Kaffee getan."

Moffitt thought for a few moments. "It's literal meaning is 'you've probably done something to the coffee,' but I can't remember what it means in German." He thought for a few more moments. "I know, it's 'you've got to be kidding.'" He smiled triumphantly at the Captain.

Dietrich looked perturbed, "Okay, try this one: Sie spielt die beleidigte Leberwurst."

Moffitt started laughing, "She's playing the insulted sausage? Really, Captain, who invented these ridiculous idioms of yours?"

Dietrich was slightly insulted. "No more ridiculous than 'don't count your chickens before they hatch.'"

Moffitt continued, "And what is with all your idioms referring to sausage? I know you Germans really like sausage, but this is a little much."

Dietrich changed the subject. "So do you know what it means or not?"

Moffitt reluctantly shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I don't. Don't think I've ever heard that one before. Pray enlighten me."

"It means 'she's in a huff.' It is used fairly frequently."

Moffitt sighed, "Okay, maybe I don't know German as well as I thought I did. But I know it well enough to fool many Germans. How about you, do you know all of our idioms?"

"It's hardly possible to know all of them, I learned American English, not British English."

"Well still. What does this mean: more holes than swiss cheese?"

"It means something is incomplete or lacking many things or parts."

"All right, what about this one: a penny for your thoughts?"

Dietrich smiled, "Yes, I have heard a lot of this one. It is a way of asking someone what they are thinking."

"How about 'pardon my French?'"

"Oh, yes, of course. You use it when you apologize for questionable language. Are you done quizzing me?"

Moffitt nodded, "I must admit, I'm impressed with your knowledge of English."

Dietrich looked smug, "Now, do you admit your German is lacking?"

"It is not lacking, but I could definitely brush up on it a bit."

Dietrich smirked. He got up from the bar. "Well, Sergeant, I best be going. I hope your German is better by the time I talk to you next."

"I wouldn't count on it, Captain."

Dietrich raised an eyebrow. This was very unlike Moffitt.

"You see, Captain, we'll probably see each other before I make any real progress on learning all your sausage idioms." Moffitt also got up to leave. "I shall see you later. Auf Wiedersehen."

Dietrich grimaced, "Sergeant, I would also work on the accent. Goodbye." On his way back to his base, Dietrich couldn't help but smile the whole way. He had finally won a "skirmish" with the Rat Patrol.