**Sorry this chapter is so long. Lots to tell. Also, thanks to snooky-9093 for permission to use portions of the celebration of Hanukkah from her story I Have a Little Dreidel.**

Chapter 32-Dealing With an Enemy, Part 1

Newkirk struggled against the man who was dragging him away from the open window, but was unable to free himself or remove the hand clamped over his mouth thus preventing him from making a sound. He feared he had been caught by either the Luftwaffe Corporal working for Guthrie, or worse yet, by the Major himself. And if his captor was Guthrie, Newkirk guessed he was as good as dead. He struggled to break free without success.

Finally, after several minutes of being dragged into the shadows behind barracks three, Newkirk was finally released. He immediately spun around ready to fight his kidnapper only to be shocked to find himself standing face-to-face with Corporal Langenscheidt who immediately held up his hands hoping to stop the Englander from belting him.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?" Newkirk asked angrily in a low voice. "What do you mean by kidnappin' me like that? You out of your bleedin' mind? You scared the ruddy daylights out of me."

"Shhhh," the Corporal whispered as he placed a hand on Newkirk's shoulder forcing him into crouching down low. "I'm sorry. But we must talk softly or we might be overheard."

"What are you yammerin' on about?"

"I saw you outside Guthrie's quarters," Langenscheidt said. "I suspected you were spying on him, and watched you hoping I could help somehow if you were caught. He is a terrible man and would not have hesitated to use you against Colonel Hogan to get what he wants before killing you. He is already suspicious of Colonel Hogan and I know he means the Colonel harm he had caught you."

Newkirk bowed his head and shook it before lifting it and staring at the Corporal again. "Use me against the Gov'nor? How do you mean?"

"I suspect he plans to make sure Colonel Hogan helps him capture this von Herwarth by using you. Should the Colonel refuse, I heard him tell the Kommandant he will offer Colonel Hogan a choice."

"What kind of bleedin' choice, mate?" Newkirk asked with narrowed eyes.

Langenscheidt looked over his shoulder after hearing a noise but didn't see anybody. He faced the Englander. "He will give Colonel Hogan a choice of working with him and then surrendering to him voluntarily in order to save you. Should he refuse, you will be sacrificed."

Newkirk sighed. "That bleedin' Kraut bastard," he hissed. He didn't need to inquire what 'sacrifice' meant; he knew. He also knew Hogan would give his life to save his men, and that was something he and his mates would never allow to happen. Each of them was willing to die to protect the Colonel. "Corporal, I need to ask you something."

"What is it?" Langenscheidt looked over his shoulder again, fear evident on his face. "Please make it quick, Corporal Newkirk."

"Do you know if Corporal Werner is still involved with that girl Aleit at the Hofbrau in town?"

Langenscheidt thought for a few seconds. "I believe so. He always talks about his girlfriend in town. I believe she works as a waitress at the Hofbrau. Why do you ask?"

"I can't tell you, mate. Listen, thanks for saving me hide. But I think you'd better get going before that ruddy Major or that Corporal Werner discover us, and I've gotta get back to me barracks. S'long, mate. And thanks." Newkirk quietly and quickly left, and sticking to the shadows, headed for barracks two.

Hogan was restlessly pacing back and forth in the common room while Kinch, Carter and LeBeau were seated at the table silently watching. They were just as worried as the Colonel. Hogan checked his watch while continuing his pacing. "Newkirk should have been back already," he said. "I hope everything's all right."

"Want me to go look for him, Colonel?" asked Kinch.

Stopping his pacing, Hogan wrapped his arms around himself and let out a deep breath. "No. I'll give him five more minutes to walk through that door. After that, I'm going to go look for him myself." He sighed wearily. "I just hope Guthrie didn't catch him spying on him."

No sooner had the words left Hogan's mouth, the barracks door opened and Newkirk ducked inside quickly closing the door. He let out a deep breath as he collapsed on a bench at the table.

"Where the hell have you been?" asked Hogan a bit more harshly than he intended. "You were suppose to be back here forty-five minutes ago."

"Sorry about that, Gov'nor," Newkirk said. "Ran into a wee bit of trouble while spying on Guthrie."

Hogan's anger rapidly dissipated changing to worry as he sat down beside his British Corporal. "What happened? Did Guthrie catch you?"

"No, sir. It…."

"What happened?" Carter interrupted. "Boy, we were sure worried. I mean, the Colonel was really getting angry because he was sure worried about you. Kinch offered to go out looking…"

"Carter," Hogan sighed. "If you'd be quiet perhaps Newkirk will tell us what happened."

"Sorry, Colonel," Carter apologized sheepishly.

Hogan's brown eyes looked into Newkirk's green eyes. "Tell us what happened, Newkirk."

"Well sir, I was outside the window of the guest quarters spying on that bloody Major liked you asked me to, and I saw the spy with him.

Hogan's eyebrows arched. "Did you see who it was because there was no name mentioned over the coffee pot."

"No, sir. But I know who it is."

"Who?" asked LeBeau.

"Corporal Werner."

Hogan was momentarily speechless. "Corporal Christoph Werner? You sure?"(1)

"Yes, sir. I knew it was him when I heard the Major threaten Werner's girlfriend, Aleit."

Hogan rubbed his forehead. "Aleit is one of our best underground operatives. And Werner doesn't know as much as Schultz about our operation, but he knows enough that we could end up in front of a firing squad if he talks. But what I can't figure out is why he hasn't told Guthrie about us already. I mean, finding somebody on the inside to expose our operation is exactly what Guthrie wants."

"Mon Colonel, do you think he might be withholding that information until such time he really needs it?"

"It's possible," Hogan replied. "Either way, we have to get Aleit out of Germany as well. Can't risk her staying here. Once Werner disappears Guthrie is certain to go after her because he'll think he's been betrayed by the Corporal, and will use her to threaten him. But you still haven't told me why you were late getting back here," he said looking at Newkirk.

"Yeah, well, about that, Colonel. I heard Corporal Werner leave and then everything was quiet inside so I thought I'd best leave and come back here. But before I could, I was grabbed from behind and a hand placed over me mouth."

"You mean Corporal Werner caught you, buddy?" asked a scared Carter. "How'd you get away from him?"

"Wasn't Werner. It was Langenscheidt. Said he saw me hangin' outside the Major's quarters and after Werner left he was afraid I'd be caught so he got me outta there and brought me behind barracks three. Gov'nor, he told me that he suspected Guthrie was plannin' on using me to get to you."

"What do you mean?" asked Hogan. "What exactly did Langenscheidt say?"

"Well, sir. He said that Guthrie plans to force you into helpin' him catch von Herwarth, and then surrenderin' yourself to 'im to save me. Should you refuse, he'd kill me instead."

"Mon Dieu!" LeBeau exclaimed.

Hogan and the others were silent at this news. The Colonel then covered his eyes with one hand and massaged his temples with his thumb and forefinger. Things were rapidly spiraling out of control and Hogan knew he'd have to stop it before he and his men were caught up in it. "Kinch, contact Gustav after morning roll call. Tell him to go to the Hofbrau and bring Aleit here. Carter, you and LeBeau will meet Gustav and escort Aleit below. Don't tell her anything. I'll explain everything to her later. I'll also speak with von Herwarth because we're going to need his help getting rid of Guthrie, and it's going to take a lot of convincing because without him I don't know if we can pull it off. Also, everything depends on timing."

"You never did tell us your plan, Gov'nor."

Hogan let out a deep breath. "You'll know everything tomorrow after I talk to von Herwarth," he said. "But I can tell you this much. Newkirk, after morning roll call, I want you to very subtlety lure Corporal Werner into our barracks. Make sure nobody sees you. Tell him I need to see him regarding von Herwarth. Until then, I suggest we all try and get some sleep. We have roll call in four hours and we have a long day as well."

After bidding his men goodnight and hearing a chorus of goodnights from them in return, Hogan entered his quarters and closed the door. He was too exhausted to even bother to undress, so, after tossing his crush cap on his desk, he stretched out on his lower bunk with hands clasped behind his head and stared up at the bottom of the bunk above. He was too wound up right now to sleep despite his exhaustion; possibly because tomorrow evening would be dangerous and that he or one of his men would likely be killed if things didn't go just right. And thinking that depressed him. He turned on his side facing the window with an arm beneath his head and closed his eyes. Maybe thinking of a happier time will allow me to get some sleep. A slight smile suddenly appeared as a past happy occasion came to mind not to long after his arrival at Stalag 13.

It was December 1st, 1942, and Hogan had been a prisoner in Stalag 13 only a short time. Now that he was a POW, he knew he could no longer fully celebrate the Jewish holidays as he had at home, but he hoped to be able to still celebrate them in some capacity. He knew all the men in the camp and knew there were only six other Jewish prisoners including two men in his own barracks. Although he didn't show it, he was secretly thrilled knowing there were other Jewish prisoners in the camp and he didn't feel so alone or isolated, and could celebrate the holidays with others. And the first holiday was Hanukkah.

Hogan was a private man who didn't discuss anything about himself as he was still wary of certain people in camp. But one day, an incident happened to reveal a part of himself that up until then had remained secret. He, Kinch, Carter, Newkirk and LeBeau were seated at the table playing gin rummy, when Hogan accidentally dropped one of his cards on the floor. Leaning over to retrieve it, his Star-of-David pendant slipped out of his shirt and dangled from its gold chain. Having retrieved the dropped card, Hogan quickly tucked his pendant back inside his shirt, but not before it had been seen by the others.

"You are Jewish, mon Colonel?" asked LeBeau, surprised. Seeing the Star-of-David around his neck caught them all by surprise.

"I am," Hogan replied warily. "Is that going to be a problem?"

"Non," said the Frenchman. "So am I and Sergeant Garlotti here. We're sorry if we gave you the impression we had a problem with you being Jewish. It was not our intention."

"Louie's right, Gov'nor," Newkirk added. "It's just with the last name of Hogan, we all thought you were Catholic. Sorry about that, sir."

Hogan sighed. "It's okay. Apology accepted. Besides, I've heard it before. It's just that I don't know who might have a problem with it." He studied the Frenchman. "How are the other Jewish prisoners really treated here?"

"Everybody gets along with everybody here, Colonel," Kinch explained with a smile.

Hogan let out a deep breath. "From what I've seen of the Kommandant and the guards, they don't seem to have a problem with the Jewish prisoners. Or is that just a ruse so we'd lower our guard?"

Carter shook his head. "No ruse, Colonel," he said. "Klink is not your typical German. All he cares about is keeping the Gestapo off his back and avoiding the Russian front. He's basically harmless."

"Why are you smiling, Colonel?" asked LeBeau seeing Hogan's face.

Hogan laid down his cards and wrapped his arms around himself. "Gin," he said, chuckling as Kinch, Newkirk, Carter and LeBeau tossed down their cards.

Hanukkah had come before anybody knew it. So, at sunset of December third, Hogan climbed down below into the tunnel behind the other men in his barracks wondering what the Jewish prisoners had planned for Hanukkah, and was surprised to first see a table on which was draped a white linen tablecloth on which sat a silver tray both of which had been 'borrowed' from Klink's quarters. On the tray sat a handmade menorah with eight candles lying beside it and the shammus candle sitting in its holder in the center of the menorah. Nearby were small wrapped gifts and dishes consisting of chicken basted with what smelled like orange marmalade and a brisket as well as latkes. Hogan sensed the food had been taken from Klink's secret stash as well.(2)

"This is amazing," Hogan exclaimed seeing the layout in front of him.

LeBeau smiled. "We wanted you to partake in the celebration of Hanukkah here. And as this is your first one since coming here, we wanted it to be special and kept it quiet until this evening. It's not much, but it's the best we could do."

"It's wonderful," Hogan replied with a smile. "LeBeau, you've outdone yourself with the food. It smells delicious."

Still smiling, LeBeau picked up a candle and sat it in its holder on the far right. He then lit the shammus candle and handed it to Hogan. "Mon Colonel, we would very much like it if you would recite the three berakhot and light the first candle."(3)

With eyes misting, the American took the candle and then with a deep breath, Hogan recited the three prayers before lighting the first candle, then placed the shammus candle back in its center holder. Then he and the others partook of the chicken, brisket and latkes which Hogan admitted were delicious and thoroughly enjoyed. The meal was followed by the opening of small gifts which the men had donated from their own Red Cross packages or things received from home. Hogan had received several gifts ranging from books, pencils, pens, among other things. Finally, a game of dreidel was played.(4)

Hogan studied the worn, handmade wooden tops on which was printed nun, gimel, hei and shin. He had to admit he hadn't played the gambling game in quite awhile as there was either no time or nobody to play it with since he was a kid. He and the others gambled with candy, cookies, pennies, whatever each of them had to gamble with. Afterward, he returned to his quarters and laid down on the upper bunk with one arm under his head, the other lying across his body. He had had the best time, and he had to admit that he had a better time than all the other times he had celebrated Hanukkah and that included with his own family. It was also enjoyable that he could celebrate some of his religious holidays despite where he was and with those who weren't Jewish as well. But right now, he had never been so happy, and he wanted that feeling to last as long as possible.(5)

The following morning, the barracks door burst open and the rotund form of Schultz entered. "Roll caaaaaallll! Raus, raus! All prisoners outside for roll call!" Schultz bellowed.

"C'mon, Schultzie," Newkirk groaned as he rubbed his tired eyes. He felt as if he had just fallen asleep a short time ago which he had. "I just closed me eyes and dreamin' I was kissin' this gorgeous red-haired bird. You can't expect me to leave her now when we're gettin' so friendly."

Schultz chuckled. "Jolly joker. Always dreaming about girls. Don't you ever dream about anything else, Newkirk?"

"Sure I do, Schultzie," Newkirk added sitting up on the edge of his bunk. "Women." He jumped down onto the floor.

Schultz chuckled, then feigned seriousness. "Everybody outside for roll call. Mach schnell!"

"We're schnelling," LeBeau said with a yawn. "No need to shout."

"Where is Colonel Hogan?" Schultz asked looking around and not seeing the officer.

"He's still in his quarters," Kinch said wearily.

Schultz walked over to the smaller room and knocked on the door. "Colonel Hogan! Roll call!"

"I'll be right out, Schultz," said a tired voice from the other side of the door.

Rolling his eyes, Schultz shook his head. "Another jolly joker." He left the barracks to allow the prisoners to get dressed.

Ten minutes later, the prisoners were standing in formation in the early morning dawn as the sun was beginning to rise. Hogan glanced at his team as he noticed Guthrie walking down the steps of the Kommandantur with Klink while Schultz was busy counting each prisoner. Gritting his teeth, Hogan stared straight ahead with hands clasped behind his back. "Better hurry up, Schultz," he said as the obese guard neared him and Newkirk. "Klink and Major Nightmare are coming."

Rapidly completing his count, Schultz spun around and nervously saluted Klink and the Major. "Herr Kommandant, all prisoners present and accounted for."

"Excellent, Schultz," Klink replied; then looked nervously at the Major before turning back to the prisoners. He looked at his Senior POW officer with what Hogan swore was a sorrowful look.

"Prisoners, I have an announcement," Klink began nervously. "Tomorrow, Sergeant Kinchloe will be your Acting Senior POW until further notice. Colonel Hogan will no longer be the Senior POW officer effective tomorrow. Hopefully he will be back before too long." Klink looked at Hogan as if he knew the American wouldn't be back ever.

The prisoners all exchanged knowing looks except for the Colonel since they all knew Guthrie had no intention of returning Hogan to Stalag 13.

"Schultz, dismiss your men," Klink said before walking away.

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." Schultz turned towards the prisoners. "Prisoners, dismissed."

As the prisoners dispersed, Guthrie approached Hogan who remained in his spot with his men gathered around him. "Swine, let me remind you we are leaving this evening after roll call. Both you and your British mongrel are coming with me."

Hogan raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but didn't speak. Guthrie smirked cunningly at the American. "Just to make sure you understand, neither of you will be returning. So I suggest you say your farewells before then."

"And just where are Newkirk and I going, Major?"

"You, my dear Colonel are going to the worst labor camp there is while your British mongrel will be first taken to Gestapo headquarters for intensive questioning. But not to worry. After we're done with him, he will be sent to a different labor camp."

Hogan smirked in return. "A lot can happen between now and evening roll call, Major," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Guthrie glared at the American before turning abruptly and walking away. Watching his receding back, Hogan spoke to Newkirk without looking at him. "You know what to do, Newkirk."

"On me way, Gov'nor," Newkirk replied walking away. Hogan then turned and walked into the barracks followed by the others.

"Kinch, get in touch with Gustav and give him my message about Aleit."

"Understood, Colonel," The radio operator replied as he headed in the direction of the double bunk and slapped the hidden mechanism.

Hogan glanced at Carter. "Carter, when Newkirk brings Corporal Werner here, I want both of you to get him below in the tunnels, tie him up and gag him after I speak with him. And I'll need somebody to keep an eye on him until we move him and have them armed at all times."

"Understood, Colonel," the young sergeant answered.

LeBeau looked at Hogan while tying an apron around his waist. "So now it starts, mon Colonel?"

Hogan let out a deep breath through his nose as he wrapped his arms around himself. "And now it starts," he agreed.

It was while LeBeau was preparing breakfast, the barracks door opened and Newkirk walked in followed by Corporal Werner. Curious as to why the American Colonel wanted to see him, Werner approached Hogan warily. Newkirk, noticing Carter motioning to him with his head, joined him in front of their double bunk. Carter slipped him a lugar which the Englander then slipped into his pocket.

"How are you Corporal?" asked Hogan cheerily. "Glad you could come."

"Gut," the German replied nervously. "The English Corporal said you wanted to see me. Something about von Herwarth."

"That's one thing I wanted to see you about, Corporal," Hogan explained turning his back to the guard while reaching inside his leather jacket.

"He said you have information about this von Herwarth, Colonel. Have you had contact with him or he with you? Is that what you wanted to see me about?"

"Not really."

Werner was puzzled and for some reason suddenly nervous. "Then what is it?"

"Just this," Hogan replied turning around removing his hand from inside his jacket holding a German lugar which he pointed at the guard. "Olsen, keep watch at the door."

"Yes, sir," Olsen replied jumping up and hurrying to the door and cracking it open.

Werner saw the gun in Hogan's hand and started to raise his rifle.

"I wouldn't do that, mate, if I were you," said Newkirk. Looking around, Werner saw Newkirk and Carter standing side-by-side each holding a lugar pointed at him. "Now why don't you be a good lad and drop that rifle before somebody gets hurt."

Werner studied the two men and then turned back to Hogan. "What do you want, Colonel?" he said, worried.

"We know you're working with Major Guthrie and have been spying on us for him."

Werner forced a smile. "That's not true, Colonel. You've got me all wrong. I've done no such thing. I would never tell the Major what you and your men are up to."

Hogan smirked. "How's Aleit these days?" He saw Werner frown, the rifle slipping from his hand and quickly snatched up by one of the other prisoners who aimed it at him which allowed Hogan to lower his own weapon.

"How did you find out?" he asked quietly, suddenly afraid of the American.

Hogan crossed his arms. "That's not important. What is important, Corporal, is that you are going to accompany my men below and not cause any problems, or you'll never see the sun set. I trust I make myself clear?"

Werner nodded and bowed his head.

"Good. Newkirk, Carter, escort our guest below and make sure he's secure." Hogan looked around the barracks. "Garlotti, I want you to stand guard over our guest until we're ready to move him tonight. Also, make sure you're armed."

"Right, Colonel," Garlotti replied as Hogan handed him his own weapon.

Leading the way towards the double bunk in the corner, Newkirk slapped the hidden mechanism and Werner stood in shock watching the lower bunk rise and the ladder drop. Carter stepped over the bed frame, onto the ladder and climbed down. After a few seconds, the Englander motioned with his weapon at the guard. "After you, Corporal," he said. "And like the Colonel said, you'd be wise not to try anything if you want to live out the day."

(1) Christoph is the German form of Christopher.

(2) The shammus is the candle which sits in the center of the menorah. Courtesy of Judaism 101.

(3) The 3 berakhot are the blessings recited. Courtesy of Judaism 101.

(4) Dreidel is a form of gambling game played with tops having a square top. Courtesy of Judaism 101.

(5) On the dreidels is printed Nun, Gimel, Hei and Shin. Nun means nothing. Gimel means take the whole pot. Hei means to take half the pot. And Shin means when the pot is empty, everyone puts something in it.