Oskar Schnitzer stretched his tired back and reached for the poker to stir the fire. He watched the dancing flames. He smiled as Heidi drowsily lifted her head and grinned her doggy grin at him. "Yes, girl, I know. It is a good time for a walk. I need some fresh air, too. Are you ready to go and visit your brothers?"
He laughed as the black-and-tan German shepherd wagged her tail enthusiastically and hurried to the door and plucked her leash from its peg. He clipped the leash on and the two went outside and made their rounds, making sure that all the dogs were fed and watered, and cared for before they left to go to Stalag 13.
Oskar usually did not visit the camp quite so often, but he was making this special trip because he had gotten a message that the boys might have their votes ready for him to pick up soon. He needed to check on Wolfgang and Fritz, anyway. They had gotten into a tussle with a badger a few weeks ago, and the silly boys had not left well enough alone. As a result, they had ended up with a few scratches and bites. The vet had treated them both, and he had been assured they would be fine, but he still was keeping an eye on them, with LeBeau's help.
Oskar smiled when he thought of the fiery little Frenchman. If he were not such a fine cook, LeBeau would have made an outstanding veterinarian, and Oskar had told him so more than once. Judging by their antics whenever LeBeau was around, it would seem the dogs agreed with him. He whistled, and Heidi jumped into the truck with him, and they headed to the camp.
When he drove into the camp, he parked in his usual spot, and immediately took Heidi into the kennel and turned her loose. She busied herself playing with the other dogs as he began his check on Wolfgang. As Oskar expected, it was not long before Louis LeBeau appeared outside the fence, picking up trash and cigarette butts around the kennel. At least, he seemed to be picking up trash. What he was actually doing was exchanging information with Oskar.
"So, Louis," Oskar asked in a low tone, "How is the voting going? Are you ready to deliver the ballots to me for tallying?"
The Frenchman shook his head. "Not quite yet. We have a few who have not finished yet, so we gave a little more time. They have promised they will have them turned in by tomorrow night. And if they do not, then…" here, he shrugged. "C'est la vie."
So there it is folks, the deadline for voting is May 7 at midnight, Hawaii time.