days, two battalions were to attack and capture the area up to the mountain peaks. In the morning came the jeeps, and a general dis-cussion started next to the canteen about the details of the operation.
"The Egyptians are completely in the dark," said Rubke, a jeep dri-ver, who always covered his head with a red cloth. "We were in Agija just now, and the Fellaheen ran away after the first shots. There weren’t even any Egyptian sentries. It will be like a hot knife through butter this time." And as if to emphasize his satisfaction, he handed Hassan a big piece of chocolate.
"If you keep messing around in no-man’s-land, they are bound to get an idea that something’s going on," said Moshe in an unfriendly tone. The self-confidence of the jeep crews annoyed him. "Don’t worry," said Rubke, "they think it’s just our usual harassment."
* * *
"What is happening? Where’s the food?" The typically hoarse voice of Janek, the commander of the second section, rang out over the hilltop. "No need to make a fuss! It’s on its way!" said Moshe absent-mindedly and put down the receiver. He was engrossed in the details of the upcoming operation. "Hey, Dudik," he called outside, "tell Hassan to hurry up and take the food up to the top." A few minutes later Dudik poked his head into the tent. "Don’t bother me," grumbled Moshe, "can’t you see that I’m busy?"
"Hassan is not there," Dudik reported.
"Shall I go and have a look for him?" asked Moshe in a mean and ironic tone. "Have a look in the kitchen or in the mess and find him. They are getting hungry up there."
Dudik didn’t move. "I have looked everywhere. Hassan has disap-peared. And the Messiah is gone too." "The Messiah" - that was his white donkey.
This time Moshe woke up. "Get Rafi. Quick. And tell Jossi to get a jeep ready."
Rafi was pale. Dudik had already told him. "When did you last see him?" asked Moshe. His voice, usually so sleepy, was suddenly sharp and clear.
"I don’t know ... three hours ago he was still in the mess ... what do you intend to do?"
"What can I do? I will go after him in the jeep."