Once they were on the road, a new confidence took hold of Marjie. Everything had gone smoothly so far. But after travelling a little way, she began to worry about the children, who all seemed so small and vulnerable. It was stuffy under the sprung mattresses, which were balanced on upturned crates mere inches above their faces. For long periods of time, she held up the one she was under, trying to create more air-flow around Lysette, the frail child who lay next to her, whose body felt hot and sweaty. Marianne had told her that the child’s kidneys weren’t working properly. She’d given Marjie Lysette’s medication, which was to be administered on a regular basis. Marjie had felt pity when Marianne had told her how difficult it had been to get the help that Lysette needed. That a child, no matter what her parents’ origins were, should be denied access to medical care tore at her heart.

As the journey progressed, Marjie marvelled at the children’s resilience when they relaxed and began to chat and giggle. It was as if they had been well prepared, for they all knew the risks and didn’t show any reluctance to talk about what was happening.

At last the truck came to a halt and Marjie felt the mattresses being lifted off.

‘André, thank goodness. That was terrible. I fear for the children – we need to check each one and give them all a drink.’

‘We have to get them away from the road first. Come, children. You are going on the next leg of your adventure. Hurry, climb the fence and then there is a stream across the field, and you can all paddle and quench your thirst. It is good mountain water.’

The children did as André said, except for the listless Lysette. ‘You will have to carry this little girl, André. Her name is Lysette and she isn’t well.’

André looked at the child and whispered, ‘She is very yellow. Why have they sent a sick child?’

‘André, she needs saving more than all of them. She needs medical help and she won’t get it in a hospital in Paris, where she is from; or in Lyon, where I picked them up. She is Jewish, remember?’

‘I’m sorry. What was I thinking? Of course she won’t.’ Taking Lysette, André held her close to him. ‘You’re going to be all right, little one.’

Once the children had stamped the stiffness out of their legs, they ran ahead as if this really was an exciting adventure. ‘Well, if they keep up this eagerness and mood, we are in for an easy trip, Marjie.’

‘Don’t speak too soon, for nothing is easy today.’

‘No, but we can make it fun.’ André pulled a face, which made Marjie laugh.