Darkness into Light: A Post World War Ii Sequel & Thriller

By R. Samuel Baty

Even though the ferocious battles of World War II have concluded, the world is unfortunately not a safer place. The iron curtain has dropped in front of Eastern Europe, Josef Stalin is focused on world domination, and United States Army nurse Jennifer Haraldsson is on a mission to find her former patient and foe, German POW Otto Bruner. Once attracted to Otto until wartime secrets divided them, Jennifer must know the truth. Does she love him or not?

After Otto is transferred to a detention camp in West Germany, he remains devastated by the loss of Jennifer and witnessing the post-war destruction of his beloved Germany only makes it worse. Desperate to win Jennifer back, Otto summons his friend Ernst Peiper to help, but they soon discover they are being targeted by a group of Nazi extremists and must be transferred to another camp. But Otto is ready to risk everything for love and escapes off the transporter truck into the dark of the night.

In a last-ditch effort to rendezvous, Otto and Jennifer throw caution to the wind and cross into the others territory, never realizing that their unsettled world is much more complicated than they ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462022120

R. Samuel Baty

R. Samuel Baty (1937-2017) was an award-winning novelist and retired officer of the US Air Force. He held a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, an MS degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Engineering from UCLA. Nowhere to Hide is his fifth and final book. It is not, however, a part of the series.

Book preview

Prologue

F ootsteps to Forever started in the fall of 1941. On December 7, the attack at Pearl Harbor plunged America into the Second World War. Two young U.S. Army lieutenants – Jennifer Haraldsson, a beautiful nurse, and Jonathan Partude, who fell in love with her almost at first sight – received a secret assignment from Army Chief of Staff General George Marshall to rescue a top U.S. nuclear physicist from Norway, which had been occupied by German forces.

President Roosevelt, warned that the Germans might be on the verge of developing terrible new atomic weapons, had asked the elderly physicist, James Flannigan, to spy on a plant in Norway believed to be producing the heavy water needed by the Germans for the manufacture of such weapons.

Haraldsson and Dude Partude, who were fluent in Norwegian and excellent skiers, had to find Flannigan and help him escape across treacherous mountains to the seacoast, where they expected to be picked up by a waiting submarine. All three were fully aware that the ailing Flannigan must not be allowed to fall into enemy hands.

Chased by the enemy, hampered by the physicist’s deteriorating health, impacted by a blossoming romance, and faced with harsh winter conditions, the two young Americans and their allies struggled to avoid disaster. An epic battle occurred at the water’s edge, and neither Dude nor the professor survived the mission. Jennifer had to fight through her despair and somehow cope with this terrible loss.

The explosive action of Footsteps soon expanded to use the whole war-torn world as its stage, with action scenes involving the doomed Allied raid at Dieppe, the Russian Front, the D-Day invasion of Normandy, and ferocious air battles in the Pacific.

In addition to Roosevelt and Marshall, the cast of characters featured Winston Churchill as well as other historical figures who were among the most important leaders of that most crucial era (of course, the need for a desperate attempt to prevent an enemy from developing nuclear weapons is as relevant today as it was then). Fictional characters with significant roles included an American fighter pilot, a British Special Operations officer, overworked medical personnel, and a pair of German officers – one cruel, the other surprisingly tenderhearted.

As World War II raged on, human emotions smoldered, clouded by issues of ethics and morality. Jennifer met her old foe – the wounded German officer Otto Bruner – in an American field hospital in Normandy. At first, she was attracted to him. When she found out that he had participated in the Norwegian action that resulted in Dude’s death, she was outraged. She requested an immediate transfer to get as far away from Otto as possible. She spent the rest of the war in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, friends convinced Jennifer that Otto was only doing his duty. Did she love him? She wasn’t sure, but she knew that she had to find out. Europe was in a mess, so she had to find him and find him fast. She previously thought that her greatest adventure was behind her. Now she realized that it was only just beginning.

Part 1

Chapter 1

Europa: Fall 1945

I t was a glorious fall day outside of Bad Tolz, Germany. The air was crisp, and the trees were turning vivid shades of red and yellow. What better place to be, General George S. Patton Jr. mused, than in Bavaria, particularly at this time of year . Looking over at the beautiful Lake Tegernese only reinforced his viewpoint. If only his own future were more secure, he would bring his wife, Beatrice, over to Europe to be with him. But this wasn’t the case. He was in hot water with Eisenhower and the other top brass for his outspoken comments.

Patton’s jeep had left the town’s cobblestone roads and was speeding down the highway on an inspection tour. The general was still in charge of the U. S. Third Army, but he didn’t know for how much longer. Comments he had made about the need for pushing the Soviet troops out of Eastern Europe were politically unpopular. The war was over, and no one – except Patton – was interested in further fighting.

Colonel Charles Codman, Patton’s longtime aide, sat in the rear of the jeep. Patton sat in the passenger seat up front. Codman could see the red moving up the back of the general’s neck. Soon, the veins began pulsating.

Here it comes, Codman said under his breath.

Cod, Patton snarled, they’re all against me. Eisenhower, Marshall, and, oh yes, Beedle Smith. You name them – they hate me. Why? Because I tell the truth. I have the guts to say what all of them are thinking.

Codman worshipped his boss and usually had something to say to buoy the general’s spirits. This time he didn’t. All he could say was Yes, sir. Soon, however, Patton’s attention was diverted by a prisoner of war camp they were rapidly approaching.

Driver, Patton ordered, pull over! Cod, look at them. They used to be fine soldiers. Now they’re nothing but disorganized rabble. I’ll fix that.

Patton, riding crop firmly under his arm, exited the jeep and hightailed it over to the barbed wire fence that was holding the prisoners in. He motioned for the highest-ranking officer he could see – a Colonel Wilhelm von Rundstedt – to come over.

Colonel, Patton barked, when I come by here tomorrow, I expect your men to resemble an army. Do I make myself clear?

"Javold, Herr General!" Rundstedt replied.

The colonel stood stiffly at attention and saluted. Patton wheeled around, returning the colonel’s salute with a flick of his ever-present riding crop. As Patton strode off, the colonel started screaming orders to the other prisoners of war.

Back at his jeep, Patton got in and sat down. His back was perfectly straight, not even touching the back of the seat. He turned and smiled. You see, Cod, some people still take me seriously.

You bet they do, sir. I’ll bet all of the Germans would give their eye teeth to fight under you and push the Soviets back where they belong.

You’re right, Cod, Patton replied with a fierce gleam in his eye. Those Russian sons-of-bitches have raped every German woman they can get their hands on.

The General’s driver was unable to control himself. But sir, from what I heard, the Germans did terrible things to the Russians. Obviously, the German women didn’t deserve what happened to them, but the Germans should never have attacked Russia in the first place.

For once, Patton was at a loss for words. Only the tightness of his jaws corroborated that the soldier may have been right.

As the general’s jeep sped off, a German major watched with interest from inside the camp. So that’s the famous Patton, Otto Bruner said under his breath. He’s every bit as magnificent as I’ve heard.

You’re right, a German soldier standing nearby replied. All our generals could think about was where’s Patton, what is he going to do next? He is the big reason we lost the war.

Not so fast, another soldier countered. The Allies had overwhelming air superiority as well as those big naval guns. Even if Patton hadn’t been around, I think we would have still lost. The Allies just had too much of everything.

You may be right, a third soldier countered. I was in Normandy when the Allies started that carpet bombing. It was absolutely terrifying, and it drove some of our soldiers insane. But after that, I have to take my hat off to Patton. When he broke out of the Cotentin Peninsula, his tactical sweeps were magnificent. I would have to say that no one in the open is as good as Patton.

Some of the soldiers grumbled, but they all had to grudgingly agree.

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True to his word, Patton returned the next day. His jeep stopped, and he got out. He eyed the German troops standing smartly in formation as he strutted toward the fence. All of the Germans were neatly shaved and well groomed, considering their circumstances. Patton returned von Rundstedt’s salute.

Colonel, Patton growled, this is much better. I expect you to keep it this way.

Von Rundstedt clicked his heels and bowed slightly.

One of the prisoners standing near the front was Major Otto Bruner.

How splendid General Patton looks, Otto thought. Patton was ramrod straight, his uniform was crisp, and his buttons were highly polished.

He’s everything I thought he would be, Otto said softly and to no one in particular. I can see why he was picked to lead others.

Patton started to turn toward his jeep. Then he turned back.

Colonel, he said, is there anything I can do for you? I respect good soldiers.

Von Rundstedt didn’t know what to say. Otto did.

General, Otto blurted out from his position near the front of the formation, could you help me find my brother?

Patton scowled for a moment. Then his expression softened and he broke into a smile. He beckoned with his index finger, and Otto strode up, saluting smartly and staring straight ahead.

I’ve always admired guts, Patton said, and it took some for you to speak up.

Codman was standing a pace in back and three paces to the left of Patton. Cod, Patton growled over his shoulder, get the information on this man’s brother. Let’s see if we can help him.

Yes, sir!

The general turned and strode back to the jeep while Codman took down the necessary information.

Give me your brother’s name, Codman said, and anything else that might help.

Thank you, sir, Otto answered. His name is Klaus Bruner, and he was submarine commander of U-249. The last I knew, his ship was bunkered at St. Nazaire in France.

After a short pause, Codman responded. Any of those subs that made it through were surrendered on May 9th, and their crews were taken into custody. I’ll see what I can find out.

Thank you, sir! Otto replied. He saluted smartly.

For the first time since the end of the war, Otto was hopeful that he might see his brother again. The only good thing about Otto’s present circumstances was that he had been reunited with his second-in-command at the Atlantic Wall, Captain Ernst Peiper. Ernst was more like a brother than an assistant to Otto. While it was very comforting to have Ernst nearby, Otto still longed to see his brother, Klaus.

I certainly hope that Klaus is alive and that he will be transferred here, Ernst said to Otto as the two stood near the camp fence. I know it would do wonders for you.

You’re right there, Otto sighed. Not knowing about the status of one’s family is extremely difficult. He then thought about what he had just said and looked apologetically at Ernst. I’m so sorry, Ernst. I didn’t think before I spoke.

Ernst nodded, obviously understanding what Otto meant. One of the traits that Otto had always admired in Ernst was his power to forgive.

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Days passed, and Otto didn’t hear anything. Then, out of the blue, he looked up to see a familiar figure being escorted into camp by two armed guards.

Klaus! he screamed. The two brothers raced toward each other, not trying to hide their glee. They hugged and wept. Both had weathered the terrible storm that had just passed. Would other members of their family be as fortunate? They didn’t know. But for now, they would each have to be thankful that the other was alive.

Ernst, Otto shouted to Ernst Peiper, his former second in command, come say hello to Klaus!

Ernst greeted Klaus warmly. Then he turned toward Otto. I wonder if I could get my brother, Joachim, here.

I don’t know, Otto replied. But I would sure ask Colonel von Rundstedt if I were you.

I’ll do just that! Ernst scurried away.

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It didn’t take long for a reply. The next day, von Rundstedt called to Ernst: "Kommen sie hier."

Soon, the two were talking. I’m sorry, Peiper, but your brother is being held in a special detention center. There is no way that he will be allowed to come here.

Has he done something that has caused this? Ernst asked with alarm.

Mind you – these are just rumors, von Rundstedt replied, "but the word is, during the German offensive through the Ardennes last December, some things happened that the Allies consider to be war crimes. Since I recall that your brother headed Kampfgruppe Peiper during this operation, he is naturally under investigation. For your sake as well as his, I hope he is found to be innocent."

Ernst paused and then asked, Colonel, is there anything else you can tell me? Where he will be? When the trials will start?

After a moment, von Rundstedt responded. The American – Colonel Codman – thinks that the defendants will be transferred to the detention camp at Dachau, but he doesn’t know when. The trials themselves will be at Landsberg Fortress near Munich. They will probably start after the prosecution has the evidence they feel they need.

Ernst shook his head. I’ve heard horror stories about Dachau, and Landsberg Fortress is where Hitler was put in prison after the first World War. The prosecution seems to be putting my brother and the rest in the worst possible light. Von Rundstedt could only nod.

Ernst thanked the colonel, saluted, and walked back to where Otto and Klaus were standing. Otto could tell that his good friend was stunned.

Bad news?

Ernst nodded, choking back his tears. I’m afraid so. Word is that my brother is going to be tried for things that happened in the Ardennes last December.

I heard about that while I was in the American hospital, Otto said. The Allies called it the Battle of the Bulge. They said that Germans were shooting prisoners rather than transporting them to POW camps.

Oh, Klaus piped in, and I suppose that none of the German POWs were shot. It’s the same old story – soldiers on the losing side are put on trial simply because they lost the war.

Otto didn’t respond to his brother. Looking over at Ernst, he desperately wanted to say something to make the young man feel better. But what could he say? If things were as bad as he had heard, restitution would be sought. And someone as infamous as Joachim Peiper would have to pay.

Chapter 2

Dark, Desperate Days

B y December 1945, Otto Bruner, his brother Klaus, and his friend Ernst Peiper had been transferred to a detention camp for soldiers in West Germany. The camp included all ranks up to the grade of general. The generals had been taken to a separate facility, as the Allies wanted to interrogate these high-ranking officers to gain as much insight as possible into the German military machine.

For Otto and the other prisoners inside the camp, there was no longer any attempt to separate them by rank. For all practical purposes, the German Army didn’t exist, and the officers and enlisted personnel were essentially indistinguishable.

By now, Otto’s physical wounds had healed, but his mental state was a different matter. He remained devastated by his loss of Jennifer, and seeing the total destruction of his beloved Germany only made it worse. On top of everything, it had been a long time since he had received any word of his family. The last that he knew, his parents and two sisters were in what was now called East Germany, which was under the control of the Soviet Union.

During daylight hours the prisoners milled around the exercise area. Looking over this rag-tag group, Otto could not help but be shocked by their overall appearance. Just a few short years ago the mighty German Army had been up to taking on the whole world. Now it was in ruins. This was a lesson for all mankind, Otto thought. Arrogance and overconfidence would only lead to complete disaster. Was the human race capable of learning this lesson? Otto wasn’t sure.

Otto spent most of the time during the day talking to Ernst and Klaus or looking at a picture of Jennifer that the American surgeon, Brad Taylor, had given him. What a kind gesture, Otto thought. Major Taylor could have refused his request for Jennifer’s photograph. Instead, the major convinced Lieutenant Molly Davis to part with one of the few pictures that she had of her very good friend.

As Christmas 1945 approached, Otto found Ernst looking particularly depressed. At first, Otto didn’t think much about it. After awhile, though, Otto decided that he better check into it. After all, Ernst had helped him maintain his sanity during his darkest hours.

Ernst, I notice that you seem to be particularly dejected. Is there anything that I can do to help?

My brother, Joachim, is going to be tried for atrocities committed during the last offensive in the West. Joachim is a good man with a wife and three children. I would hate to see that happen.

I wouldn’t worry about it. At most, I would think that he would get a few years of prison time. My belief is that they will reserve the harsh penalties for the big fish.

Ernst seemed relieved. By now, they noticed a group had gathered around a soldier who had been at the battle of Stalingrad during Christmas 1942. The soldier had been one of the few Germans to escape the Stalingrad siege and make it back to the west. The soldier was relating how bad the conditions were there.

You think conditions are bad here. However, here we have some food and some heat and shelter. At Stalingrad, we had only a few crumbs to eat. Not only were we starving, but we were also freezing. You may not realize it, but we do have a lot to be thankful for.

The soldier then described how the morale of the German soldiers in Stalingrad remained high on Christmas Eve. They decorated as best they could, and a German surgeon sketched what became known as the Fortress Madonna. Fortunately, the soldier said, the sketch was smuggled out of Russia and was somewhere in Berlin.

Shortly, a German soldier came running up. General Patton is dead! the soldier proclaimed. Otto, Klaus, Ernst, and the others were shocked.

How can that be? Otto exclaimed. We saw him recently, and he was in the peak of health.

I sure hope a German didn’t shoot him, Ernst murmured under his breath.

He was in a car accident, the soldier continued. An American truck rammed into his car while he was out for a ride.

He was the ultimate warrior, Otto said shaking his head. But perhaps it is best for him. What would he do without a war to fight?

He would be lost, Klaus replied. But still, it is very sad. A great soldier should be killed in battle, not in an automobile accident.

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As the days went by, Otto learned that Ernst’s family was also in East Germany and that Ernst had no knowledge of their condition. While the two discussed their desire to find their families, Otto’s situation was complicated by his need to find Jennifer and to see if he had any chance to win her love. He talked often to Ernst of his love for Jennifer and how he was still devastated by the manner in which they had separated. Ernst indicated that he totally understood but that the two of them should try and find their families first.

Otto, if we can somehow get to East Germany and secure our families’ safety, I will do whatever is necessary to support you in your quest to find Jennifer.

I appreciate your loyalty and friendship, but how can we even get out of this camp, let alone find our families and Jennifer?

Why don’t we simply explain our situation to the American commander and ask for his help? The worst he can do is say ‘no’.

And I believe that is exactly what he will say.

As they sat dejectedly weighing their bleak alternatives, they noticed that a rather large group had gathered around a young man who was talking softly, but in heated tones. They decided to go over and listen.

As they got closer, they could hear the gist of the speech. The speaker was venting his hatred of the Allies, accusing them of terrible injustices to the fatherland. Soon, Otto had heard enough and responded, Now wait just a minute. The Americans saved me when I was severely wounded, and they have treated me with kindness ever since.

Several in the group glared at Otto. Noticing this, Ernst pulled him away.

Did you see how they looked at you? I think they wanted to kill you! We had better be very careful. Otherwise, we both may end up dead!

You may be right, but I can’t stand to hear people distort the truth. That is what got Germany in trouble in the first place.

After the encounter, everyone seemed to shy away from Otto, Ernst, and even Klaus. Otto tried to make light of the situation, but Ernst wasn’t buying it. In a muted tone, he told Otto that he had heard rumors that there were Nazi fanatics in the camp and that they were trying to stir up trouble. They were also trying to identify anyone thought to be disloyal to the Nazi cause, and those placed in this category would be targeted for death.

Wow. I had no idea that there were any Nazis left after the destruction that our country suffered.

There are probably still enough that they must be taken seriously.

Several hours past without further incident. Shortly before sunset, an American sergeant came up to Otto and Ernst and said that the commander wanted to see them. Following the sergeant, Otto and Ernst came to the office of Colonel Bill Summerfield. The colonel motioned for them to come in and have a seat.

After establishing that the two Germans spoke English, the colonel said, I appreciate you sticking up for Americans and the treatment that we have given you. However, it may have put you in danger. Have you ever heard of the Werewolves?

Otto and Ernst indicated that they hadn’t, and the colonel continued. The Werewolves are a small group of Germans that want to keep the Nazi movement alive. Fortunately, we have been able to recruit some Germans here in the camp to keep an eye on them so we can head off possible trouble. Based on reports I received, I believe that we need to transfer you at once or your lives may be in jeopardy.

Otto was puzzled. Sir, if I may ask, why don’t you simply arrest these Werewolves and put them in a jail?

That’s a good question, Major. The answer is that we now know who the bad guys are and can watch them. If we removed them, it is possible that others would be slipped in to take their place. It would then be some time before we had the new ones identified, possibly after some problems had arisen.

I understand, sir.

Walking to a map, the colonel pointed to Stuttgart, which was their present location.

We are here, and I am transferring you to a camp near Nuremberg, where I believe that you will be safe. As far as we know, the Werewolves have not penetrated that camp.

Both Otto and Ernst thanked the colonel, and Otto took the opportunity to explain their predicament.

Both Ernst and I are from the Weimar area, and we haven’t heard any news of our families in many months. Can we be transferred to that area?

I am sympathetic to your plight, but there is nothing I can do. The Soviets have a tight grip on East Germany and have essentially halted all travel except for one road leading to Berlin. Besides, from what I hear, you would not want to go there. The Soviets are, to say the least, not very cordial.

Otto nodded. One more thing, Colonel. My brother, Klaus, is here. Can he go with us?

The Colonel paused for a moment. I suppose so. Your brother hasn’t been one of the pro-Americans here in camp, but his relationship to you could put him in danger. Make sure he is ready to leave tonight.

The Germans thanked Colonel Summerfield and departed the colonel’s office. They now realized that seeing their families again would not occur until after the detention camps were disbanded and German soldiers were allowed to return home, if ever. They would then have the unenviable task of trying to cross over into East Germany by evading the Soviet border guards and risking death in the process. Neither, however, doubted that the risk was worth taking for the chance to once again see their loved ones.

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Otto found Klaus standing alone toward the back of the encampment.

Klaus beamed as his brother approached. Otto moved close to his brother and started talking in muted tones.

Klaus, we have to leave tonight.

Why? Klaus asked dumbfounded.

For our protection, the Camp Commandant is having us transferred out. Apparently, I have been too outspoken.

I was afraid of that, Klaus sighed. But I will be ready to leave when you are.

Good. Gather your belongings when nobody is looking.

One other point, Klaus added. Will this make it easier to find the other members of our family?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any answers right now. The good news, though, is that German prisoners will probably be released soon. After all, there are too many of us to keep us caged up for long. And once we’re released, we can try and figure out how to get in the Russian zone.

Klaus nodded and turned. Otto could tell that his brother realized the enormity of the task ahead. He patted his brother on the shoulder and walked off.

At 9:00 p.m. that night, an American corporal entered the German’s quarters and nodded for Otto and Ernst to follow him. Klaus, who was standing nearby, casually moved after them. So far so good, Otto thought. They apparently hadn’t attracted any attention.

Outside, the corporal motioned for the three to get in the back of a truck. The drive to Nuremberg was starting.

As the headlights reflected off of the lush greenery that was typical of Bavaria, Otto thought how wonderful it was that Ernst and Klaus were with him after the end of the terrible war. He was also grateful that the American colonel was looking out for him. Did it mean that God still had meaningful plans for him? Was it possible that somehow, someway, he was destined to meet Jennifer and spend his remaining years with her? He prayed for this outcome, and a strong will to live was once again returning to his innermost fabric.

An American guard was positioned in back with the three Germans, and the driver was the lone person in the front. As they neared Nuremberg, conditions worsened. Bomb and artillery damage was evident everywhere, and traffic lights were inoperable. At an intersection, an American truck struck the side of their vehicle with a sickening thud. Otto immediately suspected that their driver was hurt.

Jumping out of the back, the guard ran up to check on the driver. Otto was a prisoner, and his instinct urged him to escape, to run. But how could he run when the Americans had been so helpful to him? Shouldn’t they see if the driver needed their help? Ernst and Klaus apparently were having no such attacks of the conscience.

Otto, let’s go! Klaus snarled.

How can we leave after what the colonel has done for us?

Every day could be the difference between life and death for our families, Klaus replied. If the colonel was in our shoes, he would probably do the same thing!

I suppose you’re right. Otto moved out with the other two.

As they ran across an open field the American guard shouted, Halt! and started firing in their direction. Diving into a ditch, they escaped the first volley. The guard was running in their direction, so they knew that it was now or never. In a mad dash, Otto, Klaus, and Ernst headed for a nearby river. If they could make it there, freedom might be just around the corner.

As they reached the riverbank, Ernst and Klaus went down in a hail of bullets. Otto heard moans and looked around. My God, both are hit! Running back, Otto surveyed the damage. Klaus was the much more seriously wounded of the two.

Leave me, Otto. It is now up to you to find our family and do what you can for them.

I can’t leave you, Klaus. You may be the only family I have left!

The decision, however, was out of Otto’s hands as Klaus drew his last breath. Sobbing uncontrollably, Otto heard Ernst’s moans. He knew that he must pull himself together and do what he could for his friend.

Otto ran over to Ernst. Fortunately, the American guard was not approaching. Perhaps he had been diverted and was occupied with the injured driver.

Protesting mightily, Ernst told Otto to go on without him, but to no avail. Otto had gotten a hold of himself and replied, We came together and we will leave together. Otto dragged his friend to the river’s edge.

The water was bitter cold. The guard was back in pursuit, and the proximity of his volleys took their minds off of the chill factor. Soon they reached the far bank, and the guard realized it would be futile to give further chase. He turned and headed back to the truck. Undoubtedly, the driver’s condition was of more importance.

Feeling isolated, half frozen, without the comfort of his brother, and with a wounded companion, Otto wondered if it could get any worse. There was no use second-guessing their escape attempt, but Otto couldn’t help wondering if they would have been better off trying to work within the system. He didn’t have time to dwell on this issue, however. If he did, they would be frozen by morning.

Chapter 3

Darkest Before the Light

E rnst was bleeding profusely, and Otto knew that he would have to get help. By now, Ernst was only semi-conscious, so Otto picked him up, draped him over his shoulder, and headed from the river to a