Summary: Chapter Forty
The Republican military bureaucracy slows Andrés’s progress
considerably. Andrés meets Captain Gomez, the battalion commander of
the company Andrés encountered at the checkpoint. Gomez escorts
Andrés to the brigade command office in his motorcycle. They pass
war-ravaged trees on their way.
At the brigade command office, Gomez requests to speak
to a superior, Lieutenant-Colonel Miranda. An apathetic subordinate officer
says that Miranda is sleeping and refuses to wake him up until Gomez
threatens the officer with a gun. A short time later, Miranda walks
into the room and orders his subordinate officer to type up a letter
of safe conduct for Andrés. Miranda orders Gomez to escort Andrés
to General Golz’s headquarters.
Summary: Chapter Forty-one
The guerrilla fighters reach the place where they plan
to leave their horses. The horses are to be Maria’s responsibility
during the operation. Robert Jordan once again asks Pilar whether
she understands what she is supposed to do, which greatly irritates
her. He says goodbye to Pablo and is surprised by Pablo’s firm handshake.
Robert Jordan thinks that perhaps all allies, like he and Pablo,
hate each other deep down.
As Robert Jordan awkwardly says goodbye to Maria, he has
a sense of déjà vu and feels very young. He is reminded of going
away to school for the first time. He first felt very young and
scared, but then, embarrassed by his father’s tearful good-bye,
felt very old.
Robert Jordan, Anselmo, and Agustín separate
from the rest of the group and head toward the bridge. Robert Jordan
helps Agustín set up the machine gun and advises Anselmo about how
to shoot one of the sentries. Robert Jordan takes his position and
waits for daylight.
Summary: Chapter Forty-two
A truck accident delays Andrés and Gomez on their journey
to General Golz’s headquarters. When they finally arrive, Gomez
recognizes André Marty, a well-known military advisor, and asks
him for help in locating General Golz. But Marty, who has become
somewhat paranoid during the war, is suspicious and orders Andrés
and Gomez arrested as Fascists.
