Harrington, of course, was nothing but understanding, and the man acknowledged the younger's astute observation with a nod. The circumstances were unfortunate, but what more could they do? They were set in their roles.

All that was left, then, was the rather revealing question. The elder Claude canted his head, curious and concerned all at once. "Went through the wall, ya say?" Yes, the General's revenge was already in effect. "Can't say I saw someone matchin' the description," he continued, "but I gotta be a little unfair here, Claude. The man ya saw wasn't real." The man was doing him a favor; hopefully, the kid would recognize the attempt.