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- II7 -

but it does place us in a dilemma; we have no one else, and besides why should they not all be frightened?  Tomalino is to be let out of prison today and to leave the farm by end of month, that is in three days time.  So it is best for us to remain indoors.

Last night there must have been fighting in the northern section of Florence which is supposed to be evacuated by the Germans. The big guns began anew their terrific thundering which made sleep impossible. This morning the valley was filled with the remains of a smoke screen, rendering Florence invisible.

August 3Ist  Tomalino and his brother, though released from prison, have not rejoined their families. We think that these two brothers belong to the Communist Party which they have perhaps joined - a convenient way for attacking us.

The whole town is filled with a medley of partisans, rioters, communists and so forth, wearing red scarves and sleeve badges.  Are they to control Florence when the English and Americans shall have left?  Hardly worth while bothering about the farm, if this is to be case:

September Ist  Pending the arrival of a new farmer, I have decided to put in charge of the farm a couple of poor 'Sfollati' brother and sister, who have been living in my garage for some time. It appears that when the Germans came to take away my American car (a Packard sent back to France ages ago) they found instead the two very humble beds of the refugees installed therein. Their disappointment was accompanied