Corporal Crispin is an American prisoner captured in a German prisoner of war camp. He had been transferred from the German Prisoner’s Camp and awaits more harsh treatment with nervousness. A German lieutenant enters his room to tell him that a compatriot will come and give him further instructions. When a blonde man enters his room wordlessly, he discovers this man is another prisoner like himself, though English rather than American. The Englishman goes by the name Riddle, and he makes accusatory comments at Crispin for his American identity. Crispin tries to read a book he had found on a table while he tries to recall the confidence he learned from Sergeant Chance, a man he had become previously acquainted with before getting transferred.  The next day, Crispin finds out why the Germans seem to refrain from carrying out their threats towards him. They think his airman skills could be of their use against the Bolsheviks.  He hears someone call him and it is Sergeant Chance. They chat for a bit, and Crispin learns that Chance is his new compatriot. He feels shame in knowing that both he and Chance are succumbing to the uncertainty of German manipulation. He also learns that Sergeant Riddle had been shot for being exposed as a British spy. He remains wordless and keeps to himself in fear.