Camp X by Eric Walters

principal for throwing snowballs and I had to wait to hear what he was going to do to me. It seemed silly now, thinking back, how scared I’d been. What was the worst thing the principal could have done? A shudder suddenly ran through my entire body as I tried to imaginethe worst thing this man could do . . . I couldn’t even let that enter my mind.
    â€œAs you boys are acutely aware,” he said, “this country is at war. And as a result the government has many very special powers. Any citizen of this country can be asked, at a moment’s notice, to do service for his or her country. Were you aware of that?”
    I shook my head.
    â€œAnd that service cannot be denied, regardless of circumstances. I am requesting that you both read this document,” he said, handing a piece of paper to each of us. “And upon reading I will ask that you both affix your signature at the bottom.”
    â€œWhat is it?” Jack asked.
    â€œI am asking you to sign an oath under the Official Secrets Act.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” I said.
    â€œYou are signing an oath stating that as agents of this government you will not divulge anything to anybody about what you have learned.”
    â€œAgents of the government . . . what does that mean?”
    â€œIt means that you are officially being enlisted into the service of your country.”
    â€œYou mean like soldiers?” Jack asked.
    â€œOr like spies?” I suggested.
    â€œSpies . . . why would you say that?” he asked.
    â€œI was just thinking. This isn’t a regular army base, is it? This is some sort of special camp . . . right?”He smiled. “I’m afraid I can’t answer that question. I still need you boys to sign the oath.”
    â€œWe won’t tell anybody, honestly!” Jack said.
    â€œI am insisting on your silence. Punishment for violating this oath is imprisonment or, in extreme cases, execution.”
    â€œExecution?” I gasped. “Like killing somebody?”
    â€œA firing squad is customary in military matters. You must sign this oath being fully aware of the possible consequences of your actions. Do you understand and agree to these terms?”
    â€œYou can count on us,” I said.
    â€œWe won’t tell anybody,” Jack agreed. “Even if we’re tortured by Nazi agents.”
    â€œHopefully that will not present itself as a reality.”
    â€œAnd can we go home after we sign?” I asked. “We have to be there before—”
    â€œYou don’t have to worry about your mother calling at break,” he said.
    â€œBut she calls every night,” Jack tried to explain.
    â€œNot tonight. All of the phones are going to be, shall we say, unavailable for use.”
    â€œHow do you know that?”
    â€œThat was one of the things I arranged when I was out of the room. The telephones at the D.I.L. plant will be out of order throughout the last break this evening.”
    â€œYou can do that?” I asked.
    He smiled. “We can do many things.”
    â€œBut if we just signed the oaths we could get home before she calls. There’s still time.”
    â€œThere is still much to be done prior to your leaving this evening,” he said. “You will be meeting with one of my men, who will be asking you much the same questions I have asked but in more detail. And your answers will be carefully written down.”
    â€œBut we told you the truth, honest!” Jack told him.
    â€œI believe you did. But there is much we need to learn from you two boys.”
    â€œLearn from us?”
    He nodded his head. “We need to know exactly what information you were able to gather, as well as the manner in which you were able to enter this area and leave again. And I am also interested in what Mr. Krum discussed with you, what he is aware of. I would prefer that the editor of the local paper remain in the dark. I’m sure you