Mike nodded his understanding. His size was no surprise to him and was the reason he had been assigned as a ball turret gunner since he could move about more easily than a full sized man in the confines of a ball turret with its cramped quarters.

Monsieur Simone continued, "Since you are however, the same size and build as my wife, though not quite as pretty I assure you, it would be best if you were to be moved while wearing her clothes which will fit you much better than mine. With a little help from Colette for your face, you will be less likely to be noticed by any German soldiers. When you arrive in Paris, I am sure that they will be able to find more suitable clothing for you."

Mike's expression of concern over his ability to carry this scheme through was cut short by Colette who took charge immediately inform- ing him that time was now all important. "Take this razor and Roger's last good blade and shave your face as closely as possible. Also your legs and if you have any hair on your chest remove that as well. While you do this, I will see what we can find for you to wear."

After complying with these instructions, Mike removed his clothing down to his G.I. shorts and waited for his benefactors to return.

A short while later Madam Simone returned and said to him, "Don't be bashful my American Friend, I have seen men before with less on than you have now, and my only concern is to get you safely to Paris." She then placed a loose rayon dress with 34 sleeves on the bed as well as a short coat and handed him a pair of panties, slip, bra, and an item which he later found out was called a waist cinch.

"Take off the rest of your American clothes and put these on Mon- sieur," she commanded as she regarded the khaki shorts and under- shirt.

Mike, somewhat disturbed, inquired, “Is it necessary to dress all the way as a woman? Wouldn't just the outer clothing be enough?” He was beginning to feel a wee bit foolish.

"Absolutement," she replied. "The Germans are alert and the out- line of a pair of man's shorts through your dress would make them most suspicious. We must be as realistic as our limited resources allow us to be. You will have to go barelegged since we have had almost no silk or nylon since the war!"

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