It is not necessary to go into all of it.
Always there is something.
Always some one will interfere.
So now be sure you understand."
"So when is the bridge to be blown?" Robert Jordan had asked.
"After the attack starts.
As soon as the attack has started and not before.
So that no reinforcements will come up over that road."
He pointed with his pencil.
"I must know that nothing will come up over that road."
"And when is the attack?"
"I will tell you.
But you are to use the date and hour only as an indication of a probability.
You must be ready for that time.
You will blow the bridge after the attack has started.
You see?" he indicated with the pencil.
"That is the only road on which they can bring up reinforcements.
That is the only road on which they can get up tanks, or artillery, or even move a truck toward the pass which I attack.
I must know that bridge is gone.
Not before, so it can be repaired if the attack is postponed.
No. It must go when the attack starts and I must know it is gone.
There are only two sentries.
The man who will go with you has just come from there.
He is a very reliable man, they say.
You will see.
He has people in the mountains.
Get as many men as you need.
Use as few as possible, but use enough.
I do not have to tell you these things."
"And how do I determine that the attack has started?"
"It is to be made with a full division.
There will be an aerial bombardment as preparation.
You are not deaf, are you?"
"Then I may take it that when the planes unload, the attack has started?"
"You could not always take it like that," Golz said and shook his head.
"But in this case, you may.
It is my attack."
"I understand it," Robert Jordan had said.
"I do not say I like it very much."
"Neither do I like it very much.
If you do not want to undertake it, say so now.
If you think you cannot do it, say so now."
"I will do it," Robert Jordan had said.
"I will do it all right."
"That is all I have to know," Golz said.
"That nothing comes up over that bridge.
That is absolute."
"I understand."
"I do not like to ask people to do such things and in such a way," Golz went on.
"I could not order you to do it.