Читать книгу The Crooked Olive Branch - Frederick Munn - Страница 21

Chapter 13

Peter jumped up, almost standing to attention. He handed over his passport. “My papers.”

He turned reached up and took down his luggage. “These are mine.”

He was speaking English whereas, in similar non-stressful circumstances, he would have communicated in German.

Hal, shocked by Peter’s response, was aching to do something. Say something to calm Peter down.

Miriam had hidden behind him and was clinging on so tightly he could feel her tiny fingers trembling. All this plus the memory of a similar event only a few days ago in which he was less than happy with his performance,allowing these bullies to strut their stuff without challenge.

The officials were homing in on nervousness.

‘Never allow bullies to dictate. Face them down. Dictate events, take control’. Familiar advice from his father and teachers flooded into his mind. Hal picked Miriam up in his arms and looked at the two officials who were now crowding and intimidating Peter.

Hal needed to break this up.

Taking out his press card he tapped the policeman on the shoulder.

The man spun around. Hal fixed him with a stare which lasted but seconds shattering the control they had on Peter. The customs man turned to look what was happening.

Hal waited until he had their full attention to speak.

“Henry Steading, Eastern Coast Press, the United States of America. Can I ask, is it normal for police to accompany customs officials in Austria? For them to clear travellers and their luggage when they are leaving the country?”

He flicked open his note pad and posed, pencil poised. This ‘performance’ was as much for Peter as the officials.

The policeman ignored the question and looked Henry up and down, before asking to see his passport, speaking in German.

Hal took a step towards him and put his face uncomfortably close to the man.

“Do me the courtesy of speaking English. I know you can because you did so in the last compartment, and you understood this gentleman just now.” The policeman found it difficult not to give ground and was rocking back on his heels, asking in English, “Yours and the child’s papers please, sir.”

Hal handed over his and Miriam’s papers. The policeman’s eyebrows lifted momentarily as he took a step back.

“Sudeten Jewess?” He looked closely at Miriam who buried her face in Hal’s chest.

“That’s right, my niece from the Czechoslovakia.”

Hal’s answer and his claim not to understand German, was already in question.

“The name is not the same as yours.” The policeman watched for a reaction from Hal.

“My wife has a different name from her sister who is also married. Why expect my niece to have the same name as me?”

The police officer looked pointedly at Miriam for a while, took a step backwards, clicked his heels and said, “One moment please, Herr Steading.”

He had a quick word with the customs officer, turned on his heels and left.

The customs officer cleared all the luggage including Miriam’s additional case which Hal deliberately placed prominently and nodded politely.

“Thank you, gentlemen and thank you for visiting my country.” He turned and left.

Peter breathed a sigh of relief. “Is that it, what do you think Hal?”

“Nope, I figure that cop’s gone for reinforcements. When they come back and they will sit down, look unconcerned and leave the rest to me.”

“Don’t you think you are taking one hell of a risk?”

“I don’t know, I’ve got my fighting irons on Pete, couldn’t help myself. I just hope I know what I am doing. That policeman is dying to take me down a peg and would have done so if he had dared.

He has gone for advice and help.”

Hal noted the customs had cleared their luggage and passed Miriam’s smaller case to Peter.

“I guess the customs guy is Swiss and the cop is Austrian, strange set up. Look after this and if we get held up take it through with you. I guess it’s important and could be incriminating. The other one just contains her clothes so that’s O.K.”

Peter looked shocked.

“Don’t worry, Pete. If he brings the whole police force with him, they also dare not move for precisely the same reason as him. Leave everything to me. Trust me.”

Peter began to feel calmer with this interaction with his friend. This intercourse had been missing over the last days. He sat down and tried reading a newspaper. Peter looked out of the window and noted that some of the adults and children had moved up to corral fence and were looking towards the train. Helga he could see clearly, even to the resigned look on her face.

“Hal, we must do something about Helga and those children.” Peter pleaded although he had no thoughts as to how.

“One thing at a time old buddy, hopefully we will get an opportunity before it’s too late.”

“You have a plan?”

“Sure Pete, just have that camera handy and be prepared to use it.”

Peter hesitated. On the one hand, he was desperate to save Helga and the kids. On the other he knew they would be risking Miriam’s freedom.

“What about Miriam? Won’t anything we do risk her being caught?”

Hal placed a reassuring hand on Peter’s arm. He was pleased that his friend was thinking of her.

“Pete buddy, I have given this some thought.”

He spread fingers and progressively pointed to them in turn with his right index finger.

“First base, the goons will expect us to cower and hide. Second base, they know full well what they are doing is illegal in Austrian law, which still is in force. Third base, they dare not risk alerting the now dormant American conscience to their nasty ways.” Hal then spread both hands and smiled. His outward demeanour contrasted with his inner nerves.

“All things considered I reckon we can pencil in a home run. Don’t worry, just do as I ask.”

The door slid open to reveal an army captain.

“Herr Steading?”

Hal, now faced with an army officer, was momentarily shocked at the level of control at the border and realised just how accurate Gerda’s assessment of the situation was.

“That’s me.”

Miriam was on his knee looking out of the window across at the other children.

The officer stepped inside the compartment and stood over Hal but at a respectful distance.

“Your papers and the Madchen papier, please sir.”

Hal handed them over but otherwise did not move. He continued to concern himself with Miriam, who for a change did not feel threatened by this man. Maybe it was because of the officer’s quiet polite manner or because she was looking out of the train window engrossed with the other children.

The captain looked casually at the papers.

“On business Herr Steading?”

“Yes, I am on an assignment to assess the political scene and cover social events in Austria.”

Hal showed his press card. The officer returned the card and papers to Hal with a smile and a polite bow.

“We trust you have enjoyed our beautiful country, have a good trip.”

He saluted, smiled again and with a slight bow left the compartment.

“Pete, I think we might have done it,” Hal whispered.

“Now do we sit tight until we are across the border, or risk seeing what we can do about the other kids?” He raised his eyebrows in question to Peter.

“I know it’s a risk Hal, I trust your judgement above all. We can’t ignore them. We would always wonder. Never forgive ourselves.”

“How long have we got before the train moves do you reckon Pete?”

“They’ll be through the first class shortly. We must keep an eye on the queue over at the customs shed. I think we might have a little time, but for what?”

Miriam had her face pressed to the window watching the children across the way.

“Follow my lead, Pete.”

Hal turned to Miriam bent forward and whispered in her ear.

“Shall we go and see the other kids?”

Miriam immediately jumped down and took Hal’s hand.

“Ja Kommen.”

Hal laughed. “Get this Pete. She understands me. Let’s go.”

The three alighted from the carriage. Hal handed down the little girl to Peter. As soon as her feet touched the trackside Miriam was running and skipping towards the other children, her hair blowing in the stiff breeze.

She stopped by the stock fence putting her fingers and nose through the mesh.

The lone sentry at the gate was startled by the sudden appearance of a small child on the outside of the fence and called out. “Verboten, raus.”

Hal and Peter were following up.

“Hey fella, leave that kid alone. She’s with me,” Hal called out, then turning to his friend, added:

“Pete, get photos of the kids behind the fence while I deal with this guy.”

Miriam ran to Hal and took up her usual position behind his leg.

Peter took a photograph of the scene then went to the fence to take another.

Hal picked up Miriam and walked towards the sentry.

“What are those kids doing in there?”

The guard, not understanding Hal but at the same time intimidated by his presence, left his post and ran to Peter putting his hand in front of the camera. “Verboten,” he said almost apologetically, as if unsure just what his role should be.

The captain appeared from the train hurrying towards them. The sentry, relieved, went back to his post and stood to attention.

Hal thought that he would feel vulnerable with Miriam along. Somehow, he felt stronger.

Picking her up in his arms he turned to face the captain once more.

The officer however marched by him and went to Peter.

“Please sir, do not take photographs.”

“Why not?” Hal asked, following the officer. “Have you got something to hide?”

“No sir. These people unfortunately have been left behind. We are awaiting transport to return them safely home.”

Hal put Miriam down and took out his notebook. The little girl reattached herself to his right leg.

“How did they come to be left?”

The officer was more concerned about Peter who was asking questions of the captives and taking more photographs. Moving towards the fence the officer answered Hal.

“A foolish mistake, sir. Don’t worry we will see that they are safely returned to their homes.”

Hal followed him determined to stay in his line of sight.

A comical vision of Hal trying to keep up with Miriam firmly stuck to his leg would in other circumstances have been a source of amusement but here it only added to the sense of desperation.

Hal had written in his notes, LYING BASTARDS, underlining the block capitals.

“Ask them how long they’ve been stuck in there Pete.”

“Wie lang,” Peter began only to be interrupted by the captain.

“We’ve had problems arranging transport, sir.”

“And you just did not think to allow them into the customs shed out of the wind and rain?”

Hal replied turning to Peter.

“Take a picture of the captain Pete with the children behind him please.”

Hal continued making notes.

“What do you think the temperature is? A cool blustery showery day and outside, how long? Over five hours would you say?” Hal called to Peter.

“Gentlemen, you have been cleared to leave. Please return to the train.”

The officer was now getting angry and his manner was becoming more threatening.

“Get this captain,” said Hal in a quiet measured tone not looking up and continuing to make notes, “I think we understand each other. I am darned sure that my fellow countrymen back in the United States will get the picture.” He looked up.

“Perhaps it would only fair to hear your side of the story. If you wish, you could be quoted acknowledging your name.”

“I am just doing my job Herr Steading.”

“Sure thing, captain. Obeying orders. I should have known that.”

Hal fixed the officer with a prolonged stare.

There followed a long silence. The officer paced backwards and forwards slapping his thigh with his swagger stick.

The detainees who had gathered at the fence were following every nuance. Even though the exchange was entirely delivered in English, they understood exactly what was happening.

It was Hal who finally broke the impasse.

“It appears, Herr Capitan that we have choices to make. You can either allow these people here to leave with us on this train or I have the choice whether or not to splash this story across the newspapers of the United States of America. I could choose to write a different story.

Not sure I will if this party leave on this train. It would then have little impact.”

The officer stopped in front of Hal legs apart still slapping his thigh with his stick.

Both sides of the fence held their breath.

After what seemed an age the captain stuck his swagger stick under his arm as if he was ramming it into Hal’s guts, spun on his heels and issued a sharp order to the guard who opened the gate and stood back. The officer stood to one side and ‘semi saluted’ the adults by touching his cap with the stick as they left.

“Guten tag.”

Peter made to go to Helga who was looking towards them mouthing ‘Thank you.’

He was stopped by Hal. “Stow it, Pete. Behave like a professional. At least until we cross the border. It doesn’t pay to get personal. The goon might smell a rat.”

“You don’t think they’ll change their mind, do you?”

“I guess he’s working a holding tack while he checks with his boss, whoever that may be. One thing for sure we know each other’s game. They will not let those kids through if they can help it.”

Hal picked Miriam up. He had been hanging on to her to prevent her going to the other children. This hadn’t proved too difficult because the officer and sentry were between them and the group. They made their way back to their reserved seats.

“Move back slowly and make sure they all are aboard. Then Pete, make your way back through the train and get a shot of those kids on board. Then hang around to make sure the Goons don’t pull a fast one.”

Hal’s thoughts were racing trying to figure out the captain’s next move.

“What if they do?” asked Peter.

Hal had not the first idea.

“We’ll figure that out, if and when. What we do know is that they have no legal basis to hold them, but they could cook one up.”

Back on board, Peter made his way down the train to discover the children crammed in the bottom end of the last carriage. A sentry was moving the other passengers up into the next carriage. Peter took a photo of the scene and returned to speak to Hal.

“They are being isolated in the last carriage. The army are planning to uncouple this by the look of it.”

“They may not be bluffing. We must figure out what to do.”

Peter knew his friend well enough to await Hal’s solution for as sure as hell he would do something.

Hal considered long and hard before consulting him.

“Pete, I daren’t risk Miriam’s future. She will not stay here without me.

What say you take the camera and camp in the last carriage with the kids until we are safely over the border? If they try and move you on, hang in there. Take photos of any official. Hopefully they will just give in and let them go.”

Peter did not answer immediately so Hal continued.

“Unless you have a better idea.”

Peter knew he could not leave Helga and the kids. He took a deep breath.

“Sounds good to me. If they do uncouple I will ‘sweat it out’ with them. You carry on. I will make my own way back if stranded.”

He picked up the camera and nodded to his friend preparing to leave.

Hal took hold his arm and slipped a notebook into his pocket along with a pencil.

“Get as much information as you can. If the guards are watching, so much the better. Ask the name and question any goon. You’re the guy to do this with the language. They’d pretend they didn’t understand me. It doesn’t matter whether or not they answer so long as they know you are watching them.”

“Got it, Hal.”

Peter quickly took Hal’s hand and left. These last hours had put his concerns well and truly into perspective.

In determined mood he made his way back to the last carriage.

A guard stood at the entrance barring his way.

Peter thought at first just to take a photo then changed his mind.

“Excuse me please, I recognised a friend in this carriage. I am certain it is her, please let me through to have a word.”

“Sorry sir, no one is to enter.”

Peter had the feeling that from his apologetic manner, that he was a reluctant participant.

He took a photo of him before asking:

“Who gave this order and why?”

Notebook and pencil poised, and using the sentry’s confusion then took a deliberate step out through the connecting door into the last carriage.

The guard was now aware that a situation was developing where an international incident could occur. “My orders are to isolate this coach. Please step back into the other carriage, sir.”

Encouraged by this diffidence, Peter placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry my friend. I’ll explain to the officer, just send him through to me.”

Without looking back, he made his way into the carriage proper.

Helga, and the other carers, were dealing as best they could with the children. Some were wet, not just from the rain showers but from having soiled themselves. They had been trapped for hours without facilities. Fear and trepidation had taken a heavy toll. The others were huddled together for comfort and warmth. Peter looked for Helga at the same time taking more photos.

Helga stopped what she was doing and ran to him followed by others. Peter was surrounded at once by the adults and some children all clamouring to know what was happening.

Peter addressed them.

“I am not sure what is to happen. I intend to stay with you all until we are over the border.”

“You got past the sentry? Is he still there?” Questions were fired at him from the anxious carers and children.

Peter had to consider his words, so he held up his hands, playing for time and at the same time trying to calm them by lowering his palms slowly downwards softly calling, “Sh … sh … shush.”

When he had their attention, he spoke quietly but firmly.

“Try and stay calm and behave normally until we are into Switzerland. Hal, my friend and colleague is in control, dealing with the authorities. He is a journalist. He has the power to make things very difficult for these people. So, trust him.”

If only that were true, he thought, being acutely aware that it was at best a distortion of the truth. But the power of the press had for now got them on board this train.

Even so, it was still not moving.

“Please, all of you, sit down and try to be patient,” Peter pleaded.

To Peter’s relief they sorted themselves into seats.

Helga remained by him.

“Do you think you could get me by the sentry into the toilet in the next carriage? I am getting desperate. The toilet here is occupied by children and is in a state. They have flushed down on to the sidings and the toilet stinks worse than this carriage.”

Peter, aware that the atmosphere in the carriage was bad, was not surprised at this request. He was shocked to know that they had flushed on to the sidings. Perhaps this could give the Nazis an excuse to delay them. He went with Helga to the sentry who was not unsympathetic to the request.

Being unable leave his post the guard put Helga on trust to return.

“Please be quick and return to the carriage without delay.”

Peter looked with fresh interest at the soldier.

“You definitely don’t go along with this, do you?”

“I don’t understand, sir. Please will you leave this carriage and return to your compartment.”

Peter, now encouraged and feeling better about himself, smiled at the sentry.

“You are a good man and a good soldier.”

He then added, “Grus Gott,” before going back into the carriage to await Helga’s return.

Everyone settled into their seats, a little calmer.

Peter looked out of the window. The queue at the customs shed had gone.

The last of the passengers had made their way back with their luggage.

The train should be leaving, crossing the border shortly.

Peter had not yet spoken to Helga about Dieter. Apart from not having the opportunity, he was diffident, nervous of the answers. He got to wondering whether Helga had anyone to turn to when and if she escaped. Helga returned looking for Peter. She sat down alongside him and took his arm. Peter could feel her trembling. His questions about Dieter died on his lips.

“What will they do, Peter? Will they keep us?”

Peter did not wish to answer.

“The guard still there?” he asked in return.

She nodded. Peter knew Helga was no one’s fool and deserved a straight answer.

“They will probably uncouple this carriage at the last minute. Don’t worry I’m not going anywhere. I will stick with you whatever.”

The train jerked forward then stopped jolting their bodies and their nerves.

Peter was sure that the Nazis had uncoupled the carriage. Pulses began to race as Helga’s grip on his arm dug into his flesh.

Slowly the train began to move and pick up speed.

Realisation dawned that the train was crossing over into Switzerland. All in the carriage collapsed into each other’s arms. There was no celebration. Quietly the carers went among the children reassuring and settling them down. This took a little time.

Helga, apart from a hug and a brief heartfelt thanks, excused herself and joined in helping with the children.

Peter stood up and watched for a while trying to adjust his mind. He had expected cheers and wild celebrations. None of this happened. It felt more like he was intruding in a very private moment.

He felt a hand on his arm. Hal had come to check that the refugees were finally out of danger.

He just nodded his approval.

“Come on old buddy, let’s go back to our compartment. We need to rest up, it will be some time before we reach Zurich.”