I will do everything I can to foil the execution of such a plan. I will even go to the police for help, if you force me to!”

The balding man whistled again, low, long, and maliciously.

The Babyface said, “Aha, it seems we have a second blabber among us. In love, eh? I always suspected it. Come on, Grigoleit, this cell is wound up. There is no cell anymore. And that’s what you call discipline, you women!”

“No, no!” cried the girl. “Don’t listen to him. It’s true, he does love me. But I don’t love him. And I want to go with you tonight…”

“Forget it!” said the Babyface, now furious. “Can’t you see that we’re in no position to do anything any more, now that you…”

He tipped his head in the direction of the dark-haired boy. “Ach, who cares!” He then said. “It’s over. Come on, Grigoleit!”

The balding one was already on his feet. Together, they walked toward the exit. Suddenly a hand was laid on the Babyface’s arm. He looked into a smooth, slightly puffy face in a brown uniform.

“One moment, please! What was that you just said about a cell being wound up? I would be very interested to know…”

The Babyface pulled his arm away. “You leave me alone!” he said, very loudly. “If you want to know what we were talking about, ask the young lady over there! Yesterday her fiancé fell, and today she’s got the hots for someone else! Bloody women!”

He kept pushing toward the exit, which Grigoleit had already reached. Then he, too, left the premises. The fat man watched him go for a moment. Then he turned back to the table, where the girl and the dark-haired fellow were still sitting, both looking rather pale. That relieved him. Perhaps I didn’t make a mistake in letting him go. He took me by surprise. But…

Politely he asked, “Would you mind very much if I sat with you for a few minutes and asked you some questions?”

Trudel Baumann replied, “I can’t tell you any more than what the gentleman just said to you. I received news of the death of my fiancé yesterday, and today this gentleman here has asked me to become engaged to him.”

Her voice sounded firm and unwavering. Now that there was danger seated at the table, her fear and unrest were gone.

“Would you mind telling me the name and rank of your fallen fiancé? And his regiment?” She told him. “And your own name? Ad dress? Place of work? Do you have other documentation on you? Thank you! And now you, sir.”

“I work in the same factory. My name is Karl Hergesell.