“We are praying that they do. Get dressed on Sunday morning and hide all the belongings you want to take in the bottom of Elisheva’s baby carriage. Then stroll out the door and walk to the Pieterskerk for the morning service like all of the Christians will be doing. We’ll be waiting to meet you at the front entrance. Professor Huizenga said he hoped you wouldn’t be offended, but he thinks it’s best if you sit through the church service with us. He’ll be telling people that you are refugees from Scheveningen, on the coast, and that the Nazis forced you to evacuate to build their fortifications. We’ll all walk back to the town house together after the service.”

“But won’t there be people there who know me from the university?” Abba asked. “You will all be in danger if someone reports this deception.”

“That’s why Professor Huizenga thinks it would be best if you and Avi shave off your beards. And, Miriam, you’ll blend in better if you cut your long hair and wear it in a modern bob. I can help you cut it if you want me to.”

Miriam reached up to touch her hair. Avi loved it long, but she would shave it all off to save her family. “Yes, of course I will.”

“What about our identification cards?” Avi asked. “The police can ask to see them at any time.”

“That’s another reason why we chose a Sunday morning. So far, the Nazis still show respect for that day. And there will be so many people coming and going to church, they can’t possibly check everyone’s ID.”

Abba rose from the table and took both of Ans’s hands in his. “I will never be able to thank you and the Huizengas for your kindness and generosity. But I wonder if I may impose upon you for one last favor. I’ll show you what it is.” He disappeared into his bedroom and came out with the suitcase he’d used to carry his books and papers from Cologne, opening it to show Ans what was inside. “This is the scientific research I’ve been doing. Please give it to Professor Huizenga for me. If you are stopped, you might well be carrying it for him. He knows what I’ve been working on. He’ll understand what all of it means. Someday, when Leiden is free again, perhaps an enterprising graduate student can finish where I left off.”

The words sent a jolt of alarm through Miriam. “You’ll finish it yourself when that day comes, Abba.”

He smiled. “Then he will keep it safe for me until then.”

“I’ll take it to him,” Ans said. “And I agree with Miriam —you’ll finish your research yourself one day. The tide of this war is certain to change soon.”

“I pray that you’re right.”