‘And what makes you think that, son?’

‘I heard him. And he’s got my father into it too. Also, I found some leaflets…’

‘What leaflets?’ Vati asks sharply.

‘Propaganda leaflets.’

I smile at Tomas. He’s doing really well.

‘They have discussions. They say Hitler is an idiot. They say it’s only a matter of time before people see sense. They talk about different men they know and which side of the fence they sit on.’

‘Do you remember any names?’ Vati asks.

‘I think so. Some.’ Tomas shuffles his feet. ‘Sometimes when I’m out playing with my brothers, I sneak back to listen. They talk about victory of the working man and revolution and about the wrongs of rich people and things. But I forget…’

‘Don’t worry about that.’ Vati pushes a sheet of paper towards Tomas and hands him a pen. ‘You write me that list of names.’

We watch as Tomas scratches a couple of names onto the paper. He thinks a moment, then writes a couple more.

He looks up at Vati. ‘These are the only ones I know.’

Vati rises from his chair, comes around the desk and shakes Tomas’s hand.

‘You have done the right thing, my boy. You will be rewarded. What Jungvolk rank are you?’

‘My parents won’t let me join up,’ Tomas says. His head and shoulders droop with the shame of it.

‘What? But you must join immediately!’ Vati looks outraged. I give him a hard stare, but he pays me no attention.

‘I’ll take care of that. How do you fancy becoming a Standard Bearer, eh? That’s a real honour. You are a true son of Germany; you’ve done a brave thing. Now, not a word to your mother and father, you understand? You leave all of this to us. We will take care of everything, yes? Good boy.’

‘What’ll happen to him? To my father?’ Tomas asks in a small voice. ‘Will he be arrested?’

‘Of course not. You mustn’t listen to idle gossip. We will take your father into protective custody, for his own safety. Do you know what that means?’

Tomas shakes his head.

‘It means that we take him away to look after him, to protect him. Germany has enemies, Tomas. You must keep a look out for them. Always have your eyes and ears open. Anything, however small or insignificant, you must report it. It’s your duty. To me, or to your HJ superiors.’ Vati returns to his chair. ‘Now, you mustn’t worry. I will take care of your vati. Not a word, mind. This is of utmost importance.’

Vati turns to me. He smiles and winks. ‘Well done, Herta, my girl,’ he says. ‘You are growing up, Schnuffel, I’m proud of you.’

His words are delicious. Perhaps there is hope of a change of mind from him about the Jungmädel, after this.

‘Now,’ he says briskly, ‘I must make some telephone calls. Tomas, it might be best if you stay with Herta for a little while. Have some lunch with us.’