‘Hello, police? Yes, my name is Diekamp. Well, you may be surprised, but I would like to report a suspected case of acute rabies.’ He stops talking for a moment. ‘Yes, yes. Right, here in Hamburg. OK, connect me.’

Another moment of silence, while the man stands and listens intently to what is being said on his telephone. ‘Hello, my name is Diekamp. As I was just telling the other officer, I would like to report a suspected case of rabies. In a dachshund. In Hamburg. Exactly. Uh-huh, uh-huh…’

The man is walking back and forth and staring in our direction. When he sees that I’ve come closer, he backs away a little.

‘You want to know what signs of rabies I’m seeing? I would say…sudden excessive clinginess, convulsions and a hint of foam at the mouth. Ah, Hamburg is not a rabies area? All of Germany is not a rabies area for pets? I understand – but maybe you can send someone over just to make sure?’

Now Mr Beck is also standing next to me. ‘Say, that man’s awfully worked up! Who’s he talking to?’ he asks.

‘I think it’s the police. He told them I have rabies. I must be a damned good actor if people think I’m rabid! You know, usually only foxes get that. Grandpa told me that. It’s very dangerous, and a good hunter always has to be careful not to get bitten. A good hunting dog is careful too, of course.’

My voice has taken on a slightly boastful tone, but that’s all right; after all, I really do know a lot about hunting. Theoretically, at least.

‘What?’ Mr Beck shakes his head and laughs.

‘Yeah, it’s funny, isn’t it? And now he wants them to make a special trip out here.’

Beck’s laughter dies down. ‘Really? Uh, oh. In that case, we’d better get out of here, and fast.’

‘Why? Now things are finally getting interesting. Obviously, I’m not a matter of indifference to that guy after all, and maybe he wants the police to find out where I live.’

I think that Mr Beck is simply jealous of my acting talent and the magnificent impression I make with it.

‘That’s such nonsense, you stupid dog. What do you think the cops do with an animal that they think suffers from a very dangerous disease like rabies? They don’t take him home – they haul him in! Maybe even put him to sleep on the spot!’

‘They put him to sleep?’ I echo a bit uncertainly.

‘Exactly. They kill him. Just like that. Nothing will stop them!’

I hear a terrified squeal, and just when I start to wonder at the strange sounds that Beck can make, I realize that I’m the one squealing. The look on Mr Beck’s face shows me that the situation is urgent.

‘Precisely, my friend. You heard me right. And if you ask me, there is only one option left to us at this point.’