He returned some fifteen minutes later and nodded to Bonhoeffer, who spoke a few brief words to his men. They all stood, went back outside to take their few belongings from the cars, and then all except for Bonhoeffer and the three other drivers returned inside. These four drove around the north side of the house, parked one of the cars next to the baron’s in the automobile garage, then continued on around the knoll, down the eastern slope, where within thirty minutes the other three cars were safely resting out of sight in two of the now-nearly-empty grain barns.

“Now perhaps we should show you to the rooms we have prepared for you,” announced the baron to the small assembly once they had rejoined the others. “They are not the most luxurious of accomodations, to be sure. But under the circumstances, I think we would all rest easier if, during your time with us, whether it be a day or a week, you are concealed as safely out of sight as possible. We do have visitors from time to time, and I would not bring danger upon you unnecessarily.”

“We understand, Heinrich, and are grateful,” added Bonhoeffer. “These are dangerous times for God’s people.”

“If you’ll get your things and follow me,” said the baron.

He led the troop of young pastors and seminarians out of the drawing room and along the ground floor corridor toward the north of the house, around two corners of the hall, until he came to a ninety-degree turn, where he stopped.

“This is the north parlor,” he said, indicating the door just behind him. He led them inside. “It is not too far from the kitchen, and Marion and I have decided this is probably the best place to serve you meals. It adjoins a small guest Stube—through that door there—and you are welcome to use both rooms freely. You are free to use the whole house, for that matter! I am only thinking of your safety. We could use the formal dining room for meals,” he added. He paused, again rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “No, it must remain unused and set, just in case… yes, the parlor is best,” he stated in a firm voice to the others.

“Now,” he went on, “you will have ready access to your rooms by this stairway here.” He led the way and they followed him up, single file. “Should we have any unexpected visitors, you will be able to climb quickly back up to the second floor, where I do not think anyone will bother you.”

Up they went, back and forth up the narrow rectangular staircase, arriving at the first floor.

“There is a sitting room you may use just down the hall here in the corner of this floor,” he said, pointing from the landing down the corridor. He then continued upward once more, arriving at length at the landing of the second floor.