“You will see the construction on the top floor to be rather peculiar,” he said. “The halls are narrow and the rooms oddly shaped, designed, it would seem, around the principle of curvature rather than right angles as are most buildings. In any event, though the rooms are not often used—we will try to make you as comfortable as possible. There are nine rooms here at this north end of the west wing. Most have either two or three beds, so you may arrange yourselves in any manner you like. Our house is yours. Everything we have is yours.”

“We are most appreciative, Heinrich,” said Bonhoeffer. Rounds of thanks chimed in from the rest of the men.

“There are only two bathrooms on this floor, and no tub. But you are welcome to any of the bathrooms on the floor below you, and there are two tubs there—one between the guest sitting room and the library, and another next to the ballroom. I’ll show you both later. Heidi and my daughter have furnished you with towels and linen. I believe there are enough featherbeds for you all.”

“Wonderful, Heinrich… sehr schön!”

“So, we will leave you for the night. I’m sure you are tired. Frühstück at seven-thirty two floors below you. And with that I will say… schlaff gut!”

“Thank you again!” said Bonhoeffer, shaking the baron’s hand, followed in turn by each of the other men.

“Gute nacht!” said the baron, then, turning, descended the stairs.

33 Curious Proceedings

33

Curious Proceedings

Dark German beer had flowed freely for several hours.

Echoing through the close quarters of the public room of the only inn in Niedersdorf were the familiar and pleasant sounds of hardworking men relaxing, drinking, and having fun at the end of one more strenuous day at their labors.

Only a few women were present, all in the employ of the Wirtshaus, whose nightly job it was to serve as much beer as the men could hold, while smiling, talking, flirting, laughing, and teasing each one in such a way that every man present considered either Hilda, Gretchen, or Klara his own personal barmaid, mistress, and intimate friend.

The knowing smiles, glances, winks, pinches, and whispered intimacies, as well as the fact that to a man nearly everyone present was a nightly customer, gave ample indication that the three good-natured and robust fräuleins had succeeded in their assignments.

In the larger beer cellars and inns of Berlin, a live polka band would have accompanied the festivities and heightened the merriment. But in Niedersdorf the music came from a large radio, which blared the latest lively dance tunes from one corner of the room.