“Marion… Sabina… Heziah,” he said, “continue with our people into the wood. Whatever happens to me, keep moving and do not turn back. Do not fear for me.”

Yet a moment all was still. Even the tongue of Emil Korsch was stopped.

“Go, I say,” the baron repeated. “They will not harm you or follow. None of the men will fire. Now… go.”

Weeping now in earnest, Marion obeyed, then Sabina and the others continued toward the wood.

The baron turned his gaze back and locked his eyes upon those of Emil Korsch.

“Stop!” cried Korsch, but the word sounded hollow and uncertain.

“You may not prevent them,” said the baron. “They are under my orders to go.” Slowly he walked straight up to Korsch and stood in front of him. “It is me you want,” he said softly.

“Stop them!” Korsch cried to his men. “Schmundt, I order you to kill this man!”

Turning in the direction of the SS troopers and Gustav, in a calm baritone of command, the baron spoke. “By the authority of Jesus Christ, I command you men to hold your fire and to allow those people to go to safety.”

“Schmundt, kill this fool!” screamed Korsch.

The baron prayerfully sought the eyes of his young neighbor, who could no more raise the rifle in his hand than if it had weighed five hundred kilos.

Then he cast the penetrating gaze of his eyes again upon Emil Korsch. “Herr Korsch,” he said softly, in scarcely more than a whisper, “in the name of the most high God, I command you to hold your tongue. You may arrest me, but you will seek these people no more.”

Yet a second he held the eyes of the agent with his command.

Behind him, the sound of running footsteps retreated toward the wood. The baron turned and took several paces toward his wife. Marion stood, the last of the group to flee, heartsick at the terrible parting, weeping but silent.

Heinrich’s eyes found hers. They still contained the sparkling smile of life! She saw his lips move in final silent farewell.

Auf Wiedersehen, Liebchen… I love you!

Marion’s heart smote her, and in great anguish she attempted to return the words.

Heinrich smiled, then turned and again faced the Nazi agent, who stood immobile and mute.

Suddenly the moment was broken.

Korsch grabbed him rudely, threw his arms behind him to bind him, then motioned with his head toward his comrades. The troopers all came toward him, suddenly oblivious to the others, and began beating and striking their prisoner as they dragged him toward the car.

Marion could bear no more!

She turned and fled toward the wood, scarcely able to keep her feet for disconsolate weeping. Already the others were far ahead, had reached the pastor’s son, and were being led off the road, into the undergrowth of the wood where they could no more be seen.

96 Freedom

96

Freedom