Hildegard opened her handbag and handed him a copy of the picture that she had earlier given to Deubel.

Vogelmann regarded it dispassionately. ‘Pretty. How did she travel to Potsdam?’

‘By train.’

‘And you believe that she must have disappeared somewhere between your house in Steglitz and the dancing school, is that right?’ I nodded. ‘Any problems at home?’

‘None,’ Hildegard said firmly.

‘At school, then?’

We both shook our heads and Vogelmann scribbled a few notes.

‘Any boyfriends?’

I looked across at Hildegard.

‘I don’t think so,’ she said. ‘I’ve searched her room, and there’s nothing to indicate that she had been seeing any boys.’

Vogelmann nodded sullenly and then was subject to a brief fit of coughing for which he apologized through the material of his handkerchief, and which left his face as red as his hair.

‘After four weeks, you’ll have checked with all her relations and schoolfriends that she hasn’t been staying with them.’ He wiped his mouth with his handkerchief.

‘Naturally,’ Hildegard said stiffly.

‘We’ve asked everywhere,’ I said. ‘I’ve been along every metre of that journey looking for her and found nothing.’ This was almost literally true.

‘What was she wearing when she disappeared?’

Hildegard described her clothes.

‘What about money?’

‘A few marks. Her savings were untouched.’

‘All right. I’ll ask around and see what I can find out. You had better give me your address.’

I dictated it for him, and added the telephone number. When he’d finished writing he stood up, arched his back painfully, and then walked around a bit with his hands thrust deep into his pockets like an awkward schoolboy. By now I had guessed him to be no more than forty.

‘Go home and wait to hear from me. I’ll be in touch in a couple of days, or earlier if I find something.’

We stood up to leave.

‘What do you think are the chances of finding her alive?’ Hildegard said.

Vogelmann shrugged dismally. ‘I’ve got to admit that they’re not good. But I will do my best.’

‘What’s your first move?’ I said, curious.

He checked the knot of his tie again, and stretched his Adam’s apple over the collar stud. I held my breath as he turned to face me.

‘Well, I’ll start by getting some copies made of your daughter’s photograph. And then put them into circulation. This city has a lot of runaways, you know. There are a few children who don’t much care for the Hitler Youth and that sort of thing. I’ll make a start in that direction, Herr Steininger.’ He put his hand on my shoulder and accompanied us to the door.

‘Thank you,’ said Hildegard. ‘You’ve been most kind, Herr Vogelmann.’