LINDBERG
“Sh—” the man whispered. “I had to do it. There was no other way. I’ve been waiting outside.”
Hammersley tried to speak, but his throat closed, and while he struggled for his breath, he saw Lindberg go to the door and stand, his ear to the keyhole, listening. In a moment he came back.
“Ganz gut! They have heard nothing.”
“Are you sure?” Hammersley managed to gasp, as Lindberg cut the rope that bound his ankles.
“Yes. He was so sure of himself that he did not shout.”
He helped the prisoner to his feet and they clasped hands.
“Good Lindberg! My friend! I had given up.”
“I have waited until the beer was served. It is well. And now” He looked around the room quickly. “You shall go.”
Hammersley had a sudden thought.
“Captain von Winden sent you?”
“No. He knows nothing. But he has not spoken. It is now after nine o’clock. By half past nine you must go.”
“Ja doch! But you!”
“I shall remain.”
“No, no; I will not consent to that.”
“Yes, I have thought out a plan.”
“But they will suspect. They will shoot you.”
“No, they will not. Have I not told you that I have thought out a plan?”
“I will listen to it.”
Lindberg meanwhile had been unstrapping his pistol holster and put it on a chair.
Hammersley glanced over his shoulder at the door. “But they may come again,” he whispered.
239
