Chapter 9 chapter eight

At 4:45 in the morning on August 6, 1943, a British Lysante flew towards the French city of Clermontfield.The pilot, who was only one wall away from the cabin, picked up the microphone: "Captain Ranger, land in twenty minutes!" "Thank you." Thomas put down the earphones and looked out the porthole.The sky is so clean, the plane floats on a white-gray fog belt, and the dirty ground cannot be seen.Thomas had grown thinner, his eye sockets darkened.He survived the saddest night of his life, ushered in the saddest day of his life.Ten minutes later, the plane lowered its altitude.Below is Clermontfield, where a bishop lives and a university.People were still sound asleep, and the streets were silent.

At five-fifteen Thomas Levine had a cup of hot coffee in Captain Orinlore's watchroom.The captain of the search battalion, stationed outside Clermontfield, scrutinized Thomas Levin's papers.He said: "I have received a telegram from Colonel Wilt, who called me an hour ago. Mr. Ranger Captain, your subordinates are at your disposal at any time." "I just want a car to take me into town right now." "I will send ten men to escort you." "No, thank you. I have to do what I want to do alone." "but……" "Here is a sealed letter. If you have not heard from me by eight o'clock, open it. It contains instructions from Colonel Werther. You will know what to do when you read it. .Farewell! Take care!"

A Citroen sedan jolted through the deserted Blaise Pascal Square.Thomas wore an army raincoat over his brown flannel suit and a white top hat.Thomas got out of the car on Carnot Boulevard. He said to the driver: "You turn the car to the corner and wait for me there." Then he approached the door of a university and rang the doorbell.Pulling on his shoes, the janitor, who wore a coat over his pajamas, grumbled, "Fuck, are you crazy? What are you doing?" "I'm looking for Professor de Bosche." "Another day..." The gatekeeper stopped talking before he finished speaking.A check for five thousand francs flashed before his eyes: "Oh, you may be in a hurry. May I have your surname?"

"Do you have a telephone in your room?" "Some..." "I'll talk to him myself." Thomas heard a familiar voice on the phone: "I'm Debosche, what's the matter?" Thomas said, "I'm Effie." He heard the professor gasp Tone: "Effire? Where are you?" "In the concierge of the university." "Tell him to bring you to me. I'll wait for you..." Thomas put the phone down."Come with me, sir," said the porter. "My God! Are you mad? How did you come to me, Captain Effie?" "Professor, the Crozhang partisans have blown up the bridge at Galgiles."

"Yes, it was carried out as directed." "Have you seen your comrades since then?" "No, I've been here with my assistant for a week now, and I'm giving a lecture." "But it was not Lieutenant Bellecour who directed the bombing of the bridge, but the mayor of Cassirer and the potter Luf. Do you know that?" "What a brave man, that's a good thing." "No, on the contrary," said Thomas. "They're all very fond of stupid fellows, Mr. Professor! They're irresponsible!" "But... Captain, listen to me..."

"Do you know what these damned idiots did last night? They sent out the names and addresses of members of the Crozhang guerrilla by telegraph! What Cassirer! Luf! Professor De Bosche! Johnny Desan! Second Lieutenant Bellecourt and others. The names and addresses of more than thirty people..." "Why do you want to do this?" "In order to be praised. I want General de Gaulle to know who is the bravest hero and who should be awarded the biggest medal..." The old professor looked at Thomas silently.It was a moment before he said: "Sending the list must have been a mistake, but it's not a crime. Is London in danger because of that? No way... It's not like you're risking your life." The reason why the danger came here..." The professor walked up to Thomas and asked in a low voice: "Tell me, why are you risking your life, Captain Effie?" Thomas took a deep breath. tone.He said calmly, "Because my name is not Captain Effie, but Thomas Levin." The old professor closed his eyes. "Because I'm not working for London, but for the German spy agency." The old professor opened his eyes again, with a very sad look in his eyes. "Kelozhang guerrillas have not maintained radio contact with London for several months, but are in contact with the Germans." After finishing speaking, they looked at each other in silence.At last De Bosche whispered: "It's too terrible, I can't believe it, I never will."

At this moment, the door was pushed open.Johnny Desan, Professor de Bosche's assistant, appeared at the door, panting.Her blond hair fell loose on her shoulders, her sea green eyes were wide open, and her lips trembled as she said, "Captain Effie...it was you...the concierge called me...I live here too What happened? What happened to Captain Effie?" Thomas bit his lip tightly and said nothing.She suddenly squeezed Thomas's hand with both hands, and she didn't realize until now that Debosche was slumped there in a daze. "What's the matter, Mr. Professor?" cried Johnny in horror. "He's a German spy..." Johnny Desan slowly let go of Thomas and took a few steps back, as if drunk, she swayed a few times and collapsed on the chair.Professor de Bosche told her in a hoarse voice all that Thomas had just told him.Johnny was motionless, and his sea-green eyes grew darker and full of hatred and contempt.At last Johnny bit his lip and said, "You're the most shameless and filthiest fellow ever, Mr. Levin. You're so hateful, you shameless little fellow!"

"I don't care what you think of me," Thomas said. "But there are selfish, self-seeking people like Louvre and Mayor Cassirer among us and among you. It's not mine." No fault, things have been going well for months." "What? You say it's going well, you bastard!" "Yes." Thomas felt more and more calm: "It is very smooth. No one has been shot in this area for several months. Neither a German nor a Frenchman was killed. Everything will be smooth It's going on. I could have protected you all until this damn war is over..." Johnny suddenly growled hysterically like a child.She staggered up to Thomas and spat all over his face.The professor had a hard time dragging her away.Thomas took out a handkerchief and wiped the spittle off his face.He watched Johnny silently.She is not at fault.Johnny Desan rushed out the door.Thomas dragged her back. "You all stay here and don't leave." Thomas stood by the door and said, "After the operator heard the list last night, the intelligence service immediately reported to Berlin. They threatened to dispatch a search camp stationed on the outskirts of the city. I have already I have analyzed the situation in detail with Colonel Wirth. I told him that the operation of the search battalion will inevitably bring casualties. If the operation starts at any cost and organizes an attack, the guerrillas will have to fight with their backs. There will definitely be heavy casualties on both sides ...the Gestapo will torture the captives. They will betray their comrades if they can't stand the torture."

"Never!" shouted Johnnie.Thomas was furious: "Shut up!" At this time, the old professor said: "They have a terrible punishment there." He stared at Thomas motionlessly, full of wisdom and sadness like a prophet in the Old Testament. "You know that, Mr. Levin. I think I understand a lot of things now. I think I was right about you. Remember? I said you were a decent man..." Thomas didn't say.Johnny was still breathing heavily. "What did you say to your colonel, Mr. Levine?" the professor went on to Thomas. "I made a proposal to him. Later General Canaris approved it."

"What's the suggestion?" "You are the spiritual leader of the guerrillas. They will do what you say. You gather the guerrillas, analyze the foregone situation to them, and tell them to surrender to the search battalion. Then there will be no bloodshed. " "and then?" "Admiral Canaris pledged not to send them to security, but to the Wehrmacht barracks as official prisoners of war." "It's bad enough." "It's the best policy now, because the war won't last long." Professor De Bosche didn't answer, he stood in front of his bookshelf with his head down."How can I get to Galgiles?" asked the professor.

"Come with me in the car. Time is short, Professor. If you don't agree with this suggestion, we will miss the eight o'clock search battalion operation." "What about Johnny? She's the only woman in this group..." Thomas said with a wry smile, "I'll take Miss Johnny as my personal prisoner, please let me finish first. Put her in the city's official business In case her patriotic zeal misses our important business. When this operation is over, I will lead her out and take her to Paris. Then let her escape on the way." Johnny took two steps. Walking in front of Thomas, he was so angry that he couldn't speak clearly: "If there is a God, you will be cut into pieces...you will definitely go to hell...I won't run away! Besides, Professor Debosche Never take your advice! Never! As long as we live, we will fight on." "Of course, of course." Thomas said sleepily: "You'd better go back and sit down there, and stop shouting, okay, my heroine." On August 17, 1943, the Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht announced the withdrawal from Sicily.In addition, it was rumored that the Soviets were bombarding the middle reaches of the Donez and had already launched an offensive. Rauker, the head of the French district of the Christian Socialist Party, gave a speech at a large-scale rally in Paris.In his speech, he said that the German people are currently in the greatest and most glorious period in its history.He said that the final victory must belong to Germany.While he was spitting out his speech, Colonel Werther called Captain Blanier and Ranger Levin into his office in Ludecia. "Gentlemen," said the colonel, "I have just received instructions from Berlin. Captain Blaineer has been promoted to major as of August 1 due to his meritorious service in destroying the Krozhang guerrillas. In addition, I have received orders from the Führer and the Supreme Commander." I honor you with a first-class cross with sword patterns." "Great!" Levin cheered, "Congratulations, Mr. Major!" The newly promoted Major Blanier said shyly, "Of course I owe everything to you." "nonsense!" "No, it's not nonsense. I owe it to you alone! I confess that I was often against you in this operation, and I thought it was utter madness at the time, and I have no confidence in you..." "As long as you trust me from now on." In fact, from now on Major Blanier became Thomas's docile admirer.Colonel Wirth turned to Thomas and said: "Berlin asked me to ask your own opinion. Please tell me, what reward do you want?" "A medal won't make me happy, Colonel," Thomas replied. "However, if I may ask..." "Say it!" "...I want a different work environment. I don't want to be sent to fight guerrillas again. If I have to work for you, I want to do something lighter and more enjoyable." "Well, I happen to have a very suitable job here for you, Mr. Levine." "What kind of job?" "It's the black market in France." Wirth said: "There has never been a black market as big, crazy, and dangerous as Paris in human history. A dirty deal is going on." "It could not be better, Mr. Colonel." "Isn't it too dangerous?" "Oh, you know I had a perfectly formal training in this field. I was at Marseilles. Besides, I had some good conditions. I had a villa on the Bois de Boulogne. Before the war I also have a small bank here in a joint venture with another person. People there will think that I can be trusted as a person.” He said this in his mouth, but he was thinking of another thing.He thought it was all right now, he could live in peace and leave you people for a while.Thomas found his bank.When an old acquaintance at the bank asked where Thomas had been for so long, he said that the Germans had put him in prison for political reasons and had had a hard time getting him out.Thomas then inquired about the whereabouts of the British partner Robert Malllock who had cheated him of his property.However, no one has been able to provide even the slightest clue about the impostor.Tomas drove sullenly to the Place Bois de Boulogne.When he came to the front of the small villa, infinite emotions filled his heart.Oh, just in this villa, he spent so many beautiful days with the gentle and lovely Mimi Sambe.Mimi Sambe, Colonel Simon...are they in Paris too?Thomas wanted to find them... Ah, and Josephine Barker and Colonel Debra... They all smiled at him from afar, far away, from the depths of the desert of time...Suddenly Thomas recalled Woke up in the middle of the day, rubbed his wet eyes with his hands, and walked into the small garden in front of the villa.It was from here that he fled in a hurry three years ago. A young and beautiful maid came out to open the door for him. Thomas said he wanted to meet the owner of the villa.The girl led him into the living room. "Mr. Cashier of the Staff Department will come to see you in a while." Thomas looked around, and everything remained the same.The furniture was still his back then, the carpet was still his carpet, and even the paintings on the walls were still hanging there intact.But what about me?What the hell have I done these past few years?This man has the air of a big man, with a big belly, big ears, and a loud voice: "My name is Hopfnier. Long live Hitler! What can I do for you?" "My name is Thomas Levine. I have come to ask you to get out of this house as soon as possible." "Are you drunk?" "Where is it, I am very sober." "Are you kidding me?" "No kidding, this is my home." "Crap, this house is mine! I've lived here for a year." "Yes, I can see it. There's a mess all over the place." "Mr. Levin, let me tell you, get out of here quickly, or I'll call the police." Thomas stood up and said, "I'll go right away. Besides, your clothes are not properly dressed." Thomas came out and said Went to Colonel Wilt.Two hours later, Hopfnier, cashier of the General Staff, received orders from his superiors to vacate immediately the villa on the Place Bois de Boulogne.The cashier spent the night in a hotel.He was so angry that he spent the whole night cursing to himself in the small room of the hotel. If Hopfnier lost a villa, it can be said that Colonel Werther lost a very capable maid these days.Beautiful brunette Nanette.This little French girl had met Thomas Levine on December 12, 1942.Colonel Wirth went to the Gestapo detention center that day and rescued Thomas, who had been beaten and bruised.From that day on, the French girl had feelings of admiration and even admiration for Thomas.Now Nanette had suddenly resigned from his job at the house of Colonel Werth in the Intelligence Service.Werth met her at Thomas' villa a few days later. "Don't be angry with me, Monsieur Colonel," said Nanette calmly. "I've wanted to work in the Place Bois de Boulogne for a long time..." The key person Colonel Wilt instructed Thomas to deal with first was a man named Jean Paul Ferud, a tall, gray-haired man who also opened a bank like Thomas.It seems that he is indispensable for any large black market transactions.So Thomas invited the big fish to come to his house for dinner.In those days the French generally never visited a German home, nor invited a German to their home.If there is something to talk about, it's either in a restaurant, in a bar, or in the theater together, but never at home.Unless there is an extraordinary reason... To Tomas' surprise at first, the banker, Ferud, readily agreed to come to Thomas's house, and Tomas and Nanette spent five days preparing the dinner.Ferud came at seven-thirty, in evening dress like Thomas.Thomas said: "It is an honor to be here." Ferud said: "You are very polite. It is also a great honor to be invited by the German intelligence service." Thomas calmly asked Nanette to serve the dishes. "Mr. Levine, I've read about you. I should have been skeptical about you. Because who are you? They say one thing and another. There are different opinions. But one thing is certain, that is, They sent you to deal with me because they think I'm behind the black market! Don't you?" "That's right," Thomas said, "but there's one thing I don't understand." "What's the matter?" "Since you are suspicious of me and know my intentions, why do you come here today? There must be a reason?" "Of course. I want to get to know this person who may become my opponent. And I also want to know the price you offered. Maybe we can discuss and understand each other. Sir..." Thomas raised his brows arrogantly: "It's a pity that you I haven't figured out my situation, Mr. Ferud. I've been looking forward to a close opponent..." The bank boss blushed when he heard Thomas's words. He put his knife and fork away and said, "What do you think? There is no room for discussion between us? In that case, I can only say that I am very sorry. I am afraid you underestimated the danger you will encounter, sir. You know, I will not let anyone peek into my hand cards, let alone one who doesn't take bribes..." Thomas had just laid down on the couch when the telephone rang. It was 13:46 on September 13, 1943.The call brought Thomas the friendship of a man who would save his life a few months later.The call allowed Thomas to crack a perfectly understandable, if reprehensible, murder and its connection to the biggest black market affair of the year.The call gave Thomas the opportunity to help a heartbroken and desperate housewife and an elderly cook, earning their eternal gratitude.If Thomas had known in advance what fate awaited him, he probably would never answer the phone in his life. But he didn't know anything, so he took off the headset and asked: "I'm Levin, who is it?" The voice of the answer was Jean-Paul Ferroud, and Thomas then politely spoke to him on the phone. Li exchanged pleasantries for a while. "How is your wife?" "She's very well, too, thank you. Listen to me, Mr. Levine. I'm very sorry for being so indifferent and arrogant with you that night..." "Ah, where!" "I'd love to get back together with you. My wife and I would like to invite you to dinner at the cottage tonight. Would you be willing to honor me? I think you know where I live, since you're a spy for the Secret Service, yes. ?" "Of course I do. You live near me at 24, Boulevard Malakoff. Your wife is a very beautiful lady named Marie Louise. She has in her chest the most expensive and valuable jewels in Paris. In your family there is a Chinese servant named Shen Tai, a cook named Dreiser, and a maid named Suzette. There are two mastiffs, one named Cicero and the other named Caesar." He heard Ferud laugh out loud. "Then how about seven thirty in the evening?" "Okay, half past seven." After speaking, Thomas put up the phone. Before he had time to think about the purpose of inviting him to dinner this time, he heard someone knocking on the door hastily.The beautiful Nanette rushed in out of breath.Nanette spoke German, and she always spoke German when she was excited.She said: "Sir, the radio is broadcasting that Mussolini has been released again, and he has left for Berlin to meet Hitler. He can fight with Hitler again." "Bonito will be very happy," said Thomas.Nanette smiled.She came up to Thomas and said, "Oh, sir. It's very kind of you, I'm so happy to be with you..." "Don't forget your Pierre, Nanette!" Nanette pursed her lips. "Ah, Pierre is meaningless..." "He's a nice guy," Thomas said, standing up because she was standing too close to him: "Nanet, go to the kitchen, let's go!" And he was on her back Pushed a palm.Nanette laughed, as if she had been tickled, and went into the kitchen sullenly.Thomas thought over and over again, what exactly does the bank boss want to do with me? When Thomas came to Ferud's house, he discovered that it was simply a cultural treasure house, and the house was full of priceless treasures from Europe and the Far East.Needless to say, this Ferud is also a rich man.Although the Chinese servant who opened the door to greet Thomas always had a smile on his face, his attitude and tone of dealing with people seemed arrogant and indifferent.The maid handed Thomas three bouquets of orchids that he had given to his mistress when they met.The maid's manner of dealing with others was equally arrogant and indifferent.Finally, let’s talk about the owner of this house. He is equally arrogant and indifferent.He left Thomas alone in the living room for seven minutes. Tomas wondered, this Jean-Paul Ferroud is an independent man, and he can ignore me at all.But why did you invite me to his house for dinner?And since he has already invited me, why is his behavior so arrogant?At this moment, something in the banker's hand fell to the ground with a thud.He gave a dry cough and smiled awkwardly and said, "Hands are shaking badly, I'm old, and I've been drinking too much!" Ah, that's how it is!Thomas' heart lighted up.This man was not arrogant at all, he was nervous, his hands and feet were shaking!The Chinese, and the maid... It turned out that they were all nervous, they were afraid.But what are they afraid of? After a while, the hostess also came.She is tall and slender, with delicate and handsome features.The eyes were blue, with long eyelashes, and the blonde hair was combed beautifully.She wore a black dress that left her shoulders bare, and her arms and neck were covered with fine jewelry.Thomas went up to say hello to the hostess, her hand visibly trembling as he kissed it.He raised his head and looked at the hostess' cold eyes for a while, and found that there was also a hint of uneasiness in her eyes.What's going on here?Madame thanked Thomas for the orchids she had given her, and said she was glad to know Thomas.She took the St. Martin's Day cup her husband handed her.Suddenly she put the cup on a hexagonal bronze table, pressed her hands to her lips and sobbed loudly.The white-haired Ferrod hurried up to his beautiful lady and said, "What's the matter, Mary Louise? Be restrained, what will Mr. Levin think of it." Mrs. Ferroud While crying, he said, "Forgive me, Jean. Forgive me...something happened!" Ferud's face changed when he heard that.He hurriedly asked, "What happened?" "The dishes are messed up! The cook dropped the pike on the floor!" Ferud couldn't help feeling angry when he heard this.He yelled at his wife, "Mary Louise, you know what's going on tonight! A fish is worth crying and fussing about? It's like a..." "Mr. Ferrud!" Thomas interrupted him gently but firmly. "What do you want? I mean, what do you want to say?" "May I ask your wife a few questions?" "What... um... well, of course." "Thank you, ma'am. You said Cook Dreiser dropped the pike on the floor..." "Forget it, she's getting old. It's disgusting when she pulls the fish out of the water, it falls on the hob, and then she blows it up into little bits and pieces!" "Madame, since you have the courage to invite a German spy to your house, does a mere French pike make your knees go limp? Madam, allow me to ask you an unimportant question. What kind of dish did the pike cook before?" When the lady gave the name of the dish, Thomas bowed to her and said, "As far as I can see, you are suffering from two things today, madam. If you will allow me to visit you to the kitchen, and I can save you from one of those troubles." "Do you think you can do tricks with a fried pike?" Mary Louise said with admiration in her eyes. "Of course it is, ma'am," replied Thomas, "and take a few more glasses in, will you? It's easier to have a couple of glasses at a time. It's a nice St. Martin's, and a real English gin .The war is now in its fourth year, Mr. Ferrud, and these fine wines you went to get..." What happened in this house?Inside the giant kitchen, Thomas remains unknown.He wrapped an apron around his waist and turned the rotten pike into another dish.The myopic old cook, the pale mistress and Ferud raved about his workmanship.For a moment, the couple is less tense than before.As Thomas cooked, he thought I had a lot of patience.I see how long you have to wait until tomorrow morning to open your mouth. At this moment, there was a sudden commotion in the house, and the voices of a woman and a man could be heard.Upon hearing this voice, the hostess's face suddenly became as pale as paper.Ferud hurriedly ran towards the door, but he bumped into the Chinese servant as soon as he ran to the door.He babbled in Chinese to Ferud some secret words that Thomas didn't understand at all, and he pointed behind him while speaking.The hostess obviously understands Chinese.She screamed and Ferud yelled at her in Chinese.She slumped on the kitchen stool.Ferud rushed out with Shen Tai without even saying hello.The door slammed shut.Thomas was secretly amused that others said that the French are elegant, and seeing them today, it turned out to be so!At this time, the hostess tried her best to be calm for a while, and then said to Thomas: "Please forgive what happened here just now. Shen Tai has been with us for ten years. We have no secrets from him. He came to our house in the Shanghai...we have lived in Shanghai for a long time..." But the noise in the house became louder and louder.Then I heard something fall and make a loud noise.Thomas thought to himself, let it go.So he pretended nothing happened.She calmly said to the cook, "Dreiser, put this in the pipe." "Mr. Levin, I'm not in the mood to watch cooking right now. I'm worried about my cousin." Ferud's wife said to Thomas. "Is that so? Dreiser, it's time to simmer." "Originally we wanted to ask my cousin to have dinner with us all, but she was eager to leave here. It was Shen Tai who managed to keep her just now." "That's interesting, why is cousin Ling so eager to leave?" "It's because of you." "What? For my sake?" "Yes. She doesn't want to see you." The hostess stood up and said to Thomas, "My husband is trying to persuade her in the living room. Please come with me. Dreiser can definitely handle things in the kitchen here." "Ma'am, I really want to meet this cousin who knows you, and I don't want to see me before I meet. It's really interesting! What a gift!" But when Thomas walked into the living room, something happened that had never happened to him. The St. Martin's glass in his hand fell to the ground with a clang.The wine soaked a large area of ​​the thick carpet.Thomas couldn't move a step as if by magic.He stared blankly at the slender young woman sitting on the antique armchair.Ferud stood beside her like a bodyguard.The young woman said in a hoarse voice: "Good evening, Mr. Don't move the captain." "Good evening, Miss Desan." Thomas managed to answer her greeting with some difficulty.Jean-Paul Ferroud picked up Thomas's glass from the carpet and said, "We didn't tell Johnny who our guests were tonight. But she heard your voice and recognized you. It is you who will leave here later...you know the reason for this." "Yes, I know that." "Well then, let's do something for her, Levin. Yoni is in dire danger. The Gestapo are after her everywhere. If we don't help her, she's lost." Yoni Desan He squinted at Thomas.Shame and anger, confusion and hatred intertwined on her beautiful face.Thomas thought to himself that I had betrayed her twice.Once as a German, and once as a man.She will never forgive me the second time.That's why you hate me so much.If I had stayed overnight in her room in Galgiles... Just as he was thinking about it, he heard Ferud say again: "You and I are both bank bosses. I don't talk about relationships, I only talk about business. You want to get information on this black market. And I want my cousin not to talk about it. Something went wrong, understand?" "Understood." Thomas replied.He turned to Johnny and asked, "Why did the Gestapo hunt you down?" Johnny turned his head away and ignored him. "Johnny!" exclaimed Mrs. Ferrud angrily.Thomas shrugged his shoulders and said: "Ma'am, your cousin and I are both old friends and old enemies. I told her to run away in Clermontfield, and she has always hated it. I told her the address of an old friend of mine named Bastien Fabre. He could have hidden your cousin. But it seems that your cousin did not follow my orders. Ferud said, "She looked for it, but she was looking for the leader of the Kerozhang guerrillas. She wanted to connect with them and stay in the resistance organization." Thomas sighed and said, "Oh, look. Our stubborn patriot! What a heroine!" Suddenly Johnny's eyes changed.For the first time she looked at Thomas without hatred and said: "Mr. Levin, this is my country. I want to fight on for my country. What would you have done if you had been in my place?" What to do?" "I don't know, maybe it's the same as you. Can you tell me what happened?" Johnny lowered his head.Ferud said, "There's a traitor. It's the radio operator. The Gestapo has caught fifty-five partisans, and six are missing. The Gestapo are hunting them everywhere. Yoni is one of them." The lady said, "Jonny has relatives in Lisbon. If she can get there, she'll be saved." Thomas and Ferud looked at each other for a while in silence.Thomas understood that this was the beginning of an effective collaboration between them.But Thomas thought to himself, how can I report to Colonel Wirth?God only knows! At this moment the Chinese servant entered the drawing room, and he bowed to everyone.Mrs. Ferrud said: "The meal is ready." Then she got up and went to the dining room, and the rest followed her.As he got up, Thomas' hand brushed casually on Johnny's arm.She was shocked like an electric shock.Thomas stole a glance at her.Johnny's eyes dimmed suddenly, and a flush came to his cheeks. "This is impossible! You have to get rid of this problem as soon as possible!" "What's wrong?" "The problem of not being frightened, the problem of blushing. As a female agent of the German Secret Service, you have to learn to better control your emotions." "What did you say? For what?" Johnnie asked Thomas, almost in a whisper. “作为德国谍报局的女特务。”托马斯又重复了一遍：“瞪眼睛干嘛？难道我能够把一位法国抵抗组织的女游击队员带到里斯本去吗。” 二十一点五十分驶离巴黎的正点夜班直达马赛的快车拖了三节卧车厢，其中一节卧车厢里的毗邻包厢是专门为一九四三年九月十七日晚上乘这次列车的德国谍报局人员预留的。发车前十分钟，一位绅士模样的先生陪着一位女士来到了这节卧车厢里。他们走进过道示意检票员过来。这位女士穿了一件高领驼毛大衣，头上戴了一顶当时最时髦的男式宽边礼帽，高领和礼帽几乎把这位女士的脸遮严了，周围的人很难看清她的模样。绅士模样的男人把预定车票掏出来给检票员看了看，又顺手把一张数额很大的银行支票塞到检票员的手心里。“多谢了，先生。我马上去把杯子给您拿来……”检票员忙不迭地为他们打开了包厢的门。托马斯关上了过道两边的门。约尼·德桑摘下头上的大礼帽，她一见托马斯关上了过道的门，脸上又飞起了红晕。“我给您说过不要脸红不要脸红，您硬要脸红！”托马斯把窗上的遮光板拉起来朝月台上望去。窗外边正好有两个国防军列车监督岗的下级军官。托马斯又把沉重的遮光板放了下来。“怎么？又盯着我看什么？我又出卖了法国是不是？” “这些香槟酒，还有这些丁香花……为什么您要叫他们放这些东西在这儿？” “这样您就不至于太紧张。天呐，您简直太神经质了！风声鹤唳草木皆兵，其实不过是无事张惶。您现在的名字叫马德莱妮·诺尔，是德国谍报局的女特务。您身上持有德国谍报局的身份证！” 为了弄到这张身份证，托马斯在路德契亚饭店把嘴皮子都快磨破了。末了维尔特上校一边摇头一边叹息地说：“列文，我看您是不想在巴黎谍报局呆下去了！”正在为难的时候，没想到布莱尼尔少校居然来帮托马斯说话了：“要是这个费鲁德真的肯打开他的秘密口袋的话……” “他会这样做的，如果我把那姑娘带出去的话。”托马斯说着瞥了布莱尼尔少校一眼。“……谁知道这次行动的结局又将如何呢，上校先生？”布莱尼尔少校一口气找了好多理由来支持托马斯，维尔特上校到底还是软了口。他说：“好吧，我给您身份证。可是您千万一直要把这位女士陪送到马赛。在她上飞机之前请您别离开她，明白吗？” 是的，这一切都发生在到马赛去的火车发车之前。检票员埃米尔敲了敲十七号包厢的门，给托马斯他们拿了两只香槟酒的广口酒杯。“进来！”托马斯说道，埃米尔开门的时候得把门全部打开才行。因为他要让一个个头特别高大的瘦女人从身边挤过去。这个瘦女人是来送人上车的。命运真是难以捉摸，恰巧在这个时候参谋部大队长米尔克看见并认出了托马斯，认出了这个家伙就是在几个星期之前同她吵过架的那个人。她还看见了托马斯身边的那个漂亮的女人。可惜命运不公平，偏偏托马斯没有看见米尔克。他侧面朝着她。没等他转过身来，米尔克早已走开了…… “杯子来啦！”托马斯高兴地说：“您把它放在这儿好啦，我自己来开瓶，埃米尔。”他把瓶盖打开给约尼倒了一杯，又给自己倒了一杯。第一杯酒还未下喉，包厢里来了两个列车监督岗的下级军官，列车还有两分钟就要发车了。约尼这次显得很镇静，一点也不慌张。那两名德国军官说话很有礼貌。他们请这两位把证件拿出来检查，看过之后又祝他们俩一路顺风，然后就离开了包厢。那两个军官从卧车厢里下来，便回到月台上去向那位参谋部大队长汇报检查的情况：“那两个人没问题，参谋部大队长。巴黎谍报局的，两人都是。一个叫托马斯·列文，一个叫马德莱妮·诺尔。” “马德莱妮·诺尔，原来是这样……”米尔克意味深长地重复了一遍，嘴角边浮起了一丝狞笑。 两三杯酒下了喉，约尼镇定多了，一点也不怕了，他们之间的谈话也变得活跃起来。他们俩人有说有笑，越谈越亲热。可是约尼突然收住笑容，站起来把头转向窗外。托马斯了解她。他曾经拒绝对过她的爱。这种伤心事任何女人都不会忘却的。没有任何一个女人愿意第二次尝尝被男人拒绝的滋味。于是在将近十一点半的光景他们相互道了晚安。托马斯心里想着这样最好……这样真的最好吗？他也微微有些儿醉意了，觉得约尼确实长得很美。当他在告别时去吻她的手时，她缩回了手，干笑了一下，便像个石头人似的不去理睬托马斯了。 托马斯走进了他的包厢，脱了衣服洗脸。他刚刚把宽大的睡裤穿上，火车就来了一个急刹车，同时又是一个急转弯。托马斯一下子失去了平衡，踉跄了几步，一下子撞在过门上，门嘣的一声被撞开了，托马斯站立不稳一下子撞进了约尼的包厢。约尼正躺在床上，被吓了一大跳：“天呐，怎么回事？”他站稳了身子，赶紧对约尼说：“请原谅，我不是有意撞进来的，真的不是。晚安！”他边说边想退出门去。这时他听见约尼热情的声音在喊他：“别走！”他转过身来，看见约尼的眼睛半睁半闭象潭水一样深不见底。约尼轻轻地叫了一声：“这些伤疤……”她愣愣地盯着托马斯裸露的上半身。在他左胸的上方有三道隆起的已经结了疤的鞭痕，是用包了橡皮的螺纹弹簧鞭打的。“啊，我……”托马斯把头扭向一边，情不自禁地把一只手臂举到胸前说道：“一次车祸……” “您在撒谎……” "how?" “我原来有个弟弟两次被盖世太保抓去过，第二次抓去后就被绞死了。第一次他被打得死去活来，他回到家的时候他身上就是同您身上一模一样的伤疤。我却那样骂您怀疑您……” “约尼……”托马斯朝她走了过去。于是一位美丽的女子热情地亲吻起男人的伤痕来，柔情的浪花冲去了羞怯与不快的回忆。火车的汽笛一声长鸣，车轮轰隆隆地在飞快地转动。窗桌上的那只插了红丁香花的花瓶在轻轻地抖动…… 一架德国的双引擎专机越过了马赛机场的起跑线在跑道上越开越快，不一会儿便平稳地腾空而起向细雨蒙蒙的天空飞去。托马斯站在候机楼的一个窗口旁，两只手放在大衣口袋里心里默默地为约尼祝福。约尼要先飞往马德里，然后再从那儿飞往里斯本。他俩相爱只有短短的一夜。然而当飞机在雨云中消失的时候，托马斯觉得怅然若失，一阵强烈而凄凉的孤独感向他袭来，他觉得自己一下子衰老不堪了。一阵凉风夹带着细雨从托马斯身边拂过，他不觉打了一个寒颤。好好保重吧，约呢。托马斯在心里默默地诉说着。在你的怀抱中我第一次忘记了桑塔。可是我们不能生活在一起。现在不是谈情说爱的时代。现在的这个时代害得人们家破人亡、妻离子散天各一方。约尼，祝你一路顺风，从此以后恐怕我们再也不会听到彼此的消息了。 一九四三年九月二十二日，托马斯回到了巴黎。他那黑头发的佣女拿涅特对他说：“费鲁德先生打过四次电话，他说他有事找您。”托马斯给费鲁德挂了电话。费鲁德说：“请您今天下午四点钟到我家来。”托马斯到他家去的时候，这位满头银发的银行家热泪盈眶地把托马斯拥抱了很久。托马斯清清喉头说道：“费鲁德先生，约尼现在已经脱险了，现在要谈谈您的事了。” "what did you say?" “在谈生意之前，我的事儿已经办完了。现在轮到您了，我想简略地谈谈我对您的所谓生意调查的结果。” 原来经过一段时间的调查，托马斯发现这个费鲁德是一个与众不同的违法分子。同其他黑市贩子一样，他也套购了大宗的军需品。然而他套购这些军需品的目的不是把它们转卖给德国人，而是为了不让德国人得到这些东西，他并不像一般的黑市贩子那样把法国的文物高价转卖给外国人。恰恰相反，他套购文物的目的是为了抢救法国的文化遗产。为了达到这个目的，费鲁德伪造决算、谎报产额，并在他的私人银行的权限内注假账、谎称自己向德国人出售了巨额的商品货物。托马斯直言不讳地把这一切和盘端出来。费鲁德听了脸色渐渐苍白起来。托马斯最后说道：“……您所做的这一切都欠高明，先生。后果将如何呢？您考虑过没有？人家马上就会没收您的那几个工厂。您还有什么可干的？从法国人的角度来看，我完全能够理解您所做的一切。正因为这样我这里给您出个主意，免得别人抓住您的尾巴。赶紧去找几个德国佬来当您的信托人。那么别人就不会来找您的麻烦了……要您在那些信托人面前装装样，不会有多难吧。”费鲁德转过身来点了点头，他轻轻地说了声谢谢。 “现在该谈生意了。不过我要警告您，费鲁德。要是您尽提供些鸡毛蒜皮的情报的话，那我就派人把您吊死！我不能只替法国人着想，约尼毕竟还是靠德国人的帮助才脱险的嘛。” “这我知道。”费鲁德朝托马斯走近两步接着说：“我要给您透露的情报会帮助您挖出一个最大的黑市贩子集团。这个集团不仅给我的国家，而且也对您的国家造成了最大的损害。最后几个月以来，法国冒出了空前巨额的德国帝国信贷券。您知道帝国信贷券是什么东西吗？”托马斯当然知道。德国帝国信贷券是在占领区使用的一种货币的名称。凡是被德国人占领的国家都有这种货币。使用帝国信贷券的目的是为了避免大宗的真正德国纸币外流。费鲁德说：“这些帝国信贷券都有序列连号。一种序列的两个数字。这两个数字总是在序列的固定数位上是有特定意义的。内行一看这两个数字就知道这是在哪个国家使用的信贷券。好啦，亲爱的朋友。我可以告诉您去年下半年在这儿的黑市上，用这样的信贷券套购了价值将近二十亿马克的法国商品。可是有十多亿马克的信贷券的序列连号表明这些信贷券不是用于法国的，而是用于罗马尼亚的。” “用于罗马尼亚？”托马斯不由得怒从中来：“怎么会有如此巨额的罗马尼亚信贷券流入法国呢？” “这我就不得而知了。”费鲁德走近写字台从里面拿出了厚厚的两札价值各为一万马克的帝国信贷券：“我只知道黑市上有这东西。请看看吧，这两个数字就标明是罗马尼亚专用信贷券。而且我敢说法国人本身还没有这个能耐，能把这股涌向罗马尼亚的洪流引到他们自己的国家里来……” “……费鲁德不知道这些罗马尼亚信贷券是怎样流入法国的。” 两个钟头后托马斯在路德契亚饭店维尔特上校的办公室里汇报他去见费鲁德的情况。他只顾急促地说着，却没有留心到维尔特上校和布莱尼尔少校的神色今天有些异常，他俩一边听托马斯讲一边相互交换了几次眼色。托马斯还在一个劲儿地往下说：“但是有一点费鲁德说得很肯定，他说只有德国人才能把这些信贷券弄到法国来，他认为信贷券的幕后操纵者一定是德国人。”维尔特上校慢慢腾腾地说：“如此说来您的那位费鲁德先生对此是坚信不疑的？”上校又朝布莱尼尔少校看了一眼。直到现在托马斯才发觉事情有点不对劲。维尔特上校叹了口气望着布莱尼尔说：“还是您来给他讲吧。”布莱尼尔少校紧咬着嘴唇说道：“您的那位费鲁德先生现在遇到麻烦了。半小时以前保安处的人就到他的别墅去了。他已经在家里被软禁了半个小时。假如您在他家里多呆一会儿的话，那您就会碰上您的老朋友旗队长艾歇尔和他的副官温特尔。”托马斯觉得一下子从头凉到脚，他问：“出了什么事？” “两天前在图卢兹有一个叫埃利希·彼得逊的保安处先锋队中队长被杀了，是用李打死的。就在他住的旅馆。那个维克多利亚旅馆。凶手跑了，保安处认定这是一件政治案子，是做给大家看的。元首已下令要进行国葬。” “希姆莱指示对这件事要严办。”上校又补充了一句。“图卢兹保安处的人去找了法国的警察局，从那儿搞到五十名共产党人和一百名犹太人的名单。”布莱尼尔接着往下说：“他们要从这批人当中选出一些人质枪毙，算是为彼得逊的死抵罪。” “法国警察局真是慷慨大方啊，列文先生。您说是不是？”维尔特上校挖苦地说：“老是朝盖世太保填不满的嘴里填食物，把自己的同胞拿去送死。他们是在所不惜的！” “等一等，等一等。”托马斯说：“我听糊涂了，有两个问题要问问您。第一、为什么死了一个什么彼得逊先生会如此轰动？”布莱尼尔回答说：“因为这位彼得逊先生曾经获得过血族勋章。就因为这个才惊动了保安处。就因为这个波尔曼才亲自跑去见希姆莱，并要求采取以血还血的报复措施。”托马斯说：“明白了，现在提第二个问题费鲁德同图卢兹发生的这个谍杀案有什么相干？” “图卢兹保安处审讯了许多证人。其中有一个叫维克多·鲁滨孙的放债人。这个鲁滨孙给保安处提供了证据，说您的让·保尔·费鲁德唆使别人谋杀了彼得逊。” 托马斯心里翻腾着各种各样的疑团，他一时间找不到恰当的话来表达自己的思想。他甚至口吃起来：“奇怪啊，正当费鲁德对我们有用的时候保安处就来找他的麻烦了。” “我不明白您这话是什么意思？”布莱尼尔插了一句嘴。“我料您也不会明白的。”托马斯说完又转向维尔特：“这一切我现在还没有证据。不过我有这样感觉，我们不能扔下费鲁德不管！谍报局在这件事情上绝不能袖手旁观！” “您说该怎么办呢？” “上校先生，您知道我在马赛住过。在那段时间我认识了两个人，他们的家都在图卢兹，一个叫保·戴·拉·律，另一个叫弗勒德·麦耶尔。”托马斯说：“这样吧，我到图卢兹去一趟！” “那保安处呢？” “上校先生，您得去找艾歇尔。您得向他说明目前费鲁德对我们极为重要。您得派几名谍报局的人员参与此事，同他一道去侦破彼得逊谋杀案。”维尔特上校听了气往上冲，他愤愤地说道：“又要我到那些王八蛋那儿去向他们低三下四。” “上校先生！”布莱尼尔叫起来：“还是我们的老计策，表面上在向他们指示，暗地里牵着他们的鼻子走！” “这个混账列文。”红脸矮胖子旗队长瓦尔特·艾歇尔骂了一句，他坐在佛赫林荫道八十四号房由图书室改成的办公室里。他前面坐了两个人，一个是他的副官弗里兹·温特尔，另一个是先锋队大队长思斯特·雷德克。雷德克爱好文学，喜欢读李尔克和斯特凡·乔治的诗。那时是一九四三年九月二十三日晚上七点钟光景，艾歇尔刚刚下班，他很喜欢下班之后边喝酒边同他的副官聊上个把小时。要是先锋队大队长雷德克也坐到一块儿来聊天的话，艾歇尔更觉得高兴。因为雷德克是帝国党卫队领袖兼德国警察总署总监希姆莱的亲舅子。这么一个人物同他搞得很热火才行，艾歇尔既是这么想的，也是这么做的。可是今天大家的情绪不对劲。艾歇尔厌烦地抱怨说：“每天都有气人的事。刚才那个谍报局的维尔特上校跑到我这儿来了。”他一边说一边又骂了起来：“这个混账列文！”温特尔副官问道：“就是那个被我们打得半死不活的人吗？” “可惜还打轻了。请原谅，先锋队大队长。我平时并不爱说粗话的。可是这个狗娘养的杂种真是气死人！” “这次又怎么啦？”温特尔问。“唉，就是彼得逊被杀一案。”希姆莱的亲舅子把香槟酒重重地放到桌上，脸上白一阵红一阵的。众所周知，雷德克同那位在图卢兹被杀的埃里希·彼得逊很要好。艾歇尔对他解释一番，说维尔特上校告诉他谍报局对受到嫌疑的银行老板费鲁德很感兴趣。说他是一个势力很大的外币走私集团的关键人物，还说这个集团有德国人参与。雷德克一口接一口地喝科涅克香槟。突然他神情紧张起来，把香槟酒都倾了一些在地上。他哑声哑气地说：“那又怎么啦？彼得逊同外币走私有什么相干？” “当然不会有任何关系。不过维尔特上校要我同谍报局共同来调查谋杀彼得逊一案。”雷德克一听急不可耐地问道：“旗队长，想来您一定拒绝了他的要求，对吧？” “当然，可是后来维尔特拿出了秘密指令，坚持要在我那儿同卡纳里斯海军上将打电话。他显然同您姐夫通了话，因为半小时之后帝国保安处总署来了电传信，命令我们同谍报局共同调查彼得逊谋杀案。”不知是何缘故，雷德克的额头上冒出了颗颗汗珠。 正在这时一个下级官员从外面走了进来。艾歇尔问道：“什么事？” “外面有个女人，她说想同您讲几句话。” “叫她明天再来，先登记。” “对不起，旗队长。她是参谋部大队长……” "what?" “是参谋部大队长米尔克，是帝国劳工领袖希尔的私人参谋。她要来揭发一件事……”他站起身来道：“请参谋部大队长进来！” 在风景如画的图卢兹市的旧城里有一条鹡鴒街，街的两旁有许多小酒吧、小饭店。托马斯·列文拐进一条小街，他不禁苦笑起来。三年前他与他的女友女演员米密·桑贝，还有那位草莽英雄西蒙上校一道逃避德国人追捕时曾经来过这里。现在同那时的街景一模一样，打扮得花枝招展的漂亮女郎在街头转来转去，个个都是浓妆艳抹袒胸露背的。托马斯在来之前就打听到那家较僻静的旅馆的老板娘，那个象狮子一样满头卷发的让娜·皮埃尔如今已离开了这个城市。他多想再见见她，多想再见见她的那些姑娘们。当然无非是想叙叙旧而已……他停住了脚步，这幢房子如今已破败不堪。前厅也是灰积尘封。他走上四楼在一扇门前站住了。门上写着保尔·戴·拉·律——弗勒德·麦耶尔不动产。托马斯一边按门铃一边冷笑。他心想什么不动产！我认为他们这帮人的时候，他们只不过还是些伪造名画的骗子，是些客栈旅馆里的小偷，撬保险柜的扒手。你看看现在居然都发迹了。 门后边的脚步声由远而近。门开了，保尔·戴·拉·律——弗格诺信徒的后裔出现在门后边。他一身装束别具风致，头发也修整得油光可鉴，他高高的身材窄窄的额头俨然是一副贵族气派。他温文尔雅地问了一声：“您好，不知先生有何贵干？”可是话音未落，他却高声叫嚷起来：“皮埃尔，原来是你呀！”原来他过去认识托马斯的时候，托马斯当时化名为皮埃尔·于内贝尔。他忘情地使劲拍打着托马斯的肩头，有好几秒钟都忘记了惯于保持的高贵仪态。他兴奋不已地嚷道：“嗨，你当真还活着吗？我的眼睛没发花吧？他们给我说盖世太保早把你给整死啦！” “你还过得满不错的。”托马斯一边推开他热情的拥抱，一边朝屋子里走去。保尔目不转睛地望着托马斯问道：“这些日子你究竟在什么地方？你是怎么来到这儿的？”托马斯给他讲了自己的处境。保尔一言不发地听他讲，间或点一点头。末了托马斯说道：“……所以我就同我的上校一道来了，因为我希望你们会帮助我，你们不是已成为了正经人……” “什么正经人，胡说八道！不动产，上门不是写得清清楚楚的吗？当然我们要搞黑市交易……同大家一样。不过我们干得更机灵更巧妙。多亏了你，再说我也不是嫩小子了嘛，那时候你真是帮了我们的大忙呐！” “是这样。”托马斯说道：“不过现在你们倒是可以帮我的大忙。我得弄明白是谁弄死了这位先锋队的小队长彼得逊。” “肯定不是政治性谋杀案。” “你得给我拿出证据来才行。你给我讲讲，是谁开枪打死了彼得逊，是怎么打死的。动机何在……” “我说皮埃尔！我的同胞搞死了一名纳粹军官，我决不会暴露他的身份，就算在你面前我也不会这么做的！” “我有话要对你讲，保尔。那些纳粹抓了一百五十个人，都是你的同胞。他们要把这些人质统统枪决。统统都要枪决！要救这些人质的唯一办法就是证明这不是一桩政治谋杀案，证明这个彼得逊是自作孽自遭殃！你这个榆木脑袋听明白了没有？” “唉呀，你嚷什么！那我再问问他们去……” 三天后，一九四三年九月二十七日，有三位先生在保尔·戴·拉·律家共进午餐，他们是房主、托马斯·列文和弗勒德·麦耶尔。在此之前，保尔给托马斯住的旅馆挂了电话，告诉他说：“我想我们可以为你奉上一点儿什么东西，到我家来坐坐吧。弗勒德也要来。你能为我们做点什么好吃的？” “行啊。”托马斯答复了他。就在这天上午，他在保尔·戴·拉·律的厨房里干了三个小时。现在大家都坐在餐桌旁。那两个家伙为了庆贺这次的重逢穿上了深色的西装，白衬衫，结上了银色的领带。他们的教养也真够好的，居然学着用餐刀和叉子来对付餐前的小食。尽管这样做对他们来说是很麻烦的事。“同大多数情况相反。”托马斯说：“在这时候用手夹芹菜完全是允许的，而且还可以说只有这样才对。” “我的天呐！”弗勒德说：“这是一种什么样的乳酪呀？” “罗勒佛的。”托马斯说：“嗯，那么弄死彼得逊的是谁呢？” “那是一个叫路易斯·摩尼哥的人。是个科西嘉人。他们称他路易斯·乐·雷维。还管他叫梦游人路德维希。” “这个梦游人是谁？抵抗组织的人吗？” “哪儿的话！是个货真价实的土匪。年纪还很轻，肺病可不轻。因为打人致死已经坐了四年的牢房。嗯，这芹菜秆都快把我的肚子撑破了！” “那我赶快去把正餐的菜端上来。”托马斯说着走进了厨房，马上端了一个热水锅出来。“嗬嗬，布丁！”弗勒德嘟起嘴失望地发起牢骚来：“简直是臭……，不该来这个，我还以为是肉呢！” “的确！”保尔一边说一边拿起餐巾斯斯文文地把嘴角擦了擦：“我不得不承认我也稍微感到有点失望，亲爱的朋友。” “等等！”托马斯把形状看起来像布丁的菜一下子倾倒在一个大瓷盆里。霎时间，一股股鲜肉和洋葱的香味扑鼻而来。这时候托马斯问道：“好啦，现在你们俩来给我谈谈那梦游人的事吧。他为啥要把彼得逊弄死呢？” “根据我们调查的情况来看。”弗莱德说：“我们的情报是绝对可靠的。这个彼得逊简直是个王八蛋！还说什么游击队的，还说他得过血族勋章！真是笑死人！彼得逊到这儿来的时候身份是老百姓，明白吗？而且他干些什么事你知道吗？他买黄金。” “这还成体统吗！” “他买得可多啦，出价又不高。肯定是个搞黑市买卖的里手。这个梦游人卖过好多次给他了，每次卖给他的数量都很小。托马斯心里暗暗在想先锋队的彼得逊先生原来是做黄金黑市交易的里手。领袖正在安排一次国葬，人质要被枪毙，德国损失了一位英雄。万岁！”就这样，彼得逊慢慢取得了这位梦游人的信任。于是有一天他带了好大一堆黄金到旅馆去找彼得逊…… 瘦削的、面色苍白的路易斯·摩尼哥走进维多利亚旅馆二零三号套房的前厅，把两只装满金币和金条的沉甸甸的皮箱放在那张罗可可式的桌子上，累得直喘粗气。“这次是多少？”彼得逊问道。“三百路易法郎外加三十五个金条。”这个梦游人把箱子打开，里面装的黄金闪闪发光。“钱呢？”彼得逊把手伸进西装里面的衣袋，当他把手再抽出来时，手里拿的却是一张证明。他阴沉冷地说：“本人是先锋队中队长彼得逊。您被捕了！”彼得逊在说这话的时候，路易斯的右手一直放在外套的衣袋里。他没有把手再抽出来，直接就在衣袋里扳动了枪机，三发子弹命中了彼得逊的胸膛。他应声倒地而死，鼓出的眼睛一动不动地盯着天花板。梦游人朝死者说：“想在我面前耍这一套，狗东西！”说完他跨过尸体走了，过道上静悄悄地空无一人。 “……正厅里谁也没注意到他。”弗莱德·麦耶尔说到这里停了下来。“那你们是从那儿打听到这些情况的呢？”托马斯问道。“是梦游人的弟弟告诉我们的。” “他就直言不讳地给你们全讲了吗？” “是的，反正后来事情也无所谓了。我不是对你说了嘛，这个梦游人患了肺病，三天前吐了好多血，现在躺在医院里，连这个星期也活不过去啦。” “你可以同你的上校一道去一趟。”保尔说：“他愿意把事情的经过原原本本地都讲出来……”