Part 19 (2/2)
”But they'll tear down the walls?”
”It'll take time. Oh, if only I could get in touch with some Russians!
We should have these devils entrapped.”
”There must be thousands of Germans about. Szmul knows it, or he would not have risked telling about the emeralds and stores,” said the priest.
”I'll punish him when this is over,” cried Ian. ”After I've sheltered him, too.”
Here the Countess came in. She had heard all.
”Give them everything, rather than they should shoot you,” she pleaded.
”They won't shoot me, Mother, not till they've tried the Commercial Bank. Where is Minnie?”
”Up in the secret room.”
”Thank G.o.d!” He looked relieved. ”And now, you go there, too.”
Martin came in. He was shaking with rage and fear.
”That Jewish pig has betrayed us,” he cried. ”They're in the cellar now.”
They looked at each other in consternation. Martin turned to his mistress.
”My Lady Countess, it will be well for you to go upstairs ... they are very coa.r.s.e.”
”Yes, Mother, I insist.”
”But perhaps I can do something----”
The question was settled by the subaltern, who stalked into the room, followed by two of his henchmen. He was afraid to go about alone. He had already found some of Ian's wine, his face was flushed, and both troopers smelt of it. He did not even salute the Countess, who glared at him in silent rage.
”n.o.body to leave this room!” he bellowed. Then to Ian: ”Where are your supplies?”
”It appears you have them,” was the cool answer. ”I hear you have already emptied my stores.”
”But the cellar, dolt!” roared the Prussian. ”The Jew says you have bricked up corn and potatoes to feed an army.”
”My cellar holds wine,” put in the Countess. ”Judging from your behavior, you have found it without our help.”
She devoured him with her scornful, angry eyes, and he had the grace to look a little confused. He saluted and lowered his tone.
”I give you three minutes”--he looked at his watch--”to come down and show me where to find your supplies. If you refuse, I'll not leave one stone upon another in your cellar, but destroy it as soon as my men have removed the stores and wine. You'll be without food, for, if you persist in your obstinate refusal, I will not leave you a week's rations; and you will no longer have a refuge in case of bombardment.
You will have no choice then but to leave this place.”
”Never!” This from the Countess.
”As you please. We will begin the three minutes.”
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