Four Young Reapers: Hope and Courage

By Stephen W. Adams

Four Young Reapers is inspired by true stories of life early in Hitlers Germany, which were told to author Stephen W. Adams by a friend who was very young when her family and friends lived them.
Fritz and Val are good friends. Sigi and Trina are sisters. With their love of family, country, freedom, common sense human rights, and Christian values, these young people (ages sixteen to twenty-one) soon find that they have opened the door to mystery, love, intrigue, hope, danger, opportunity, and even the chance to help others.
Through exploring the references noted in the book, you will undoubtedly recognize similarities to today and probably ask yourself, What would I have done then? and What can I do now?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496926685

Stephen W. Adams

Stephen W. Adams served two years as a missionary and two years in the Army Infantry, including one year in Viet Nam and six months in Recon. He prefers to work for himself, so in addition to starting four small businesses, he also created three corporations himself. Over a period of forty years, he also taught Sunday and priesthood classes from nursery to the most seasoned, learning new and exciting things about God, people, and life all along the way. He has three sons and 15 grandchildren with his first wife, and immediately gained four more children and two grandchildren by marrying his second wife, and now one great grandson. Unser Kompf developed from his curiosity for how Hitler was able to have such an impact on the world, and from true stories of life early in Hitlers Germany, which were told to him by a friend, who was very young when her family and friends lived them.

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© 2014 STEPHEN W. ADAMS. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/13/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2669-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2668-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014912579

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

An Invitation To The Reader

A Note On The Numbers

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Dear Reader

About The Author

AN INVITATION TO THE READER

Dear Reader,

It was not easy for any of us living in Germany during and after World War I. In 1925 it took extra courage for those of our young age, who were trying to make a place for ourselves in the world -- especially with all the uncertainty and dangers of a nation that needed a strong leader.

One of us will act as narrator when needed. We want you to feel involved in every part of our story, so that you can better ask yourself if your environment is so different from ours.

We want our story to help you have all the hope and courage you need to recognize what is going on around you and deal with each challenge you have in your life—and to know YOU ARE NOT ALONE, EVER!

We welcome you into our lives and our world.

Trina, Sigi, Val, and Fritz

A NOTE ON THE NUMBERS

As you read, you will find numbers that look like this: (9). They refer to this list of suggested Internet searches. Each search will lead you to more information on the historical event or item you are reading about.

Internet Searches

1. Freicorp

2. Sturm Arbteilung

3. Brownshirts

4. Victoria Motorcycles Germany 1901

5. Hitler timeline

6. Treaty of Versailles

7. Hitler’s bankers

8. German industrialists supporting Hitler

9. Heinrich Bruning

10. Paul von Hindenburg

11. Reichsmark

12. The beer hall putsch of 1923

13. Germany and its approaches map 1938

14. Fractional reserve banking

CHAPTER 1

Hello! Fritz took a step back in surprise as a pretty little girl, maybe seventeen years old, hurried through the door he had just opened to the recreation room.

Hi, she said quickly, looking back at him with a smile. Her brown hair, with its dancing red highlights, looked almost electric in its shining as it flowed down to her shoulders and against her blue dress.

She turned away just as quickly, and with her arms full of attendance rolls, went on about her business with great intent.

She must have been ready to open it herself, from the other side, he thought, following her with his eyes until she disappeared around the corner and down the hallway. She is a little young … but pretty. Four years younger than me is not too many. I’ll have to watch for her next time I am here.

The solid wood door Fritz was holding open matched the other doors and highlights of wood in the hallways and other rooms of this fairly new building. This church was one of the finest in Neidenberg,(13) in southern East Prussia and a great accomplishment for the members of its congregation. With the Great War ending(6) just six years ago, it has taken a great deal of sacrifice and work during these times of less-than-plenty to complete such a major project. It has helped to bring peace and stability to the people in this area. It is mainly used to learn about Christ on Sunday, but also to teach children with activities on other days, like today, Wednesday.

The church is located on the east side of Neidenberg on the highway going east to Willenberg. The south side of the road is a little higher, as the ground sloped up toward the hills. Its location, sitting on a small mound on the higher south side, gave the building a slightly majestic appearance from the road.

The stream flowing from the northeast of the city becomes a river as it goes south into Poland. This is where the smooth river stones came from that cover the front of the chapel part of the building. The stone facing tapers with the roof up to the ridgeline and peaks, with a cross at the top. Four stained-glass windows add a touch of color and a dignified holiness to the front of the building. They allow the sun to light the chapel inside with warm, beautiful colors in the daytime. Classroom and office wings reach to the right and the left of the prominent chapel section; these are made of brick and painted white, adding a feeling of cleanliness and purity to the appearance. On each of these wings, near the rock section, are the double-glass-door main entrances to the building.

There was enough clear, flat ground around the building for parking, outdoor games, or social events. This very serviceable chapel had become the center of activity for many of the people who worship here.

A town of approximately 30,000 people—if you count all the small, family farms within fifteen kilometers—Neidenberg has four highways and four railroads coming into it, two each from the north and the south. To the north is the rest of East Prussia, and Poland is to the south about two kilometers away—through the forest and the small hills to the southeast—or seven kilometers by highway or railroad.

Most of the farms were family-owned, each growing enough for the family’s own needs and, hopefully, enough extra to sell or trade at the market on weekends. Many of the men from these farms also work in the services and industries in town. A handful of larger farms supply the stores in town. With all of the traffic passing through on the highways and the railroad, plus the local residents in and around Neidenberg, there are better opportunities for trade here than can be found in the more rural, surrounding areas.

There were large homes on the outskirts of town and out into the rolling hills, where the wealthier people live, but plenty of small homes and apartments to house those who prefer to live in town.

Fritz looked into the recreation room but did not see Val. There were only the children of this Lutheran congregation and their teachers in the large space. All were playing a game that the children were really having fun with. He closed the door and continued through the chapel to the other side of the building, where more class-sized rooms were. Maybe his friend would be in one of those.

Val loved to donate some of his time to the church during the week, to help keep the building clean.

Hey, Fritz, what are you doing here? Val asked, closing a classroom door.

I came to see if you want to take a ride to Willenberg and back—when will you be through here?

I just finished. Val picked up the dust pan and broom that he brought out of the room he had just cleaned, Help me put this stuff away and we can go. Fritz picked up the dust cloth and can of trash, and they started for the storage closet.

As they walked out into the beautiful, clear June day, Fritz said, What a great day for a motorcycle ride. Were you able to clear away the problems caused by the bad gas you got a few days ago?

I think so. Val reached for his dust mask and goggles, which were hanging on his handlebars. This ride should let me know for sure.

Val was not quite the mechanic that Fritz was, but together, they had been able to keep their Victoria motorcycles(4) in good running condition.

The years since the Great War(5) were hard years for Germany. The Treaty of Versailles(6) and the war-reparations debt had choked the economy so much that many people were facing starvation. In the first few post-war years, the government was so ineffective and unemployment so high, that discouraged veterans and others were often drunk and disorderly and had become a real threat to the peace and safety of everyone in Germany.

By 1925, influences from inside and outside Germany were now having a positive effect on the economy and the attitude of the people. The interest of foreign investors from America(7) and other countries brought a lot of money into the country. The bankers and industrialists(8) from within Germany began investing heavily. The industriousness and resilience of the local people provided an energetic, highly skilled workforce. The very hard work of some dedicated government leaders(9, 10) greatly improved the international image.

The introduction of the Rentensmark currency had finally brought the incredible inflation monster under control. The people of Germany accepted this currency because of the assets the bank had in real estate, industry, and agriculture. The successful, but temporary Rentensmark, was replaced by the Reichsmark(11) in 1924, which was backed by gold. The transition took a few years but went smoothly, because they had the same value. With a stable currency, the resilient people soon regained confidence in the economy. There was more work, the outlook for the future was brighter, and most of the people were now more at ease.

During these years of recovery, Fritz, now twenty, and Val, eighteen, had been able to begin their apprenticeships in the careers that would support their future families. At this point, Fritz, an engraver of stones, mostly tombstones, is six months from finishing his, and Val is one year away. Val works for the supplier of the stones for Neidenberg Memorial Stone, where Fritz works.

Nearing his physical prime, Fritz is six feet two inches tall and weighs two hundred twenty-five pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes, large hands, and a body made straight and strong from working on his family’s farm and in his chosen profession with stone.

Val is six feet tall, one hundred ninety-eight pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is straight and strong also, but has a fun-loving look and way about him that makes him easy to get to know.

They have been friends for about three years now, but live on opposite sides of Neidenberg. Still living at home, they have each been able to save enough money to buy their used motorcycles.

I still think we could make a fortune from our dust-mask idea, Fritz said, pulling his on. Aren’t you glad I thought of it?

What do you mean you thought of it; it was my idea! Val said.

But whose sweater did we use?

It was your sweater, but it was my scissors.

They have had nearly this same conversation many times before. They both seem to enjoy it, because it reminds them of their friendship, which grows just a little stronger each time. Both know that’s the real reason for it. They smile at each other and sometimes shake their heads thinking how they are always amused by it.

The masks are made from a six-inch section of sleeve cut from an old knit sweater pulled down over their noses and mouths to block the dust and keep the bugs from stinging their faces. The black zigzag pattern, which made a band around the arm on the white sweater, now makes them look like they each have a row of big black teeth all the way around their heads when the masks are on. With goggles to protect their eyes and their soft hats on backward to help them stay on in the wind, they are ready to go.

There’s got to be a way to make some money from this, Fritz was thinking out loud to himself, as he adjusted his goggles.

Val started his motorcycle first.

It sounds pretty good, Fritz said, Let’s see if you can keep up. With a quick kick on the starter, his motor came to life.

The 494 cc in the flat, side-by-side two-cylinder engine made plenty of power, enough to give more speed than would be safe on the local roads around Neidenberg.

The trip normally took the boys thirty-five minutes to go the twenty-one kilometers. Today, they decide to try to set a new record, without acting too crazy. They know their machines are not new, and neither are their tires. If anything breaks, it will mean spending more time and money to fix it. It is easier and less expensive to just be a little careful.

It feels good to feel the power of the engine pulling on their hands and arms as the speed quickly picks up. First gear is strongest, and there is always the urge to try just a little more power. If the front wheel comes off the ground from too much power when they’re not ready for it, they could be in big trouble. These bikes are not made for that kind of treatment. They last much better if they are rolled and not flown.

Val’s engine performed well on the quick trip to Neidenberg. It took eighteen minutes. That was just over sixty kilometers per hour. With the turns, plus watching for potholes and sometimes a rock or branch in the road, that was pretty good time, almost a record.

These demands on their attention didn’t leave much time for talking. Both bikes showed a few things that needed some work, but nothing serious or expensive.

The ride back was at a much easier pace. They talked about the repairs to be done and decided to work on the bikes at their own homes rather than working together as they had done so many times in the past. Talking was easier with the dust masks down under their chins, but they still had their goggles on. Talk turned to some of their hunting trips together, and nights spent sleeping in the forest. They both loved living in this place, around people who were so friendly, they almost seemed like family.

They were now nearing the church.

I know there are things going on in the world that I don’t understand, and there are people who are not happy in our country, said Fritz, sounding serious. I just hope that … Wow! Who are the two girls walking back there? I saw one of them at the church earlier.

They go to our church and live on the road that goes right, just ahead of them. Hey, be careful, I don’t think they would want you to fall off your bike for them! Val chuckled at Fritz getting a little wobbly trying to look back at the girls. Even with Fritz being a good rider, it was a little more dangerous because they were on a curve in the road. Come on, eyes back on the road ahead, and finish what you were saying about the unhappy people in our country.

Right, I just hope now that things have been getting better over the last few years, our country can keep building on the economic recovery that has begun. There are many people who are happy that the stress and distraction of war is now gone and who want nothing more than to settle back into normal family life. You and I are fortunate to have jobs that we can build a future on.

I’ve thought about that too, but I’m not sure I want to drive a stone delivery truck for the rest of my li—

Val stopped talking when three men in brown shirts, riding in an open-top car that was not from around here, passed in the same direction as the girls. As Val and Fritz looked at each other, they knew they had to turn around and watch the car until it was past the girls and out of sight.

What are we doing? This could be dangerous, thought Val, sure that Fritz was thinking the same thing.

Without saying another word, they rode slowly back around the curve. As soon as they could see the car and the girls again, they stopped on the side of the road. The car was slowing down, and when it came to the girls, it began driving along beside them, slowly enough so they could talk. The two men who were passengers were leaning over their rolled-down windows trying to talk to the girls.

Maybe they know the men, Val said, hoping for the best.

Fritz and Val could see that the girls seemed to be getting more uneasy with each step, because they kept getting closer together, as if to provide some comfort and security to each other, until their shoulders were touching as they walked. Suddenly, after a quick look at each other, they ran into the woods as fast as they could. The men quickly pulled off the road, jumped out of the car and ran after them.

Go! Go! Let’s go now! Fritz shouted. Put your mask up! Come on, now! And his motorcycle blasted off toward the car.

Val had known something was going to happen but was not sure what. Now that it was happening, and Fritz was shouting, his tailpipe roaring right in Val’s face, Val had a little trouble getting his bike under him and his mask up at the same time. Soon, he was off like a two-wheeled rocket right behind his friend.

Val watched as his friend up ahead came near the place where the girls and men had gone into the woods. He could see smoke from Fritz’s back tire as it skidded off the edge of the highway pavement, then the dirt it stirred up, until Fritz jumped off in a run with the bike still rolling. It came to a stop at the edge of the woods and dropped on its side at about the same time Fritz disappeared into the tree line.

Just as Fritz was disappearing, Val stopped his bike near the car. The adrenaline pumping through his body made his fingers tingle and his ears ring. As he ran by the car, he saw a pistol and a rifle on the backseat. He stopped only long enough to grab the pistol and throw the rifle into the woods. By now, Val was talking to himself through clenched teeth from the stress, nodding his head up and down to emphasize his earnestness as he tried to convince himself to control the effect of the adrenaline. As he ran into the same point in the woods, he checked to make sure the pistol was loaded and ready to fire.

Two of the men had caught the girls in a small clearing and were roughly taking them along the path that led deeper into the woods, while the third followed. All three men had a menacing laugh and used rough talk as they walked.

When Fritz came running into view in the clearing, the men did not react, very likely unconcerned about one man. Fritz picked up speed and yelled as loud as he could, growling like a bear on the attack as he ran right at them. They were so surprised by this noisy, wild man with a mask; which must be hiding a wide toothy mouth where the fierce noise was coming from, that they stopped in their tracks and watched. Their mouths and eyes continued to widen for the few seconds it took Fritz to get to them. He did not have a plan of attack but was acting on instinct. Running at nearly full speed, he hit the third man in the middle of his chest with all the power he could put into his large, working man’s right hand. The man flew about four feet, and was out cold when he landed, barely missing the second man, who jumped aside, raising his hands to defend himself.

The girls screamed. The one previously in the second man’s grip moved quickly away while he was stunned, the one the first man was holding intensified her struggle to get free also, taking all his focus to keep hold of her.

Fritz had begun to spin around from his initial impact, nearly losing his balance. But he was a natural athlete and solved two problems with one action. As his left leg swung around to catch his weight, he took out the second man, kicking him square in the ribs. The kick sent the man to the ground with broken ribs, and caused the second girl to give small scream and cover her mouth to stifle it.

By this time the attitude of the first man had changed. Not so smug as before. In fact, he was so surprised that he couldn’t move—that is, until Fritz, having sufficiently regained his balance and momentum, put all his strength behind his left hand as it collided with the man’s face, right next to his nose. This blow knocked him out before he hit the ground, leaving the first girl free.

Only three seconds behind Fritz, Val missed all of it but the state of shock everyone was in when he appeared.

As soon as the girls realized they were free, they started running again. Energized by terror, they went deeper into the woods. They knew where they were even if the others did not. In a few seconds, they were near enough to their home that their excited voices brought the family dog out to investigate.

Ahlf! Oh Ahlf! The girls greeted the shepherd at the same time, sinking to their knees with their arms around his neck, with a great feeling of relief. With Ahlf close by, they felt safe enough to catch their breath.

He was running around them in his alert excitement, barking and running from one to the other licking their faces and still barking as if to say, Wow, what just happened? Something exciting I’ll bet? What was it? If it is a game, I want to play too. They patted him to settle him down, feeling sure the men would not come any closer to a big dog this excited.

After catching her breath, the second girl asked, Who were those men who chased us?

I’ve never seen them before … or the two men with masks who saved us! said the first girl. "I had no idea there are such men living around here. I think we shouldn’t tell anyone about what happened until we understand things better. What