The Toll of Folly

By J. William Whitaker

Europe in the summer of 1914 is quickly swept up in the Great War. The beliefs of leaders on both sides are soon proven false dispelled by the scope of the fighting and destruction.

Four young Parisian are swept up by powerful events and forced to take action in various guises.

Their fates come together in early September in Paris where reunions rekindle old emotions just as the German Army threatens to overrun the city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781532094330

J. William Whitaker

J. William Whitaker currently resides in Seattle and in Indiana where he now pursues various outdoor activities including rowing (crew), fly fishing, sailing and hiking. He formerly was a practicing cardiologist, and entrepreneur. At present he is also involved in various philanthropic activities as well as investing in early stage companies and startups as an active angel investor associated with groups in Seattle and the Bay Area. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the College of Indiana University and the Indiana University School of Medicine and did postgraduate medical training at the Mayo Clinic and Emory University He is married to his wife of forty-eight years Joan. They have three sons and five grandchildren

Book preview

The

Toll

of

Folly

J. WILLIAM WHITAKER

33946.png

THE TOLL OF FOLLY

Copyright © 2020 J. William Whitaker.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-9432-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-9853-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-9433-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020904761

iUniverse rev. date: 10/20/2020

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?

Hath God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?

—1 Corinthians 1:19–20

To my father, who

showed me the rules; my mother, whose intellect and unswerving loyalty shaped me forever; and my wife, whose tolerance and dedication provided blessed support and was paramount in nurturing our three sons.

Contents

Book 1

The Storm Rises

Chapter 1 War Council

Chapter 2 Sanctuary

Chapter 3 Artist at War

Chapter 4 The Enemy Engaged

Chapter 5 To Comfort Always

Chapter 6 Pressing Forward

Chapter 7 Distant Thunder

Chapter 8 Recuperation

Chapter 9 Deliverance

Chapter 10 To Feed an Army

Chapter 11 Once More into the Breach

Chapter 12 Journey’s End

Chapter 13 The Fog Lifts

Chapter 14 Tending the Home Fires

Book II

The Wind Builds

Chapter 15 Checked

Chapter 16 Fortress Paris

Chapter 17 Georgette’s Tale

Chapter 18 Belgium

Chapter 19 Hopeful News

Chapter 20 Decisions

Chapter 21 The Extended Family

Chapter 22 Leaving

Chapter 23 Retreat

Chapter 24 Barbarians at the Gate

Chapter 25 A New Impulse

Book III

Tempest

Chapter 26 Resolution

Chapter 27 Hope

Chapter 28 Westward

Chapter 29 France Rejoined

Chapter 30 The Massards

Chapter 31 Paris Readies for Battle

Chapter 32 The Edge of the Cauldron

Chapter 33 Opportunity

Chapter 34 The Touch of an Angel

Chapter 35 Journey’s End

Chapter 36 On the Marne

Chapter 37 Forming the Battalions

Chapter 38 Taxis to the Marne

Chapter 39 Vigil

Chapter 40 Doubts Dispelled

Chapter 41 Missa Solemnis

Chapter 42 A Day of Marvels

Epilogue

BOOK 1

THE STORM RISES

1

War Council

August 3, 1914

WITHIN THE HOUR OF THE FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR WITH Germany, General Joseph Joffre received a request from Defense Minister Adolphe Messimy to meet at his office. Knowing the minister as he did, Joffre was not surprised by the urgency implied by the text of the summons. He had long observed that politicians, even more competent ones such as Messimy, become impulsive in the face of uncertainty. To Joffre, however, this war had long seemed inevitable, and since becoming chief of the army general staff nearly three years previously, he had done everything he could to minimize uncertainty. Now, what remained was to implement the plans that had been the product of his efforts to deal with the German menace.

As for today’s meeting, it would no doubt help Messimy better understand the army’s immediate plans, but also, as Joffre expected, it would provide the defense minister a venue to remind him of the government’s ultimate authority in the coming battles. That was a refrain he had become all too familiar with during these last years working with Messimy in formulating France’s response to war with Germany. Planning was one thing, however, and from his own experience, Joffre knew implementation based on the often rapidly changing exigencies of the battlefield was another more difficult matter.

It was not that Messimy was incompetent. Joffre acknowledged that he was no doubt the minister best suited for his job of any presently in the government. He had been an officer in the past and would likely make a competent one now, if only he could understand priorities. Messimy had resigned his commission in protest over the army command’s hostile actions directed toward the Third Republic during the later years of the 1880s. What he failed to understand, Joffre felt, was that France’s survival and strength took precedence over constitutional law and party politics. Events of recent days had reinforced such concerns when incompetent politicians such as Prime Minister Viviani curtailed essential military actions in the naive hope that the Germans could be appeased.

Messimy had helped to correct the worst of Viviani’s edicts, but such misadventures could be deadly under present circumstances. As Joffre set out for his meeting with Messimy, he was determined to resist future intrusions by government officials now that war with Germany was reality.

________

By the time Joffre arrived, the afternoon sun had brightened and warmed Messimy’s office, necessitating that the blinds be closed. The dimmed light only enhanced Joffre’s large figure, arrayed in a uniform fit for such an important occasion; nor could it conceal the contrast between the stolid and laconic Joffre and the volatile, expressive Messimy.

Joffre recognized the minister’s animated appearance and fine line of sweat across his brow, features he had often observed in subordinates facing battle or other great challenges for the first time. Yet this was no uprising in Africa. Nor was the opponent disgruntled natives. Now, France confronted the most formidable army on the continent. Joffre sensed that Messimy would need to be carefully guided in the days ahead but acknowledged he at least had potential. Viviani was another matter, and Joffre was determined to have nothing to do with the prime minister if possible.

Messimy began haltingly as he unrolled a large topographical map on his desk.

Well, General, it seems that the time of speculation is past, and the test of reality is now upon us. What are your plans at present?

Joffre began speaking in a soft, near monotone voice. Monsieur Messimy, the intelligence regarding our frontier is incomplete, especially in the northern reaches of our common boundary with Germany and along the Belgian border. Recent reports, however, have given us a better understanding of the troops that we face across our common frontier in the south. Our First Army, commanded by General Dubail, is centered here at our southern flank, running from the Swiss border toward Alsace. Joffre indicated on Messimy’s map, his large hand obscuring much other detail.

Even before the order for mobilization, its VII corps under General Bonneau was fully formed on its right flank and is now in position to attack into Alsace toward Mulhouse. Farther to the northwest, centered on Nancy in Lorraine, is the Second Army under General de Castlenaugh. These two armies will be the first to reach full mobilization and be capable of launching an attack against the Germans in Alsace and Lorraine.

What do we know of the forces across from them? Messimy asked.

We know that they will be well fortified. Metz is the key to the whole of their western frontier. If it can be taken, then the road to Berlin will be open.

Any idea of their troop strength? Messimy continued in his questioning.

This is where recent intelligence has been most helpful, especially from loyalists in Alsace. There are at least two armies centered near Metz. The northernmost of these is almost entirely made up of Bavarian troops under the command of Crown Prince Rupprecht. He may also exercise effective control of the southern army as well. Fortunately, there are few if any Prussian troops in the area.

What does that imply? asked Messimy uncertainly.

It means this area is very unlikely to be the center of any large-scale offensive unless Prussian troops are brought into the sector in large numbers. Their general staff welcomes all German forces, but you can be assured that the most critical phase of their planned offensive will rely on Prussian forces.

What makes you sure that they have one? Messimy persisted in a tone that belied his uncertainty.

Joffre replied slowly, as if dealing with an inexperienced subordinate. He had discussed this matter in the past with Messimy and was surprised by his last question. It is certain that they have not only planned an offense but have refined it for at least a decade. That is how the Prussian mind works. Nothing will be left to chance if they can avoid it. Everything about this plan has been thoroughly rehearsed, and their commitment to it will be absolute.

What do you expect from them? asked Messimy, with more evident concern in his voice.

We know that it will involve a massive consolidation of troops designed to hammer any resistance in front of them. We suspect it will come from the north and likely involve Belgium, probably just above the Ardennes Forest.

What makes you believe they won’t direct their attack farther to the north?

Joffre paused a moment to let his rising frustration subside. He and Messimy had been over this ground many times before, but now that such a threat had tangible reality, the minister seemed to conflate its risk. After a sip of water, he continued.

"There are two major problems with such an attack. An invasion to the north would soon bring the line of their attack in front of Liege and the line of Belgian fortifications. The time necessary to reduce such fortifications would likely be far longer than the Germans have allotted to neutralize us in the west before dealing with the Russians, who will be concentrating for an invasion into the Prussian homeland itself.

Also, if they elect to extend their entire front that far north, it will virtually ensure that they will weaken other sectors due to the necessity of stretching their regular army forces over so vast an area. That should make them more vulnerable to attack in these weakened locations.

Aside from those two armies in the south, what do you know conclusively about the remainder of their troop disposition and strength? Messimy continued.

As I stated, at present, that information is less clear.

Joffre drew his hand along the map from Nancy up through Lorraine and Verdun to that nearly triangular portion of France that jutted out into Germany and bordered on Luxembourg. To the north lay a small portion of Luxembourg and the dense tracts of the Ardennes Forest comprising much of the south of Belgium.

As mentioned, our best intelligence expects their offensive to be initially directed through Belgium where border defenses are less robust. What exactly lies in front of our armies is hard to know since much of this area is shielded by Belgium and the Ardennes. We know that some of these troops are Prussian and under the command of Crown Prince Wilhelm. Farther to his south are at least the equivalent of one if not two armies under the command of the duke of Wurttemberg. We can expect that such nepotism will not be rewarded by the insanity of allowing such commanders the role of leading the primary offensive. There are at least two armies comprised primarily of Prussian troops under their most senior field commanders, von Bulow and von Kluck, who are somewhere to the north of these princes. It is the position and action of these armies that will determine the course of the German offensive.

As Messimy studied the map before them, his gaze focused on that part of Belgium to the north of the Ardennes Forest. General, you have given good reasons why the Germans will not choose to swing farther to the north in Belgium. I know the region of the Ardennes from my time in the army, and I know it to be very poor ground for launching a major offensive. What if the Germans choose to extend their lines far to the north in the hopes of enveloping our left flank?

That is a possibility that needs to be excluded, as it has great bearing on the position of our Fifth Army, along with the British, who, when fully deployed, will be next to them on our northern flank. German troops invaded Belgian soil immediately upon declaration of war, prompting their government to ask assistance from us. I have ordered three cavalry divisions under General Sordet to reconnoiter German strength in the northern areas of Belgium, east of the river Meuse. If the Germans plan to attack through this area, our riders should give us advanced warning and allow us to plan accordingly.

Well, General Joffre, how do you propose to counter this German offensive? Messimy asked somewhat officiously.

Again, Joffre paused before replying. It seemed to him that this whole exercise was a summary of much that he and the minister had talked about many times in the past. It was as if Messimy was uncertain if all those conversations mattered now that war with Germany was a reality. His reply was direct and confident, leaving little doubt who would be in charge in the coming days.

By an offensive of our own, Monsieur Messimy. You know my feelings on this matter as well as the feelings of the general staff. We have been rushing from the first second of mobilization to bring our five armies to full strength and in position to attack at the earliest opportune moment. The attack will use coordinated artillery fire and infantry with as many troops as can be brought to bear on the sectors deemed must vulnerable. We have spent much time and money on developing the transportation network to get these troops into place and believe we will be able to strike the Germans before they can get to us through Belgium.

Are your plans in place now, General?

The events of the moment will dictate our actions, Monsieur Messimy. It is more important to have armies with the will to attack as events dictate rather than to push ahead blindly with some preconceived plan that might be endangered by the reality of conditions at that moment, Joffre replied as teacher to student.

Nowhere in the plan is a specific timetable set out or a first set of objectives called for, continued Messimy, whose apparent concern clashed with Joffre’s calm restraint.

"Exactly. That rigidity is for German planners. We must rely on our speed and adaptability, attacking where the enemy presents us with the best opportunity for success. Presently, the First Army will be in position to launch an offensive into Alsace, and the Second can soon follow on their left in Lorraine.

Then, dependent upon what our cavalry excursion across the Meuse tells us about German movement in the north of Belgium, we will be able to align the Fifth Army in a position facing to the north to confront a German advance or act in coordination with the Third and Fourth Armies attacking the German center. I must caution, Monsieur Messimy, that such a discussion is only speculation at this time, and any final actions must await further developments.

General, I appreciate your thoughts. You know that I fully support this offense initiative you have planned. You know also that I am ultimately responsible for your actions as the representative minister of the government. As such, it is vital that this type of close communication be continued.

This was a demand Joffre had expected and one he was unwilling to fully agree to. I must insist, Monsieur, that in the war zone I have full authority to deal with matters.

That is your prerogative without question, General, but ultimate oversight and responsibility for your actions will rest with the government and the president of the republic. As the member of the government most responsible for the actions of the army, I must also insist upon a frank exchange of timely information.

Monsieur, I fully understand your responsibilities as well as the authority of your position. We can only hope that circumstances give us the time to communicate in the manner that you expect.

I appreciate your understanding in this matter, General. For the moment, what do you want me to tell the premier and the remainder of the ministers?

You may tell them that the army is ready to avenge the loss of Alsace and to humble our enemy. At the appropriate moment, we will prove our intent by an offense into occupied Alsace and will follow shortly afterward with an attack through Lorraine.

General, your hour and the hour for our country is at hand. God give you the strength and wisdom to prevail.

Thank you, Monsieur Messimy. Now I must excuse myself, as I’m sure you understand that many things demand my time today.

Good day then, General, and best of luck.

Joffre departed, pleased with this first meeting. Messimy had insisted on the government’s prerogative yet readily conceded to him authority where it was most needed. He now planned to use it expeditiously, knowing the fate of France depended on his efforts in the days ahead. Unlike Messimy, he felt confident that he was prepared for what was to follow and that he would succeed.

2

Sanctuary

IT HAD BEEN NEARLY A WEEK SINCE THE WAR’S OUTBREAK, AND for Sara Morozovski, the reality of a war that invalidated so much of the work that had dominated her recent life had been made even more bitter by the necessity of her present circumstances. She now found herself in comfortable bourgeois surroundings in the home of Marta Frisch, a grand dame of the German socialist movement. The sunny, well-lit dining room, cozy library, and small but comfortable bedroom seemed to contrast sharply with the present turmoil in the surrounding city. At times, it seemed almost surreal to Sara, as if she were in another universe surrounded by like-minded people furtively observing the workings of a city they had formerly known, now gone mad. Yet, on reflection, Sara took comfort in the realization that she would have it no other way.

Marta’s husband had been a prominent attorney and leader of the German workers’ movement. Marta had proven to be a great partner in her husband’s work and often used this home to host many significant gatherings though the years. In this most difficult time, it was only natural that Marta’s home would continue to provide a location where the faithful could rally.

Sara had gained entry here through her contacts with Rosa Luxembourg, perhaps the most notorious and outspoken figure of the present German Socialists. Her ready transition into these welcome surroundings seemed remarkable to Sara given her French citizenship, a status that now carried a high risk of internment. Sara was truly thankful for Marta’s support and that of many of her friends, but her dependency on her new host served as a painful reminder to her of how much had changed in her relatively young life.

Perhaps all of this had been preordained. The daughter of a wealthy Parisian banker, Sara had eschewed the prerogatives of her birth due to the influence of her wise and supportive governess. From Lydia Gold and her husband, Karl, she had come to know large segments of the working class of Paris, finding that—but for the luck of birth and the vagaries of fortune—many were the equal of the more fortunate classes populating the world of her parents. Their plight, however, was often influenced by forces beyond their control, and as Sara matured, she sought ways to help rectify such injustices.

Given the societal limitations she faced as a bright and committed Jewish woman, Sara seized on one of the few options available to her and studied law in Paris. There she had also been drawn into socialist politics inspired by the charismatic French leader Jean Jaurès. With a law degree in hand, she accepted a position overseeing the establishment of a new Berlin bureau of the French socialist daily, L’Humanité.

It was in Berlin that Sara had come of age, stimulated by the opportunities that a burgeoning industrial economy provided for the working classes. Here she had made important contacts not only among the Socialists but the well-organized pacifist community as well. Both shared a loathing for war, viewing it as an anathema to working people everywhere, who would inevitably bear a disproportionate burden in a deadly process in which the ruling elite and their capitalist cronies would realize disproportionate benefits.

She and her colleagues had much to show for their efforts in those years, expanding opportunities for workers and, through wide-scale demonstrations, increasing awareness of the destructive potential of war. Then, in a few weeks, all was undone by the assassination of an heir to the Austrian throne in a far-off corner of their empire, which had served as a catalyst to draw the entire continent, seemingly transfixed by irrational notions of ancient enmities and fear, into generalized war. For Sara, the reality of this new and abhorrent condition had been made worse by her being trapped in Berlin at the war’s outbreak, unable to find a means to return to France in those final hectic days as all watched the peace of the continent implode with a sudden and irrevocable end.

Now sheltered in this quiet and refined home, hidden from the network of interior agents, Sara carried on her daily life in the best circumstances possible while she studied the newspapers and queried visitors about details of events in the city, which only weeks before had seemed to be her second home. The news, however, quickly dispelled that notion. L’Humanité had been one of the war’s first casualties, being forced to close shortly after war had been declared with France. The existing German press gave extended coverage to the massive gatherings in Berlin in support of the troops assembling for departure to the fronts, and it paid lengthy tributes to their heroism in defense of the Reich in its hour of need. These stories were accompanied by photos of men gathered in long enlistment lines or marching resolutely to their fate while surrounded by large throngs of well-wishers.

There was no deviation from a story line universally promulgated. German excellence and resulting ascendency had threatened the other major states of Europe who were unwilling to concede any of their power and privilege. To impede German power, an alliance had been formed, and through a dastardly misadventure in the Balkans, Britain, France, and Russia had declared war against Germany. Now it was time, through the power of their army, for Germany to claim its rightful destiny.

There was scarcely any mention of dissent, as little existed. There were few if any counterdemonstrations, and strikes at the major weapon plants were never threatened. As Rosa Luxembourg had predicted, the large socialist representation in the Reichstag had voted nearly unanimous support for the kaiser’s proposal for war funds, the last act of that body before being disbanded. It was as if all the large group of people she had known who opposed this day had disappeared. Now, as she scoured the news, the lack of any organized protest by the groups Sara had devoted so much of her efforts to came as a bitter disappointment, as it was to the many others who gathered during those first days of the war at Marta Fritch’s home.

Sara noted that only Marta seemed unwilling to concede failure during these difficult days, a resolve that further enhanced her in Sara’s opinion. Perhaps it was her experience in difficult times in the past, but Marta refused to concede the triumph of German nationalism, even as so many she knew had done so.

In her conversations with Sara and others, Marta had expressed her belief that this was a time that would require patience and discipline to maintain their network of close and trusted comrades for the future challenges she believed to be inevitable. To Marta, a person’s nationality mattered far less than his or her past and continued commitment to the cause of socialism. For this reason, Sara and other foreign nationals with strong past sympathies to the workers’ movement were to be welcomed and supported.

The Prenzlauer district where Sara was now sequestered had long been a stronghold of the working class. The authorities had always feared the potential of discord that might come from this district in the event of war. In the absence of any organized resistance, it soon became apparent, from what Sara could infer from her reading, that an unwritten truce had gone into effect, possibly under edict from the kaiser between the Socialists and the authorities, sparing Marta and her associates undue harassment. Sara hoped such tolerance might provide the breathing space for her repatriation but knew instinctively that Marta and her many associates were still under close surveillance and would have to move with caution.

At the end of her first week with Marta, Sara was presented with expertly forged papers showing her to be a German national. She was warned that if she were ever taken into custody, there was a real chance they might be discovered to be fraudulent, so all appropriate precautions should be followed in traveling in the city and surrounding countryside. Forewarned, Sara struck out on short excursions into the district, being careful to conceal her identity and avoid any actions that might cast undue suspicion on Marta Frisch and her circle of associates.

These brief expeditions gave Sara a firsthand glimpse of conditions now faced under this new state of war. She had long noted the efficient manner that Berlin society conformed to the norms of expected social behavior, which now seemed to make the transition to the demands of war easier. There was little grumbling and virtually no attempts to jump the queues that had become necessary due to food shortages and the limited number of trams running in the city. It was like the citizens had accepted this state of self-denial as a necessary first step in obtaining their just rewards from the struggle they were now engaged in. To Sara, it seemed a bit absurd, but, if anything, these demanding times seemed to make these spartan people more content.

Sara had also met others who, like herself, had been stranded in Berlin and were seeking a means to escape the embattled German Reich. Various discussions with Marta had touched on escaping to Switzerland or even to France itself, but they had lacked any substance. It was therefore quite significant when Sara met Hans Schwartz at Marta’s one evening, who was introduced as the principal leader in arranging the means of repatriation for people in her position.

Hans Schwartz had a reserved and almost mysterious air about him, making it difficult for Sara to clearly discern his background. What was clear was his understanding of the peculiar logistics that had knitted German commerce together before the war. It was this knowledge that was proving very helpful in the strange work he now found himself dealing with.

Sara was intrigued also by his questions, which often seemed tangential and lacking some clear relationship to a means where she might reach the borders of France or Switzerland. When at last he uncovered her unusual relationship with Karl Gold, the husband of her old governess, Lydia, a subtle smile came over the face of her potential deliverer. In her younger years, Sara had spent weeks of her summers with Lydia and Karl, who was a livestock dealer who had even taken her on a trip to meet with his suppliers. Hans Schwartz seemed intrigued by the details of that trip far more than any history of Sara’s subsequent involvement in socialist causes.

As he departed from Marta’s that evening, Herr Schwartz broke his impersonal demeanor, giving Sara a brief smile while indicating he might have an opportunity of interest for her. She smiled warmly in response, even though it was difficult to know what that might be from the unusual conversation she had had with him that night.

The following day, Sarah was given an address in far eastern Berlin where she would meet someone who might be able to help conceal her and provide a means to escape Germany. It was breathtaking news, and Sara took care to dress inconspicuously and leave at an hour when her movement would be disguised by work traffic.

Following a series of train rides where she blended inconspicuously in the large crowds, Sara found herself in the far eastern outskirts of Berlin. Here the trappings of the city clung to the edge of large tracts of cultivated land, which disappeared toward the eastern horizon, rarely interrupted by hills or cityscape. It was a flat landscape of pine and aspens, surrounding what had once been a rural village, which included a guesthouse and restaurant.

Sara recognized the restaurant as the address given and entered cautiously at the hour specified. It was a spartan facility with little in the way of decoration, just the kind of place that farmers would feel comfortable in. She was relieved to see a pleasant middle-aged woman sitting at a well-lit table by a bay window. Sara approached cautiously and then was comforted by the plain, honest features of the woman, similar to many farm wives she had met in her younger days.

Excuse me, are you Frau Heilman?

Yes, I am. You must be Sara, Frau Holman replied with a cautious smile. Please join me for coffee.

As Sara was settling in, Frau Holman said, You may also call me Ruth, if you would like.

Taking a seat with her back to the restaurant, Sara replied quietly, I’m happy to have found you this morning.

I hope you didn’t have any difficulty getting here? asked Ruth, her face softening with evident concern.

Nothing significant, and what few inconveniences I encountered are insignificant to the excitement of finding you.

What have your friends told you to make you excited to meet a farmer’s wife?

They implied that the war has caused a shortage of farm help, and consequently, there might be an opportunity that would be mutually beneficial to my needs as well.

You will excuse me for saying so, Sara, but you don’t strike me as the type who would have any experience in dealing with animals.

Sara smiled as she replied, What you must have heard about me no doubt would lead you to think that, but I can tell you that my experiences are far more than you suspect. As a girl, the husband of my governess often took me with him to collect livestock. I got to be fairly handy with the animals, and I suspect I still could manage as well as I did in those days.

Was your friend a farmer?

No, he was a trader, just like I was told your husband is. He had come originally from the area around Strasbourg, but his family had moved after the German occupation. Karl still had many family members throughout the region, and they have been reliable contacts through the years as his business developed.

You say his name is Karl? It wouldn’t be Karl Gold, would it?

The same. Do you know him?

By name and reputation only, but my husband has had many connections with him in the past, said Frau Heilman, with a smile that suggested their relationships had been on good terms. Let’s finish our coffee so that I can show you our farming operation. I think it’s time to meet my husband, Aaron, as well.

After walking a short distance from the guesthouse into the surrounding countryside, the women soon came to a long, well-maintained lane leading to a large collection of farm buildings, surrounded by many animal pens where two men were already moving a group of pigs into a waiting lorry. The older one, a tall man with the physique of someone used to hard work and a sun-darkened countenance acquired by long days out of doors, upon seeing their approach stopped what he was doing and came to meet them.

As he approached, Ruth called out, Aaron, please come here. I would like for you to meet Sara Morozovski. Sara is the young woman that Marta Frisch mentioned to us.

I am pleased to meet you, Sarah, he replied with a look of skepticism clearly apparent in his features.

I sense, Herr Heilman, that you don’t believe I could be of much help in your operations here. If I can borrow your staff for a moment, I might possibly convince you otherwise.

Taking the heavy staff from Aaron, Sara proceeded to the pen, where a large sow was resisting any further attempt to lead her to the loading ramp and had slowed the process for the remainder of the herd. Approaching the large animal with rapid assurance, she struck it on its nose and then quickly, while holding her ground, gave it a swift blow to its rump, compelling it to move rapidly up the ramp into the waiting truck. After directing several other hogs into the truck, she paused and returned to talk with the Heilmans.

Aaron smiled broadly as she returned, his craggy face transformed by surprise