The Bormann Testament Read Free Page A

name.”
    “But what does he want with a publishing firm?” Chavasse asked.
    “I’m coming to that,” Sir George told him. “If the letter is to be believed, Bormann has written his memoirs and wants them published.”
    “With Muller acting as middleman?” Chavasse said. “But why hasn’t he tried a German publisher? I should have thought that such a book would have been an even bigger sensation over there than in England.”
    “Apparently, Muller did just that,” Sir George said. “Unfortunately, he chose the wrong publishers. He wrote them a similar letter and, within hours, had the Nazi underground hot on his trail. According to Muller, in what might be described as an extremely illuminating manner, Bormann has written about many people in Germany who up to now have always affirmed that they never really supported Hitler. Very important people, I might add. He even deals with Nazi sympathizers here in England, and includes a chapter on the man who was prepared to act as our Quisling in 1940, when the German invasion was expected.”
    Chavasse whistled softly. “Does he give any names in the letter?”
    Sir George shook his head. “No, he simply states that he has the manuscript and that it is handwritten by Bormann himself—a fact which can of course be verified—and that there is only one copy. Needless to say, the sum of money he mentioned was rather large.”
    “I’ll bet it was,” Chavasse said. “If only the poor fool realized it, he’s carrying a time bomb around with him.” He turned to the Chief. “I haven’t worked in Germany for nearly three years. How strong are the Nazis now?”
    “A lot stronger than most people realize,” the Chief said. “Ever since the German government set up the Office for the Detection of War Crimes at Ludwigsburg, it’s been engaged in a battle of wits with the Nazi underground. Senior ex-SS officers have managed to infiltrate into the police. Because of this, the Nazi intelligence service has been able to warn a number of former SS camp officials who were about to be arrested. This has given many of them a chance to escape to the United Arab Republic.”
    “But there are still plenty left in high places?”
    “That fact is impossible to dispute. They’re in the government, in big business.” The Chief laughed ironically. “Muller must have found that out to his cost when he wrote to that German publishing company.”
    “Does he name the firm?”
    The Chief shook his head. “He didn’t even give his own address. Said he’d get in touch by phone.”
    “And did he?”
    The Chief nodded. “Six o’clock last night on the dot, just as he said he would. The managing director took the call. He told Muller they were definitely interested and made arrangements for a director of the firm to meet him.”
    “And that’s me, I suppose.”
    “Correct!” the Chief said. “I want you to cross to the Hook of Holland by the afternoon boat. You’ll catch the North-West Express for Hamburg.” He opened a drawer and took out a large envelope. “You’ll find everything you need in there. New passport in your own name, but changing your occupation to publisher, money for expenses, and a few other things that might come in useful.”
    “Why the night train to Hamburg?” Chavasse asked.
    “I’m coming to that,” the Chief told him. “I’ve got you a first-class sleeping-car berth in a reserved compartment. You’ll find the tickets in the envelope. Muller will board the train at Osnabruck a few minutes before midnight and come straight to your compartment.”
    “And what do I do with him once I’ve got him?”
    The Chief shrugged. “It’s entirely up to you. I want that manuscript, but more than that I want Bormann. As it happens, Sir George is going to Hamburg on the same train to attend the United Nations Peace Conference. That’s one of the reasons I’ve rushed these arrangements through without discussing them with you. String Muller along. Tell