Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-07-07
II Short Story Complete in This Issue

+ 4
p Pc COULD feel the tug of the webbing at
armpit and thigh as the parachute
4 Z opened above him in the darkness.
The plane had been coasting in silence before
he had taken the headlong plunge, and when
he had recovered his wits he listened for the
engine to cut in again. When at last he heard
it, the sound was only muted purr miles
away in the southwest. In the same direction
he saw a searchlight stab the blackness;
the bright lance wavered in the night. then
faded
The cold air slashed at his cheek as he
dropped. There was little wind, 50 his lateral
swing was slight. 1t was the landing that
would be hazardous - the impact with the
unknown that was coming nearer every frac-
ton of second. He could see a vague splut-
ter of lights to the east the town OF Gro
nenstadt; his drop had been planned for the
vacant fields on its outskirts. Twenty kilo-
meters southwark, he knew, was the long deep
lake, with Swiss mountains on the further
side The plane had skirted these mountains
on its diagonal fight across the Siegfried Line
- And then the black earth rushed up to
meet him, and he held his breath.
He found himself sprawling on the ground.
with the chute oollapsing in pile of ruffled
silk at his side. He unclamped the tackle, got
to his feet, pulled of flying kit and helmet
then opened knapsack in which had been
slowed thin topooat and hat. Luck had
been with him 50 far - uncommon luck. He
could discern the dimmed headlamps of
motor trucks on the road that led to Gronen-
stadt; half an hour later he was replying to
string of rapid questions in room at lntelll-
genoe headquarters in the center of the town.
His interrogation left him for few minutes
and returned "Yes, Herr Oberst Won Siegen
will see you"
The door of big room closed behind him
Beyond the wide writing table, Colonel Won
Siegen was waiting in chilly silence. Pale skin
was tightly stretched over the bony structure
of his face. His eyes were pallid gray; in
the bright light they had the quality of pol
ished quartz as he sized up the young man
in front of him.
well, what is it? You asked to see me. I"
Pardon, Herr Oberst." The young man
came forward and stood rigid. i've brought
information am Ruckert. came personally
to see you -"
The other interrupted harshly, why the
risk?'
Because my information is urgent, Herr
Oberst As you know. l do not work direct;
l am employed by your agent List, 57E "
His glance strayed to an open file of papers
on the table mo doubt you have full par
ticulars."
Did List send you?"
unfortunately, Herr Oberst, he is on the
run. l had to act on my own account -
quickly The usual channels would have been
too slow" With penknife he cut the lining
of his coat and pulled out a small blank sheet
of paper. You may wish to see this
Won SIEGEN held it up to the light and
looked at the watermark. sit down, Herr
Ruckert," he said with sigh. What is the
information you BRING"
When Won Siegen had finished making
note, he drew his foreinger slowly along the
ridge of his jaw. ANY other facts that
should have come through the usual channels
'Yes. Herr Oberst - several" He spoke
with slow precision, and at the end Colonel
Won Siegen left the room. When he came back