human
It's very lucky, too, because Oscar has left Berlin for a day or two without having been able to do anything about the other scheme. You won't need it now, of course.
gpt
I wish I was sure; but I'm not. Von Gratzen may still raise some objection; things are so mixed up. But I mean to go to-night in any event, with or without his permit. Rotten luck that Feldmann's away.
human
He was afraid you might do something like that, so he gave me the name of a man who can do what you want, but I wasn't to tell you about it unless it was absolutely necessary.
gpt
It is necessary, as you can see for yourself. Who's the man and what is he? I'll go to him straight off.
human
David Graun is the name; he lives at 250, Futtenplatz. He's a Jew; a very shady character, and Oscar said you'd have to be awfully careful how you handled him.
gpt
Where's the Futtenplatz?
human
It's in a low quarter across the river; and she told me how to find it.
gpt
Oscar says he bears the worst of characters and does all sorts of shady things under the cloak of a second-hand clothes' dealer.
human
He's sure that the man can get me what I want?
gpt
Oh yes; positive, if you handle him right; but you must be awfully cautious. He'll ask much more at first than he expects.
human
He's a Jew, of course.
gpt
It isn't only that. It's his way of testing any one who goes to him. If you agree to pay it, you won't get anything out of him except promises. Oscar said I'd better tell you this to put you on your guard; and you mustn't let him think it's for yourself under any circumstances.
human
Do you know how much I ought to pay him?
gpt
Only a few marks, ten or fifteen at the outside. He'll probably ask a hundred or even more.
human
I understand. But it's odd that Feldmann should know all this about him.
gpt
That's what I thought, and Oscar said I might tell you the real reason. The fact is this Graun works with the police. He got into trouble once and they made things easy for him on his promise to act as their spy. There's a lot of this false identification card business done, and he reports every transaction to them, and they are able to watch all the people who go to him. When any one is wanted, they give him a description, and he just keeps the man waiting while he communicates with them.
human
That's cheerful. He'll tell them about me, then.
gpt
Oscar says you needn't worry about it. So long as any one is not known to be an alien or a criminal, nothing happens; but you're to be careful to get the things at once.
human
I don't quite see why.
gpt
I didn't quite understand it, either. Oscar only told me at the last minute just as he was hurrying away. I fancy he said something about a second visit being risky, lest the man should have one of the police there to have a look at you.
human
I'll be off then. Tell Nessa I'll see her as soon as possible and tell her everything.
gpt
Oh, I do hope you'll get away safely. If the Baron lets you have the permit and tickets, I'll never say another word against him as long as I live,
human
It will be all right one way or the other.
gpt
Yes; but if you could really travel by the mail a few hours would end everything. I shall be so anxious.
human
Of course your mother mustn't know anything about Nessa leaving.
gpt
She's in bed, after yesterday's upset. So that will be all right.
human
Not really ill?
gpt
Oh, no; only a bad headache. Nessa and I are booked for a concert this evening, and I shall tell the servants not to sit up for us, so that she won't be missed till to-morrow morning; and by that time you two ought to be in Holland;