“What’s different about it? You’re not on a vacation trip are you?” There was a note of irritation in the voice now.
George hesitated. “No, but-”
“Supposing there’s a dispute later over the testimony. You’re going to look pretty silly explaining that you passed up the chance of getting a reliable interpreter because you didn’t like her personality, aren’t you, George?”
“Well,-” George broke off and then sighed. “O.K.-if I come back a raving alcoholic I shall send the doctor’s bills to you.”
“You’ll probably end by marrying the girl.”
George laughed politely and hung up.
Two days later he and Maria Kolin left for Germany.
5
A book-keeper named Friedrich Schirmer had died at Bad Schwennheim in 1939. He had had a son named Johann. Find this son. If he was dead, then find his heir.
Those were George’s instructions.