'What are you looking for?' I asked.
'War souvenirs,' he answered. 'Gerda's husband kep'
'em up the chimney. But they're gone now.'
'What sort of war souvenirs?'
'Pistols. Two Lugers we took off some Jerries.'
'So Farnell is armed?'
'That's roight. An' lucky 'e is, too — 'cos they only got aba't four hours' start.'
'How do you mean?'
'Lovaas was 'ere only an our an' a 'alf back. 'E'll be on is way up inter the mountings by now.' He went to the window and peered out. The rain was little more than a light mist. 'If it's snowin' up in the valley they'll be orl roight. But if it ain't snowin'.' He shrugged his shoulders. 'Listen, Mr Gansert. Oi'm goin' after Peer. Can you ski?'
I nodded. 'I'm pretty fair,' I said.