“Maybe so; and again maybe it would let them find out how decent our people are — how orderly and how hard-working.”
The two strolled on, arguing. Lanny guessed that his friend was sounding him out; and presently Kurt said: “Suppose it became known to you that there were some Germans in Paris, working secretly to try to get this wicked blockade lifted — would that seem to you such a bad thing?”
“It would seem to me only natural.”
“But you understand that in the eyes of military men they would be spies, and if they were discovered they would be shot?”
“I realized that as soon as I saw you. But I don't see what you can possibly accomplish here.”
“Hasn't it occurred to you that you can accomplish something anywhere in the world if you have money?”
A light dawned on Lanny. So that was it! He had heard his father say many times that you could get anything you wanted in Paris if you had the price.
Kurt went on: “There are people here who won't let our babies have milk until they themselves have gold. And even then you can't trust them — for after they have got the gold they may betray you for more gold. You see, it's a complicated business; and if one happened to be in it, and to have a friend whom he loved, it would be an act of friendship to be silent. It might be extremely inconvenient to know about these matters.”
Lanny didn't hesitate over that. He declared with warmth: “If that was all that was being done, Kurt, I should think that any true friend would be willing to know and to take a chance at helping. Certainly I would!”