Richard did not in the least want to go to Berlin! “Perhaps they will make the same sort of trouble there?” he suggested.
The official thought that undoubtedly they would. People could not go entering countries like this, just as they chose, without proper papers.
“But we can’t just go on flying from place to place,” Richard protested. “We must stop somewhere!”
“Undoubtedly,” the man agreed, stroking his carefully curled beard. “One would get tired. The best plan is that you return to Minsk. They will give you there a proper passport for the lady. You can still be in Berlin by tomorrow. One thing is certain — the lady cannot remain here!” He began to gather his papers together.
Richard wished to return to Minsk even less than he wished to go on to Berlin.
“How far is it to Vienna?” he asked at length.
“Three hundred and fifty miles — about, but there, also, it is doubtful if they would let you enter.”
“I’ve got friends there,” Richard replied. “Can I send a telegram or wireless?”
“Certainly, if you wish. Here are forms.”
“Thanks.” Richard addressed a brief wire to: The Honourable G. B. Bruce, Secretary, British Embassy, Vienna, in which he requested that gentleman most urgently to leave his comfortable bed and meet him at the Vienna air-park between four and five in the morning.