Escape Page #6

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They called me in, I signed

the certificate of death.

But she is alive.

In a coma, yes, but alive.

Well, why don't you say something?

I don't understand.

I deliberately drugged your mother,

pronounced her dead, but she is not dead.

I can't believe that...

Tomorrow you would have

accepted her death...

I know that.

Today, why don't you accept her life?

- I'm all mixed up. It's happened so quickly.

- I understand, but...

now you've got your chance.

You must get her out of the camp.

- The camp? How can I go there?

- Huh?

I'm not even supposed to know where she is,

let alone that she's supposed to be dead.

Even if I got her out, where would I

take her, where could I hide her?

All I thought about was to save her.

Listen, Preysing...

You must find someone to help you.

You must get the coffin out of the camp.

Coffin?

- She'll suffocate.

- Oh, no, no, no.

Those coffins are loosely made.

But if you delay...

when you open it, she may be dead.

You must act quickly.

- Fritz.

- Fritz who?

An old servant. I'd almost forgotten.

He's already arranged to claim the body.

That's fine. The telephone.

Tell him its happened.

Tell him to go to the camp

at once and meet you.

Hello, operator.

Get me Fritz Keller in Felzenkirche.

No, I don't know the number.

Just Felzenkirche.

- Tell him to meet me where?

- At the White Swan Inn. It's close to the camp.

You'll have to work quickly.

Get her out of the coffin.

Dress her warmly.

Warmth is of the greatest importance.

Yes, operator, I'm waiting.

Is there any medicine, any stimulant?

No, no. The only thing is to get her to a

place where she can rest. Warmth and rest.

Fritz will know where to...

What's the matter?

- What if he won't help me?

- You said he was your friend.

I'm not sure.

He's so afraid of everything.

Then don't tell him that she's alive.

No, your only worry is to get her

out and keep her warm.

Blankets, yes, and a warm coat.

Hello. Hello, is that you, Fritz?

Yes, now listen.

Mother... my mother just died at the camp.

They're waiting for you...

Fritz, don't ask questions.

What?

They've already phoned him.

Now, Fritz, wait. When you get the

coffin, meet me at the White Swan Inn.

I want to be with you when you bury her.

But Fritz, there's nothing to worry about.

It's all over.

What's the difference if you are with me?

Don't argue, Fritz.

Get to the camp quickly.

I'll meet you at the White Swan at...

- Three hours.

- At eleven, Fritz. Do you hear me?

At eleven. Goodbye.

Come on.

Steady. I think I had better

get back to the camp myself.

Why are you doing all this for me?

My friend, to know the answer...

you would have to know my entire life..

my parents' lives, the lives

of everyone I have ever met...

you'd have to know every

word ever said to me...

every word I have ever said...

I've, seen, read, thought about...

But to put it simply,

say that for the moment I'm just like

a cat who chews green stuff so as

to purge himself of poison.

I can't let it go like this. Suppose I bungle

the rest of it, what will happen to you?

- I have to count on you, Mark Preysing.

- I'll see you again.

I'm afraid not.

It would be too dangerous.

My regards to America.

Now hurry.

Yes, sir.

- Coffee, please.

- Yes, sir.

- Get me some brandy, will you.

- Yes, sir.

But I must serve them first.

Yes, sir?

- Beer.

- Beer.

Yes, sir.

- Waiter.

- Yes, sir?

Have you got a pack of cards?

Yes, sir, I will bring them to you.

Thank you.

Anything else?

- Will there be anything later, sir?

- Why?

We're closing in a half an hour.

- Closing?

- They are very strict here because of...

No.

What is that game?

- It's an American game.

- Oh.

What are you doing here?

What am I doing here? I might ask

what are you doing here at my table.

Political Police.

Oh, well, I'm an American.

You have your passport?

Certainly.

And what are you doing here?

I'm here to meet a friend.

What friend?

Is it a usual custom of this

country to annoy visitors?

You're required to answer all questions.

Unless, of course, you

wish to be detained.

Why are you so concerned with the time?

I have an appointment.

What's this?

Oh, a fur coat.

A woman's fur coat.

What is this for?

Maybe it is for his friend.

Oh... that kind of appointment, huh?

She's coming here?

No, I'm not to meet her here.

That comes later.

I'm waiting here for a

man, a friend of mine.

Who?

- A man I know.

- You said that. What is his name?

You're required to answer.

- His name is Ditten.

- Why do you want to meet him here?

Because he asked me to.

Isn't that a good enough reason?

Where does he live?

He's attached to a camp near here.

He's a doctor.

Might also interest you to know that

he's a member of the Political Police.

Why does he want you to meet him here?

I told you he's a friend of mine.

What time are you to meet him?

At... eleven. Yes, at eleven.

Then why is he not here?

- I must have missed him. I was late.

- Do you expect to go on waiting here all night?

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

Why are you so interested

in our military transports?

I thought it might be the doctor.

What did you say his name was?

Ditten. Dr. Ditten.

Ditten.

Thank you.

We are closing now.

I am sorry, but we have to close now.

- Couldn't I stay just a little while longer?

- It is the regulation.

It's getting very cold.

I'm sorry to turn you out.

- When is the next bus back to town?

- In about a half an hour.

That's just enough time for you to go to

the camp and see if your friend is there.

Oh, no thanks. I think I'll wait

for the bus and go back to town.

Come.

Come!

We want to be sure you see your friend.

Well, what is it?

Commandant, I've picked up an

American down at the White Swan Caf.

Said he was to meet a Dr.

Ditten there. An American?

His name is Preysing. You know him?

No. I knew he was lying.

Snooping around like all... No, no...

You will excuse me, sir.

There must be a mistake.

I had an appointment with Mr Preysing.

I told him about his mother.

I mentioned your name.

Speak when you're spoken to.

I don't know your man. Send him away.

Wait.

Doctor, shouldn't he be

held for questioning?

Yes, yes, I suppose so.

I'll talk to him myself.

Here. The death certificate.

Nurse!

Help this man to get the body out of here.

So you were lying to me.

He doesn't even know him.

- You're under arrest.

- Wait.

I'll handle this.

Why did you tell these men you

had an appointment with me?

Why didn't you tell them the truth?

They were only doing their

duty questioning you.

Why didn't you tell them...

you came here about your mother?

Yes, I should have.

They're bringing her out.

Stop! Put that down.

What are you going to do with this?

We're going to bury her.

Do it here!

We've got a place at the back for it!

But we have permission to

take her to bury her outside.

Oh, have you?

Yes, sir.

Here. They say... I can read.

Would you mind hurrying, please?

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