Page 6 - Tales the Maggid Never Told Me

The Herati Gambit

of the pair and carefully sliding it over to the German. The men
contemplated their shuffled keys after the exchange.
“You know, Herr Baron, what will happen if one of these keys
does not fit, or the second key is not turned immediately after the
first?”
“Yes.” The sibilance hung in the air. “Our hosts would have
difficulty cleaning up this room.”
Von Zwitter smiled grimly. “I will open mine.” Sweat beaded on
his forehead. He placed his keys in the twin locks on top of his case
and paused.
Baron Teramoto followed suit. “We shall open them together.”
They turned their keys and the document boxes fell open. Inside
each was a single leather-bound folder, embossed with the seals of
their respective governments. The men carefully took the folders and
wordlessly read their contents.
Minutes passed.
Finally the German looked up, a quizzical expression twisting his
gaunt features. “So this is the secret project. It could ensure victory
for the Axis. If it succeeds, the Allies’ strategy will have to change.”
The Japanese regarded him, his face a mask of imperturbability.
“And that’s why we’re here in Herat, thousands of miles from home:
to prepare a first-hand report on the progress of this Italian scheme.
Are you ready to embark upon an aerial reconnaissance of its early
stages of development? A cargo plane and pilot is at our disposal
outside on the airstrip.”
“Of course, Herr Baron! But first may I congratulate you on your
mastery of English? Not only is your pronunciation and syntax
flawless, but your use of the American idiom is quite unusual for a
Japanese officer spending most if not all of his life in Tokyo.”
Baron Teramoto smiled, perhaps.
“Your meaning, please, Colonel.”
The German caught his breath. His colleague had placed a small-
caliber pistol on the table, leaving it pointed at Von Zwitter. “This is
a matter of the greatest importance for our war effort, Herr Baron.
You closely resemble photographs of the honorable representative of
the emperor. But I must be cautious.”

5