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Jackson hesitated, a look of puzzlement on his face, and Strasser said, 'No questions -just do it.'

Jackson turned and went out. Strasser picked up his case. 'And now,' he said to Ritter, 'if you will excuse me, I have a little communicating to do,' and he nodded to Meyer and followed him out.

Hoffer went behind the bar. 'A drink, Sturmbannfuhrer ? '

'Why not?' Ritter said. 'Brandy, I think,' and then he gave a slight exclamation and crossed the room quickly.

On the opposite wall hung a large framed eighteenth-century print of Schloss Arlberg, a perfect plan of the entire castle, every walk, every strongpoint, all clearly defined.

The armoury contained few surprises. Perhaps a dozen extra Schmeissers, twenty spare rifles, a couple of boxes of grenades, some plastic explosive. No heavy stuff at all.

'Plenty of ammunition, that's one good thing,' Canning said. He hefted a couple of Walther service pistols and said to the others, 'All right, let's go and see the ladies.'

They found Madame Chevalier warming herself in front of the log fire in the upper dining hall in the north tower. Canning said, 'Where's Claire?'

'She went to her room. She was feeling the cold very badly. We stood outside too long.'

Canning held up the Walther. 'You know how to use one of these things?'

'I play a different instrument as you well know.'

'You'd better learn this one fast, believe me.' He turned to Finebaum. 'See if you can get the finer points across to Madame Chevalier in a fast five minutes, soldier.'

'Anything you say, General.'

Madame Chevalier looked him over, horror on her face, and Finebaum tried his most ingratiating smile. 'They tell me you play piano, lady? You know "GI Jive"?'

Madame Chevalier closed her eyes momentarily, then opened them again. 'If you could show me how the pistol works now,' she said.

When Canning tried the handle on Claire's door it was locked. He knocked and called her name. It was two or three minutes before the bolt was drawn back and she peered out at him. Her eyes seemed very large, the face pale.

'I'm sorry, Hamilton. Come in,' she said.

He walked past her into the bedroom. 'You don't look too good.'

'As a matter of fact, I've just been thoroughly sick. I panicked down there when I heard that the SS had arrived.'

Canning remembered how her husband had died. 'It made you think of Etienne and what happened to him?'

When she looked up at him, her face was very pale. 'No, it made me think of myself, Hamilton. You see I'm a total physical coward and the very thought of those devils ...'

He placed a finger on her lips and took the Walther from his pocket. 'I've brought you a life preserver. You know how to use it, I believe.'

She took it from him, holding it in both hands. 'On myself,' she said. 'Before I allow them to take me from this place.'

'Hush,' Canning kissed her gently. 'Nobody's taking you anywhere, believe me. Now come down and join the others.'

Ritter had taken down the print from the wall and was examining it closely when Strasser entered.

'A useful find,' Ritter told him. 'A plan of Schloss Arlberg.'

'Never mind that now,' Strasser said. 'I've made an even more interesting discovery. Hoffer, bring friend Meyer in here.'

'What is it?' Ritter inquired.

'It appears that a certain Dr Paul Gaillard is actually on the premises. Meyer's boy broke a leg this morning.'

'You're sure of this?'

'Oh yes, my informant is completely reliable.'

Ritter frowned. 'You've been on the radio. Where to? The Castle? You mean you've actually got an agent planted up there? I really must congratulate you, Reichsleiter. My apologies - Herr Strasser. That really is taking organization to the outer limits.'

'I do like efficiency you see, Major. A fatal flaw, if you like, all my life.'

The door opened and Hoffer ushered Meyer into the room. Strasser turned to him and smiled. 'So, Herr Meyer, it would appear you have not been strictly honest with us.'

A few moments