The Generals (43 page)

Commander Kampenmann
: I understand.

Colonel Pigafetta
: Excellent. Otherwise I agree with you entirely on your protests against the treatment of Velder. At least, on some points.

Lieutenant Brown
: Excuse me, sir. What shall I do with the accused.

Colonel Pigafetta
: Take him down into the basement and shoot him.

Velder
: Thank you, sir.

Colonel Pigafetta
: I must leave now, gentlemen. Naturally, there’s a guard in the hall and the telephone is connected to the exchange at Air Force Staff Headquarters. But we must hope that you won’t have to stay here for more than half an hour or so. Good-day to you.

*   *   *

Commander Kampenmann
: Did he really say thank you?

Captain Schmidt
: I think so. Of course, he hears very badly. Perhaps he heard his name mentioned, but misunderstood what he said.

Commander Kampenmann
: Why did you let Bratianu do the final summing-up?

Captain Schmidt
: To some extent to protect my … well, let’s say that my view of the case was to some extent changed during the course of the session.

Commander Kampenmann
: How did you come to be in the forces at all?

Captain Schmidt
: Well, my father was a naval officer … it just happened, really. And you?

Commander Kampenmann
: I don’t know, really. Perhaps because I like the sea. On the other hand, there are merchant ships.

Captain Schmidt
: The tape-recorder is still switched on.

Commander Kampenmann
: Better switch it off.