

Stormnstress

A novel

by

Phil Tamarr

## Contents

Preamble

Foreword

Part 1 – England

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Part 2 – Prussia & Saxony

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Part 3 – Empire of Germany

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Afterword

Appendix

Portent of the future
Preamble

### Front Cover Picture:

An emperor meets his Nemesis:

Count von Bismark's meeting with the French emperor,

Napoleon IIIrd, post-battle of Sedan 1870.

Title of novel extracted from a Shakespearean tragedy:

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads onto fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and in miseries.

On such a full sea are we now afloat,

And we must take the current when it serves,

Or lose our ventures.

Marcus Brutus speech from Julius Caesar.
Foreword

In this work the author presents an argument that the Empire of Germany, created by Count von Bismarck in 1871 subsequent to Prussia's defeat of France, was presented in the year 1899 with an opportunity to supplant Great Britain as the world's leading power.

The fact that Germany did not do so was down essentially to a quibble: whether it was important, or not, at the time, to ally your nation with a country whose leader espouses an unworldly doctrine: that the earth was not a sphere but flat according to President Kruger of Transvaal. When Wilhelm IInd, Emperor of Germany, saw the cartoon in a Cape Town newspaper he rued his decision to offer troops to aid the Boers against the British.

British troops were mauled badly by the Boers in the first Boer War. The Boers were armed with German-supplied Mauser rifles. Had the Kaiser supplied German troops to aid the Boers the outcome would almost certainly have been a British defeat. So, did the Kaiser miss an opportunity?

Count von Bismark's schemes to unify the German disparate states into a single empire, has been described as machiavelian; another viewpoint might well be: downright dishonest. The reader can judge for himself on reading this work of creative fiction based upon data from official records.

Part 1 – England

### Chapters 1 to 5
Chapter 1

Following the general election of 1867 a Conservative administration took over the government of the UK. It is led by Disraeli who is bent on taking the Tories in a new direction and the salient item on his agenda is to steer the so-called second Reform Bill through Parliament the result of which, after it is implemented, will be to widen the franchise to encompass nearly two million men who meet the property qualification. Inevitably its enactment will cost the Treasury several thousands of pounds so various committees are set up to examine ways and means of finding this additional money.

One such meeting of a Ways and Means Committee takes place within the aegis of the Board of Trade and comprises several MPs thus: Hubert Smith of the Board of Trade, Lionel Wright from the Patent Office, Sidney Palliser from the Defence Ministry, William Cadogan, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Thomas Gore-Booth, Permanent Secretary to the Defence Minister (absent) and Ronald Strang, a clerk in the Foreign Office; also, a Pitman shorthand operator (male) to record the minutes of the meeting.

Since it is a Board of Trade matter, Hubert Smith takes the Chair and he opens the meeting, thus:

"Gentlemen! I would like to open this meeting with an apology. At an occasion in the past our esteemed Prime Minister then a newly-elected member of a recent election was invited by the Speaker to make his opening address and could not be heard owing to raucous cat-calls from various parts of the chamber. One phrase however is recorded by Hansard which was: 'One day I shall be heard and you will be silent.' I have to admit being of the crowd which drowned Mr Disraeli's voice, and, great man that he is, he has forgiven me and did not demur offering me my present position. I would like to place on record my apology and Mr Disraeli's gracious reaction."

There was silence among the other members broken by Strang who declared: "May I echo the sentiment just expressed by Mr Smith for I too was guilty but all has been forgiven and indeed forgotten for, as you said, Mr Disraeli has also kindly invited me into his government. But, in the context of this meeting, may I mention an item of news that some may consider the height of triviality."

Strang paused awhile to look around at his fellows adding, "The Kingdom of Prussia in a speedy seven weeks of conflict has humbled the Empire of Austria-Hungary. It might have some bearing on our deliberations."

It was Cadogan who responded: "But why should these Continental distractions concern the United Kingdom. Mr Strang seems to have forgotten we are separated from the Continent of Europe by an expanse of water called the English Channel; or, does Herr Bismark have wings!"

Some chuckling followed this last comment and Strang felt his cheeks burn though did not react at which Cadogan seeing his discomfort spoke jocularly to Wright of the Patent Office:

"Perhaps the representative from Patents can enlighten us. Has there been such an application? I should dearly love to observe Mr Bismark in full-wing regalia."

Wright looked daggers at Cadogan saying drily: "Enough of this drollery. I thought we were here to discuss whether Mr Armstrong's exclusive contract with the government should continue. I have it on authority that the man gets more revenue than the entire country. What say you Mr Gore-Booth?"

The last-named grimaced shaking his head before addressing Smith and said: "Mr Chairman, may I mention a salient matter in this discussion? It will answer Mr Wright's comment and I venture to suggest also help this committee in its deliberations."

Smith answered in the affirmative and Gore-Booth continued:

"Many decades ago certain gentlemen of the names Boulton and Watt succeeded in a parliamentary bill to extend their patent for their steam-engine from twenty to a full thirty-three years which enriched them enormously but denied other inventors the opportunity to make worthwhile improvements covered by patent. So, I urge the committee not to repeat that error and bring Armstrong's contract with the government to an end. That alone will save thousands."

The chairman frowned and raised his hand to speak: "The Armstrong case is somewhat different to that of Boulton-Watt." He paused and looked at all the members before saying, "As I understand it the government wishes to keep Armstrong's patents secret to prevent others, not too distant from these shores, from a development that might endanger our very security."

Each member looked around at the others and all with one thought, who might be the power not too distant from these shores? And, if their thoughts could be realised they would have uttered, 'France' without a doubt.

Gore-Booth seemed unabashed and responded: "Nonetheless I also happen to know of a gentleman who at present supplies arms to the government of the United States but who is inhibited by this Armstrong contract. The gentleman concerned is also convinced that someone in the last government also benefited from the Armstrong contract. What do you say to that?"

The chairman said decisively: "We can accuse our Liberal opponents of many things but corruption is not one of them."

Wright raised his hand and nodded to the Chairman who affirmed he should address the committee: "I'm sure no slight on our Liberal friends was intended, chairman, yet we must remember the purpose of this meeting. As I understand it the Armstrong contract has run for a decade. And, technical advancement proceeds apace so in bringing the Armstrong arrangement to a close the committee will be well on its way to meet Mr Disraeli's requirements."

He looked around at his fellow members conscious that two of them, Smith and Strang, were with him while Palliser and Codogan though wealthy were envious of the newly affluent Armstrong and decided to support Gore-Booth with a leading question:

"Would Mr Gore-Booth enlighten the committee on Mr Armstrong's rival who might well reassure us also in the matter of national security?"

Gore-Booth had already been given the nod by the Chair so proceeded to expound his viewpoint: "My first acquaintance with Mr Whitworth was at the occasion of the Great Exhibition of '51 when, being of an engineering family, we were very attracted to his so-called micrometer which was the focus of the engineering world. As a result of which he attracted the interest of Prince Albert."

Wright looked at his colleagues and noticing their interest coaxed Gore-Booth for more details, saying: "I understand he has other interests in the steam world, Mr Gore-Booth; have you any more to tell the committee?"

Gore-Booth puffed out his chest: "Indeed, Sir, Mr Whitworth manufactures and exports steam engines to power ships and pumping stations so being in heavy industry he would be well able to take on armaments along with Armstrong. It may well be that the two could share gun calibres between them."

Chairman Smith expressed some exasperation: "Can we leave these matters to others? Our present brief is to examine how best to save the government money. It seems from our discussions that we can recommend bringing the Armstrong contract to an end. Shall we vote?"

Everyone at the table nodded assent and the Chairman turned to the Pitman shorthand note taker: "Have the minutes typed Mr Simms and prepare a letter to the prime minister for me to sign. Thankyou, gentlemen; I bid you good-day!"

The chairman was highly satisfied that he and Strang had repaid their leader, Benjamin Disraeli's, faith in them in that his committee would do its part in helping provide finance to meet the expected additional costs of the reform bill upon its becoming the law of the land. The motive of Gore-Booth and Cadogan was envy of Armstrong without doubt but he was sure Wright's promotion of the engineer Mr Whitworth would ameliorate any potential danger to national security. But, what of Wright: What were his motives?

Smith was right in questioning the motives of Wright from the Patent Office for unknown to him or to any member of the panel the name 'Wright' in German is 'Radbauer' which was his father's name before he changed it on becoming a British citizen, decades earlier. In the 21st century officials in China would approach immigrants into the USA and remind them of their origins and at times score in planting an agent within the American community which would reap rich dividends in providing China with information to help it match American domination of technology.

Thus, Lionel Wright, loyal to Prussia would, by access to priceless British know-how in the manufacture of armaments by his presence in the Patent Office, help the aims of his first loyalty, Prussia. All thoughts were of France in this business which was a godsend to Wright. England would pay the price for this although that was still many decades in the future.

That price: millions of dead, wounded and captured soldiers between the years 1914 to 1918 and the loss of so much treasure that by 1917 Britain had become a debtor country for the first time in two and a half centuries.
Chapter 2

A few days following this meeting in Whitehall another meeting took place though this time it was more of a tete-a-tete between Lionel Wright and his handler in England. One should say at once that Prussian or German people did not speak of the United Kingdom, the UK or even Britain. As far as these people were concerned their problem lay with the English who were regarded, even by the French and the Dutch, as their rivals.

Wright's hired cab drew up in front of the company premises of the Spedition Company, an import/export firm, whose premises were in Fenchurch Street in the City of London. Wright had soon descended and bounded up the steps of the company's offices, had opened the door and strode to the reception desk giving his name and was invited to take a seat whilst the reception clerk notified the company director of his visitor.

"This way, sir!" said the receptionist inviting Wright to follow him and soon he was ushered into an inner office. As Wright passed through the door he noted the placard on the door; it read: HANS MEYER, SPEDITION AG, the AG standing for Aktiengesellschaft, the German equivalent of a limited company.

Soon, with the promise of coffee shortly, the two men are conversing though not about the weather like Englishmen as Wright is keen to know which part of Germany Meyer is from and being told a manufacturing town Wright tells the director that his father also hailed from that part, Essen.

Meyer was intrigued and asked: "Have you any idea what drew your father to England?"

"You might be surprised, Herr Meyer," began Wright adding, "had you been acquainted with him you would have addressed him as Herr Radbauer which was the name by which he was christened in his home town which he left as a young man making his way to Hamburg though not because of its nightlife. It was a port from which he could escape military service. Joseph Conrad did something similar though from Poland; Radbauer had soon found himself a ship."

Meyer sat spellbound by Wright's admission but before he could venture a word the coffee arrived and each man was content to drink it and eat the Kuchen (cakes) which accompanied it. Meyer said:

"I'm still wondering Herr Wright what made your father settle in England and not return home, or did he face arrest perhaps for evading military service?"

Wright smiled in response before he answered: "The first mate of the ship was English, as it happened, and where he went my father followed. That's all I know."

Meyer hurriedly changed the subject: "How did your meeting go in Parliament?"

"To our advantage, Herr Meyer; there was a unanimous decision to end the agreement between the government and Mr Armstrong."

Meyer said: "How soon will his patents be in the public domain?"

"Soon! But its abrogation must be preceded by an order in council which is parliamentary jargon for the Civil Servants involved to unpick the agreement which will take a few weeks, give it six months."

Meyer pursed his lips saying: "What sort of accreditation is needed to access the Public Records?"

Wright frowned: "Good point; it might be advisable to instruct your patent agent to visit Somerset House to get to know the office procedures. The agent does not need to be one of us as agents are doing this every day. Get him to cultivate a clerk or two at the patents office and find out how the system works.

Meyer said: "You cannot do the job yourself!"

"Too risky, my friend; it's vital my credentials are never challenged, or, we are all lost. But, my advice is surely more valuable. After all renditions of patents are made all the time; a good agent should have no problems."

Meyer frowned and voiced his fears: "Your mention of six months worries me. I'll certainly get my patent agent to familiarise himself with the Patent Office as you suggest but I would appreciate knowing the day when Armstrong's patents are available for examination. Herr Krumm needs to retool an entire foundry which wastes time and money when idle so even days can make a difference."

Wright assured his companion he had taken note and added:

"A striking item of news was delivered by the Foreign Office man about one of Armstrong's guns aboard the Navy ship, HMS Queen Mary, inducing the port of Nagasaki, in Japan to surrender although the F.O. man, Strang did add a word of caution."

"Of caution, Herr Wright," mused Meyer, "I suppose he means danger from our Gallic friends."

Wright chuckled: "You are forgetting Gallic pride. The French would as soon learn new ideas from us Germans as anything from England. We need to keep harping on the dangers from across the Sleeve Channel. It'll divert attention away from Prussia."

Meyer corrected his visitor: "It's the English not the Sleeve Channel. It's somewhat like our German Sea which the English call the North Sea."

A sudden thought occurred to Wright: "Is there a possibility that Armstrong, once he is free of the government, will offer his guns directly to the Prussian Government or indeed to King Frederick?"

Meyer replied: "That idea had not occurred to me. But I'm sure Count von Bismark would prefer guns made in Prussian factories."

As Wright had predicted the War Office brought the Armstrong contract to an end though what he did not anticipate was that to save paying Armstrong a cancellation indemnity the War Office allowed the agreement to lapse. The difference between the two was about six weeks which only illustrates government penny-pinching.

\----------0----------0----------

With his left hand atop his hat and the other gripping a newspaper, purchased at a newsagent by the name of W H Smith, a man hurried beneath the towering heights of the Doric columns of Euston railway station into the concourse and out of the rain and the high wind whistling through those columns beneath one of which he stopped to survey his surroundings.

His name was Joseph Whitworth and he had arrived at Euston station to catch the earliest train possible to Newcastle four hours distant although he would still need a hansom cab to bring him to Elswick, the works factory of William Armstrong, the famous industrialist and entrepreneur.

Inside his first class coach he put aside his newspaper in order to remove a letter from the capacious side pocket of his Raglan overcoat. He re-read its contents. His original intention had been to make use of the penny-post but instead he had decided to write a shorter letter to Armstrong indicating his desire to meet with him to discuss matters of mutual interest and had received a reply just two days later inviting him to travel north to meet up with the letter writer, Armstrong himself.

He scanned the lines of his original letter: 'On the occasion of my taking the waters of a French spa on the recommendation of my physician I chanced upon a gentleman who claimed to have made your acquaintance. His name was Eugene Schneider. He runs a foundry at the town of Le Creusot, in Burgundy, in France. He was also sipping like me a cup of sulphurous water which incidentally is vile but which does, or is alleged to do, much good to one's constitution.

Monsieur Schneider claims to have made your acquaintance during the Crimean War where both of your Companies were cooperating in the construction of gun platforms. It would seem the cooperation was successful because soon after the deployment of your Companies' gun platforms around, for instance, the port of Sebastopol the Russian defenders surrendered. This success, or so Monsieur Schneider would have me believe, was largely due to the French howitzer though he did confess to me it was protected by the armoured gun platform and housing constructed at your Elswick works and shipped to the Crimea in the Black Sea.'

Whitworth felt a sudden jerk which succeeded a whistle of which he had been barely conscious of on reading the letter. He heard an enormous 'chuff' succeeded by smaller chuffs and noticed the scenery moving past him as the train steamed out of the station. He raised the letter once more to his eyes and resumed reading: 'The foregoing description sets the scene, as it were, to his revelation that subsequent to the conclusion of that war the British government concluded a secret agreement with you. At once you ask how did Monsieur Creusot know it was secret which he answers to the effect that his son being a legislator told him so. And who told him? A British minister! The point is, Mr Armstrong, I, Joseph Whitworth am also in the arms business which is the purpose of this letter.'

Whitworth paused his reading because his hands had become clammy which, according to his doctor, was a symptom of high blood pressure. Stop what you're doing and ease up a bit! So he leaned back in his seat enjoying the clickety-click of the carriage wheels over the gaps in the rails. He was fifty seven years of age. His engineering business was doing well especially following the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition where his micrometer attracted engineers from around the world. Yet, it was his presentation to the queen and to Prince Albert that had thrilled him the most.

And their kudos had brought rich rewards not least to his high-powered marine engine business which sales world-wide provided his bread-and-butter. After the Crimean War he had submitted a design for a breech-loaded rifled musket which an American business friend had seen and as a result had won a contract to supply the American Army although the British War Office had rejected the musket as too expensive.

Then, an item in a newspaper was brought to his attention. It was about the failure of an artillery piece supplied by Armstrong of Elswick who had secured a secret deal with the British Government. What was going on? Whitworth stopped his reflections because of his still clammy hands and put all thoughts from his mind keeping his eyes closed and bit by bit forced himself to lower his tension – and dozed.

A jolt of the train caused him to wake and soon after someone was talking to him and he opened his eyes to see a man nearby, saying: "Pray, sir, would you join me in a little refreshment. Our train is stopping for half-an-hour in Birmingham and I've booked a table in yonder coffee-house. It's not far."

Whitworth discovered his name was Mayhew and, like him, he was on the way north on business and he thanked him for the diversion from his erstwhile reflections. Mayhew's visit was partly personal for he expected to be met by his family who were to welcome him back from the 'smoke' such was London's nickname on account of its perennial foggy atmosphere.

It seems Mayhew's business had to do with the recently opened Science Museum the funds to build it having derived from the profits from the 1851 Great Exhibition its purpose being to show some of the industrial manufactures of past and present. One example it seemed was a former steam engine from Dudley which had been designed originally in 1712 by Thomas Newcomen. He leaned over to Whitworth as if to confide an item of secrecy:

"You know, my dear Sir, I was as ignorant of that fact as Mr Darwin had been of the age of the earth. I was a don for goodness sake from Cambridge. But, his highness Prince Albert was told that further acquaintance with the commoner Mr Paxton might lower his regal majesty. Yet Paxton was the very person needed to advise on the exhibits in the museum not a don like me who knew nothing of Britain's industrial past."

Whitworth had listened closely to Mayhew and said wearily: "Is that still the case, Mr Mayhew. I can tell you that the great engineer James Watt was at one time employed by Glasgow University as a tool maker and constructed a model of Newcomen's steam engine using his own funds getting into arrears with his employers who dismissed him for that offence. At the time he had just lost his wife in childbirth but the university showed no pity for his plight and he was forced to find work elsewhere."

Mayhew listened intently and queried: "Yet, he did prosper that we know. So what happened to him after Glasgow?"

Whitworth smiled in responding: "A friend of mine in this very town offered him employment, a man by the name of Mathew Boulton."

Mayhew interrupted: "What I give you is power, gentlemen!"

Whitworth said: "The same; together as a team they sold their steam engines both in Britain and throughout the world and became millionaires earning at the same time countless millions for the country of their birth."

Mayhew said enthusiastically: "It sounds as if you're one of these engineers yourself, Sir."

"Whitworth, Joseph Whitworth, Sir, at your service."

"The directors of the Science Museum, Sir, were forever singing your praises so it's a great honour for me to meet you and to enjoy a coffee with you. I shall certainly have something of moment to recount to my family, thankyou."

Soon their train had resumed its journey towards Newcastle and Whitworth realised that the interlude had eased his tension and his hands were no longer clammy and noting that Mayhew's eyes were also shut he smiled and sank back into his seat as the train steamed towards their destination. The interlude was short-lived for on steaming into Newcastle and immediately the train had halted the passenger door was swung open.

In jumped a young man who greeted Whitworth saying: "What an honour for me Mr Whitworth. You still remember me, I hope. I'm Thomas Bramah, son of Bramah the locksmith, who was one of your apprentices in the fifties. Now, I work for Sir William Armstrong." Whitworth was taken aback at the sharp delivery of this tirade of words and could only mutter:

"Of course, Tom, I do remember but how come you are here?"

Behind Bramah Mayhew cleared his throat and Whitworth looked over to his erstwhile companion saying with a little irritation: "Do allow my travelling companion space to get his belongings." Mayhew thanked him and stood up to reach for his valise on the luggage rack and, at the same time, spoke a few words of thanks and farewell and wished Whitworth a successful conclusion to his day and left.

"I've a hansom cab outside the station." Said Bramah as he carried Whitworth's belongings outside all the time keeping up his chatter, "You were like a father to us apprentices, Mr Whitworth, at least a kindly voice so that when Sir William touring the factory yesterday asked if anyone of us had known you I was delighted to step forward. So that's why I'm here; I hope I did nought amiss."

Whitworth noted Bramah's use of 'nought' instead of nothing reflecting that his former apprentice was adapting himself to northern expressions and said so. Bramah ruefully observed:

"Notherners do have different expressions and generally speaking they are more forthright than down south though I find that no bad thing."

Whitworth said: "You mentioned your father earlier. Is he still planning to astound the world with a new lock?"

"No," came the reply, "he's enjoying a well deserved retirement although you might have heard of Bramah junior in a sensational light had I agreed to a certain suggestion."

"I'm all ears," said Whitworth, "tell me."

Bramah chuckled: "To be locked into a suitcase later thrown into the Niagara and over the Falls and surviving the ordeal and all for a million dollars. What thinks thou of that?"

"Amazing, and you're here to tell the tale." Quipped Whitworth teasingly though Bramah's face took on a serious mien and said: "Very droll, Sir, but I chose to operate one of Sir William's lathes which does not pay a million dollars but does give me a million dollars worth of satisfaction."

"Well said, young sir. I applaud your spunk. And I daresay the output from a lathe is more useful that anything the Niagara Falls can provide."

"We've arrived." Said Bramah and Whitworth looked out from the cab to see a flunkey either side of a massive gate barring the entrance into the factory grounds and Whitworth commented:

"Yonder gates would not look out of place at Chatsworth, the Duke of Devonshire's estate which I had the honour to visit some years back."

"The difference being," riposted Bramah, "that whereas the duke's gates cost thousands being wrought iron by a famous French artisan these of Sir William's cost but a fraction being cast at these works."

Barely had the cab halted before an imposing edifice when another flunkey opened the cab door and Bramah said:

"This is where I part company from you Mr Whitworth." Then indicating the servant added, "He will show you to Sir William's office so I'll bid you farewell. I hope we'll meet again."

They shook hands before Whitworth descended and following the servant up some steps where both men disappeared from view though not before Whitworth had turned around to wave a final farewell to his younger host. He dogged the steps of the servant down a corridor and soon he was shaking hands with Armstrong himself who was fulsome in his greeting:

"I cannot hope to describe my sheer excitement at the prospect of meeting you at last."

"You are very kind, Sir William." answered Whitworth though Armstrong followed this up by comparing his guest to a picture which adorned a whole wall in the reception area. It was a famous one of a dying General Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham to which Armstrong pointed saying: "My contemporaries would want to have met him and my son like me was forced to memorise Gray's Elegy, Wolfe's favourite poem. But not me, Sir, as it's you that excites my admiration."

"Come, come, Sir William, this will not do. By such flattery you hope to escape my justifiable opprobrium. I have it from the lips of a Monsieur Eugene Schneider.." He paused adding "I see you recognise the name."

Armstrong looked stunned and for a moment said nothing looking away as if to gather his thoughts. Finally he said: "Monsieur Schneider is close to the French government and thereby may well come into contact with ministerial personnel this side of the Channel but you know, Sir, it's not the French we need to fear as much as meddling ministers our side of the Channel but let's leave that to one side and explain how I met Schneider."

"It was during the Crimean War was it not?" Asked Whitworth and Armstrong agreed and put a rhetorical question to his guest: "Do you regard the French as our friends or enemies?"

Whitworth smiled: "No doubt it's the latter as proved at Waterloo but I suspect you have a view on the subject!"

Armstrong sighed: "I can tell you in all seriousness that had it not been for the French artillery Britain would have lost that war. For a start the French howitzer outdated our cannon by the mere fact our cannon were from Waterloo. They had not altered in the slightest whereas the French deployed breech-loading artillery with explosive shells not iron balls. And, another problem was our generals who hated each other so much that it imperilled the whole campaign; the names Raglan and Cardigan are more famous for clothes than successful commanders."

Armstrong paused as if to catch his breath and Whitworth said: "In what way did this mutual hatred imperil the army."

"Just this," replied Armstrong, "had the Duke of Wellington been there he would have stormed the redoubts and bastions of Sebastopol and taken it with hardly a shot whereas both Raglan and Cardigan actually stood by while the Russians reinforced the fort. That's the reason we needed the artillery and luckily it was the French breech-loaders and their modern rifles which forced them to surrender even though the French with 18000 were outnumbered by the 47000 Russian infantry. That was a wake-up call to all armies."

"Don't be so modest, Sir William, were not the French guns protected by your armoured gun platforms?" He meant to say more but Armstrong broke in quickly to say:

"Their foundries were also not up to manufacture them in the time available and I have to give them credit for allowing us to produce them. It was good cooperation all round."

"You had to win a war, Sir William. And, two heads are better than one but I'm still not clear as to why your guns are so secret."

Armstrong smiled grimly as he looked at Whitworth: "Because, sir, my guns are a game-changer. Any army with my guns, which are far more advanced than even the French, would have an advantage. There is no clearer example than the United States which has tried twice to conquer Canada, the last occasion being in 1812."

Armstrong paused to allow the last statement to sink in and was relieved upon hearing a knock at the door followed by the appearance of his male secretary wheeling a trolley and Armstrong smiled almost, it seems, in relief as he was addressed:

"I've taken the liberty, sir, to ask the kitchen to provide both tea and coffee."

Having done so he left the room and Armstrong took over asking Whitworth which beverage he would prefer inviting him to help himself to a sandwich or a piece of cake.

"Gladly Sir William as my last repast was in Birmingham on the occasion of our brief halt. In that instance a fellow passenger did the honours though it seems a lifetime since."

He munched a sandwich and sipped his tea impatient to be finished as questions had arisen in his mind over Armstrong's last admission and at last he spoke:

"I take it Sir William that you have shipped your artillery to the government of Canada already."

"Your perception is correct Mr Whitworth though I'm sure you're going to ask what other friendly nation is in danger."

Whitworth smiled: "What are your thoughts on the subject?"

Armstrong smiled back saying: "I have a few. Those thoughts though might be reflected on by any observer of world affairs. It will not have escaped your attention the brief episode between Denmark and Prussia whereby the latter is poised for another bruising episode with Austria. Your question mentioned a friendly nation though it's a hostile one that should concern us. What is your opinion, Mr Whitworth?"

Whitworth put down his cup in reflective mood then said: "As an arms manufacturer I should have an opinion but I confess the subject has not been uppermost in my mind. I have sent a shipment of rifles to a belligerent though they are for use by President Lincoln's government against the rebel states in the USA."

Armstrong said: "Have you thought, sir, of the consequences should the rebel South become an independent state? Would that state look kindly on an arms supplier to its former enemy?"

Whitworth got to his feet and paced the room looking worried and turning to his host said: "I confess that possibility never entered my head." And turning to Armstrong added, "Do you really think that's a possibility?"

Armstrong replied smiling: "Calm your fears, sir, no I mentioned it only to raise our mutual need for caution in these matters. My own interest lies nearer. I should point out that this secret arrangement with our government may actually be detrimental to my best business interests. Government compensation, in my opinion, is a fraction of the profits that my Elswick factory could earn selling to all-comers, I assure you."

In the middle of this speech there had been a knock at the door. It opened slightly and Armstrong gestured for it to shut. Now he opened it to be greeted by his secretary who reminded him of lunch in a quarter of an hour and that another guest would be present. Armstrong thanked him and invited his guest to visit the washroom with him prior to their proceeding to the directors' restaurant.

"I want you to meet, Herr Schoenbrun, Mr Whitworth," said Armstrong as the two men entered the wood panelled restaurant where two men stood chatting in a low voice. Then addressing his Prussian guest he introduced him to Whitworth. At once Schoenbrun addressed both men saying in German: "Treffen Sie meinen Freund, Herr Meyer, Meine Herren. Er wird fuer mich alles uebersetzen."

Meyer interpreted: "He invites you both, gentlemen, to listen to my translation as he does not speak any English and has invited me here for that purpose."

Armstrong smiled saying: "How did he meet you, Herr Meyer?" Meyer replied: "When his ship docked at Tilbury from Bremerhaven he saw a huge crane unloading goods from a freighter and went closer and saw your name, Armstrong Limited, Newcastle, England and got a cab to take him to the German Embassy in Cadogan Square who recommended me at my company premises in the City of London. He asked me to get in contact with you in his name. I hope I have clarified the situation."

A loud voice announced: "Luncheon is about to be served, gentlemen; if you would take your seats, please."

None of the diners seemed willing to continue their conversation until Herr Schoenbrun said in a low tone to Meyer: "Koennen Sie mal, Herr Mayer, unseren Gastgeber fuer das ausgezeichnete Essen verdanken."

Meyer interpreted: "Herr Schoenbrun thanks you for the excellent meal, Mr Armstrong; and that compliment goes for me too."

Armstrong answers smiling: "I'll pass it on to the chef, never fear. May I ask you about your business in London, Herr Meyer?"

"My business is all about import and export, toys for example. Our German toys find great favour in Great Britain. But, I am more interested in the great Sir William Armstrong and his works for besides cranes I understand you also manufacture armaments. Are they here in Elswick?"

Armstrong said: "No, the heavy foundry for the casting of gun barrels and wheels etc is at Gateshead, near the specially built canal whose proximity is useful for the launching of ironclads which are quickly replacing wooden ships."

Both Armstrong and Whitworth listened in awe to Meyer translating Armstrong's speech to Herr Schoenbrun who said something in response to which Armstrong asked: "What did your friend say, Herr Meyer, if it's not confidential?"

Meyer grinned: "He says he is so keen on getting his new crane installed on the wharf in Bremerhaven that he cannot devote any time to looking at armaments. Besides he is a man of peace."

Whitworth made his only comment for a long time: "Amen to that sentiment," telling himself, 'though I'd be that much poorer.'

Armstrong addressed Meyer: "Could you ask our German friend how he's enjoying his stay in the UK?"

Meyer did so and there was a voluble exchange of German and Meyer responded: "His original plan was a holiday to visit the Crystal Palace but his only interest now is to return to Bremerhaven to make preparations for the arrival of his new crane. Once installed it will give Bremerhaven an advantage over Hamburg so more orders may well follow."

Whitworth broke in to say: "From Hamburg too once they start losing shipments to Bremerhaven.." And turning to Armstrong added, "you're in a win, win situation, my friend; congratulations."

Even Schoenbrun seemed to understand that comment and everyone chuckled interrupted by another voice: "May I take your plates, gentlemen; everyone for coffee!"

Chapter 3

A young man elegant in tailcoat and top hat steps down from the hansom cab and with a wave bids the driver adieu and looks up at the name in large white letters of the building he is about to enter. It reads: Spedition Co at which the man frowns and then proceeds up some steps to a front door. Inside by the aid of windows but mainly from the light of an incandescent gas mantle he looks towards a counter behind which a receptionist stands and addresses him:

"I am here to see Mr Augustus Meyer."

Lifting the wooden flap of the counter the clerk steps out and invites the visitor with: "This way, sir." Both men ascend another flight of steps before the receptionist stands in front of a heavy teak-looking door attached to which is a board with the name, 'A Meyer Director'. A mere tap is followed moments later by the door being opened and another gentleman appears, dismisses the receptionist and invites the visitor into the office saying, "Herr Krumm, I presume."

It seems the room is an ante-chamber for the secretary who taps on another door and the visitor hears a faint 'Herein!' succeeded by the secretary's announcement of his arrival followed by a brief instruction: "Vielen Dank, Albert. Bestellen Sie, Kaffee!!"

The secretary disappears on his errand before showing the visitor into the main office where he is greeted by Meyer who stands up from his enormous mahogany desk clear of clutter and paperwork, apart from a business calendar, to greet his guest:

"Guten Tag, Herr Krumm. So good to see you; it's good to hear the vernacular of the old country. How was the crossing for you?"

"It was rough, but no sea-sickness; Gott sei Dank! There's nothing like Schnaps to dull the senses." He taps a side pocket and a metallic sound can be heard."

"Ausgezeichnet, Arnold! Ah, here comes our Kaffee which I can assure you is genuine Jacobs."

After the secretary withdrew the two men chatted amiably of home and shared reminiscences. Auguste Meyer, the host, is director of a forwarding company, the Spedition Co, which is based in Fenchurch Street in the City of London in the year of 1860 while his visitor is Arnold Krumm, a cousin of the more well-known Alfred Krumm, an ironware foundryman of Essen. It was Alfred who had inherited the business from his father – and huge debts.

Arnold was now in London seeking ways of helping his cousin clear those debts. The Krumms were fortunate in that at this time in the history of Prussia a statesman was becoming prominent who needed the products of the Essen industrial area to further Prussia's territorial ambitions. Krumm senior before his death had attended the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and had actually displayed a singular item from the foundry: a silver-plated cannon, though discovered too late that arms sales were excluded. This debacle had driven Krumm further into debt. But, Krumm fortunes were about to change as the next conversation would provide a hint. Krumm confided to Meyer:

"It was the Crimean War, Auguste. France and England, sworn enemies prior to the war soon realised that they must cooperate against their common foe, Russia, whose aggression towards the Ottoman Empire threatened both their interests: The French in Syria and the British share of the Suez Canal. At the start of the war Russia had fortified Sebastopol in the Crimean Peninsula and although the French had modernised their artillery the British cannon were reminiscent of Waterloo."

"You amaze me, Arnold. I confess to not even knowing of that war. It did not crop up in the events I attended in London."

Arnold smiled: "It is possibly because the British were doing badly according to the Times correspondent who criticised the War Office. Did you never hear of Florence Nightingale?"

"Ah yes, now you mention the name but how does all this concern Krumm?" Came the reply from Meyer.

"An industrialist by the name of Armstrong from Britain met up with a French foundryman, Schneider, who had forged the French breech-loading cannon. In range from the guns of a particular bastion of the fortress of Sebastopol armoured housings were needed for the howitzers which Armstrong's foundries could build quickly. They were very effective and the French assault on the Malakhove Bastion and the British assault on the Redan redoubt sealed the fate of the fortress. It surrendered, and the Tsar sued for peace.

So, after the war Armstrong was approached by the British War Office to update their artillery. It was so effective, as demonstrated in various local wars that the War Office came to an arrangement that the patents were to be kept secret because, my dear Meyer, the guns were a game changer. Would not Herr Bismark be interested in such a development?"

Meyer's face adopted a frown of puzzlement which was translated into his question: "How did you find out about these developments, if, it was all so secret?"

Krumm smiled: "From Monsieur Schneider himself. I also met up with an Englishman at the same spa in France. It would do you good as well Auguste although there is a particularly foul liquid one's forced to drink though it's very nastiness is an ice-breaker; alas, only literary ice as real ice would melt in the hot spring steam."

Meyer had another question: "And what is my involvement in this, Arnold? I have no contact with foundries or spas come to that."

Krumm answered: "You are German are you not, Auguste. The kingdom of Great Britain is number one in today's world but there is a belief that we Germans should take centre stage. But, first, we must become the leading country of Europe which will be achieved only from the barrel of a gun, the Armstrong gun. The British War Office has so far prevented Armstrong's patents from appearing in the British patent office though that policy is soon to change. Our agent with access to the patent office will secure details of the Armstrong guns. My plan is to send the patents to you for despatch to Essen as part of a normal consignment."

Before Meyer could reply there was a tap on the door and the secretary appeared to say: "I've arranged for the cab to be at the front, sir." Meyer thanked him and turning back to Krumm said: "You are expected at the Meyer household for Mittagessen which, by the way, the British call luncheon."

Once inside the cab Meyer added to his former speech, "My Bertha will make you feel you are back home for although we must buy from the London shops and markets it is often the preparation of the food which sets Deutsche cuisine apart from the English treatment which, zum Beispiel, cooks cabbage to a tasteless mush whereas Bertha, by blanching the leaves, retains their flavour and goodness."

As the cab was halted at the end of Fenchurch Street Krumm looked up to see a towering column and turned to his companion, "Gott im Himmel! Was ist das?" Meyer realised Krumm's amazement of the familiar landmark, responding: "That is the monument to the Great Fire of London of 1666. It was erected by the great architect, Christopher Wren while his assistant, a man called Hooke actually installed a telescope in its middle. One can still view the heavens from inside the Monument."

As the team trotted towards Gracechurch Street Krumm could not take his eyes away from the sights which hove into view and then dropped behind. Turning into Lower Thames Street and having left the Monument behind, the driver briefly halted in the middle of the road to allow traffic to pass and then brought the cab to a halt. The passengers alighted and the cab departed though before following Meyer up some steps, Krumm stood peering into the distance.

Meyer halfway up called back: "St Pauls cathedral, Junge, another of architect Wren's creations. Komm'! Ich habe Hunger."

But Krumm was still fascinated by the towering masts of ships sailing both up and down river and Meyer, somewhat impatiently called: "It's as busy as the Rhine, bestimmt, mein Lieber though these are merchantmen for the most part. The English Navy are berthed in other ports such as Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth."

Suddenly the door opened and a maid appeared standing aside as the men approached the door and she took their hats and gloves. Once inside the hall another woman appeared. She was dressed in the latest fashion the manifestation of which was the bustle; she greeted Krumm with: "Willkommen, gnaedige Herr; welcome."

Meyer said quickly: "Herr Arnold Krumm, Liebling." Smiling he gave her a perfunctory peck on the cheek and sniffed the air saying: "Do you smell that, Arnold!" Krumm also sniffed riposting: "Exactly how you said, Auguste. It reminds me of home already; Sauerkraut."

Their hostess showed them to their seats and bade the maid to bring in a large covered Delft pot which was placed in the middle of the dining table. She lifted the lid and the aroma pleased all for its sharp tang: Sauerkraut. Other items for the meal quickly followed and soon everyone had a full plate and, grace being said, the meal was soon in progress. The hostess said needlessly:

"Everything to your satisfaction, Herr Krumm!"

"I'm feeling really at home, Frau Meyer," he replied and added, "Schweinkotelet, Bratkartoffeln and, of course, your delicious Sauerkraut makes for an excellent meal."

Meyer said with a chuckle: "You'll never believe it but this is the stuff that used to be given to English sailors against the dreadful disease of scurvy."

"Did it work? Was the disease cured?" asked Krumm.

"At first the crew hated it but the Captain ordered his cook to bring it to the officers' table and to ration it to persuade his men they were missing a treat. The result was that Cook lost not a single man through scurvy. Of course," Meyer looked at his wife and their guest adding, "we do not need any such persuasion especially after such an excellent repast."

The lady appeared to glow with satisfaction and addressing her guest said: "My man has also been enthusiastic about another English gentleman who actually gives lectures in London. Have you heard of him; he is called Faraday and he forecasts that our homes will be lit with.." She hesitated and Meyer finished her sentence: "With something called electric current, Arnold; no more fiddling with oil lamps or matches. But, of course, it's all in the future."

Krumm observed: "Just think that not so long ago a journey took days, even weeks whereas with the train it's just hours. When does this Faraday have another lecture?"

Meyer answered: "The German embassy always has tickets assigned to it so I'll get some before you return, Arnold."

Back in Meyer's office after their respite Krumm took out a notebook saying: "Earlier we were discussing your business being used as a conduit for getting items out of the country." He might have continued but Meyer interrupted: "Surely there is a straightforward way to secure these patents by approaching Armstrong and entering into a business agreement. Why is all this clandestine cloak and dagger nonsense necessary?"

Krumm sighed: "I explained that my cousin having inherited the foundry from his father has been left with huge debts. So he does not have the money. The next pressing problem is time. Krumm must compete with other German foundries to supply the Prussian Army but we are convinced that we have the best arms."

"You mean Armstrong has the best, surely!"

Krumm smiled bitterly: "All right, cards on the table, the foundry of Krumm, in the interests of the Fatherland, must steal them from Armstrong. If it is done legally it will take too much time, and money, which Krumm does not have. So, I appeal to you as a German to help the Fatherland. At some time in the future we can make it up with Armstrong. Put business his way. Make some recompense. But, right now, the Fatherland takes first priority; agreed!"

Meyer said grimly: "Agreed!"

Krumm said: "I have discovered that the British War Office has a test firing range at a place called Shoeburyness. Have you heard of it?"

Meyer shook his head in disbelief because he had an idea what the industrious Krumm would be asking him next and he was not wrong though was relieved to discover that his friend only wanted him to discover its whereabouts. There is a knock on the door and his secretary brought him the afternoon's correspondence and he begged his friend's indulgence to examine it.

Leaving Krumm alone for a while he accompanied his secretary to an outside section, a loading bay where some barrels had arrived for onward shipment though one of them had been damaged and he was asked to verify the precise details of the damage and how much liquid was lost through the crack in the wooden barrel. He returned to find Krumm engrossed in a pamphlet taken from his etui and looked up as Meyer resumed his seat. Meyer said:

"I'm sorry to have left you alone, Arnold. Some delivery had to be checked for as you see this is a working business and we both dispatch and receive items throughout the working day. The company does not get any subsidies but must make a profit and enough to pay the rent and the salaries of the staff."

Krumm was reassuring saying: "Matters are in hand to ensure your business will receive certain subsidies from our government authorities to guarantee.." He did not finish as there was a knock and both looked to the doorway to observe the secretary at the open door and both Meyer and Krumm eyed each other quizzically and Meyer said abruptly: "How long have you been standing there, Albert?"

The secretary somewhat taken aback said: "Just a moment, sir. I've just this minute opened the door. I'm sorry to have taken you by surprise but I knew you were concerned about the flower shipment from Antwerp. The Goods Inwards' department have just left a note to the effect that they have dispatched a courier to Fortnum and Mason, the store in Piccadilly. Would you like me to order tea?"

Meyer was convinced his secretary had not overheard Krumm and his discussion and said soothingly: "You're so thoughtful, Albert. Thankyou, tea will be fine." After he left Krumm said: "Are you not concerning yourself unnecessarily, Auguste. Surely your secretary knows that the Spedition is a cover."

Meyer eyed his friend and said: "I believe in the principle of the cell but so far I've not extended it to include employees; I do not like to offer fortune more hostages than me; that way I sleep better at night. And, remember too that people have a life to live beyond these walls. In Albert's case I happen to know he meets a lady but it's none of my business. You would understand if you ran the company yourself."

Krumm nodded: "Einverstanden, Auguste; I confess that the world of business is another world to me."

"Ah, here comes our tea." Said Meyer adding, "Remember in England that everything stops for tea including expatriates."

The two companions drank their tea and munched scones which provoked Krumm to observe: "I heard English food was dire but this pastry is delicious especially the 'Marmelade'." Meyer corrected his friend: "It's only marmalade if it's made from oranges, bitter Seville oranges and the more bitter the better."

After he had heard Meyer's secretary close the door Krumm said: "To return to a previous subject my cousin Alfred believes his problems and Prussia's, or should I say, Germany's are one and the same. The future of the Fatherland will be secured once it is in possession of powerful guns. We must do our utmost to bring this about. Be ready to act upon receiving instructions."

Meyer said tersely: "Point taken, Arnold!"

Chapter 4

As his hansom cab arrives in Cadogan Square it slows to a crawl and Auguste Meyer pulls down the right hand side window and peers out towards the place where his driver, aloft on his seat atop of the cab, has slowed the horses to a crawl as he looks for a suitable place to park. He is anxious that his passenger should step from the cab in front of the mansion housing the Imperial Prussian Embassy.

He succeeds and Meyer steps down and without a backward glance walks towards the open double-door of the embassy where he sees a man and woman at the threshold greeting visitors. The man is the ambassador and he scarcely looks at Meyer's invitation greeting him with a cheery smile saying: "Aha! The man who unfailingly delivers our home comforts. Wie geht es Herr Meyer! No Frau Meyer?"

"Nein! Sadly the lady is indisposed. Guten Abend, Frau Ambassador. What lovely weather we're having, at least fine enough for you to stand out here welcoming the guests."

The whole of this discourse has been in their mother tongue as Meyer though fluent in both, as is the ambassador and a little less so, the ambassadress, likes to indulge in a bit of badinage in both languages. The ambassador speaks in a low tone hurriedly as he sees another guest arriving:

"Perhaps later, Herr Meyer, you will meet me in private in my study."

Meyer nods assent and removes himself to allow others to take his place and once inside the mansion is offered a glass of something on a tray by a uniformed flunkey, "Champagne, sir!"

Meyer, sipping the cool liquid, moves further inside looking to see whether he recognises anyone who arrived before him. The thought strikes him that Bertha would make this process so much easier and is interrupted in this reverie:

"Excuse me, sir, I believe we met in the Sloane Gallery, do you recall? It was the French Impressionist exhibition."

Meyer looked at the young man and smiled: "If I remember we speculated as to their conversation; was it a Manet or a Monet?"

"A moot point, I agree; it's Mr Meyer from the Spedition?"

"Yes, indeed; and you are Mr Tomkins of Bayswater Bounty; I trust sales are good even in this summery weather."

"It's not the usual weather for dolls but people do want a keepsake of our Queen Victoria; especially, I suspect, because the doll looks kindlier than the real person. Excuse me, someone is beckoning me."

Meyer found himself alone once more though not for long. He had just replaced his timepiece back into his waistcoat pocket when a gentle feminine voice exclaimed:

"My, oh my! Time must be exceedingly slow for that's the third time you have looked at your watch, Sir. I cannot wait for a formal introduction. Come on Victor introduce us, please!"

Meyer turned towards a vivacious brunette accompanied by a man who stepped forward and greeted Meyer: "We're spliced as you can see so how do you do, Sir!" Meyer took the outstretched hand and gave his name and the man responded: "We're the Spencers; this is Lottie and I'm Herbert." Meyer took it saying: "I was just this minute thinking that a woman does make introductions rather easier."

Lottie might have responded though an announcement took precedence; it said: "Mesdames et Messieurs; dinner is about to be served. Please proceed into the dining area at your leisure."

Meyer was relieved on the one hand but slightly miffed that further talk with the amiable Lottie had been curtailed. Being a guest without a partner he was placed at the end with the Frau Ambassador on his left at one head of the table while on his right beside him was another gentleman, a stranger, who was busy talking to the guest on his right.

Opposite was a woman who spoke incessantly to the ambassadress about a subject of which he was ignorant so the meal passed in silence on his part and came only to a conclusion when, after a while, the ladies with excuses to the menfolk retired whereupon he was invited by Herr Schickelgruber, the ambassador, to occupy a seat which a lady had vacated. He sat next to Spencer who whispered: "My wife told me that the ambassador's wife was a seamstress before marriage so it's not surprising you did not understand her talk with the lady on her left."

"Gentlemen! We can offer two after-dinner drinks, one is the English port or our German Weinbrandt. It is your choice." The ambassador then addressing two men in earnest talk said: "Now then, sirs, what was that word I heard you say? Was it 'football'? The English do love their games, I know."

A young man spoke in response to the ambassador: "The game is far more popular in the north of England, Sir. In the south it's mainly played between universities but I hear there is a game on Sunday next between a University and a team from the Arsenal of Woolwich."

"Is that the place where they make the guns for the British Army?" said Spencer, adding, "Let's hope it's not a shooting match."

Nobody laughed and Spencer asked the ambassador: "Have you seen a game, sir?"

"I have not had that pleasure," he replied, "but I was invited to Blenheim House where another sort of game was played. It was called cricket. Has anyone heard of it?"

"That is the English national game, Sir, at least in summer; which sides were playing?"

"The match was between the House and the village of Bladon whose captain was a farmer whereas for the House the duke's son, the marquis led his side onto the field."

"Who won, Sir; can you remember?"

"I shall never forget it. The village captain was a big hitter and he soon overtook the score from the House. In fact he won it with a massive six and, according to the butler, the ball was never found. It's probably on its way to Australia."

At this everyone clapped and laughed so much that it was a loud clearing of throat from the butler which caused them to stop. He said funereally: "Would the company rejoin the ladies at your convenience."

Meyer shook his head for although he had laughed along with the others he had no idea of what they found funny. He had never heard of cricket or football and was bemused to hear the English loved sports. With such thoughts in mind he followed the company towards the enormous lounge where he overheard people arranging games. This was more in his line. And he expected the flunkey at his elbow to make a suggestion as to a game of bridge or whist but the man whispered almost conspiratorially:

"There's a note for you, Sir, on this salver."

He looked at the tray and the servant before taking a card which read, 'Ungehend Herr Mayer folgen Sie meinen Diener, bitte sehr!' Or, in English, "At your convenience Herr Meyer follow my servant, please!'. And, soon he was taking the stairs on the heels of the flunkey and eventually was shown to a room marked with a board carrying the word, 'Studium'. The servant opened the door for him and offered a choice of chairs before inviting his to partake of a tray of a variety of drinks. He opted for a lemon which he sipped while the flunkey whispered that the ambassador would be along shortly and left.

Feeling satisfied by the meal he had just eaten and quietly sipping his drink, Meyer was content though he did not wait for long as he heard the door open. The ambassador appeared and spoke to him: "I am so pleased you felt able to accept my invitation, Herr Meyer. It may be the last time I shall see you because Ingrid and I will soon be leaving London."

Meyer had got up to greet the man but the ambassador tried to put him at ease saying: "Please don't bother; I'll take this chair opposite you. We are very grateful to your Spedition for forwarding the many items ordered by the embassy and I want you to know that we do not leave voluntarily. We are being recalled."

Meyer was shocked: "Recalled, Herr Schickelgruber, what can the Foreign Ministry be thinking of! Can you think of a reason?"

"Not a reason, Herr Meyer, but a man, the minister-president himself."

Schickelgruber moved closer as if to impart a confidence and whispered: "Bismarck! In fact Count von Bismarck; a few weeks ago I entertained his emissary who sounded me out on my opinion of England. He was not pleased when I reminded him that he was addressing the ambassador of Great Britain and not England. He spoke in terms of a power struggle between the kingdoms of Prussia and England and I dismissed such talk as counter-productive."

Meyer said: "In what manner would this power struggle be manifest. Surely your role is a conduit between our countries."

The ambassador nodded: "Indeed a prime minister of Great Britain once informed Frederick of Prussia that two million pounds worth of gold had been placed at his disposal in the struggle against their common enemy, France."

Meyer smiled: "But, sir, that was long ago. Surely England has long ago given up Europe whereas Prussia is beset with enemies; to the east is mighty Russia while the western power of France is no friend; indeed it is common knowledge that Napoleon IIIrd actually threatened war over Luxembourg."

"Even so," replied the ambassador, "is there any reason to alienate Great Britain which the Count of Mecklenburg proposed with his measures on patents for example whereby Prussia would freely access British patents but deny the use of German patents to British manufacturers? Already I am getting complaints about which I am powerless. Indeed my instructions are to fob them off with false information at which I protested; hence my recall."

"As I recall," Began Meyer, "a certain English writer, or so I've been told, mentions such delays in his novel as the ministerial office of circumlocution."

Schickelgruber uttered impatiently: "It's not an amusing matter especially the instructions given to prison governors in Prussia to manufacture shoddy goods for export to overseas markets; these shoddy goods are stamped 'Made in Sheffield' for cutlery or 'Made in Axminster' for faulty carpets the whole purpose being to blacken the name of Great Britain."

Meyer smiled and said: "The only thing for the British to do is to retaliate but his smile froze at the ambassador's next comment; "That is not the way the British do business but the count's third proposal shocked me to the core for his secretariat is teaching hundreds of German citizens the English language for the sole purpose of infiltrating commercial companies, trading firms and even the English Civil Service with a view to learning from the inside details such as commercial agents abroad, foreign trade policy, the names of foreign customers and much more. I wash my hands at such blatant and hostile actions."

Meyer was stunned by the ambassador's words and could think of no appropriate response and Herr Schickelgruber continued: "This policy of course is long term. Count von Bismark's emissary almost boasted that their immediate enemy was to the west. Did you know that the count travelled incognito to Paris."

Meyer looked up and asked: "Do you mean von Bismarck?"

"Jawohl! It was July 14th, the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, which preceded the French revolution. As a member of the crowd the count wanted to observe his future adversary so he took a small telescope to study his facial expression."

Meyer shook his head and thinking to divert the ambassador said: "In what part of Prussia do you and your wife intend to reside on your return, Herr Ambassador?"

The ambassador sat back in his chair and was silent for a moment then putting his frustration to one side answered: "We shall return to our estate in Potsdam where our daughters are busy preparing the Bauernhof ready for our arrival. Then we can put all these affairs behind us as we contemplate a morning gallop around the farm. We have missed such outings here in London."

While talking the ambassador took a piece of paper and said: "I know you wish to return to less controversial matters, my dear Meyer, but this may be the last time I have to talk to a significant fellow countryman. Please read this document and let me know if it means anything to you."

Meyer was flattered and took the proffered sheet of paper and began to read. The ambassador said: "Have you heard of the letter writer, William Armstrong?"

"No, my friend," lied Meyer, "presumably the appropriate authority will make contact and arrange something."

Schickelgruber seemed at a loss for words and merely said: "That such letters appear in the pages of a newspaper is a mystery but this one attracted the notice of Mecklenburg and he asked me to make discreet inquiries; hence my approach to you."

Meyer was consoling: "As it happens I am acquainted with the cousin of an arms manufacturer by the name of Krumm; have you heard of the name?"

"Nein, unbedingt nicht!" He retorted and Meyer said, rising from his chair, "May I keep the letter to raise with Herr Krumm?"

The ambassador nodded and held out his hand and Meyer said: "I wish you Godspeed, Herr Ambassador and 'Bon Voyage'; Auf Wiedersehen!"

Chapter 5

Meyer had scarcely settled himself on arrival at his office in Spedition Co at nine of the clock when a knock at the door heralded the appearance of the reception clerk bringing a letter by courier delivery. It was from Lionel Wright the very person to whom he was about to write following his attendance at the Prussian ambassador's farewell party. It is evident reading his brief note that Wright wishes to meet him at an early opportunity. So, he busies himself with the other post wondering what news Wright wants to impart that necessitates an early meeting.

It was not long before he found out because soon afterwards the knock by his receptionist ushered in Wright himself whom he had met only once before so was taken aback by his curt manners for Wright fired a question soon after their introduction, thus:

"Do you know of a place by the name of Shoeburyness, Meyer?"

He was still pondering the question half-an-hour later for in quick time they had left the office and Spedition as Wright had muttered, "This will do!" and had ordered drinks being ensconced in a comfortable cubicle of the Fusiliers Arms, a tavern nearby. He scarcely had time to wonder whether the bitter taste was to his satisfaction when Wright repeated the question and Meyer, still sipping his ale, shook his head as Wright abruptly answered his own question:

"It is situated on the coast not far from Southend on Sea in the county of Essex. Are you familiar with south-east England, somewhat north-east of London?"

Meyer, at last his palate well and truly satisfied, gave answer to Wright's question: "If I remember aright it was pointed out to me by my coachman whilst I was on the way to Harwich, at least the road leading to Southend, a favourite spot for Londoners in summer, though he did not mention the other place. Is there any reason for that question? I suspect you're going to tell me, Wright."

Wright put down his tankard and wiped his whiskers frothed slightly with foam and leaning forward in a conspiratorial way whispered: "It is the principle testing ground for the British War Office and I know that within the next few weeks more of Armstrong's breech-loading artillery will be test-fired. You'll be there!"

At this point the curtains to their cubicle parted and both men leaned back against their padded benches as a waiter brought their fish lunch asking if any condiments were wanted before withdrawing. Both men contemplated the other having scanned the waiter's face for any sign of their having been overheard and each deciding in the negative as Wright had whispered, both men picked up their cutlery and tackled their steaming plates of fish and chips.

After he had taken a few mouthfuls noisily slurping at the hot meal like a snuffling Pekinese Meyer ventured to whisper: "Why cannot you go yourself, Lionel?"

Wright savoured his mouthful as he answered: "As a Civil Servant I cannot take any chances, Auguste. Of course you should exercise caution in viewing the proceedings making sure nobody is nearby as you peer through the special glasses I'll provide. One would not expect anyone but, in the unlikely event, my identity could compromise my position within the government whereas you can be a curious traveller."

Meyer listened doubtfully to Wright's explanation and said: "Is there an ideal way to watch the proceedings and, by the way, what are these glasses?"

"An English company called Ross makes the glasses; they magnify three times so your choice of viewing place should be easier."

Meyer was still doubtful saying: "But I know nothing about guns, Lionel."

"I have a few books in my valise back at your office. It will not take you long to familiarise yourself, Auguste. By the way your friend Arnold Krumm was telling me that his cousin's father was at the Paris exhibition with a namesake of yours. Has he any connection with your family?"

Meyer mused a while before speaking: "My family were from Frankfurt, the town on the River Maine, whereas Krumm's associate's family connections were around Essen. It was the common interest they shared of smelting but their interests diverged when Krumm's father died and Meyer seemed to forge ahead of Krumm, excuse the pun."

Wright beetling his brow said: "In what way?"

"It all had to do with their speciality. Meyer had a huge bell at the Paris exhibition with a beautiful ring to it and Krumm, envious of his former friend's product, suggested mischievously that the bell was a fake not just to friends but to a wider audience and Meyer took exception to this challenging Krumm to witness its manufacture at Meyer's foundry."

Wright's features distorted in puzzlement: "Why should that be a matter for disagreement, Auguste?"

"To simple souls like us," replied Meyer, "nothing untoward but Krumm was devious. You see by irritating his former friend he found the perfect way to visit Meyer's foundry and steal his technique or something along those lines. My namesake took that very much amiss on being told and severed his connection to Krumm."

Wright nodded his head to signify his comprehension saying: "There is something else I should ask you. How are your drawing skills? It would be a great help to accompany any description of what you see with some sketches."

Meyer smiled: "At last a skill developed in gymnasium will prove useful. I shall be pleased to though I'll need to visit the shops for some pencils and other drawing equipment."

Wright added a word of caution: "Make notes on the spot by all means but discretely and no drafts until you are home again. You do not want to offer any hostages to ill-fortune."

\----------0----------0----------

In his office a few days later Meyer was not too surprised when Arnold Krumm put in an appearance though he was somewhat taken aback when his visitor mooted the idea to visit Vauxhall rather than the expected topic, guns and artillery. It seems a friend of the family had visited the pleasure grounds south of the River Thames and had advised Krumm to follow his example for the pleasure of doing what Londoners liked to do.

Those were the days when the old Meyer and Krumm were boon companions and Arnold related how they had made their first acquaintance. The elder Krumm was apprenticed not to his father, the foundryman, but to a watch and clock maker and his business overlooked the River Main. One day the lad was looking out of the window when he observed a vessel proceeding, not by means of chains attached to horses on the tow path, but, it seemed, independently, and, amazed he turned to his employer exclaiming his surprise.

The old clock maker was vexed telling the boy to get on with his work filing a piece of metal preparatory to fitting it within a grandfather clock placed with the clock-maker for repair. However the young Krumm was insistent and the man got up to silence him with a box around the ears and catching sight of the vessel said angrily:

"Don't you know about steamboats, boy? See, it has the union flag at the rear. That means its English; they're always up to something weird. We Germans have used horses for centuries. Now, get on with your work. Herr Baum wants to collect the clock today."

A puzzled Meyer said: "What has that to do with it?"

His visitor replied: "One of his friends at school was your namesake who was somehow ever mixed up in his school-friend's projects and went along with them often at great cost to himself. One day both arrived early at school and went goose-gogging."

"We've all done that, Arnold!" returned an exasperated Meyer.

"But not in the headmaster's garden. As a result both got a flogging and Meyer was told to stay away from Krumm though evidently did not obey for the old Krumm magic worked on Meyer and both gave up their apprenticeships to go on a pilgrimage to England."

"And did he discover the mysteries of steam engines in England?" asked Meyer.

"No! His English proved too inadequate and if it had not been for Meyer he would have starved. Both lads somehow made their way west towards the Bristol Channel and the River Severn where..."

"The Severn!" repeated Meyer, "That's where they make iron."

"Yes," agreed Krumm, "and the area was short of workers so they very quickly found employment and their English, especially Krumm's, improved enormously."

Meyer got up and began to pace the room then suddenly turned towards where his visitor was sitting: "It seems the English play a significant role in our development if only in terms of their language. If ever the two nations got close you wonder which language they would speak. After all, the Angles and Saxons were supposed to come from northern Europe at the time of the great migration from the east. How long did they stay on the Severn?"

Krumm laughed and said: "Your grasshopper mind, Auguste. How it leaps from one topic to another and back again. To answer your last question, the truth is I do not know but each man had found his calling in the foundry, excuse the pun, though Meyer seems to have been more successful."

Meyer smiled somewhat smugly: "It's a family trait."

Krumm said: "You're right and I can see in it some reason for their falling out because Meyer employed the 'trial and error' method whereas my cousin was ever on the lookout for a quick way to solve problems. Their methods were incompatible. You can understand their falling out. But, my friend, it's still quite early in the day; shall we take that trip to Vauxhall! I understand there is a tram from Blackfriars. How do we get there?

\----------0----------0----------

On the top of the Vauxhall tram both men peered intently at the myriad wonders open-mouthed like a brace of goldfish peering out from their glass bowl. They hardly noticed the tram's occasional stops to pick up a fresh batch of passengers. On and on it trundled roughly parallel to the River Thames and either of them would excitedly point at the variety of different boats plying up and down the river.

"Look!" both excitedly directed their arms in the middle distance to a couple of eight-some skiffs racing each other towards Putney while rowing boats rested dancing up and down in the water from the ripples of the skiffs backwash. This turbulence hardly affected the huge pleasure boats occupied by scores of passengers both in the lower cabin and sitting in long benches on the upper deck trying to catch the sound of their tour guides bawling through long trumpets.

As the tram approached Battersea there was a definite diminution of traffic as the tram took a sharp left turn. Krumm forgot himself as he shouted "Guck, mal!" as Meyer reiterated his "Look!" as both men directed their gaze at the railway marshalling yards of Clapham which suddenly appeared on their right. Already voices from fellow passengers reached their ears such as 'what's e say, Mummy?' or simply 'foreigners' though not unfriendly.

The tram swung back to the river bank and the men looked for the skiffs which had long since vanished from sight having reached their destination. The conductor shouted Vauxhall and the men hurried along the upper deck to the circular steps leading to the bottom. As the two men walked along Meyer spotted a public house and grabbing Krumm's arm hurried him inside The Thieving Magpie.

It was crowded being just after midday but they managed to squeeze past the usual press of bar loungers to catch the barman's eye and order their pints of pale ale and then looking round for a suitable place to sit were forced to proceed through the wide open doors leading to the gardens where even here was crowded. Eventually they intimated to a lone occupier of a table who invited them with a gesture to join him.

Nodding their thanks they sank into the seats and Meyer commented to their fellow drinker that; "We have a bit of a thirst sitting on top of the tram in the hot sunshine. You see we're on our way to the Vauxhall pleasure gardens. Are they far?"

The man grinned saying: "You cannot be Londoners else you'd know the gardens closed years ago. They were due to close even before that but then the Great Exhibition came long but I think their last day was, let's see, '59; finito."

Meyer adopted a pained expression: "Looks like we've had a wasted journey though it was very pleasurable atop the tram."

The stranger by this time had finished his drink saying: "I shall drown your sorrows with drinks all round; how about that!"

Getting up he moved to the bar leaving Meyer and Krumm hastily swallowing their own drinks and just as they laid their glasses down the man appeared with three more ales, saying: "The name's Wellington, by the way; how do you do!"

Meyer thanked their host for the drinks and gave him their names and Meyer somewhat cheekily murmured smiling: "Any relation to the great duke, Wellington, I mean?"

Their host having taken a long draught replied: "You can guess my age, I dare say, as it was my dad who insisted on it after the great victory of '15 but, even twenty years later, people still want to stand me drinks though I've returned a few myself. Did you know one of his most famous sayings?"

"What was that?" asked Meyer.

"It was soon after the first launch of the railway when the duke was reported to have said: 'The trouble with the railways is that the common people will want to get out and about' and that was the reason for the Vauxhall Gardens to close. All the riff-raff descended on the area and the crime rate soared. Still, it did allow people to travel long distances. You two are a good example. Where do you hale from if it's not a rude question?"

"We are both from Saxony but I have a business in Fenchurch Street whereas my friend is from Essen and I'd like to confirm your comment about ordinary people travelling. It's the same all over Germany as new routes are being opened up. The trouble is that Saxony's rails end at the frontier with no thought of its neighbour in Prussia."

"According to The Times," said Wellington, "that's because the Saxons don't trust Prussia and I can't say I blame them."

Krumm intervened in halting English: "Is there something that is bad about Prussia, Herr, I mean, Mr Wellington?"

The stranger put down his drink before replying: "That Bismark fellow was not too kind towards little Denmark; he sounds a bit of a bully, know what I mean!"

Meyer laid his hand on Krumm's arm saying: "I think we have to leave, Mr Wellington. I have a business engagement."

Wellington took a watch from his waistcoat: "Jeepers, I forgot the time. I've got to get back to work on the railway. It was nice to have met you; goodbye!"

Wellington shook both their hands before hurriedly taking his departure and Meyer and Krumm followed on his heels. Krumm did not mention Wellington's rebuff as he spoke to Meyer once they were outside the pub:

"Ihr Freund Wright told me you would like some elementary knowledge of a certain matter that we should only speak about in private. Surely this is private enough for I suggest we walk back part of the way and we can talk. My other reason of course is to walk off the double beers we've both consumed. Phew! I'm feeling just a little high; einverstanden!" (Agreed)

\----------0----------0----------

A few days later Meyer could not comprehend his good fortune. He found himself ensconced in an easy chair listening to Hildegard on the lower floor in the kitchen preparing some refreshments for them both. Just a fortnight ago he had contemplated being outdoors and listening for the slightest sound or glancing covertly around in case anyone should detect his presence which was a situation that his colleague Wright had suggested might be his lot when he had agreed to travel to Shoeburyness to spy on proceedings at the British governments artillery testing range.

Evidently Wright himself had been concerned at his vulnerability and had arranged matters which involved the loan or purchase of a property in the vicinity. As for viewing the actual proceedings Wright's solution seemed perfect. There were precautions of course which for example had to do with the sun and the danger of reflection. He examined the front of the matt black telescope, at the large lens replacing its black disc as cover feeling sure that the sun was of little consequence.

He checked his fob watch. There was still time before the trials were due to begin. So he sank back into the chair but sat upright on hearing noises outside but then sighed with relief and hastily got up to open the door for Hildegard. She wafted in with a "Danke, Liebling; setzt Du dich!" After handing him his Kaffee she placed hers on a side-table and arranged herself into another easy chair asking: "No sign of any activity, yet my darling?"

Although everything was different to what he had imagined Meyer was still tense and his lover's question only served to unsettle him more so he answered somewhat brusquely that he did not expect anything to start happening until two in the afternoon. Even so he was on the alert for a sound, a boom perhaps that would indicate things had got underway. He wondered how much Wright had paid for this place and reasoned he must have reconnoitred the area beforehand to find a place with the ideal view.

He delved into their hamper for another sandwich and only half-heard his lover, say: "Do you know of an author, an English author, by the name of Jane Austen, Liebling? She tells me.."

Meyer interrupted to say: "Who is Maisie, first of all?"

"She's the counter assistant at the local shop in Holborn where I bought most of our food in this hamper. She says that the author Jane Austen mentions picnic baskets in one of her novels."

Somewhat irritatedly Meyer says: "What has all this to do with us, today?" "Because my sweet," she replied, "you did not need to have the hamper sent over from Hanover; the English must already have them. It's just finding the right store which stocks them."

Meyer had a saucy comment on his lips but just then heard a boom and, sandwich in hand, leapt up to rush to the window. Taking the telescope he placed it to his right eye and cursed before removing the lens cover and took another squint. He saw a cloud of smoke but continued observation revealed several soldiers one of whom operated a lever which actuated, from his memory of Wright's diagram, a heavy round metal block. It swung sideways and he saw a civilian pointing to a white cloth sack.

It looked to have some weight as a soldier used both hands, and at the direction of the civilian, the bag was stuffed into the breech of the artillery piece though not until the civilian had inserted a pencil-like device (firing mechanism) with its trailing wire into the breech. The civilian was seen to bawl another command and the soldier closed the breech and took the other end of the trailing wire into his fist. The civilian gave another command and all retreated apart from the soldier holding the wire.

He could see the civilian shout something and imagined it as, 'fire!' and saw the soldier give the wire a sharp jerk and instantaneously there was a puff of heavy grey smoke followed a fraction later by a 'boom' as the charge was detonated. Seconds later, in the distance a derelict building was hit but there was no explosion as a shell buried itself in the brickwork. Meyer realised he had missed something and kept the scope to his eye and was rewarded, after witnessing the end of firing routine, with a different soldier being ordered to unscrew the nose of a shell and seem to make some adjustment.

He manhandled the shell into the gun-barrel while a fellow soldier heaved another sack into the breech, then the civilian inserted the firing pin succeeded by the soldier closing the breech. The same routine was repeated, the 'fire' order given causing the puff of smoke and the delayed 'boom' though on this occasion there was a tremendous explosion as the shell hit the building and Meyer concluded that the fuse setting had been adjusted.

Meyer got out a sketch and attempted to compare what he had seen with various calibres of shell on Wright's sketch and said to himself, 'twenty-five pounder' and Hildegard said: "What did you say, Liebling?" A shaft of sunlight made its presence evident and Meyer drew back from the window overly cautious that the sun striking his telescope might betray a presence if anyone was looking in their direction. It would soon vanish as it was a cloudy day and the sun soon went behind a cloud and he resumed his vigil.

Hildegard had packed up their hamper and now stood up and addressed Meyer: "Ich hab' niemals ein Canone feuern zu sehen, Liebling. (I've never seen a gun being fired.) What do you see?" But, Meyer was offhand: "Du hast nix verpasst, Liebling." (You haven't missed much). But, he carried on peering through the scope for the next three hours and turning round to say something to his lover he saw that she had vanished. "Cannot say I blame her!" he muttered to himself.

He mused that the civilian he had seen was Sir William Armstrong himself and for some reason the memory of Mr Wellington's criticism of Count von Bismark cropped up in his mind of his being something of a bully. Well, he mused, having an advanced gun in his army like the one he had witnessed and even heavier calibres he could do some more 'bullying'. Perhaps Prussia needed to give the Empire of Austria a lesson or two.

But then his thoughts turned towards Hildegard and wondered how he could reward her for her forbearance and tried to think of a restaurant to entertain her after they had returned to London. Or, perhaps he would ask her to pick out an item of jewellery. He had a better idea: he would buy that set of ear-rings she coveted and present her with them at a candle-light dinner back in their pied-a-terre in Holborn. The important thing was to keep them in the office. It would never do if Bertha found them first.

He took another look towards the firing range but it was almost deserted and certainly he could see no sign of the civilian. They have called it a day, it seems. Relaxed his thoughts returned to Hildegard and he felt a pleasing pressure in his groin as he decided to rejoin his lover, wherever.

Part 2 – Prussia & Saxony

### Chapters 6 to 11
Chapter 6

At some distance from modern Essen in a village still countrified despite the Storkrade Iron Works a series of low-lying buildings, more akin to farm sheds or barns for stabling horses or cattle, are alive with the deafening noises of smelting various kinds of iron, cast and wrought. A middle-aged man, smart in a tailed frock coat befitting his calling of Kellermeister pushes aside a tall sliding door and is immediately assailed by ever louder and harsher sounds in which screeches and screams, of metal being forged, assault the ears. For moments he peers into the backdrop of various harsh irruptions of yellow flames which dazzle him. Silhouetted against these flames is the black shape of a human figure whose back he faces and to whom he wants to communicate.

But, almost as if aware of his Kellermeister's presence the figure turns and catches sight of him upon which the servant forbearing to speak makes a gesture with his right hand describing a tall E followed by the expected S S E N to spell 'essen', not the town, but short for 'Mittagessen' or dinner. The man, Alfred Krumm by name, signals in turn with his arm and the Kellermeister leaves via the open door followed by Krumm who says, as his servant closes the door behind them:

"Haben Sie die Raeder gesehen? (Did you see the wheels) That's a result of another American contract for our new tyred wheels."

His servant echoed his enthusiasm: "You've picked a winner there, Sir. In the Gaststaette they're crowing that we're one up on the English. I wonder when they'll catch us up."

Krumm says: "Let's not be too hasty to write them off. They still have a few aces to play."

The two men had reached Krumm's house and they parted company, the servant to the basement while Krumm ascended the steps to his front door. It was a modest two storey house which his wife complained was too near the works but he liked its convenience. He was soon engaged in washing his hands in an ante-room adjoining the lounge whereupon on entering it, Madame Krumm cried:

"Just in time, Sir! As you see Lotte is placing the food on the table. If only we could silence those screeching sounds." But, Krumm grinned wolfishly and said somewhat viciously: "That, Liebling, that noise is sweet music to my ears and you will adore what it will buy in Essen's shops."

As happened so often Krumm interspersed his eating by occasionally smirking at his wife's expressions of distaste as the occasional screech from the foundry wafted in their direction; the noises from the foundry were inescapable which pleased Krumm but displeased Madame. Course followed course as they ate in silence and relieved that it was over Krumm still chewing dropped his napkin on the table, arose from his chair and with a grunt of satisfaction left the table and retraced his steps though instead of turning towards the foundry he made for another building.

It was a dilapidated cottage towards the end of the village of Stallig, now swallowed up by the sprawl of Essen. He put no key into the door though there was a keyhole operating a latch and pushed open a door into the cottage. It was gloomy despite the bright sunshine outside on account of the windows being so small and smeared with the dust and dirt of passing traffic which was mostly farm carts and herds of cows and sheep.

Purposefully he made his way to the sole bedroom and threw himself on the double bed before reaching towards the wall behind the head of the bed. He removed a cover from that wall which revealed the end of a large round tube and putting it to his nostrils he breathed deeply. His breeches became uncomfortable and he eased the waistband by unfastening the buttons and placed a hand on his swollen member. With a few jerks he stiffened on gaining satisfaction and then suddenly relaxed and dozed.

Already the images reminiscent of a holiday in Tuscany flooded his consciousness and for the umpteenth time he relived the memory. He and his wife had been staying in a two-storey but petite chalet and after love-making he and his wife had fallen asleep. He awoke and rising to leave his wife still fast asleep he had snatched up his robe and wandered onto the balcony spotting stairs leading down to the stable from which he heard a low murmur.

A young man, stripped to the waist, scarcely more than a boy whose eye he had caught on arriving now was filling a bucket with fodder for his horse and he looked straight at him and, forgetting himself, though the boy was equally forward and, in no time, found himself in an embrace with the young Adonis, and, just then heard a long drawn out splash as the mare discharged ordure on to the stable floor and the steaming aroma heightened his desire and he kissed the boy with ardour and both their man-hoods pressed against their tight torsos, and he came; they both came before sinking to the floor in a frenzied embrace.

On returning home Krumm had over the course of time waited for an opportunity to indulge his fantasy of reliving that moment in Tuscany. When a tied cottage had been vacated he had told his estate manager to leave it empty. It was Krumm's cottage where he kept a horse for occasional trips into the country which he found beneficial in more ways than his original purpose. Surreptitiously he acquired items and tools to arrange matters between stable and the bedroom to remind him of that coital moment in a Tuscany stable. He never saw his Italian partner again.

Awake and lying on the bed he recalled his brief chat with the Kellermeister and tried to remember the Gaststaette, the local inn, mentioned. Then coming to a decision and feeling somewhat dry he made moves to freshen up by dashing water from the sink onto his face noticing a few grey hairs in his normally jet black hair in the cracked mirror near the sink as he combed his locks with the comb normally used for his horse whom he also provisioned with fresh oats and water before leaving the cottage.

Despite his lie-in and doze he was still on a 'high' from the intoxication of the horse manure and checked himself for unsteadiness as he walked towards the centre of the village and caught the attention of one of his workers from the Huette (ironworks) who doffed his hat encouraging Krumm to greet him in return and said:

"Herr Schmidt! My Kellermeister was telling me where he quenched his thirst usually. Is this the right direction?"

"Jawohl, Herr Krumm! You'll be very welcome." And so they walked in silence awhile until Schmidt sighted their destination saying: "Here we are Sir, Die Schmelzer (the Smelter); permit me to stand you a thirst quencher." He greeted his workmates on entering the saloon inviting Herr Krumm to take a seat while he went towards the bar for their beers. Krumm could not help noticing two men by the window performing an overtly raucous game of cards and when Schmidt sat down with their ales drew his attention to them.

"Skat, Sir! The one slamming his card down has trumped Hans the trump being a master card but a moment later be sure that Hans will over-trump Fritz and you'll see him slam his trump card down."

The player Fritz on spotting Schmidt waved to him before continuing to play. It was gloomy in the tavern so nobody had spotted Krumm who was pleased to take deep draughts of his ale undisturbed. It was Schmidt who was slapped on the back and, in turn, responded: "I'm not surprised you have a thirst Helmut." Turning to Krumm he added, "Meet our master-smelter, Sir; Helmut Neiber."

If Neiber was surprised he did not show it and simply responded: "What a great pleasure to see you, Herr Krumm. Smelting is thirsty work. Our innkeeper stores the ale in the basement which is why it keeps so cool."

Krumm agrees and inviting his master-smelter to take a seat, says: "You're dead right and I'm ordering beers all round; see you soon." He was soon back with the foaming tankards and the three toasted each other. Krumm turned to Neiber and said: "You were with my father at the Great Exhibition in London, were you not! Was there anything from that time that still stands out in your memory?"

Neiber's response was immediate: "It was those trains, Sir, taking me and the wife to Charing Cross. After using a horse-drawn carriage all my life; well, that was a real experience."

It was not the answer Krumm wanted and he rephrased his query: "My father wanted you there to attend the cannon; how was that Herr Neiber?"

Neiber smiled: "Helmut, Sir; no need for formality. Aye, your father was right proud of his silver cannon but, as you know, the English were chary about him wanting to sell arms at the exhibition though at the end of it all it was a little man who asked to see Herr Krumm Senior. Your father thought he was going to offer to burnish the silver but he proved to be the Tsar's special emissary. Sadly it was the only sale by Herr Krumm though I'm told that that silver cannon has pride of place in front of the imperial palace of Saint Petersburg."

As Krumm listened he also smiled at the memory his smelter had recreated for him for it was also a memory his father had cherished and reflected that had his business instincts been as sound as his sentimentality his foundry might have prospered more. Another memory was not quite so pleasing but he jogged his employee's recollection even so, saying: "And what of the Englishman, Armstrong, Helmut; what of him?"

Neiber was enthusiastic: "I saw him, Sir, and was present when he spoke with your father though.. " here, Neiber teased his employer as he continued, "he spoke not of guns but of cranes because, as you know, his plant in Newcastle worked non-stop supplying world demand. Even our ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven wanted to install them at the wharves of their docks."

Krumm's smile froze because Armstrong had been unwittingly the reason demand for the products of German foundries slowed down and he reflected on the disparity in the production of pig-iron ingots, the raw material for steel, between England and the German states and commented: "Just as well they make cranes and not cannon."

Neiber grinned: "Der alte Herr Krumm always said, Sir, that, lucky for us, the English prefer the open sea."

Krumm said somewhat sharply: "That of course is not the same for us Prussians squeezed between the Russkis to the east and the ambitious Emperor Napoleon IIIrd in the west."

Neiber's next words surprised Krumm for he did not think his employees were much interested in politics: "Is that the purpose, Sir, of the North German Confederation in uniting the northern states, our neighbours, so to speak, like Saxony and Hessen etc?"

Krumm, though, does not chide him for he knows the value of his master-smelter and he would be hard put to replace him. He is also feeling somewhat light-headed as he is unaccustomed to beer and perhaps voices sentiments that he would not otherwise utter:

"Herr Armstrong makes a powerful gun, Helmut. With such guns Prussia would not need either Hessen or Saxony but to make such guns in our foundries we would need to re-tool which would cost a hundred-thousand marks. I have no magic money-tree, hmm!"

Neiber eyes his employer intently aware that, Schmidt having left them to make a threesome at Skat, they are alone and that Krumm has shared a confidence with him and says: "I have to go, Sir. Can I help you back?"

Krumm tries to rise but his head swims and gratefully accepts Neiber's help in making their way to the exit where the cool air does nothing to sober him and he listens to his companion's words as though in a waking dream. Neiber recounts another experience:

"when you asked me inside the tavern about your father's and my trip to the Great Exhibition in London I might have answered for Frau Neiber because, as a result of events, her experience might offer some help to you Herr Krumm."

Krumm looked long and hard at Neiber but said nothing and Neiber continued: "Your troubles possibly stem from banks unwilling to advance loans, Sir; she did a service to a banker's wife who promised my wife to render her a service in return. It was a gesture of gratitude but what can a banker possibly do for us? But, it is you my employer that needs a loan, perhaps?"

Krumm had stopped and both men stood still in the street and Neiber watched as his employer tried to grasp his words but suddenly he pulled them both to one side as a cart swept by, its driver yelling: "Aus dem Weg, Dummkoepfe!" The incident electrified Krumm who broke free of Neiber shouting after the cart: "Idiot, yourself." But his shouts were lost in the clatter of the horse and cart; the two men stood for a moment dazed until Krumm said:

"You're not making any sense, Helmut. How is your wife's good deed going to help me get a loan from a bank?"

Neiber however was unfazed and said soberly: "The mother of the girl whose life she saved has the name of Berenberg-Gossler, bankers of Hamburg." Krumm stopped again at the mention of the name and eyed Neiber sternly: "I'm missing something here, Helmut. Perhaps it's the beer fazing me."

Neiber nodded and answered: "I'm not explaining myself too well, Sir. Let's try another tack: The banker's wife gave my wife an ear-ring not just as a keep-sake but also as a talisman. Well, she put it away but that little girl by the name of Julie is now married to the banker Berenberg-Gossler; my idea and I'm sure the wife would approve is to ask for a favour on your behalf. After all, the grant of the loan will benefit everybody including you, Herr Krumm, and all your employees in retooling the factory."

Krumm now sober looked seriously at Neiber: "You would do this for me!"

Neiber re-affirmed: "If you prosper, Sir, we all prosper. Where would I work if your Huette was forced to close through absence of orders notwithstanding your American contract."

Krumm now seemed to be considering Neiber's proposal; eventually he said: "The talisman was given by a woman to a woman so perhaps Frau Krumm might be the intermediary; would your wife agree to that, Helmut?"

"What a capital idea, Sir."
Chapter 7

Had either man been superstitious it may have occurred to one of them that the Goddess of Good Fortune was looking down on the scene so recently described between Herr Krumm and Herr Neiber for on the next day a packet arrived addressed to the Krumms. It contained tickets announcing the imminent opening of a new railway line between the towns of Essen and that of Dortmund.

Alfred Krumm could not believe his good fortune on seeing the names of the sponsors and financial backers of the new line to be none other than the bankers Berenberg-Gossler of Hamburg. However his wife was dubious at the possibility of meeting that distinguished family on that particular day on account of the hundreds perhaps even thousands of people who would also be present and that the banker and his wife would be far too busy dealing with the inevitable congregation of local dignitaries than to concern themselves with the likes of an unknown foundryman.

As events turned out Frau Krumm's misgivings though understandable were to prove unfounded; nonetheless that prospect did generate an idea in Herr Krumm's mind for his wife's forecast that the occasion would be popular was well judged for even at a distance from the ceremonial site the noise of several thousands of people, sounding like a breaking wave at the seaside, assailed everyone's ears in their Brougham on their arrival.

It was the quartet of horses whose ears were the first indication to the driver on noticing how they pricked up far from the actual scene and as the noise got louder the driver had difficulty keeping them under control. The passengers included the Krumms, his Kellermeister, and both Helmut Neiber and his wife, and if the reader might be surprised that the party included employees it should be stated that the firm of Krumms was a singular example in Germany of a firm having a social responsibility towards its employees with the provision of health care and housing for workers; although there were a few companies in the UK who ensured their workers were well housed and cared for.

However society in general at this time did not share the Krumms' attitude towards its workers and so it was manifest at the ceremony where seating was arranged by social class so that on arrival at the event Herr Krumm handed two tickets to his smelter and wife whose seats were located at a different part of the stand overlooking the new railway line about to be opened.

After leaving the Brougham in the care of the driver Herr Krumm told his Kellermeister to search among the other carriages for the family standard of the Berenberg-Gosslers telling him, "Look for a bear holding a fir-tree between his paws, Herr Mueller, and leave this letter with the driver or place it on his seat. Then make your way to the stand with these tickets." He handed two to him, one of them being for his smelter's wife.

Having achieved his objective Mueller took both places in the stand next to the Neibers. He enquired of Neiber about the line about to be opened and the latter explained that the new line was coming from Koeln to the west and would join up with the new line. In fact railway navvies had laboured for two years to build the viaducts and cuttings removing thousands of tonnes of soil and tearing down houses, churches and farm buildings. Indeed whole villages were victims to the voracious demands of the navvies although they were innocent of the clearance, that guilt lying purely with the ruthless land barons whose estates were being crossed and who received compensation though not passing a pfennig on to any of their tenants who, often with only a few days notice, had to clear out.

To the east the line would connect with an existing Hannover line to Bremen and further north to Hamburg. Doubtless, speculated Neiber, the Bremen to Hamburg link had already been sponsored by the Berenberg-Gossler bank. After the ceremony when the new line came into operation there would be a direct railway link from Koeln to Hamburg and vice-versa.

Across the, as yet unopened, railway line, another stand had been erected which was packed equally with spectators. Now, Neiber removed an optic from a leather etui around his shoulders and peering through it examined the line both to his left and his right. His wife said excitedly: "What can you see, Sir?"

Neiber handed her the optic and pointed and she directed the glass in that direction and described what she saw: "There's a white ribbon stretched across the line between two whats-its." "The whats-its are stanchions, ma'am," said her husband, "erected for the purpose; once the ceremony is over they'll be removed." Mueller's eyes appealed and after Frau Neiber handed the scope back Neiber handed it over to the Kellermeister who was soon uttering 'oohs' and 'aahs' stimulating Frau Mueller to dig him in the ribs and tell him she'd also like to take a peek.

Neiber gesticulated to Mueller to hand it to his wife and Frau Mueller seemed equally entranced and taking it from her eyes, said: "What a marvellous thing, Herr Neiber; wherever did you get it?" Neiber was rightly proud of his optic and pointed to the name on the scope, 'Ross' adding: "His lordship was there at the Great Exhibition in London. He is the founder of the company which makes these telescopes. They are a tiny version of the huge telescope in Ireland that his lordship uses to look at the stars. You see so many people were asking him how they could look at the stars that he and his children started to investigate how to make a tiny pocket version and this is the result. To be honest I've only looked at the full moon and it does not look much different but for events like this it is ideal."

The sound of happenings at the railway line caused everyone to turn their attention in the direction of the tape. A man in the usual tails and top hat approached the tape. Around his neck he wore a heavy-looking chain of office and people whispered, 'Der Burgermeister'. More black dressed personages hovered around and Neiber scrutinised each and found what he was looking for: a gentleman wearing a badge; and the magnification of the glass enabled him to recognise its insignia, 'a bear and fir tree' indicating to Neiber that this personage must be the banker himself and taking the glass away looked around for any sight of his employer.

However the crowd was soon made aware that there would be a delay as someone had, at the last minute, noticed that the coal tender had not sufficient fuel for the engine so had to be reversed for this operation to be carried out. Everyone was intrigued however by the puffing engine with its high chimney as it slowly retreated. Uniformed officials with megaphones made an announcement to this effect and the crowd patiently waited for the unexpected hiatus to be resolved though it was a good humoured crowd.

Neiber told Mueller and his wife of similar delays in England when he and his wife had attended rail opening ceremonies. Indeed the Neibers had been told of a tragic event at one such opening when a leading politician had been run over by a train, 'the Rocket'. The Muellers received this news with incredulity though Frau Mueller had the presence of mind to ask her fellow housewife about the incident where she had saved a child's life. Frau Neiber readily agreed:

"The child in question is now, of course, an adult and none other than the Lady Julia, the Berenberg-Schlosser's wife, whose family is sponsoring this very railway line. I was just another woman among the crowd watching some machinery running. There was a barrier preventing people from getting too near the machine but an outside door opened and a draught blew the little girl's kerchief through the vertical bars of the screen. It wound around a pulley and the girl was choking so I snipped the kerchief with scissors and cut it in two; the little girl's eyes no longer bulged and she was breathing normally. My, my, my; 'twere over in a flash!"

Frau Mueller was listening with awe to Frau Neiber and said: "What a chance that you had the scissors to hand!" Whereupon Frau Neiber pulled back her topcoat to reveal the scissors in question hanging from her neck explaining: "The scissors were a present from my mother when I became a seamstress. As you see they hang about the neck but are hidden from view."

Herr Mueller had a question and it was delivered with a sparkle in his eyes saying: "And where pray was Herr Neiber while this drama was being enacted, may I ask!" Neiber for his part assumed a nonchalant air in attempting a jest: "Where would a gentleman be, Herr Mueller, but enjoying a quaff of English beer and mighty tasty it is too but I knew nothing of the matter until I observed Frau Neiber fingering an ear-ring and enquired whether she had lost the other!"

Both the Neibers laughed and Frau Neiber explained: "It belonged to the Lady Julia's mother. She took off her ear-ring there and then and handed it to me saying she would like me to keep it in remembrance of the incident and she added that she might be able to do me a service one day. She was serious but all I could do was to mumble my thanks and so we parted. That's the story."

For a while none of them spoke and it was a whistle from their right all heads turning to watch a locomotive and tender slowly approach the ceremonial tape stopping some yards away from it sighing as steam issued from the engine until with another sigh all was quiet. A railway man might have anticipated another occurrence that of a line of carriages edging closer to the locomotive and tender where both would be linked.

Had George Stephenson, the English pioneer of railway construction, been present he may well have breathed a sigh of satisfaction that, in pure engineering terms, the opening of the new line would represent progress in human endeavour. Mention of George is well-made as he was the first engineer in Germany just a score of years earlier who was invited by the government of Saxony to construct a railway. On approaching the border with Prussia he had enquired of a state official if plans were afoot to link up to any possible routes from Prussia.

The Saxony official had declared airily that the government of Prussia could look after its own affairs without reference to its neighbour so Stephenson's railway ended at a small town by the name of Wittingen and although the Prussian village of Rade was only a few miles distant it may as well have been on the moon for all the interest shown in a connection between the two places.

Such an attitude did not go unnoticed by a statesman by the name of Count von Bismark who was determined to end such alienation between German states founding in 1867 the Confederation of North Germany whereby citizens of Prussia, Saxony and others would share a common passport, a single postal system and free movement between the different states.

So the railway line, Essen to Dortmund, would complete the connection between Koeln and Hannover and, as the mass of onlookers observed, the Burgermeister of Essen declared in a strong, clear and proud voice whilst cutting the ceremonial tape that the new railway connection between the two towns was now officially open which was the signal for the locomotive to sound a hoot and, accompanied by cheers and loud clapping from the onlookers, the loco slowly picked up steam and with a chuff, chuff, chuff proceeded slowly along the new line to Dortmund though only for a short distance when, at the sound of another prearranged hoot, the ushers announced to the onlookers that ticket-holders with a 'P' printed on their ticket would be entitled to a seat in one of the coaches just joined with the loco shouting to these ticket-holders to claim their seats.

Both Neiber and Mueller shook their heads in disappointment upon examination of their 'P'-less tickets. However the situation was not quite so bleak as they had imagined because although the train carrying the 'P' ticket-holders had disappeared the ushers now made a second announcement that a reception was to take place yonder. As the ushers pointed all heads turned in the direction being indicated and people were invited to make their way following the ushers towards, to their left, two enormous tents which had suddenly been erected in a field beyond the trees which had screened them hitherto.

People were asked to form an orderly line prior to entering the marquees and thereafter followed guidelines on how the buffet refreshments were to be served upon the two lines of tables already covered with tablecloths complete with plates, cutlery and glasses for wine and flagons for beer with beakers for younger people. Across the two long tables another shorter table had been placed and its purpose soon became apparent as a megaphone was placed nearby which, when the queue of people had taken their places, the usher asked them to read the menu placed at each place and advise the waiters of their particular wants in terms of food and drink.

Soon the marquees were filled with the sound of people talking amongst themselves completely drowning out the sound of drinking and eating. However scarcely had the Neibers begun their repast when Herr Neiber was approached by an usher who invited him and his wife to follow him out of the marquee to another smaller tent and here the Neibers were astonished to be approached by the banker, Herr Berenberg-Schlosser and his Lady, and even more astonished when the Lady addressed them; her gaze was directed at Frau Neiber:

"Dear, dear lady, I recognised you amongst the people in the stand for, although it has been more than ten years, the memory of your action that day in the Crystal Palace in London is on my mind and will be till the day I die."

Frau Neiber on hearing these words clutched her husband's hand as if seeking reassurance she was not dreaming though recovered her composure as her reply made plain: "Your words, ma'am, fill me with awe. I do still occasionally think of the incident and I hope you don't have unpleasant memories such as nightmares. But though I remember your name as little Julie at the time; you are no longer little, of course."

Frau Neiber stopped and blushed on reminding herself of the circumstances though the Lady put her at her ease at once saying with a chuckle: "It's Julie Berenberg and, as you have confirmed, no longer little but let me introduce my husband, Herr Berenberg-Schlosser!"

Berenberg-Schlosser made to put the couple at their ease by inviting them to join their table where they were waited on by a maitre d'hote and soon they were enjoying the same refreshments as were being served in the marquees though more tete-a-tete. Lady Berenberg-Schlosser could not resist telling Frau Neiber that their tea cups were: "Wedgewood, Frau Neiber, a wedding gift from Mutti."

Noticing a ghost of a smile appearing on Neiber's lips Herr Berenberg-Schlosser leaned over to his guest to murmur: "Perhaps Herr Neiber might prefer another beverage," indicating a sturdy bench behind them and perceiving interest in Neiber's eyes the banker arose from his seat bowing to the ladies who smiled their acquiescence and, taking Neiber's arm, moved over to the bench holding a selection of alcoholic drinks.

Neiber chose an English beer saying: "This will be the first time since we both were in England with Herr Krumm senior. Is it to your taste, Sir?" The other man smiled: "I'll take a Riesling for now. The beer is on order because of the preferences of my staff some of whom travel to England in the service of the bank."

The two men chatted amiably before rejoining the ladies and listened to Frau Berenberg-Schlosser who was telling her guest: "My mother spoke of you a great deal, Frau Neiber, and was disappointed that she was not able to render you any service and she has passed the obligation to me but.." Frau Neiber sensed the other woman's hesitation and said: "Dear Lady, I do assure you I am perfectly happy with my life and that of my children but my man put an idea to me concerning the affairs of his employer, Herr Krumm in that.."

The other woman was alert to her words saying: "My dear friend if I may address you thus of course if there is anything that might be arranged in this way, let us know." Frau Neiber slightly blushing conscious she was straying into unfeminine matters responded: "You see, ma'am, my man is attached to his work as master-smelter and his employer confided once to him that to meet a new contract he, Herr Krumm, would need a loan though that is as far as I know of the matter.."

At this point Herr Neiber raised his hand to be allowed to speak saying: "I happen to know that my employer, Herr Krumm, is looking for a loan to tool-up a foundry." He turned to the banker: "I hope that I haven't spoken out of turn."

The banker smiled reassuringly: "Believe me, Herr Neiber and your good-self, Frau Neiber, you can safely leave this matter in our hands." And, addressing his wife added: "It seems we both can do a lot of people some good, my dear!" Then turning to the Neibers he said: "You may have thought that you had missed out on an inaugural ride on the train but soon it will be returning with the 'P' ticket-holders; once all the passengers have disembarked it will be our turn to enjoy a ceremonial ride at no cost, of course."

Soon after a hoot was heard indicating the return of the train and Herr Berenberg-Schlosser excused himself and his wife as they had ceremonial duties to perform. There were emotional scenes as the two ladies parted as each was conscious that a long anticipated obligation was soon to be accomplished so their mood was joyous as they took leave of the other each to return to their station in life briefly interrupted to share a mutual memory.

Before this chapter ends one slight incident is recounted. The reader was told of the Kellermeister, Herr Mueller's, mission to hand a letter to the driver of the Berenberg-Schlooser carriage or, in his absence, to place it upon his driving seat. It was the latter option that Herr Mueller performed. At some time during the day there was a sudden though brief flurry of wind which dislodged the envelope from the seat, carrying it aloft into the air and depositing it on the roof of some derelict building whereupon a stork in constructing its nest promptly snatched up the paper in its beak and used it to help fortify its nest high up on a chimney where likely it will remain in perpetuity.
Chapter 8

Meyer was alone in his office at Spedition Co because the work he had to perform was secret. He had dismissed his secretary for the rest of the day and instructed reception to tell anyone likely to call to see him, whether previously arranged or otherwise, that he would not be available until the following day. Even so he reflected that he could only make a start upon the mammoth task in front of him: to transcribe sixty-six documents which were in the package of documents delivered to him by Lionel Wright himself that day.

His task was to transcribe the documents onto suitable sheets of paper and parchment bought for the purpose although he could not hope to match the expert draughtsmanship of some of them which, by their appearance, had been drawn in a professional draughtsman's office of Sir William Armstrong's in Newcastle, England for they bore the unmistakeable writing of Armstrong himself especially the early drawings and documents. Meyer had worn out much shoe leather pacing the streets of London such as the Strand seeking stationers which were likely to hold stocks of the paper and parchment.

Once a stationer's assistant had shown some surprise at this request because he was more accustomed to supply much smaller sizes for use in schools and offices. Eventually he had also bought a collection of different size sheets for the transcription of the Armstrong documents plus a supply of Indian ink, special drafting pens, graphite pencils and erasers for both pencil and pen. Having arranged both the Armstrong sheets and his newly bought paper on his desk he sat down to transcribe the first document. It was evidently one of the first and looked to be the writing of Sir William himself. He read it through before transcribing it,

'I submit this invention on this day of September of the year....' and duly wrote onto a blank sheet of paper, 'Ich lege diese Erfindung auf diesen Tag von September...vor.

On completing the translation some time later he glanced at the bottom of the new sheet. It read 'Made in England' deciding it was too onerous a task to erase it on every item. Another matter bothered him: Should he write the English or the German form of 7. And, he ruminated, what about technical terms in English he had never heard of. Yet, his main concern was the heavy workload before him which meant the loss of many evenings as he must complete the work over the next few days as Wright would be back to collect the drawings in order to put them back where they were filed in the Patent Office in Somerset House before they were missed.

In that event Wright had a few limited days of grace should a particular drawing be requested by explaining that the drawing had been borrowed and, if demanded, show a book entry and forged signature but even so Meyer realised that Wright would be on tenterhooks all the time the borrowed drawings were absent from the Patent Office. Meyer was urged to complete the transcriptions as soon as possible. He had considered taking an employee into his confidence but rejected that option as too risky.

In his mind he reflected that this behaviour of his might attract some gossip and he ruminated in bed upon a suitable cover story. Evening after evening he worked on the transcription enjoying some satisfaction as one pile of papers decreased and another pile, his transcriptions, swelled in size. At times he would stand up and pace the room and at those times he could not resist raiding the drinks cabinet for a whiskey convincing himself that it helped his concentration whereas he knew it made him more tired.

On visiting the stables a couple of nights ago one of the grooms had lightly cracked a good humoured quip which had baffled him until arriving home Bertha had asked him whether he had called at his club the explanation being that his breath advertised it. So, on later occasions he had resisted the temptation to pour himself a drink, at least, an alcoholic one. Soda water was the safest.

Arriving at his office on the fifth day he took great pleasure in writing a note which, having placed in an envelope, he instructed his secretary to have it conveyed to Wright at Somerset House using their courier service. The end was in sight he told his correspondent in that Wright could collect the original package on the following day. In the course of transcribing the Armstrong documentation he had come to appreciate Armstrong, the inventor, and realised that he was viewing the work of a genius.

He wondered if such a genius might have the power of telepathy and that Armstrong sensed what he was doing; it bothered him especially at night. It had the effect of energising him to complete the task. Some drawings had nothing to do with armaments though he transcribed them also in the belief that Krumm, the engineer, might think differently to him. Also some of the drawings were drafted in Elswick and he wondered what significance, if any, it had. His earlier fears of meeting technical terms of which he was ignorant had not transpired because he simply transcribed the English term leaving it to Krumm to figure it out.

He was on tenterhooks himself awaiting Wright to collect his package which he did without ceremony arriving and leaving almost like a thief in the night. Meyer's final task was to await a Spedition consignment to Germany to enable him to include the packet of transcribed documents for forwarding to Krumm in Essen, Germany and hoped there would be no mishap en route between the English lading port of Hull and its freight destination port of Hamburg. He hoped that Krumm would send a message confirming that the packet was in his possession.

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Following the inauguration of the Essen-Dortmund line, two days later Herr Krumm appeared at the head office of the Berenberg Bank in Hamburg the journey having taken barely half-a-day from the Essen Bahnhof in a direct line to the railway station in Hamburg. He completed the final lap to the bank in a hansom carriage. His appointment with the banker was for two o'clock in the afternoon but having adjusted his pocket watch from Essen time to Hamburg time was not sure that he had got it right and so was pleasantly surprised by the banker who on being alerted from the reception desk that Herr Krumm had arrived made his way to the entrance to meet him.

"I am honoured Herr Krumm," The banker began, "to have you in my bank for the business that my dear wife explained to me." Soon he was conducting his visitor to his office up the imposing balustrade stairs towards their destination off the landing, continuing his address with a sardonic grin, "but of course she did not also tell you that you are imperceptibly being guided via the strands of our web, your host being the gloating spider."

They had arrived outside the door of the banker's office which was opened by a uniformed flunkey and he declaimed, "Voila! Please, dear Sir, take a seat; some refreshments after your journey will soon be forthcoming." He took his own seat blithely declaring: "This office is the epicentre of the aforementioned web. Jesting apart, how was your journey from Essen today?"

"Thankyou for your hospitality, Herr Berenberg-Schlosser; I am not feeling like a fly entrapped in your web, I assure you, but perhaps that is exactly the state of mind the victim should feel, but, joking aside, the journey was comfortable and the time passed by seemingly so quickly. It hardly seemed, compared to the rough shaking of the typical hansom cab that one was travelling at all; a very pleasant experience, thankyou."

A flunkey appeared at this moment expertly handling the heavy double-doors to the banker's office while pushing a trolley which rolled easily on its enormous front wheels. Yet, it was the aroma that alerted Herr Krumm's appetite for the banker had ordered Brat-Wurst, a local delicacy, and soon the gentlemen were imbibing their chosen beverages and munching their sausages; Krumm appreciated the provision of warm water and linen towels to wipe their fingers of grease. All was silent for several minutes and Krumm noticed that the servant had silently disappeared. He listened attentively to the bankers words:

"I understand that you are seeking to re-equip a foundry to manufacture a new item; is that correct?"

Krumm was suddenly nervous for the moment had arrived for him to state his case and he was anxious to avoid any false step and so his response was measured and deliberate: "Without the sponsorship of the Berenberg-Schlosser bank, Sir, the new railway between the towns of Essen and Dortmund could not have been built though you may not be aware that the wheels of the locomotive were forged in the foundry of the Krumm Company. Indeed my foundry is currently handling a contract from a Massachusetts Company in the USA to supply similar wheels with detachable tyres the patent for which is exclusively owned by Krumm."

The banker was impressed and showed it by saying:

"Congratulations, Herr Krumm; your opening remarks took me completely by surprise but it was a pleasant surprise because it has cut the ground from beneath my feet, this ground being the question of collateral. Doubtless you are proposing that your collateral is the success of your business and the value of the real estate of your foundries. Is that correct?"

"Quite so, Sir," answered Krumm feeling jauntier than he had been at the start of his opening remarks though tensed as the banker qualified his praise: "However though I can understand your confidence in your enterprise and rightly so, the Berenberg bank receives countless such significant applications for loans. The industrial landscape of northern Germany has been transformed in the past few years and our bank is at the forefront of capital demands from manufacturers such as pharmaceuticals, the dyeing industry..."

Krumm interrupted somewhat brusquely though with a smile declaring: "I get the picture, Sir, but my new foundry..." he broke off for a moment, continuing, "my father was in England for the Great Exhibition and English officials told him that their government had two priorities, defence of the realm and self-sufficiency and that England has achieved both. Surely the government in Prussia should have the same priorities sandwiched as it is between Russia and France both major powers so that a sound defence of Prussia is paramount.

The loan I seek is to re-tool a foundry to forge the latest artillery, Sir, though this information is still very much confidential as it concerns the military so I would ask for some discretion in discussing matters with your fellow directors."

The banker was silent his mind occupied by two competing forces: the desire to please his wife but also his own predilection for a viable proposition so as to consolidate the bank's future in a competitive world. Nonetheless Herr Krumm presented a powerful argument for the bank to grant a loan though another of the banker's predilections was a tendency to tease an applicant and he began:

"It was interesting to hear you mention England for I understand from my English contacts that a certain gentleman by the name of Armstrong is supplying their own War Office with a revolutionary form of artillery. Have you heard of this development?"

Krumm smiled and determined to act the innocent declared airily: "Doubtless, Sir, this gentleman has got wind of my own development in artillery which is finding favour with the Prussian military because it's the very latest in breech-loaders and the Prussian Army after delivery of my artillery will be the best-equipped in Europe and ready to withstand an attack from either the forces of the Tsar or the Emperor of the French. Your loan will enable the Company of Krumm to bring this about."

The banker smiled: "Your confidence is safe with me, Herr Krumm. However as you are perhaps aware I am but one of three directors of the Berenberg Bank although being the senior does carry some gravitas. Nonetheless your permission to divulge certain matters might weigh decidedly in your favour; your reaction, Sir."

Krumm got up and paced the office having already made up his mind to respond in the affirmative but this prolonged reflection would look better to the banker and he turned to face the banker with an affirmative and was rewarded with an item of news that quite amazed him. The banker thanked him adding:

"A few weeks ago, Herr Krumm, we took possession of several hectares of land in East Prussia and the preliminary report from our land agent might find favour with you whether we grant your request or not. It is situated at a place called Peenemunde and, it seems, ideal for the testing of artillery unless you already have a site."

Krumm beamed: "We do but it is most unsatisfactory. Of course I would have to check it out though the site is not completely unknown to me; nonetheless, Sir, many, many thanks."

Reflecting upon his interview the following day Krumm felt a twinge of uneasiness regarding his imparting of confidential information and reflected it was just one of the banes of being a business man. He needed the loan. Was it a worse sin than his predilection for horse manure and his sexual deviations! His fellow business associates had divulged confidences that made him blush to reflect upon. But, was he any worse than politicians and statesmen! He had been told that Frederick of Prussia had actually sent a raiding party to England to steal the secrets of steam power from the likes of James Watt and Mathew Boulton to power the fountains of his palace, Sans Souci, in Brandenburg.

Of course he reflected in stealing patents from England he was equally guilty but it was in a good cause, the safety and security of his homeland. Yet, a thought still nagged him that he was breaking one of his father's sacred tenets: Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Would he tolerate Armstrong stealing his, Krumm's, patents! He knew the answer and also knew that such a thought would not cross Armstrong's mind because it was not the deed of a gentleman. And, then there was Meyer the Spedition manager in London his go-between, and Wright taking risks that might land him in an English prison.

He reproved himself for his conscience safe in Saxony while Wright, if caught, might even face a worse penalty than imprisonment that of capital punishment for his treachery. Nonetheless he felt some pride in that their machinations had been successful and that copies of the Armstrong patents had been successfully rendered into German nomenclature and spirited out of England via a normal Spedition transaction between the ports of Hull and Hamburg. Perhaps, he ruminated with a dry smile, one of Armstrong's cranes installed on the port's wharves had lifted the crate from ship to shore and onto the waiting dray for trans-shipment via the new train direct to Essen.

Armstrong might become suspicious when the Prussian War Office cancelled their agreement; but what could he do! His own English War Office did not give him that absolute support that he had a right to expect. The Times letter was known to Krumm and it revealed woeful treatment from the English officials all because one of Armstrong's guns had blown up. That was a teething problem; to be resolved between War Office and manufacturer. Krumm hoped the Prussian military would be kinder towards him and at that thought a former problem struck him as he reflected on the banker's remark concerning Peenemunde, a possible artillery testing ground. He must make plans to visit the site and wondered about possible railway connections to take him at least some of the way.
Chapter 9

Krumm did not have long to wait for the letter from Herr Berenberg-Schlosser approving the loan citing a unanimous agreement from his partners in the bank; also included was a most surprising invitation which intrigued him. The banker had mentioned a parcel of land that had come into the bank's possession following a default on a loan to buy the land by a developer who was planning to build houses on the peninsula. The banker had previously visited the site on the coast of East Prussia and assured Krumm it was a waste land completely devoid of any habitation apart from its use as a haven for gulls and other sea birds though because of the absence of steep cliffs there was no mass colony of birds likely to be disturbed by gunfire.

Krumm was busy at the time writing letters to potential suppliers of the special sand and casting clay needed to send in their tenders. He was in his specially constructed set of rooms built above the foundry which he had fitted out as offices including an office for his office manager, Herr Neckerman, who had suggested to him that American offices were being supplied with letter writing machinery called typewriters. So, tenders were invited to supply a typewriter to be put through its paces.

Recently arrived had been the package from Spedition in London via Hamburg and he had eagerly unpacked Meyer's transcriptions of drawings the originals of which had been so expertly prepared by draughtsmen in Newcastle, England prior to the patent applications for submission to Somerset House in London. And so intent was he in examining the top drawing that he failed to hear the soft tap on his door leading to his secretary's office and was somewhat surprised when Neckermann stuck his head round the door to advise him of the arrival of Herr Neiber. He had completely forgotten but stood up to greet his master-smelter who saluted Krumm:

"Guten Morgen, Herr Krumm; I trust I'm not too early."

"Good morning, Herr Neiber. Come, take a look at these drawings!"

It was bewildering for Neiber as he could not guess at which drawing his master wanted him to study until he pointed a finger. Neiber observed a drawing of a riser annotated with figures denoting feet and inches and fractions of these measures. Krumm, pointing, said: "In what material should the riser be made, Neiber?"

"A hardwood, Sir, the harder, the better;" answered his employee to which Krumm snapped: "And, correspondingly more expensive. What is the cheapest hardwood consistent with a quality casting and which can be used over and over again?" Before responding Neiber examined the drawing closely screwing up his eyes to focus and somewhat impatiently Krumm barked: "What are you looking for, man?"

But, Neiber unperturbed answered: "The width of the spiral groove, Sir and it's thickness; get that wrong.." He did not finish and Krumm grunted. It was however an amicable grunt as was borne out by his next comment: "You're the right man for this, alright. I should have thought of that."

Krumm pulled another drawing to the centre of the table and now Neiber somewhat more relaxed began to notice the printing at the edges of the drawings. His eyes studied the handwritten script which was in English. It read, 'Made in England' while over to the right was another drawing partly concealed by the other two with different nomenclature; it read, 'Imprime en la France'. Neiber said nothing to Krumm but could not help wondering about the provenance of the various sheets. Another item also struck him; many figure sevens were not crossed as was the custom in Germany. Krumm said:

"How came you to know of the groove in the barrel, Neiber?"

"You forget, Sir, I made cannon for your father. Even that famous silver cannon had to be true though it would never see powder or shot. I doubt the plating could have withstood the shock of being fired. Anyway it was made for show and looked very impressive."

Krumm said: "I don't know much about my father's work on guns; where did he test fire his cannon, the working models he sold to the army?" "Luneberger Heide, Sir," Answered Neiber, "though he had to notify the War Minister's office and that was often a problem for the minister insisted upon an official being present which was not convenient. You know your father's impatience waiting on others' convenience; people who had no idea of production problems. It was often painful for Herr Krumm, I can tell you, Sir."

Neiber looked at his employer directly before adding: "The ministry seemed to think making a gun was no different to a buckle. The slightest imperfection can cause a misfire with sometimes disastrous consequences." Krumms mind was diverted by the memory of the Englishman, Armstrong, and his problems with his government and sighed as Neiber ploughed on, "Herr Krumm overheard officials talking about his work and criticising him; there was no official understanding of his problems."

Krumm eyed his employee and said seriously: "I fully understand what you say and hopefully we shall enjoy better relations with the ministry than your father. On another matter: I've been told of a test area situated in East Prussia which I shall soon be visiting. Is there anything I should especially look out for?"

Neiber said drily: "Only the obvious things, Sir, such as sufficient range and the composition of the soil. Some structures would need to be built for target practice. Also test distances marked clearly. I learned in England talking with engineers who were at times hard to understand, especially their 'Cockney', a London dialect, that their shells had nose cones with screws. Ah, there it is in that drawing."

He pointed to a drawing almost covered by others and looking at it Neiber said: "Can I pull it out, sir?"

Krumm gestured his agreement and Neiber slid it out and examined the drawing noticing the 'Made in England' though he tried to avoid direct observation; he said: "Shall you use the Bessemer process, Sir, for the steel like it recommends in the drawing?"

Stunned Krumm felt as though ice had replaced blood in his veins for he realised how he had under-estimated his master-smelter but he recovered saying hurriedly: "Of course, Neiber, of course. You don't know of the new foundry. How could you! It's miles from here but land is getting so difficult to find. Essen is growing fast." His heart rate recovered and more reflectively said: "The foundry carriage will also have further to go but we'll get used to it. You'll need to get up a bit earlier on morning shifts."

"Rising earlier won't bother me. I'm looking forward to seeing it, Sir" said Neiber and Krumm sighed resignedly: "It's another English innovation this Bessemer process but they do say that it increases steel production ten-fold. My only problem now is getting an increased supply of the pig-iron ingots. I daresay I'm going to have to get those from England too as their production is way above that of Germany."

There was a knock on the door and after Krumm had called, "Herein!", his Kellermeister appeared to announce dinner and Krumm turned to his smelter: "You'll join us, Neiber!" But his employee answered: "It would be my dearest wish, Sir, if I could but the missus has cooked something special so I'll see you later, if I may." Krumm realised his employee's confidence had been raised a notch and whereas he might have been angry; he smiled in response:

"Jawohl, Meinherr, here then in an hour; we'll drive over to the new foundry in the afternoon." It was a cordial adieu and Neiber departed cheerfully.

\----------0---------0----------

Herr Berenberg-Schlosser thanked his good fortune in his wife's recognition of Frau Neiber at the recent inaugural opening of the Essen-Dortmund railway. From that incident had flowed his connection with the Krumms as that gentleman might well have chosen a local Essen bank to seek a loan. Little did he know that Krumm's options on that score were zero for reasons to do with Krumm Senior. What did give him satisfaction was Krumm's connection with the Prussian military which might yield very lucrative dividends in future years if developments in Europe would see Prussia dominant.

The banker, as an avid reader of the Hamburger Algemeine newspaper, could not but be aware of the ambitions of a certain Count von Bismarck, chief minister to King Frederick of Prussia. Through the statesmanship of the chief minister Prussia had acquired the new territory of Schleswig-Holstein although Austria would also share that territory which would, according to the editorial of the Algemeine, perhaps represent a source of friction with its eastern German neighbour. What the banker realised was that the Prussian Army might well get involved to the benefit of Krumm, supplier of munitions to the Prussian Army.

This reasoning had persuaded him to undertake a joint trip with his client during which he might raise matters of mutual interest. He reflected that his bank's sponsorship of the various railway lines, apart from their intrinsic utility to the travelling public, also provided him with free travel using his special pass for directors of the bank. So the trip would cost him time but not money and he looked forward with some equanimity to his meeting with Krumm in Essen soon.

But, the drabness of Essen took him completely by surprise and he wondered how people could live in such an atmosphere which smelt not of pure air as in Hamburg. His nose reacted against the whiff of noxious smells which he was sure did the lungs of people who worked in Essen no good at all though consoling himself that his stay would be brief and it was all in a good cause, if not for him, at least for the fortunes of his bank.

Krumm had forewarned his Kellermeister to look out for the carriage and to report to him immediately it arrived in the village. So, he waited upon the banker's carriage and greeted him as he stepped down from the interior: "You have travelled from Hamburg, Herr Berenberg-Schlosser," said Krumm adding, "I'm intrigued as to why you want us to travel to Travemunde, as you wrote in your letter."

The banker was taken aback by Krumm's knowledge but explained: "Until recently the port could be reached only by sea but now the railway cuts out the long sea journey around the coast of Denmark plus the unwelcome roughness of the German Sea compared to the more tranquil waters of the Ost Sea."

Krumm answered: "But why Travemunde, Sir?"

"It's the optimum route to Peenemunde, Herr Krumm and you'll enjoy the voyage I'm sure provided the weather is kind to us. Unlike me you may well be impervious to sea-sickness."

Krumm said: "I'm looking forward to seeing this Peenemunde especially after my master-smelter's observations about Luneberger Heide which was my father's testing area."

The two men had ascended the steps into Krumm's dwelling and Frau Krumm set about organising some refreshments for their guest. And, once they had settled Krumm was anxious to know about the banker's rail trip which, he told them, had proved more tedious than he had anticipated. It seems Hanover had proved trying as the train from Hamburg did not connect with the line from Hanover via Luneberg to Dortmund and onto Essen but the banker was confident that all it needed was a spur rail to bridge that particular gap.

But for that delay he would have arrived earlier and was pleased to accept the Krumms' invitation to stay overnight and the banker felt sure Herr Krumm would be pleased to accompany the banker as his guest as that meant it would be entirely free.

Alone in their first class carriage Herr Berenberg-Schlosser could confide to his guest: "It was fortunate that my lady-wife spotted Frau Neiber in the seating area of the railway inauguration. At first I was at a loss to understand what she was telling me possibly because the incident happened when she was a little girl when I was hardly out of Lederhosen. Also Frau Neiber was on the other side of the railway track so we had to wait until after the ceremony was over before we could organize a rendez-vous."

Krumm was somewhat stunned by this news as he had imagined that his letter given to the Kellermeister had occasioned the banker's interest though he kept it to himself saying instead: "We both have reason to be grateful, Sir; as you perhaps know the Neibers were in London on account of my father and his cannon though he soon learned that arms sales would not be permitted. Herr Armstrong must have breathed a sigh of relief."

"Armstrong's your English competitor, I take it," responded the banker, adding, "though I only know of the name through the world-wide sales of his hydraulic cranes. I believe one was recently delivered to the Hamburg port authority."

There was no response from his travelling companion and he saw that his eyes were closed so decided not to say anything further and was content to watch the passing scenery. He lifted the fob from his

waistcoat and estimated they would soon arrive in Hanover where they would need to change trains. It would be an opportunity to look for a suitable cafe or restaurant. Until then there was nothing for it but to follow Herr Krumm's example and doze.

At Hanover both men each rather bleary-eyed stepped down from their carriage and were immediately part of the maelstrom of human activity as neither before had experienced. It seemed for ages they had stood in one position as humanity surrounded them but they were people just like themselves and on the move whereas he, despite his previous day's experience, had no idea whither to go and realised that yesterday he had been going in the opposite direction.

Herr Berenberg-Schlosser caught the eye of a Gepaeck-Traeger, a porter, although the latter had some difficulty getting to the stranded twosome. The banker knew his timetable and that they had two hours and had even taken the time difference into account so his question to the porter was to take them and their baggage, one apiece, to a cafe or restaurant though the two men did have difficulty keeping their porter in sight whilst dodging other people proceeding in different directions. But, at last having discharged the porter with a handsome 'Trinkgeld' the two men sank gratefully into the chairs that an efficient maitre-d'hote had led them towards handing them each a leather-covered menu to study.

Krumm looked across at his companion somewhat admiringly dreading to think how he, Krumm, would have handled the circumstances with such a degree of aplomb and then directed his view to the ornate writing on the menu front cover. It read: 'Bahnhof Restaurant – schnell-imbiss – fuer Volk wie Sie' which in English reads: Station restaurant – quick bite – for people like you, the implication being for people in a hurry, or, in other words, people changing trains.

The menu also reflected this sense of insufficient time to indulge one's taste-buds and both men were happy to settle for a Bratwurst, sauté potatos and Sauerkraut with a Pilsener beer to chase the meal down. They left with plenty of time to spare as the banker thought that it was better to hang around than to be in haste. Even so, Krumm could not help but thank the banker for his free pass when he saw the long line of people queueing at a kiosk for tickets to travel.

Hours later the banker leaned out of the carriage window shouting to Krumm who leaned forward hands cupped about his ears to catch his words: "Yonder sails tell me we'll soon arrive in Travemunde, Herr Krumm." And, having withdrawn his head from outside he added, "I'm looking forward to stretch my legs before we go aboard. By the way, Sir," he closed the window against a flurry of wind mixed with salty sea air, "our steamer is a former packet boat on the Hamburg to Malmo route. It's in the care of the bank until the will of the plaintiff is resolved."

"Does the law allow that usage?" Krumm said somewhat bemused, "Surely it's not the bank's property. What if something happened to the boat?" The banker seemed taken aback by Krumm's comments but quickly recovered saying: "Your reservations do you credit, Herr Krumm but the deceased's solicitor informs us that his former client has no legatee so the ship is likely to be sold and as the bank is a likely customer the solicitor has agreed to the trial."

"What about the crew?" Said Krumm, and the banker answered, "Fortunately the skipper, although no wages were forthcoming when the owner died, stayed aboard after the ship had returned from Malmo awaiting orders. I was deputed to go aboard and we came to an agreement that the bank would pay his wages pending settlement. He has taken on extra hands for this voyage to Peenemunde."

The two men had conversed all the while descending from the train and taking a cab to the docks where the Berenberg bank had set up a temporary office which the harbour-master had placed at the bank's disposal. However here they had to wait their turn as the shipping agent was a harbour employee who dealt with anyone using the Travemunde harbour. When it came to his turn the banker explained to the agent about their forthcoming voyage.

"Ah, the Adler line; have you come to tell me when the service will be resumed?" Asked the agent to which the banker replied: "Unfortunately no but I do plan to take the steamer out for a voyage to Peenemunde further along the coast of the Ost Sea. I'm here really to give you details of departure and return."

The agent frowned: "So you still intend to maintain your present berth; do you know how long for?" The banker had to tell him that until the will had been resolved he could not provide any information about the period of tenure. But the bank would continue to pay the annual charge until further notice."

Krumm sat through this discussion feeling somewhat bored and it was a relief when the banker thanked the agent and walked from the agency onto the wharf and he was pleased to be keeping pace, stride for stride, with the banker as they strode along the wharf to the place where their paddle steamer was moored. Halted, Krumm examined the sides of their ship noting its cream and black paintwork. His eye travelled to the single funnel and its vertical lettering, ADLER LINE, and his eyes travelled downwards until they rested upon someone standing atop a gangplank at the same time as his companion lifted his hand in greeting. The figure was in uniform with a black peaked cap.

He followed the banker as he placed a foot gingerly on a gangplank which connected the ship's deck to the ground. At the top he allowed Krumm to step aboard before turning to the uniformed man:

"Captain Tirpitz! Meet Herr Krumm our fellow passenger to Peenemunde," then turning to Krumm, he glanced back as the captain replied: "Welcome aboard, Herr Krumm; I trust you've brought your sea-legs." Berenberg joked that he was sure Krumm's sea-legs, his capacity to tolerate a tossing sea without retching, would be fine as the next day's weather looked set not to change much for the forthcoming voyage while Tirpitz smiled affably. He called over to a seaman:

"Take the gentlemen's luggage to cabins one and two, Schmidt." As the sailor obeyed, Tirpitz addressed Krumm:

"Would you care to follow him to your cabin Herr Krumm or can I tempt you to a noggin in the stateroom."
Chapter 10

Krumm opened his eyes and tried to think where he was: feeling a slight motion he realised it must be the ship underway and looked around but could see nothing as it was pitch black. He recalled being shown his cabin and had lain down on his bunk without bothering to undress and must have fallen asleep. His head still buzzed slightly from the effects of the remembered 'Schnaps' though he had downed just the one not being a serious drinker. He shut his eyes again and on the next occasion of re-opening them it was lighter in the cabin and through eyelids barely ajar he observed a ray of sunlight streaming through a porthole. A gentle knock alerted his senses and he heard a voice outside:

"Herr Krumm, bitte!"

"What is it!" He called and got the response: "The captain's compliments, Sir; would you care to join him on the bridge?"

Krumm sat up shaking his head and somewhat groggily went to the cabin door. Opening it he beheld a seaman in the uniform of the Adler Line who said: "Matrose Siemens, Sir, at your service; please follow me."

A few minutes later the seaman stopped and stood to one side pointing upwards: "Atop these steps, Sir; hold on to the handrail as you'll find them quite steep."

Half-way up, below him, he heard the seaman walk away while above him he heard someone talking. As he reached the top he saw the captain talking into a mouthpiece; he then placed a plug over the tube and turned towards the new arrival: "Welcome Herr Krumm to my bridge and Guten Morgen! Take a look on your port side." He pointed left so Krumm had no difficulty understanding.

The captain added: "Just open sea though that smudge in the distance is the coast of Sweden while on the starboard.." He gestured pointing out various landmarks. "We're well into Mecklenburg Bay having covered some thirty sea miles; there's just another seventy to reach our destination."

"What's that town yonder on the right?" Krumm found he had to raise his voice an octave on account of the noise of the engine, the wind and the spray against the window of the bridge superstructure and before the captain could reply said, "Could we go a bit nearer?" Without a word Tirpitz walked to his chart table and studied a chart and returning issued a command to someone in the wheelhouse, "two points, sou'sou east, Faber."

Krumm watched fascinated as a seaman addressed as Faber put the gigantic spoked wheel downwards as the captain spoke: "The town you're looking at is Rostock, Herr Krumm; we cannot hug the coast as its somewhat shallow being only about thirty fathoms on average which means there are a few sandbanks though our present course will stay clear of any of them."

A ship was sailing in the opposite direction and Krumm put into words his thought: "Is that a fishing smack, Captain Tirpitz?"

"It might well be," came the reply, "but at one time I might have confirmed it as one because these waters were rich in herring but, for some reason, the shoals have migrated to the German Bight. Nobody knows why."

"Shall we reach Peenemunde today, Captain?"

"Jawohl, Herr Krumm! However we shall have to stay aboard and go ashore tomorrow. It's a fairly desolate place though ideal for your purpose if I'm not being indiscreet."

Krumm had wanted to convey this information himself at the right time so was slightly annoyed that Berenberg had upstaged him. He concealed his irritation with a query: "Is there a lifting crane aboard, Captain, and could it handle a heavy gun and where might it be stowed aboard ship?"

The captain thought awhile before answering: "It was formerly a packet boat for passengers and mail but I daresay it could be adapted for your purpose though as I understand it the ship is not at present in the ownership of the bank."

Krumm nodded and decided not to pursue the matter further. When the time came he was sure the Prussian military might have some ideas as to transportation but changing tack he said: "Is there perhaps an inland waterway which might be used to transport heavy goods? I know that the River Main was used for centuries for heavy barge traffic as was the Rhein."

"I'm a bit more knowledgeable on that subject, Herr Krumm; for instance there is the so-called Mittelland Canal which links up via locks with the River Elbe. Another possible river is the Oder which flows into the Stettiner Hof off the coast of the Ost Sea and is not far from Peenemunde which as its name shows is the mouth of the River Peene."

"That sounds excellent, Captain Tirpitz." Said Krumm to which Tirpitz added a sombre note: "Did you know Herr Krumm that the Ost See freezes over in winter?"

Krumm uttered a sardonic laugh: "All the more reason to employ canals and rivers unless they also freeze over."

Nobody spoke for a while as both men peered at the calm sea until noticing something Krumm observed: "That line of buoys on the

left.." he pointed and the captain responded, "Swedish territorial waters." For a while he was silent than added, "I don't suppose anything would happen were I to stray beyond them. After all there are ferries such as the Adler once was plying between Rostock behind us and Gedser in Sweden on our port beyond the horizon."

"I'm suddenly feeling quite hungry, Captain Tirpitz. Do you mind.." Krumm hesitated adding, "Where is the..?" Again he was stuck for the right word but the captain said promptly: "If you will allow me, Herr Krumm!"

He walked to the voice tube and removing the plug on a chain spoke into the tube and barked: "Dorflingen!" Krumm thought he heard a muffled, "Aye, Skipper!" It was succeeded by Tirpitz's orders and in a few minutes a sailor climbed the companion way to escort Krumm to the wardroom. Within a few minutes he was reunited with Berenberg who called inviting him to join his table. An attendant asked his breakfast needs while Berenberg poured from his Kaffee Kanne into a mug and Krumm sipped it with relish.

Berenberg said: "It has been interesting talking to these fellows. I thought them to be just sailors, you know, members of the crew but each has a story to tell."

Krumm sipped his Kaffee savouring the flavour and commenting on the taste compared to the coffee at home. It was sharp and bitter but Berenberg's words interested him: "What sort of story?"

"Berenberg responded: "It seems Herr Adler, the erstwhile owner of the Line, talked about bequeathing the Line to a sort of cooperative comprising members of the crew. You see Herr Adler was the last of his family and was anxious that the Line should carry on after his death just a month ago at the age of seventy-four; but the problem is that lacking a will his solicitor cannot proceed although the latter also was told by Herr Adler of his intentions."

Krumm said: "And how do you feel about the matter, Herr Berenberg?" But Berenberg threw a question back to Krumm: "As you know I, ignorant of the crew's involvement, thought to have found a use for the ship for you, for Krumm AG; would the ship be useful?"

Krumm shook his head: "No! I have been talking to Captain Tirpitz about it and it would not be suitable. Besides he has suggested transporting our guns via waterways such as rivers and canals, for example, the Elbe and the Oder linked up to the Mittelland Canal. So, as far as Krumm AG is concerned, you are a free agent notwithstanding our present trip which is very much appreciated. I hope Krumm AG can render a mutual service to Berenberg Bank, one day."

Berenberg beamed with pleasure at Krumm's fulsome praise and responded: "I have to admit that the trip is both business and pleasure and I hope that goes for you too, Herr Krumm. Talking to these fellows has proved an experience which I would not otherwise enjoy; for instance, did you know that profit may be had by some small trade between Sweden and Saxony as it seems taxes and duties on certain goods are so different that it pays to buy something in Saxony and sell for a profit in Sweden. Their biggest money-earner is tobacco but other goods such as coffee, tea, chocolate are also profitable."

Krumm said: "Is Saxony that much more efficient?" At this Berenberg smiled saying: "It is all down to differing ideas of duties and taxes in our two countries. Also the Swedish authorities often use tax for social reasons. Tobacco is reckoned to be a social evil so the Swedish citizen is taxed accordingly giving rise for an opportunity for profit by us, Saxons."

Krumm reasoned: "That means people buy tobacco in Saxony and sell it in Sweden below their official price; surely the Swedes object to that and charge us, Saxons, import duty."

Berenberg said smiling: "In theory that is correct but the Swedes also export iron ore to us and make a lot of money so do not want to upset us Saxons so they turn a blind eye meaning the seamen make a good supplement to their wages."

Krumm also smiled: "Politics and business; seems a sound combination. Good luck to the seamen."

After breakfast both men went up on deck and wandered forward past the enormous structure that housed the starboard paddle wheel and for a minute Berenberg could not forbear stopping to watch the huge paddles emerge from the foaming sea dripping water as it drove, along with the port wheel, the ship forward whereas Krumm was staring at a sailor throwing a line overboard.

"What is he doing Berenberg; any idea?" Berenberg in answer looked down at the shoreline and Krumm followed his gaze and the former said: "We have definitely slowed down. Ah yes, he's taking soundings. Do you see those two bits of land ahead? We'll have room to pass through but I imagine it'll be quite shallow. If I recall we did the same thing the last time. Yonder.." He pointed and Krumm noticed the open stretch of water beyond the two islets and Berenberg added: "That's the Stralsund. It's open water till we reach the Speen Estuary."

A seaman appeared; it was Dorflingen: "Entschuldigung, Mein

Herren; Captain Tirpitz' compliments. Would you follow me, bitte."

As the two men stood behind the captain he pointed: "That's the island of Rugen on the port bow and soon we'll be steaming through the Peene Estuary. "Take my telescope, Herr Krumm; aim it dead ahead. On the port bow: is that the wilderness you've come to reconnoitre?"

Krumm commented: "Looks very uneven the terrain, I mean." "Jawohl!" Tirpitz said, "And be warned when the wind's in the wrong direction you'll need a windcheater to maintain body temperature. It's an unforgiving place. As you can see there's not a tree in sight but typically on moorland there is plenty of gorse."

He went to the voice pipe, barking: "Engine room! Very slow!" Both Berenberg and Krumm watched as Tirpitz gave orders to the men at the other end of the voice-pipe and they felt the ship shudder as the engines seemed to labour at slow speed. Krumm still with the telescope aimed it towards the shore saying: "There's a boat coming towards us." Nobody responded and Krumm realised that Tirpitz had spotted the craft without any visual aid.

They watched the boat rowed by two men in the thwarts while an individual at the stern stood as they approached; he hailed the Adler as Tirpitz ordered the engines to stop and a few moments later the ship accompanied by much rushing of stationary water stopped. The ship was in mid-stream but little or no current allowed the row-boat to bump against a sort of gangway which two seamen had lowered over the side fastening it to stanchions and when it was secure one man called to the captain: "Gangway secured, Sir!"

The captain leaned over and cordially called out: "Ahoy there; welcome aboard!" A seaman went down the gangway and held the gunwale to allow a gentleman to clamber out onto the landing platform; he was helped by the seaman. The visitor ascended the gangway and the other two followed suit while the seaman saw to it that the rowboat was tied to the steamer using its painter.

Standing on deck Captain Tirpitz made the introductions while the stranger shook each hand, saying: "Wingenfeld, at your service." Tirpitz ordered a seaman to take the other two to the wardroom and turned to Wingenfeld and asked: "Are we, is this ship, on the property of the Count, Herr Wingenfeld?"

The newcomer smiled and replied warmly: "We'll not charge you, Captain. I'm only interested in the reason for your presence. It's not exactly on the tourist trail."

Tirpitz turned to Berenberg who looked over to Krumm who nodded assent. Berenberg explained: "The estate of Peenemunde has recently come into the possession of the Bank of Berenberg. I wanted to show it to my client.." He did not finish because Wingenfeld started to grin broadly even interrupting the banker to say: "But what of your previous client, Sir, what of him!"

Berenberg's face took on a serious mien as he answered: "The usual thing, Herr Wingenfeld. My bank picks up the pieces when clients run out of cash." Wingenfeld still grinning said: "The Count, at least, did some good business. I wondered what he wanted it for; as far as I'm concerned it's good for anarchists to test their bombs but little else. Like I said the Count did well and that's my only interest."

Berenberg winked at Krumm who shared a smile with Tirpitz all unnoticed by Wingenfeld who was still chortling over his putting one over Berenberg's former client. Berenberg said: "You weren't here when last I came." Wingenfeld got serious saying: "The Count owns many hectares of land around here. I must have been on another part of his estate."

Tirpitz interrupted to ask: "Can you recommend a temporary mooring place, Herr Wingenfeld? We'll trouble you only for a couple of days. This gentleman wants to walk over the estate." Wingenfeld replied: "Show me your chart and I'll show you what you want to know. For the next hour you are safe as there is no current so you may drop anchor if you wish."

Tirpitz gave his orders and then invited everyone to the wardroom and soon Tirpitz was instructing his steward to distribute his largesse in the form of liquid and alcoholic refreshment. Once they were settled Berenberg reminded Wingenfeld of their previous conversation but soon wished that he had not. Wingenfeld reminded of estate matters said:

"I was about to say Herr Berenberg that, as I remember it, your former client took out a lease for ten years but, as you know, rent has only been paid for the first three; since then not a pfennig; any comments!"

Krumm held up his hand as a gesture to Berenberg and said: "As the captain told you, Herr Wingenfeld, I need to walk over the ground but be assured that should the land prove satisfactory I shall be willing either to take over the lease or you might care to draw up a new one. You will know soon enough. Is that satisfactory?"

Wingenfeld's mouth was creased in a fulsome smile as well it might in the light of his previous words; he said: "Of course, my dear Sir, take all the time you like. We share a banker in Herr Berenberg so I forsee no further problems."

In the course of the next hour, the level in the bottle of Weinbrandt sank lower and lower as bonhomie reigned supreme. Wingenfeld whispered to Tirpitz: "It might be advisable to show me your chart before I drink too much of your excellent Weinbrandt."

Both men laughed as they stumbled from the wardroom along the gangway to the steps leading to the bridge and each grabbed a handrail, one on the left and the other on his right as they struggled to the top.

Leaning over the charts Wingenfeld pointed out various places before coming to rest at the Krummer Wiek slurring his words somewhat: "That's the place to anchor. It's less than ten miles from your present anchorage near the village of Wohlgast which is little more than a hostelry hence its name. If you wish I can supply horses which my groom would ferry over. He could meet you at this village; see here the village of Krummin adjacent your anchorage. Then it's about ten miles to Peenemunde."

The following morning Tirpitz watched as three horses were brought to Krummin and he ordered a boat to be lowered and soon Berenberg, Krumm and Tirpitz who took the oars were rowing ashore. In no time they were astride their mounts heading towards Peenemunde, the headland. Wingenfeld had warned Tirpitz not to proceed too hurriedly as the terrain was very uneven and soft with many molehills and rabbit holes. At best under-hoof the ground was a spongy moss interspersed with clumps of gorse bush identified by their bright yellow flowers.

Krumm was on the lookout for the items his master-smelter had mentioned and wished he was by his side. Occasionally the three men had to dismount and Krumm realised he was out of his element when he was forced to admit his ignorance though Tirpitz was a tower of strength telling him at various sites where a building might be sited. He took out sketch pads from his etui and handed one to Berenberg and another to Krumm.

Placing the reins of their nags over a gorse bush Tirpitz drew an outline on paper and wrote down, 'rocky outcrop', 'gravel soil', 'swamp' to show the others how they should proceed and giving them pencils advised them to also estimate in feet or paces the extent of each feature. This would allow them all to prepare drawings once back on board with the object to place orders to builders should

Herr Krumm proceed with the lease of Peenemunde.

The three men agreed with the plan and set out leading their horses and agreeing also to meet up at midday. In the event Tirpitz was late and there was little the other men could do because, ipso facto, Tirpitz had taken control of the expedition and each admitted to the other that it seemed the best option. At last Tirpitz returned; he had gone to the headland and showed them his draft and Krumm was astonished at his foresight.

Tirpitz pointed to a cliff: "One of your lifting cranes could be set up at this point. You see below would be a barge and your crane could lift the gun directly up onto the cliff instead of trying to manhandle the beast by manpower alone."

Amazed both men observed Tirpitz lift out a parcel and remove the white crinkly paper: "Here you are gentlemen; eat up!" Each man tore off huge bites from their salt-beef sandwich suddenly realising how hungry they were. "Sorry about the tea; it's cold by now as I poured it into the bottle hours ago." Tirpitz handed the bottle to Berenberg who took a swig followed by Krumm and finally Tirpitz.

Krumm said: "My purpose in occupying this land will become all too evident when the first gun fires. What a commotion will ensue!" However the captain put an idea to Krumm: "You might be trying out a new kind of harpoon-gun especially if you could start off with a light gun. To back up your story I could easily supply rope and a harpoon. I was in the whale trade once upon a time."

Krumm looked admiringly at Tirpitz thinking what a full life the man had experienced and wondered for the first time about his family. He wondered if he would mind filling in his background at some future date but, as the talk continued, he would get more surprises. Berenberg broke into his thoughts saying:

"It will be important to get the military involved, sooner rather than later, I'm thinking, Herr Krumm. The harpoon idea will suffice for a short while but official sanction would help overcome the Count's certain objections. What say you?"

Krumm meditated but it was Tirpitz who spoke first: "What you need, Herr Krumm is a landowner with more influence than Mecklenburg. My elder brother is a Staatsabgeordnete in the Prussian Diet. He could deliver a letter to the minister-president himself, Count von Bismarck. Once he is involved your problems will be over."

Krumm said: "Before that happens I must first be sure that my guns are ready. I have one outstanding problem of obduration though apart from that my new foundry will be ready in less than a month." He turned to Berenberg: "I have many new suppliers to pay for the special clay, sand, pig-iron ingots from England. How soon can you have funds ready?"

Berenberg smiled to reassure him: "Everything is ready at head office. You can draw on your funds and you can send drafts to your suppliers for goods received." Tirpitz was waiting with a question and Krumm turned to him and the captain asked: "Explain this problem of obduration to me!"

Krumm said: "It's complicated but I'll try. You see in an old fashioned cannon the armourer stuffs wadding down the barrel after the ball to prevent the explosive gases escaping which lessens its effectiveness and endangers the gun crew."

Both Berenberg and Tirpitz nodded urging Krumm to press on and he continued: "It's the same principle with the breech-loader. A shell is pushed into the gun barrel followed by the bag of cordite; also provision must be made for a firing pin attached to a wire lanyard to be pulled by the armourer; then the breech block is closed. Simple except that the arrangement I've described leaves tiny gaps so a means must be devised to minimise those gaps. That is the problem of obduration."

Tirpitz was serious as he asked: "What's the English method?"

Krumm acted the innocent: "I do not know though my agent in France tells me of a gunsmith by the name of Schneider who has patented a so-called interrupted screw breech-block whereby the breech is closed and given a slight twist so that the breech-lid engages with the breech-block thus sealing the breech effectively."

Tirpitz said: "Why not make a shell like a bullet in a revolver when the firing-pin hits the cap and explodes?" Krumm answered promptly: "That is the method already used for, say, four inch shells but it's not so effective for eight inchers the reason being the casing becomes very heavy; hence the use of the breech-block and the obduration method."

For a while nobody spoke. Around them the wind howled and each was glad to have heeded Wingenfeldt's advice to wrap up warm though their nags enjoyed themselves. It seems the foliage of the gorse bushes did not bother the horses who seemed to devour the flowers as some sort of delicacy. Another sound apart from the wind was the snorting of their nags as they moved around. It was Berenberg who spoke first: "I take it the seaman called Dorflingen is your first mate, Captain?"

Tirpitz looked admiringly at Berenberg: "Yes; he too was from the former crew and I must mention his role in making me acquainted in what goes on aboard ship. But for Dorflingen I would not know about this proposed crew buy-out because he mixes with the crew and lets me know what goes on below deck, as it were."

Krumm said: "Krumm AG has always fostered a close relationship between management and its workers; it pays in the long run. On board ship, Captain, I take it you have a separate wardroom for crew and the senior ranks. I only say that because I did not see Wingenfeld's two companions in our wardroom after they came on board. Is there a separate bar, as well?"

"No bar at all," replied Tirpitz, "as alcohol is strictly forbidden on board. Your Weinbrandt and Schnapps is specially bought and stored in the safe as it's only available in the presence of visitors, such as yourself. Herr Adler laid this rule down and even his death did not alter these rules."

Tirpitz spoke while motioning the others that they should resume their exploration of the terrain and each man busied himself with his horse. So they parted agreeing to meet again at five o'clock in the evening though on this occasion Krumm insisted on remaining with Tirpitz as the latter had both compass and telescope. Krumm explained it was important to designate sites although lacking suitable markers Tirpitz wrote down their position to enable them to take markers with them the next day.

On returning to Krummin Wiek, their mooring place, they were pleased to meet up with the groom and advise him of their need for his horses the next day. He was delighted to agree as it seems he had spent a pleasurable day aboard the Adler. Soon the three trekkers were back on board and pleased to refresh themselves both salubriously and inwardly where seaboard fare was becoming enjoyable even to the landlubbers, Krumm and Berenberg.

Over the dinner table that evening Krumm asked Tirpitz: "Did you do an apprenticeship as a youngster, Captain? I assume it was before the mast, before the days of steam."

"Two years ago," answered Tirpitz, "I was aboard a clipper which called at Tilbury Dock on the London Thames. It was to transport me to St Bartholomews Hospital at Smithfield, London; I was completely incapacitated from malaria."

"Did they wait for you?" Asked Berenberg and Tirpitz was emphatic in his denial: "No time; the ship had already lost time from Hamburg as its destination was Ceylon where the Hamburg-Amerika Line had its trading post."

"Your condition; how long were you in hospital?" asked Krumm;

Tirpitz answered: "Weeks, though fortunately for me it did not cost me a penny for the hospital is run on charitable lines by nuns, and a few monks, who regaled me with stories of former patients. I can tell you my 'Englische Sprachkenntnisse' (speech) progressed by leaps and bounds especially in idioms."

Berenberg said enthusiastically: "Any patient likely to interest a German?" and Tirpitz responded: "Not a German but a would-be Tsar; no less a figure than Peter, the Great who, in learning shipbuilding, had an accident. Another patient was pursued by a nobleman who is forgotten but his victim achieved immortality being the first Englishman to defeat the Norman occupiers. His name was Wat Tyler stabbed in the square by the Lord Mayor who was rewarded by his Norman masters with a knighthood. However Herr Krumm you might be interested in what happened to me before Tilbury."

"Oh!" Was all Krumm could expostulate and Tirpitz continued, "Our clipper had to seek shelter prior to a violent gale and while we were in this estuary lay-by the captain sent for me, the mate, and handed me the telescope saying: "Was ist denn los, Tirpitz?"

"It was a gun firing which had alerted the skipper and now I directed the telescope in the direction of both flashes and gunfire. I watched the whole proceedings. It was like you described earlier. A soldier lifted a shell and directed it into the back of the gun, is that the barrel, then another placed a bag of something which you told us is powder into the breech. A civilian then inserted something attached to a cord handing it to another soldier who, on command, yanked the cord and BANG; it was like a thunder-clap at even miles distant where we were moored."

Berenberg said: "Perhaps you witnessed, Captain, a similar event by the English military in what Herr Krumm proposes for Peenemunde. Did you ever find out the name of the testing site?"

"Not until I related the story a year later to Herr Adler," answered Tirpitz, "who told me it was a place well known to him in his sailing days as he often made the trip up the Thames Estuary. It's a wilderness just like Peenemunde near to a tiny village called Shoeburyness."

Tirpitz yawned after recounting his experiences and quaffing the last dregs of beer from his tankard added: "I don't know about you gentlemen but it has been a busy day for me and we have another busy day in the saddle tomorrow. I need to give one part of my anatomy some ease to prepare it for another leathering." His words provoked laughter all round as they bade each other,

"Gute Nacht!"

Chapter 11

On returning to his bank headquarters in Hamburg where he was anxious to find out about his client's affairs in his dealings with Herr Wingenfeld and the Mecklenburg estate, Berenberg lost no time in getting his staff onto his former client's dealings of which he knew nothing or, at most, of what Herr Wingenfeld had told him. His clerk's attempt to contact the firm by visiting his given address on Hamburg's waterfront unsurprisingly drew blank looks from the genuine occupiers of the frontage.

He blamed the staff for being gullible fools for having been taken in by a plausible story of ill-fortune and bad debts so he was not too surprised on learning that the steamer that the deceased Herr Adler had entered as a surety on his seeking the original loan was worth much less than the book figure. In fact the Company had ordered from an English shipyard a replacement steamer a year earlier. It was now an urgent task for Berenberg to discover the real address of the Adler Line.

And, his problems did not end there for although he could trace the Company to Bremerhaven his lawyers informed him of the difficulty of bringing his case to court as the Adler Line had set up shop in Lower Saxony outside the jurisdiction of the Hamburg Free State as the two provinces had separate legal systems. His partners' praise for bringing in the potentially lucrative client of Herr Krumm was tempered by the bank's exposure over the Adler Line.

However a factor in the bank's favour was the formation of the North German Confederation which might enable the Berenbergs to have access to laws facilitating the legal process in other States. The Zollverein or Customs Union had already spared the captain and his crew from having to show passports in Travemunde. Their lawyers who were observing the politics of Prussia more closely observed to the bank that, should the Minister-President have his way, safe havens for criminal activities taking place because of inter-state procrastination would be history.

Before that vision could become a reality however the pretensions of another and adjacent empire had to be set at nought, that of Austria. The latter had foolishly got involved with Prussia in its dispute with Denmark over Schleswig-Holstein. Now Bismark, the Prussian minister-president, had used a disagreement over the Austrian acquisition of Schleswig as a casus-belli to make war with its former partner, Austria. It was called the Seven-Week War.

The Prussian Army had used a range of guns from various suppliers among which was Krumm who was determined to displace all competition. He had only to look abroad as reports of successful conflicts by England in Japan, China and the Malay States in which the English employed Sir William Armstrong's breech-loaders. The

salient example being the HMS Queen Mary whose breech-loaders had brought about the surrender of the city of Nagasaki whose city-fathers rather than expostulate had travelled to England to see how the Japanese forces could be re-equipped.

In the months following the exploratory voyage to Peenemunde Krumm and Tirpitz had returned with surveyors and architects to survey the land with a view to constructing roads, barns and accommodation. The Count von Mecklenburg's estate manager, Wingenfeld, was, much to Krumm's surprise, ready and willing to help engage local building firms although that might well have been due to receiving generous commission. However one evening on returning from a sail in his private yacht he had noticed some odd activity at Peenemunde and had turned a telescope towards it.

What Wingenfeld had spotted was the slow ascent of an artillery piece from a barge and had reasoned it was somewhat larger than Tirpitz's project namely, a harpoon gun. From his viewpoint the shot from this piece would be a shell and a substantial one at that. Yet he kept his own counsel; time enough for a showdown though he had no inkling then that his observations would be just observations. An altogether more powerful figure would upstage any possible complaints to his master, the Count of Mecklenburg.

His master indeed received an invitation from no less a figure than a senior general of the Prussian Army, Count von Moltke, who was due to pay a visit to the 'wilderness' of Peenemunde. Still Wingenfeld could draw some satisfaction from his master at the efficiency with which buildings had been erected and roads constructed so that the wilderness of Peenemunde would still be windswept, still a site for seagulls and other birds but also a proving ground for some of the most effective artillery that the Prussian Army had ever deployed.

The final piece demonstrated on the occasion of von Moltke's visit was Krumm's 25-pounder and the foundryman himself would be, like his father before him, among the greatest military leaders of his age though, his immediate contacts would be rankers, artillerymen of the Prussian Army who would service the howitzers and other guns. He must be alive to their concerns as his father had been before him for they, the common soldiers, would load, fire and deal with any mischance to unproven artillery and its ammunition.

General von Moltke's aide-de-camps was Krumm's initial contact with the Prussian military staff and he was at pains to show him exactly how he, Krumm planned to conduct the trials and mentally congratulated himself for quizzing his master-smelter, Neiber, who

had been entrusted by his father with so many military matters of a previous generation. First the drill: to instruct the sappers the sequence of operations needed to load an artillery piece and the quick release mechanism to open the breech and the fitment of the firing-pin and its release lanyard. Finally he explained why it was vital to follow the correct sequence of operations and, importantly, the reason for them and the likely consequences of mishaps. Next, the routine was practised and timed.

On the day the general was present Krumm neither saw him nor heard his voice although he was so busy supervising the sappers manoeuvring different calibre guns into position and scrupulously observing the loading and firing that he did not give the general's absence a second thought. It was halfway through the trial when the sappers were stood down enjoying their 'Bratwurst und Bier' when he felt a tug on his elbow. It was Kapitan Holz, the aide-de-camps, who handed him 'Ein Fernglas', binoculars, pointing to a specially constructed structure. He observed General von Moltke observing him through binoculars and quickly lowered Holz's binoculars and saluted but got no reaction.

Captain Holz informed him the general had seen enough and had left and in bidding adieu himself informed Krumm that although he would not be officially notified he could rest assured that the general believed his two days at Peenemunde could not have been spent in a more satisfactory way. While the general and his staff could return to their military barracks mostly by train Krumm was faced with a painfully slow return trip the way he had arrived at the site by barge via the Stettiner Haff to the River Oder which connected with the River Elbe and onwards onto the Mittelland Kanal; however, within sight of Hanover Krumm had had enough.

Leaving instructions with the crew where to park the barge he took a post-chaise to Hanover Bahnhof and caught a train to Essen. Having reached home he fell into bed and slept for nearly twenty four hours so nervous and tense had been his mood for the previous week. Surfacing from his stupor Krumm did not return to the foundry but rather to his office. There he got his secretary to compose a letter inviting Tirpitz to the village.

Krumm had wanted Tirpitz to have accompanied him to Peenemunde but another contender for his time got in first. It was Berenberg though in truth the banker had the greater claim to his involvement. Whereas Krumm thought he needed the captain for his company the bank had a prior claim on account of Tirpitz's professional skills. It was mentioned earlier that the Adler Line had placed an order for a

new ship in England and the Berenberg Bank had now traced the actual shipbuilder which had made contact with Adler's 'Anwalt', his solicitor, to advise him that the ship was ready for collection.

This collection would prove to be a major project because the bank was also being pressurized by former clients of the Adler Line anxiously wanting to know when the line would resume sailing between Hamburg and Malmo, in Sweden. In the event it was Berenberg's involvement with Captain Tirpitz that would help resolve the situation though Tirpitz extracted from the bank a degree of financial backing for his willingness to 'collect' the new ship.

Tirpitz on sailing with the Adler paddlewheel steamer to Hayling Island, near Portsmouth, England with a full crew would present his credentials to the Hayling shipbuilder on behalf of the Berenberg Bank of Hamburg. It had already been agreed by letter that the paddle-wheel steamer would be accepted as part-payment for the new propeller-driven ship. In the event a good deal of haggling ensued but Tirpitz' profound knowledge of the Adler and guarantees for its future sea-worthiness carried the day and Tirpitz spent only forty-eight hours in England before returning to tie up in Hamburg.

Tirpitz also needed a rest and left with Berenberg the arrangements for the reinstatement of the Alder Line's resumption of its ferry business. Meanwhile Tirpitz took a train to Essen to fulfil his undertaking with Krumm though on arrival he was surprised to be met at the station by Krumm's Kellermeister, as his master was urgently summoned to Krumm AG's new foundry which was engaged in forging new cannon and howitzers to meet fresh orders from the Prussian War Office.

Yet, Krumm made confession to Tirpitz that his business had become political in that as a condition of this particular order Krumm AG must meet particular criteria laid down by the Prussian government but administered by the Prussian Civil Service; in Krumm's own words, the bureaucrats. He showed Tirpitz the letter he had received from Berlin inviting him and his colleagues to the capital one colleague already being on the payroll of the Prussian military.

"I've had to take on more smelters, Hans," said Krumm to an avid listener, Tirpitz adding, "and guess what, in the new foundry there's a control room because of the heat alone from the new Bessemer process." His friend said: "I should very much like to see this new process, Alfred."

That morning both got down to some serious drinking. Frau Krumm, fortunately, had already entertained both her husband and their guest at home before Krumm took his leave with one intention in mind to show his new friend his local tavern with its swinging sign, Der Schmilzer, the Smelters Arms where Schnaps did not have to be freed from the onboard safe, as on the steamship, the Adler but, on their second Schnaps both men planted their right arm on the bar counter and swallowed their drinks in time-honoured fashion.

A wave of clapping was provoked by this ceremony and somewhat reddening Krumm looked around to survey a sea of faces lit by oil-lamps but all smiling and shouting, 'Prost' at this sign of fraternity and friendship bonding. Tirpitz said: "Du wirst daran gewoehnen, Alfred!" 'Get used to it, Alfred!' "Gleichfalls!" 'The same to you' said a smiling Krumms recalling a ditty from his schooldays reciting:

'Freundschaft, Freunschaft ueber alles. Lass' uns trink ein Trost zum Wohl! Freunschaft, Freundschaft ueber alles, uns're Zukunft ist ja toll!'

After which the two drank another Schnapps and Tirpitz, slurring his words, said: "Kannst Du der zweite Vers, alte?" "Nee, nee!" Retorted Krumm, "Ein's genug." One's enough.

Stumbling rather than walking both men found their way back to Krumm's place in the evening gloom but scarcely had Krumm sighted the outlines of his house than he spotted his Kellermeiser walking quickly towards the duo of friends who, helping each other, were managing just to make progress of a sort. He placed himself before the duo uttering, "Gott sei Dank, Herr Krumm; you have a visitor from England."

Both men halted and looked at each other and then at Mueller as Krumm stuttered, "From England; perhaps it's for you, Hans; eh Mueller!" But, Mueller shook his head saying vigorously, "Nein, nein, Herr Krumm, er sagt, 'that thieving Prussian'; beg pardon, Sir, I just repeat his words. What do they mean?"

Tirpitz looked sternly at Mueller; he commanded: "Enough, Sir. My English tells me he is no gentleman. Those words are insulting. Come, Hans, let's see what he wants. Herr Mueller, go home and make black coffee for us both; we'll be right behind you."

Frau Krumm met her husband and Tirpitz in the hall; she cried: "Liebling, I have invited Herr Armstrong into the drawing room. He seems very angry but my English is not good enough to understand him. Herr Tirpitz, how is it with you; can you help?"

Tirpitz assured her: "I spent years aboard English clippers, Frau Krumm. We shall understand each other well enough; never fear. Has Herr Mueller made any coffee?"

"Of course; come through and you Liebling!"

Before obeying Krumm splashed water upon his face and snatched a towel to dry it handing same to Tirpitz who followed suit. Inside the ante-room Frau Krumm handed them coffee cups to drink and each drank their fill before proceeding.

Tirpitz peeked inside the half open door to the drawing room and observed a stranger with head resting against the chair with his eyes shut and he retreated before whispering to Krumm: "Wait here, Hans. I'll talk to him for a while. Give me five minutes."

Krumm followed his friend's advice listening for the word they had agreed would be the signal for Krumm to make his entrance so he waited; at last came the keyword, 'Tilbury'. He entered to find his guest haranguing his friend who turned around to say without waiting for Armstrong to stop talking, saying:

"Du kannst hoeren wie er schimpft!" You can listen Alfred to his grumbles. I haven't been able to distract him with talk of the weather or my calling in at Tilbury." Tirpitz turned to Armstrong to apologise for turning away and adding:

"Herr Armstrong, here's the man you've come to meet. Let me introduce, Herr Krumm."

Armstrong laughed for some reason and seemed to have a fit of the giggles and with difficulty managed to say: "Does Herr Krumm speak English?" "No!" answered Tirpitz, "May I explain to him the gist of your complaint?" Armstrong nodded and said nothing as he listened to Tirpitz address Krumm telling him that Armstrong had complained that the Prussians had cancelled an arms order to his company; Armstrong blamed Krumm. Evidence for the accusation was a break-in at the Patents Office, London and the mysterious disappearance of documents relating to Armstrong's artillery patents.

Tirpitz explained that the police have two men in custody and one of the men had letters implicating the firm of Krumm which also appears in the English Company Registry. It is the reason Herr Armstrong is here. Krumm listened attentively and now spoke:

"Explain to Herr Armstrong that the name, Krumm on the English registry is that of my father who exhibited at the Great London Exhibition of 1851 and who hoped to conduct some business in England. Explain that I am not in the arms business but forge steel tyres for locomotive wheels and he is welcome to look round my foundry nearby. He can examine our books and see the order from the Americans. We shall also be making railway track for the same country."

Tirpitz was astonished at Krumm's prevarication but passed on Krumm's words as if he also knew nothing and observed their visitor's face which exhibited a frown; it mouthed a question:

"Why does Herr Krumm want lifting equipment? In the past six months the Krumm Company has bought several heavy lifting cranes; for what purpose?"

Tirpitz noted Krumm's reaction translating them into German the gist of which is: "Railway track is very heavy and the Krumm Company needs a crane at the foundry and another at the railhead and a third at the docks in Bremerhaven. Does that answer your question?" On hearing Krumm's response Armstrong appeared to shrink and looked to resume his seat which he did. Tirpitz reflected on his age observing an elderly man somewhat deflated.

As Armstrong slumped back in his chair Tirpitz observed his new friend with chagrin wondering about him and asking himself whether he had the right to question his motives for his outright dishonesty and deception and then thought: is that the arms trade, cards close to your chest, secrecy, chicanery, downright robbery but these thoughts were curtailed as Krumm seemed to offer the old man an olive branch saying to him:

"Interpret this for me, Hans, please." It was a question to Armstrong seeking his advice about the Ost Sea which Tirpitz rendered as the Baltic. Krumm wanted to know about ice-breakers. On hearing the translation Armstrong somewhat revived and explained that he had recently supplied such a ship to the Admiralty who wanted to search for a lost explorer, Admiral Franklin, who had gone missing in the Arctic Sea frozen for most of the year.

Tirpitz translated to Krumm who slapped his knee exclaiming: "Das wusste ich; ausgezeichnet. Vielen Dank, Herr Armstrong." On hearing the translation Armstrong leaned over to present his card which read, 'Armstrong Armaments and Ship Construction, Elswick, Newcastle, Great Britain'

Afterwards Armstrong arose and commented to Tirpitz: "I'd best be on my way." Krumm said: "Ask Herr Armstrong to be easy while I make arrangements to take him to Essen Bahnhof." then adding to Tirpitz, "I'll fetch Mueller, I'll not be long."

Armstrong asked Tirpitz to thank Frau Krumm for her wonderful coffee and refreshments and something extra for Krumm's benefit. Tell him I've a meeting tomorrow at the Berenberg Bank and asked does he know of it, Herr Krumm I mean. As he listened to Tirpitz interpret Armstrong's words he felt the blood in his veins turn to ice and hoped that his shock did not show in his demeanour continuing to explain that he did not know Hamburg and finally to wish him a pleasant journey.

As Tirpitz and Krumm heard the sound of horse and carriage disappearing into the distance Krumm said in relief:

"Gott sei Dank! Ich hoffe wir sehen uns nie wieder."

"More to the point, Alfred; has Berenberg a telegraph?"

Krumm answered quickly: "Ja, it's a Westinghouse." "Then," replied Tirpitz, "Wire the bank and tell Berenberg, what's what!"

Krumm pondered saying: "Armstrong visit you tomorrow. You don't know me from Adam; how's that, Hans!"

Tirpitz said: "Get a quote from Armstrong for the ice-breaker then order it from Bremerhaven else you lose on the exchange rate." Krumm smirked:

"And I thought I was a hard man, Hans!"

Tirpitz now had an additional reason to return to Hamburg and sooner than he had originally envisaged. Krumm also notwithstanding his cable was still concerned that Berenberg should not involuntarily spill the beans, as it were. So, within forty eight hours of Armstrong's departure Tirpitz was in Berenberg's office at his Hamburg bank though his first enquiry was met with a blank stare and comment: "I could check with the Chief Clerk, Herr Tirpitz. Just to be clear Herr Krumm sent a cable to what effect?"

Tirpitz answered: "Armstrong accused Herr Krumm of stealing his patents based upon the loss of an order from the Prussian government and the arrest of two agents in London, one of whose names was mentioned. Give me time to think!"

Berenberg said: "May I mention another matter Herr Tirpitz; it has to do with the Adler Line."

Tirpitz was attentive: "What is the latest?" Berenberg smiled in responding: "The Hamburg to Malmo ferry is due to resume on the 14th of this month; is that agreeable to you?"

Tirpitz nodded but there were other things on his mind: "Has the ownership situation changed. Are you still my boss?"

"No and yes, according to the Anwalt there are various options to pursue in failing to trace any beneficiary of Herr Adler. His enquiries have drawn a blank which is the reason for the options. Are you interested in these options?"

Tirpitz responded with a nod and Berenberg said: "The State of

Saxony's law is that seven years must elapse before Herr Adler's affairs can be wound up; the so-called law of intestacy applies unless the Anwalt gets a court order to bring his affairs to an end. Should that option not be pursued the current option is that Berenberg Bank continues to run the Adler Line."

Tirpitz said: "Is there a difference between the affairs of the Adler Line and those of Herr Adler?" "That's an excellent distinction, Herr Tirpitz. The options I've mentioned have to do with Herr Adler himself and his ownership of the Adler Line but the latter is a distinct entity being covered by the state's company law which the bank is concerned with. Have you a specific concern?"

Tirpitz said: "Herr Berenberg, you know about the buy-out having been discussed. What is the bank's position?" In answer Berenberg rose and paced the room deep in thought. Finally he stood in front of Tirpitz saying: "Ideally if the purchase price for the ferry and the business including any premises was agreed could you and your crew buy it outright as a going concern?"

Tirpitz was adamant: "No, is the short answer but yes if a bank would lend us part of the money on agreeable terms."

Berenberg replied: "Fair enough. Give me the figures some time and I will then take it up with my fellow directors. In the meantime will you captain the ferry when it resumes service?" Tirpitz agreed and Berenberg having resumed his place said: "While you were away your crew ran a vote on the name of the ship. Would you care to hear of the name agreed upon with my approval?"

Tirpitz mused a moment then said: "Why, Adler, of course. What else!" "What else indeed! I wish we could have postponed it until we had both gone down to the waterfront and seen the ship but.." he stopped talking to open a drawer in his desk and commanded his guest to close his eyes, then said: "Open!"

In front of him the captain saw a placard with a mock-up drawn by an artist of the stern of the ferry, it read T I R P I T Z

"It was unanimous my dear Tirpitz. I should have enjoyed the usual ceremony: May God bless this ship and all who sail in her." But Tirpitz could not speak except to blurt out that he had recalled the name that Armstrong had mentioned; he said: "It was Meyer who owned the Spedition Company in London."

Berenberg reacted: "That's the company that supplies us with English beer." He then added more practically: "I was going to check something with my chief clerk; one moment!" He walked to a corner

and pulled down a device and opened it and placed a message inside a round cartridge then replaced it and operated a lever. There was a noise of air being released and several clicks and five minutes later Berenberg retrieved another cartridge which had just arrived accompanied again by noises of air and clicks. He brought the message over saying: "That's our pneumatic message service. Another innovation from England; it has the name 'Brunel' stamped on it. Have you heard of the name in your travels?"

Tirpitz said: "What is the response? The name Brunel is known to me on account of his introducing a new method of time which is now universal in England. It's called Greenwich Mean Time so that every town in the UK has one standard time instead of constantly changing our watches at the train travels from London to Bristol where I travelled during my convalescence after my malaria sickness."

Berenberg looked fascinated though responded to his guest's first query saying: "Nobody by the name of Armstrong has been recorded as having visited the bank in the past two days so you can put your mind to rest, Herr Tirpitz. If you like I can send a cable to Herr Krumm to confirm this fact. It would seem the Englishman mentioned my name thinking to puzzle our mutual friend, Herr Krumm. In the event on his arrival in Hamburg Bahnhof he took ship to the docks to return to England."

Tirpitz said wryly: "Let's hope he adjusted his watch unless Hamburg has adopted the English method of time." Berenberg sighed: "That sort of change must wait upon a unified Germany, Bismark notwithstanding; I don't see it any time soon."

Author's Note

Herr Berenberg was pessimistic above though the reader will see if that pessimism was justified or not in the next chapter.

Part 3 – Empire of Germany

### Chapters 12 & 13
Chapter 12

Although it would have been ever his ultimate objective Count von Bismarck could not have predicted how events would play out. He was a master of the long game though his preparation, from an historian's perspective, might have appeared inevitable yet in reality it is reasonable to assume could not have been. Following an incident which arose out of the seven week war with Austria Bismark actually took the trouble to visit Napoleon IIIrd in France whom he found in bed recovering from pleurisy and became convinced that it would not take much of an incident to precipitate the emperor into a declaration of war. Surely no historian could have predicted such an incident only its inevitability, perhaps.

On the other hand looking retrospectively in the 21st century at a series of events one cannot help oneself from concluding that an historian was dealing with an unmistakeable case of evil deviousness. I refer specifically to the Prussian-Austrian collusion in their joint war against Denmark over the disputed duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. One might wonder as to how England's Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston became involved in issuing his 'empty' warning to Bismark who ignored it and which proved to be justified in the light of Palmerston's inaction.

The reason Palmerston got involved stemmed from the so-called London Protocol of 1852 by which Denmark and Prussia were co-signatories of an agreement that the two duchies would have a special status within the Danish system of government. After the accession of King Christian IXth the latter proposed to the Danish parliament that the Danish/German Schleswig be incorporated into the Danish constitution. This was the pretext for Bismark to seek Austrian approval for action resulting in Austrian/Prussian co-operation in the war against Denmark.

It is at this historical juncture that one can detect the perfidious and diabolical logic of Bismark when Austria is rewarded with the Duchy of Holstein while to Prussia falls Schleswig. One can suspect a Machiavellian expectation of disagreement: in brief a 'casus belli'; in fact, a probable war with Austria.

And, that is what happens. Moreover an incident arises from this seven week war with Austria involving Napoleon IIIrd as was mentioned earlier. Bismark had already concluded that Napoleon is vulnerable as a result of heavy criticism in the French Chamber of Deputies who perceive their emperor as caving into Bismark's perceived provocations. The event is thus: Prior to the Battle of Sadowa Prusian troops passed through a corner of Luxemburg for which Bismark apologised and in response Napoleon had mentioned war which the Prussian pretended to take seriously. The following dialogue attempts to rerun the incident:

Bismark: "Good! Then it's war." Napoleon: "Sacre bleu! You didn't really think I meant it, did you!" Unfortunately for Napoleon both French and German interpreters were present as were secretaries of Bismark and Napoleon whose secretary was also a Deputy of the French parliament; while Bismark could smile in retrospect over the incident, not so Napoleon, because the French press and public reaction was hostile. A phrase was coined, 'Ravanche pour Sadowa'; it echoed after the Luxemburg incident whose territory was infringed by Prussia whose chastisement was overdue, according to the French press who clamoured for action.

Machiavelli has already been mentioned in judging Bismark's action yet this statesman would have earned the approval of the 16th century schemer in Bismark's provocation of Napoleon IIIrd in the incident about to be described. And, one should state at the outset that it is Bismark's timing and opportunism that is so masterful. Indeed he is so sure of his man and his reaction that he instructs his army commander, Field Marshal Moltke to start to move his armies into position over the succeeding few days.

At the time Wilhelm 1st in his 70s is on the throne of Prussia; on a visit to a famous spa to take the waters he encounters, by chance, on that 13th July, 1870 no less a person than Count Benedetti, the French ambassador to Prussia, and a polite and amicable chat takes place. However although the conversation is friendly the topic is arguably fractious though both men, king and diplomat, separate on good if not to say cordial terms. Later Wilhelm asks his secretary to write a summary of the conversation, a memorandum, which the king approves before asking his secretary to forward a copy to his minister-president, Count von Bismark.

One might assume that a normal course for Bismark would be simply to file the summary away and move on to other things but that is not what happens. On his own initiative the Count carefully peruses the memorandum several times becoming convinced in his mind that by a judicial tweaking of the secretary's wording the memorandum of the meeting might be viewed in a different light. He is all too aware that the draft he is about to send might get filed away without further ado so he is careful to alter the wording in such a way that a secretary, being the recipient of the missive, would feel duty-bound to bring it to his master's notice; his master being Napoleon IIIrd: an emperor on edge for the slightest sense of provocation.

So, what would Napoleon IIIrd's reaction be?

Yet, even now one should expect a head of state, an emperor, to make sure of his facts and to check the memorandum with the account of a third party: the French ambassador himself. Did Napoleon get his secretary to verify the memorandum? He did not. Instead, he issues a Declaration of War to King Wilhelm of Prussia who passes the telegram on to his minister-president, Count von Bismark, who promises his king to take the necessary action.

In truth, the Prussian Army's heavy howitzers for siege warfare have already been hoisted onto barges for transport up the River Rhine towards the crossing points into France before French engineers destroy these vital crossing points which is why the first battle between French and Prussian forces takes place at Gravelotte on the 18th August within days of the declaration of war. Having spotted Prussian troop movements from the fort of Metz the French deploy infantry on the heights overlooking the River Meuse.

Yet, although Moltke has the advantage of both light and heavy artillery in which Krupp breech-loaders perform brilliantly, Moltke and his generals perhaps over-estimate their artillery barrage for when they send in wave after wave of infantry which has to advance uphill against the French positions the Prussian troops face withering fire from the French defenders who are equipped with the accurate Chassepot, an extremely effective rifle, which proves deadly to the Prussian infantry. Soon miles of slopes are littered with the dead and wounded soldiers of the Prussian Army.

At 2200 hours the fighting is suspended. Night has fallen and to the Prussian spotters it is impenetrably black; even flares reveal nothing. Yet, on the French front line there is earnest debate amongst the generals and aide-de-camps. The Prussian artillery has taken them by surprise because the French cannot expect their own heavy artillery to counter the Prussian howitzers for days.

At dawn Prussian soldiers are ordered to mount a fresh attack and surmount the hills overlooking the Meuse without a single casualty. The French have gone. Marechal Bezaine has issued the order to withdraw into the fortess of Metz. In the light of subsequent events a dubious decision; French losses were high though the loss of 8,000 men killed and wounded was but a third of the Prussian losses and that withdrawal could only have one outcome, a protracted siege.

Nevertheless the campaign just summarised has less significance in the overall war than another battle a fortnight later when another French army, under the command of Marechal Macmahon, having travelled from Paris, has halted to allow the Emperor Napoleon IIIrd, to join him. Macmahon's Army comprised four corps en route to Sedan. Unfortunately that delay to allow Napoleon to join his army proved unfortunate for Macmahon as it delayed his plans to destroy a bridge though in hindsight he could have detached a unit to destroy it. His eventual attempt was interrupted by a detachment of Bavarian troops who though outnumbered ten to one attempted to disrupt proceedings.

Unlike at Gravelotte the fighting continued through successive nights and, once again, the French Chassepot took a toll of Bavarian infantry. But, once again it is surprising that the order was given to retire and the blame is placed upon Napoleon who preferred to be protected by, what he conjectured, the formidable walls of a fortress although he had no concept of modern high explosive shells. Moreover even though Prussian reinforcements could be expected Macmahon could choose his own positions and his four corps could readily be reinforced from Paris.

So, the fateful decision was taken to withdraw into the fortress of Sedan. Even in the light of what we know of Bismark's giving the Prussian Army such a head-start it was nonetheless a serious error of judgement on Napoleon's part and effectively sealed his doom. At Chalons-sur-Marne the French had the advantage of the terrain of which the Prussians were ignorant whereas the emperor, by shutting himself away in Sedan, provided a focal point for his enemies. The Prussian Armies could be concentrated and were: Moltke deployed his artillery with little opposition from French forces which could be kept away by the Prussian hegemony in manpower.

Soon Krupp's howitzers were reducing the ancient stone fortress of Sedan to a shambles by the use of high-explosive shells and the emperor realised the game was up. He ordered the French colours to be struck and replaced the tricolour with a plain white flag, the flag of surrender. Moltke did not delay his orders and the two Prussian armies were soon en route towards Paris but modern telegraph communications thwarted his plans. Paris was prepared.

Bismark also was in a hurry because he knew that the Palace of Versailles was indefensible. Ordering Moltke to provide a detachment of his crack soldiers he sent telegrams to the capitals of all the individual German states commanding them to the presence of King Wilhelm at Versailles whom he summoned also having promised him already his anticipated promotion to Kaiser of the Empire of Germany to be promulgated in the Palace of Versailles by the newly promoted Chancellor of Germany, its first, Count von Bismarck.

Wilhelm's phrase to describe his new status: his 'Gott-Gegebener Zustand', God-given situation, seems less than eloquent though who cared as he took his place on Louis XIVth's throne to preside over his subject states in the glittering mirror-lined hall of the Palace of Versailles. Count von Bismarck was happy to accept a subordinate position and sink to his knees to offer fealty to the Emperor of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. One by one, he called on his fellow leaders of the other German states to follow his lead, and, one by one, they did so.

Kaiser Wilhelm spoke to his subjects thanking profusely his Kanzler for his inestimable services. Yet, the Kaiser's son, the Crown Prince, would not prove so malleable. Within two years of his accession in 1888 that gratitude would prove short-lived. In England it was called, 'Dropping the pilot' when Wilhelm IInd dismissed Count von Bismark.

The new Kaiser had sought to equate his position with matching power but time after time he met implacable opposition and Wilhelm chafed at his Kanzler's restraint. He looked around for a more pliable Kanzler; and Bismark, having achieved his ambition, resigned himself to the Kaiser's decision: did he resign or was he pushed?

Footnote

The author watched a documentary about the life of the Count: the youthful inheritor of his father's title and estate Bismark was compelled to lead a frugal lifestyle in his efforts to repay his father's debts. At the time in the resort of Sylt he met a young English woman who, with her sister, was holidaying there and Bismark fell in love and, by the mores of the age, sought permission to court her. Soon after, both girls were ordered home. Evidently her family disapproved of the match.

After withdrawal from office and on the death of his wife Bismark lived alone with his two great Danes which he adored. Against his doctors orders banning alcohol and certain foods Bismark deliberately gorged himself on these forbidden items wanting to die. But his dogs died first which broke his heart. He died in the year, 1898 hopefully not getting to know of his Kaiser's first failure in aggressive statecraft that might have propelled Germany to top nation on earth, Bismark's ultimate dream; but, that dream was turned into a nightmare by an inadequate Kaiser.

The next chapter will explain the circumstances of a situation which the Kaiser's inadequacy did not exploit though it can be traced to an incident which the Kaiser could not handle and so he failed his mentor, Bismark and thus failed his country, Germany.
Chapter 13

A cartoon* (see below) was printed in a newspaper in Cape Town in the colony of South Africa on March 5th in the year 1898 which showed President Kruger of the Transvaal aboard the 'raft of IGNORANCE' adrift at sea. It was reproduced in newspapers around the world and especially in Berlin where a copy soon found its way onto the Kaiser's breakfast table. He must have choked on his toast though this is conjecture as is the imagined dialogue below:

Kaiser Wilhelm IInd: "I have chosen to ally the Empire of Germany to the laughing stock of the world. What am I to do, Herr Kanzler?" The chancellor responds (his name is unimportant): "Your Majesty, as I remember your telegram, you did not commit any troops to President Kruger. You promised him forces and arms." An irritable Wilhelm: "As I recall it was German troops and munitions." Kanzler: "German forces, Sir; that does not necessarily mean German troops."

Wilhelm smiles at his Chancellor supping his coffee which he puts down as the liquid is cold and a flunkey quickly removes the cup pouring a fresh coffee which his master raises to his lips and resumes his smile towards his chancellor saying: "Gott sei Dank; no German soldiers not even a Pomeranian."

It is his chancellor's turn to smile, indeed to chuckle recalling the famous comment of his predecessor, Count von Bismarck who was invited to send troops to the Balkans and declared: "Not a single soldier must be sent; not even a Pomeranian."

The Kaiser ignored his Kanzler's amusement as he pondered and said almost to himself: "In the event of an appeal by the president be prepared to send him our latest rifles and ammunition. Are we sure where to send them? We don't want them to fall into the hands of the English. Show me a map of that part of the world."

As events turned out, there was a Boer War, the first, in which the British incompetently led by Lord Chelmsford were badly mauled by Boer sharpshooters with Mauser rifles. Had ten thousand German troops been there backing the Boers the war would have been a humiliating defeat and severely damaged Britain's standing in the world to Germany's benefit.

The ramifications of defeat had Britain even retained their Cape Colony which is doubtful would have resounded especially in India where nationalism was finding its feet. Without a shadow of a doubt the opposition in the House of Commons would have brought forward a vote of no confidence and government MPs, defying their party whip, would have hastened its fall. In particular the member for a constituency in Wales might well have succeeded to the leadership of the Liberal Party; his name David Lloyd George who had been an opponent of the war even at risk of his personal safety.

But, the Kaiser had failed his first opportunity to do Britain down and as subsequent events were to demonstrate the Kaiser would not live up to his former Kanzler's example. Bismark had forged the sword of state but it needed a matching leader to wield it in battle and Wilhelm IInd was not that man. Any admirer of such a statesman would hope that he had died before his protege's first humiliation became manifest.

*Author's Note

The cartoon, mentioned in the opening paragraph, was drawn on the basis of an account as related by Joshua Slocombe, a round-the-world yachtsman and a retired American citizen, whose fame had reached the Republic of the Boers, the Transvaal, established as a result of persecution by the British of the Boers, at least in the view of their leader, President Kruger. He had read that Mr Slocombe was on his way to Africa and would likely call at a Southern African port so he instructed his aides to welcome him to Government House in Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal.

The two aides waited at the port for the Spray, the name of Slocombe's small sailing boat, and greeted him as he tied up at the quay and stepped ashore. They told him of their mission and he was pleased to accompany them in their chaise to Government House. The three alighted and went inside though just before knocking on the door of the president's office one of them turned to Slocombe and said:

"Would you mind Mr Slocombe, if I introduced you to the President as the across-the-world yachtsman?" Slocombe though exhausted by his travels was suddenly alert and said: "I'm not sailing round the world but across the world, is that it?" Both aides clapped their hands with glee and the other said: "Yes, Mr Slocombe because you see President Kruger believes the earth is flat so the only way is across."

Slocomb looked at the floor and then at the two men with a serious expression which both aides also adopted; he said: "Sorry gentlemen! Tired I may be but what you ask is too much. Is that your final word on the matter?" As both men nodded Slocombe turned and left government house ordering another chaise to return him to the harbour where he cast off and studying his chart called in at the next port where the harbour-master welcomed him giving him refreshment after sending a message to the governor who was warned of his imminent arrival. The yachtsman had arrived at a port of the Cape Colony, British South Africa.

  * Please refer to Appendix.

Afterword

After the failure of Lord Chelmsford in the 1st Boer War and his recall another commanding officer of the British Army in South Africa was appointed: Kitchener, the hero of Britain's recent victory over the Mahdi and his army who had murdered General Gordon, in the Sudan. He brought the war against the Boers to a successful conclusion though by controversial policies including, 'scorched earth', concentration camps, unintentional starvation of innocent Boer women and children and much else, but, in the subsequent peace treaty Britain's Liberal Government treated the defeated Boers with generosity making a life-long friend of the Boers leading general, Jan Smuts who became South Africa's first prime-minister.

He persuaded his fellow Boers of the dominion of South Africa to support his former enemy, Britain in both world wars in the 20th century. At a ripe old age he visited England in 1950 for the final occasion to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Cambridge.

This work has attempted to show how Germany, but more particularly, the Kaiser, Wilhelm IInd, failed to rise to the challenge whereby Great Britain might easily have been brought low had the Kaiser fulfilled his promise to President Kruger of Transvaal to supply German troops to assist the Boers in the 1st Boer War of 1899-1900. These troops had only to be transferred from German South-West Africa. See also chapters 13 & 14.

Appendix

This is the cartoon depicted in the newspaper in Cape Town, South Africa of March 5th, 1898 which was reprinted world-wide in the next few days. A German edition appeared on Kaiser Wilhelm's desk and sparked the events outlined in my novel which you, esteemed readers, have just perused.

Portent of the Future

The policy for the German people in the 19th C was expressed by its future Chancellor, Count Otto von Bismarck, namely: Blood and Iron. The UK in contrast often wins through in its national crises with a policy of 'soft power', as, for example, its development of government departments devoted to secret services. Another fault-line in German policy is its cavalier attitude to treaties which it referred to contemptuously, at one time, as 'bits of paper'.

In the year 1860 a conference was convened in London to discuss Prussian policy in the event of a changed situation in the Danish provinces of Schleswig-Holstein being population-wise mostly made-up of people speaking German. In 1864 Bismark scoffed at England's Prime-Minister and Foreign Secretary, respectively Lords Russell and Palmerston, who reminded Bismark of Prussia's 1860 undertaking when it contemplated the invasion of Denmark in 1864. Prussia, ignoring England's strictures, invaded and Denmark lost the two provinces.

In August 1914 the departing German ambassador to the UK sneered at Lord Gray who intended to uphold Britain's treaty obligation to defend Belgium in the event of invasion. Then, in 1939 Chancellor Adolf Hitler marched into Czechoslovakia thereby ignoring his treaty promise not to invade just a year before.

These three cases illustrate Germany's utter disregard for treaties when the terms do not suit Germany's interests. Are its promises of 1948 in the Treaty of Rome worth the paper upon which it is written?

