The Scarletti Inheritance - By Robert Ludlum Page 0,107

Heinrich Kroeger was a dangerous addition to their working circle. But he had been consistently overruled because Kroeger not only possessed what appeared to be unlimited financial resources, but seemed to be able to enlist the support, or at least the interest, of incredibly influential men.

Still, he did not trust him.

Essentially because Ludendorff was convinced that this Kroeger was stupid.

'May I remind you, Herr Kroeger, that I possess a... working knowledge of the English language!'

'Then why don't you use it?'

'I do not feel it is - how is it said? - entirely necessary.'

'It is now, damn it!'

Adolf Hitler suddenly clapped his hands twice, signifying an order of silence. It was an irksome gesture to Ludendorff, but his respect for Hitler's talents - which bordered on awe - made him accept such aggravations.

'Halt! Beide!'

Hitler stepped away from the table, turning his back on all of them. He stretched his arms, then clasped his hands behind him. He said nothing for several moments, yet no one interrupted his silence. For it was his silence, and Goebbels, whose love of theatrics was paramount, watched with satisfaction the effect Hitler was having on the others.

Ludendorff, on the other hand, played the game but remained annoyed. The Hitler he knew well was capable of poor judgment. Great visions, perhaps, but often slipshod in decisions of everyday practical realities. It was unfortunate that he also resented debate on such matters. It made it difficult for Rosenberg and himself, who knew they were the true architects of the new order. Ludendorff hoped that this particular instance was not going to be another case when Hitler overrode his sound analysis. Like himself, Rheinhart was a Junker, proud and unbending. He had to be handled artfully. Who could know this better than the former field marshal of the imperial army who was forced to maintain his dignity in the midst of tragic defeat. Ludendorff understood.

Adolf Hitler spoke quietly. 'Wir werden wie Herr Kroeger sagt tun.'

'Herr Hitler agrees with you, Kroeger!' Hess touched Scarlett's sleeve, delighted. He was forever being condescended to by the arrogant Ludendorff, and this was not a small victory over him. Rheinhart was a prize. If Kroeger was correct, Ludendorff would look foolish.

'Warum? Es ist sehr gefahrlich.'

Ludendorff had to argue although he knew at once it was no use.

'Sie sind zu Vorsichtig die unruhigen Zieten, Ludendorff. Kroeger hat recht. Aber wir werden einen Schritt weiter gehen.'

Rudolf Hess expanded his chest. He looked pointedly at Ludendorff and Goebbels as he nudged Scarlett with his elbow.

'Herr Hitler says that our friend Ludendorff is mistakenly cautious. He is right. Ludendorff is always cautious - But Herr Hitler wishes to elaborate on your suggestion - '

Adolf Hitler began speaking slowly but firmly, lending a finality to each German phrase. As he continued he watched with satisfaction the faces of those listening. When he reached the end of his diatribe he spat out the words.

'Da ist Montbeliard!'

For each it was a different evaluation with an underlying common denominator - the man was a genius.

For Hess, Hitler's conclusion was equated with a startling flash of political insight.

For Goebbels, Hitler had once again demonstrated his ability to capitalize on an opponent's fundamental weakness.

For Ludendorff, the Austrian had taken a mediocre idea, added his own boldness, and emerged with a piece of brilliant strategy.

Heinrich Kroeger - Scarlett - spoke. 'What did he say, Hess?'

But it was not Rudolf Hess who answered. It was Erich Ludendorff, who did not take his eyes off Adolf Hitler. 'Hen-Hitler has just... solidified the military for us, Kroeger. In a brief statement he has won us the reluctant Prussians.''

'What?'

Rudolf Hess turned to Scarlett. 'General Rheinhart will be told that unless he does as we demand, the Versailles officials will be informed that he is secretly negotiating illegal procurements. It is the truth. Montbeliard cannot be denied!'

'He is a Junker!' Ludendorff added. 'Montbeliard is the key because it is the truth! Rheinhart cannot disavow what he has done! Even if he should be tempted, there are too many who know - von Schnitzler, Kindorf. Even Krupp! Rheinhart has broken his word.' And then Ludendorff laughed harshly. The holy word of a Junker!'

Hitler smiled briefly and spoke rapidly to Hess, gesturing his head toward Ulster Scarlett.

'Der Fuhrer admires and appreciates you, Heinrich,' said Hess. 'He asks what of our friends in Zurich?'

'Everything is proceeding on schedule. Several errors have been corrected. We may lose one of the remaining thirteen - It's no loss; he's a thief.'

'Who is that?' Ludendorff exercised his