Read Online An Honorable German by Charles L. McCain - Free Book Online

said, looking at Max’s wrists.
    “Just abrasions from the rope.”
    “That can hurt, too. You remember the time I had to hang from a rope off the balcony of that hospital room in Danzig, so the
     matron wouldn’t find me with Olga?”
    Max nodded. “I do remember, but I think her name was Helga.”
    “Attention on deck!” an orderly called.
    Dieter went rigid and Max sat up straight. Langsdorff entered, smiling around the cigar in the corner of his mouth. “Young
     Brekendorf is always trying to get himself killed,” he said.
    Max felt the color come up in his face.
    “Well done, Brekendorf. Very well done.” Langsdorff reached into his coat pocket, produced a second cigar, and offered it
     to Max.
    “Thank you, Herr Kapitän.”
    “Save it for a quiet moment, Oberleutnant. As you know from the radio message we received yesterday, Grand Admiral Raeder
     has authorized me to award one hundred Iron Crosses Second Class to members of the ship’s company who have shown a special
     devotion to duty. It is my pleasure to award one to you, Oberleutnant, for your actions in rescuing Seaman Keppler, and for
     your exemplary conduct during this war cruise.”
    “I’m honored, Herr Kapitän.”
    “It’s only what such an act deserves. The highest duty of any officer is to watch over the well-being of his men.” Langsdorff
     turned to Dieter. “Keeping our young friend company, Falkenheyn?”
    “I am, Herr Kapitän.”
    “I understand he might not be with us had you not helped him with Oberbootsmann Carls.”
    “Ja, Herr Kapitän. But this time he waited till I wasn’t there, so he could keep all the credit for himself.”
    Langsdorff smiled again. “Well, I bid you young gentlemen a good evening.”
    Dieter again came to attention.
    “Herr Kapitän?” Max said.
    “Ja?”
    “I wish to report for duty at my regular hour.”
    Langsdorff studied Max, taking in the bandages on his wrists and white gauze around his forehead. “If you can secure the surgeon’s
     permission, then you may.”
    “Thank you, Herr Kapitän.”
    “But Oberleutnant.”
    “Ja?”
    “Shave before you come on duty.”
    Max tried not to smile. “Jawohl, Herr Kapitän.”
    Langsdorff exited and Dieter produced a package of cigarettes, Murattis at that, hard to come by these days and not something
     Dieter shared readily. He took one for himself and then offered the rest of the package to Max.
    “He’s right, you know,” Max said. “I don’t think Carls and I would have made it off that freighter if you hadn’t come back
     for us.”
    Now it was Dieter’s turn to shrug. “I’m sure you would have managed.”
    “Well, thanks anyway. I’ve been meaning to say that.”
    Dieter nodded through the blue haze of his cigarette. “You’re welcome, El Maximo.”
    They smoked in silence for a while.
    “Captain says we’ll find a convoy off the Rio Plata,” Max said. “Then home by Christmas.”
    Dieter smiled. “A Christmas goose. Sleigh rides with the girls. Carols around the fire. Sleigh rides with the girls. Mulled
     cider, maybe a sleigh ride or two with the girls. A man could get used to such a life. Naturally I’d miss being awakened in
     the dead of night by alarm bells—perhaps I could employ someone to do that for me while I’m home.”
    Max laughed. “I’m going to get married while we’re on leave,” he said.
    Dieter raised an eyebrow. “The brave groom schedules his wedding. Again.”
    Max ignored the cut. “You’ll be the best man, of course. We’ll have the ceremony at the Lutheran church in Bad Wilhelm, then
     a wedding feast—perhaps at Herr von Woller’s country house.”
    “Ah, a feast. You know I do love a feast, Max, especially at a venue as auspicious as Castle von Woller. Very high-toned and
     sure to be covered by the
Berliner Morgenpost.
But, El Maximo, a question: has Herr von Woller agreed to speak to you yet?”
    “No.”
    “I would not wish to present myself as an expert on social