patched it up somehow, and the newspapers of the world blazed forth a momentous event: the
four great European nations had signed a peace pact, agreeing that for a period of ten years
they would refrain from aggressive action against one another and would settle all problems by
negotiation. Mussolini signed for Italy, Goring for Germany, and the British and French
ambassadors to Vienna signed for their governments. Such a relief to the war-weary peoples of
the Continent! Goring came home in triumph; and Irma said: "You see, things aren't nearly as
bad as you've been thinking."
The couple went to a reception at the home of the Frau Reichsminister Goebbels, where they
met many of the Nazi great ones. Lanny, who had read history, remembered the Visigoths,
who had conquered ancient Rome with astonishing ease, and wandered about the splendid
city, dazed by the discovery of what they had at their disposal; he remembered Clive, who had
been similarly stunned by the treasures of Bengal, and had said afterward that when he
considered what his opportunities had been, he was astonished at his own moderation.
So it was now with the members of the N.S.D.A.P.; not the moderation, but the
opportunities. Men who a few years ago had been without the price of a meal or a place to lay
their heads had suddenly come into possession of all Germany. They wore the finest uniforms that
Berlin's tailors could design, and their women displayed their charms in the latest Paris models.
Orders and medals, orchids and sparkling jewels—did they get all that out of party salaries, or
the stipends of office in the Deutsches Reich or Preussischer Staat? Or had each one got busy on
his own? They wouldn't have to rob, or even to threaten; they would only have to keep their
hands out and the possessors of wealth and privilege would come running to fill them.
Here were the friends and camp followers of Juppchen Goebbels, frustrated journalist from
the Rheinland, now master of his country's intellectual life. His word could make or break
anyone in any profession; an invitation to his home was at once a command and the highest of
opportunities. Men bowed and fawned, women smiled and flattered—and at the same time
they watched warily, for it was a perilous world, in which your place was held only by sleepless
vigilance. Jungle cats, all in one cage, circling one another warily, keeping a careful distance;
the leopard and the jaguar would have tangled, had not both been afraid of the tiger.
But they were civilized cats, which had learned manners, and applied psychology, pretending
to be gentle and harmless, even amiable. The deadliest killers wore the most cordial smiles; the
most cunning were the most dignified, the most exalted. They had a great cause, an historic
destiny, a patriotic duty, an inspired leader. They said: "We are building a new Germany," and at
the same time they thought: "How can I cut out this fellow's guts?" They said: "Good evening,
They said:
is he doing here?" One would whisper: "The Chief thinks he can make use of him," and the
other would be thinking: "The Chief must be plucking him good and plenty!"
XIII
have been moving up in the world since we last met."
"Don't say that, Frau Reichsminister!" pleaded Lanny. "I beg you to believe that what
happened was totally unforeseen by me, and unsought." Would she believe it? Of course she
wouldn't— unless she happened to have inside information.
"Aren't you going to tell me about it?" A mischievous request, and therefore the way to
disguise it was with the most mischievous of smiles. On the same principle that you spoke the
truth only when you didn't wish to be believed.
Lanny, who had learned about intrigue when he was a tiny boy hearing his mother and father
discussing the landing of a munitions contract—Lanny Budd, grandson of Budd Gunmakers,
knew nothing better to do in a crisis than to be honest.
beg you to be kind to a stranger in a strange land. I am in a painful position. I receive orders
from those in authority, and I dare do nothing but obey."
"If I give you orders, will you obey, Herr Budd?" The wife of a Cabinet Minister apparently
knew other ways to deal with one in a painful position. "What you call authority has a way of
shifting suddenly in times like these. You had better give me an opportunity to advise you."
"Indeed, Frau Reichsminister, I will avail myself of your kindness." He had meant to say: "As
soon as I am free to do so," but he decided to leave himself free to think it over.
Irma was being entertained by "Putzi" Hanfstaengl, wealthy art-publisher's son who played
