CHAPTER 15

BREMEN The Wool Trade Capital of Germany

People poured out of the train, rushing as if they were chased by the border police. I held on to my bag and followed the stream as it filed past the barrier. I had to find the Hotel Hospitz, which was very close to the station.

I was on my way to meet Onkel Wilhelm. Hotel Hospitz É Receptionist É and there was Onkel Wilhelm having his breakfast.

My stomach rumbled. Breakfast sounded nice. But I was all dirty from the train journey. Could I just turn up in the dining room like that? I plucked up some courage and went in to greet Onkel Wilhelm.

"You are just in time for breakfast," he said. "Sit down here and I will order you some food. You must be hungry."

"Actually, I'm starving," I said. "There was no food on the train, and I didn't even have a seat all night. Couldn't sleep, not even a wink."

"You should travel second class as I do. I always get a seat." "May be when I'm rich like you I'll travel second class. But for the time being, I have no money to spare."

"I'm sorry, just teasing, you know. Waiter, another breakfast for this young man please! É And how are your mother and father?" "They are very well and they send their regards to you." "It's such a shame that they live on the other side of the border. We can't see each other any more."

"The border crossing went all right for me this time, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's getting too dangerous. I heard they've kept some people locked up for three days!"

After I had finished a good breakfast, I was feeling much better, and after a shower and change I was ready to meet my future employers.

"The firm I am going to introduce you to, has two senior partners, one is Herr Wunder, the other Herr Siemering. Herr Wunder has brought the

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