Switzerland
Elwood was correct. In less than twenty minutes the train pulled away from the station. The train traveled slowly; the conductor allowed them time to view the city. No one missed the house with the Gold Roof. There was a collection of "Oh my, it's beautiful."
The train exited the city and went down the mountain to the valley below. The landscape was just as beautiful. Everyone was mesmerized; they stared out the window.
In another thirty minutes or so Elwood clapped his hands. "Is anyone hungry?"
"I am sir."
"Kurt, you're always hungry."
"I'll come to your defense Kurt. I can't tell a lie; my stomach is making noises."
"Yours too Maria." She smiled at the nine year old.
"That decides it; if Maria's hungry then we need to eat."
"Papa, is there really food available?"
"Right in the dining car; follow me."
Kurt was first in line. He stopped. "Papa, that floor is moving."
"I know Son; it must. The floor covers the coupling hooks which hold the two cars together; they must sway and move so the train can bend around hills and valleys. Let me go first. I'm sure everyone else will be hesitant. I'll stand in the middle."
"And I'll go through to the dining car and you can grab my hand."
"Thank you Max; okay come on lunch is waiting."
"Isabel, let me take Marta." He lifted her and passed her to Max's waiting hands. Maria was next.
"I see Kurt's alarm. That floor really does wobble."
"Let me have Gretl." She too was passed to Max. "Take my arm Maria; you'll be safe."
"Thank you Captain; if I had to walk on it alone I would have probably gone hungry."
"That's odd for a young woman who told the children she climbed trees."
"They don't move, Captain." Their eyes caught for a second before they broke into laughter. They composed themselves before entering the dining car.
The dining room stewards had their tables ready for them; the family was the only occupants. "Captain, do your two small daughters need booster chairs?"
"Yes, I know Gretl needs one. And I see Marta's chin is almost resting on the table."
"Very well, I'll bring them to the table."
Each table sat four; Isabel and Marta on one side and Maria and Gretl on the other. "I've never been on a train with a dining room."
"They're relatively new Maria. In the past you had to bring your own food on long rides; this is so much better."
The conductor knew who would be on board; he had arranged for Austrian favorites. Everyone had more than enough to eat. The desert was a rich chocolate torte; served with milk or coffee.
"Papa, tell the cook thank you for our meal; I'm full."
"Glad to hear, Kurt and yes I will thank him. We need to take our full bellies back to our car. We only have a little over an hour before we arrive at our destination."
Again they walked the passageway between the cars; repeating the sequence as before. Each had found their seat. The train had slowed as it curved down the mountain. Everyone was able to read the sign which read: Leaving Liechtenstein, Welcome to Switzerland.
"When did we leave Austria, Papa?"
"While we were eating Friedrich, Liechtenstein is a very tiny country between the two countries. It's a lot like Switzerland."
"Are we in chocolate country?"
"We are Louisa."
"I wish I had a piece right now."
"Kurt you just told me you were full."
"Never too full for a piece of chocolate."
"Children,"
"Yes Mr. Elwood."
"Look what I have."
"Is that a box of chocolate?"
"It is; they're small pieces; just large enough to satisfy your chocolate tooth."
"Eat it slowly."
"Why Papa?"
"To savor its flavor; let your taste buds find it; then your brain will tell you it's very good."
Elwood passed the box around. There was silence.
"It's wonderful Captain; I don't have words to describe it."
"I'm glad you like, Maria."
The small piece had satisfied their sweet tooth. They continued to gaze out the window; the scenery was spectacular.
After maneuvering through the mountains, they came to a plateau. Now they could see structures; churches, shops and homes. The train wound its way to the train station. They heard the voice over the loudspeaker. "Arriving in the city of Bern; gather your belongings."
Only Isabel had a bag with her; Gretl's extra clothes. None of which were needed; after lunch she had asked to go potty again. And as before the line formed outside the bathroom; now as they were about to leave the train, they were ready.
"Let Georg off first."
The family heard Elwood and waited. Georg stepped off the train and was immediately greeted. With an outstretched arm the gentleman introduced himself. "Hello Captain, I'm Charles Adams the envoy for the United States Department of State."
"And I'm Georg. I must tell you, I'm terribly surprised with being met by an impressive individual as yourself."
"You shouldn't be Georg. You're important to my country. You have knowledge it can use. This bus will take you the short distance to your residence. Why don't you get your family?"
Georg tried to hide his emotions; he still couldn't believe all this attention. Max had exited the train. "Who is he Georg?"
"A representative of the American government; I never expected it. There's a bus waiting to take us to our residence. Help me get everyone on board."
Max stepped back on the train. "Everyone off, we have a short bus ride to our house."
He heard. "This is so exciting;" from several of the children. From Isabel, "I can't believe we have a house Max."
"Neither can Georg."
Charles was correct; it was a short ride. Those sitting on the right side of the bus had window seats which viewed a large house with a porch on the top of a small hill.
"Is that our house, Papa?"
"It must be, the bus has parked in front of it. Let's go have a better look."
Charles and Georg stepped off first. They stood away from the bus as Max and Pepé helped every one exit. First off were Maria and Gretl. The others followed quickly.
Charles explained to Georg. "This is a halfway house. My superior who you will meet later has been using it for a few years now, housing people escaping from Germany."
Again Georg thought, I know he's a spy. "Very well, how long will we be here?'
"Undecided for now; it depends on hard the wind blows from Germany through Austria and beyond."
"Understood."
The family stood waiting for directions. No one asked any questions; they wanted to see inside their house.
"Go on in," Charles told them. "Georg and I will bring up the rear." By the time they were all inside Isabel had had a good look around.
"This is huge Georg; look at the size of this room. I've never seen a room with so many seats."
"It's a room where we can all be together; I like it Isabel. No more crowding into a small sitting room."
"Follow me," Charles directed. "I'm sure you will like the dining room too; it has room for all of you to sit around the table. Let's go on to the kitchen; I'm sure everyone wants to see if this house comes with food." Charles heard snickers from all of them. The family knew what Kurt was probably thinking.
"Isabel, this house comes with two housekeepers; they also do all the cooking. Please meet Katia and Rosemary; they're sisters." The family greeted them.
"Georg, did know about all this?"
"Nothing Isabel."
Charles continued the tour. "The bedrooms are all upstairs; I know there are more than enough. Let's go outside."
The backdoor opened into an orchard; offering an assortment of fruit trees; apples, pears, cherries and even nectarines. There were other beds devoted to the growing of vegetables.
"Are you kidding me," Pepé exclaimed.
"I thought you would be pleased. The garden comes with a gardener too. Every one, please meet Phillip; he comes over every day to help keep it producing. When no one is living here, he distributes the fruit and vegetables to the needy."
Pepé went over and shook Phillip's hand. "I'll be over in the morning to show you everything. The ladies have enough for dinner tonight and breakfast in the morning."
The family went back inside. "Max, the bus driver left your bags in the foyer. I'm going to detain Georg for a few minutes. I'm sure the children want to see their bedrooms."
"Yes, I'm surprised Gretl hasn't needed to use the bathroom."
"Children, follow Uncle Max upstairs."
Isabel notice Maria had been very quiet. "Are you okay?"
"Bewildered Isabel; I heard Charles use the word halfway house. I read about them. American slaves used them to escape their masters; trying to get to a part of the country that was free. I wonder who uses this house."
"I suppose it's people like us who need to escape before the evil engulfs them. Maybe one day we can return the favor."
"That's a nice thought." They had reached the top step. The children were excited.
"Maria, will you sleep with me and Gretl?"
"I suppose I can; show me our room."
"Gretl doesn't really need a crib; she can sleep with me. Her spot will be against the wall; so she won't fall out. You can sleep in the other bed, please Maria."
"Marta's right Maria; besides I think they may have trouble sleeping in a strange house; your presence will be comforting."
Isabel didn't say her thoughts. I don't think we will be here very long. Even with that thought running in her mind she didn't stop the children from putting their things away; their few pieces of undergarments and each girl had two dresses; the boys extra pants and shirts.
Georg and Charles stood by the bus. "I'll come for you after breakfast."
"I'll be waiting. Elwood, will I see you again?"
"I'm sure our paths will cross again."
Georg stood and watched the bus pull away. I hope I meet the spy tomorrow. I mustn't dwell on it.
Charles and Elwood talked. "I don't think it occurred to Georg that you can't return to Pula."
"I know it didn't; he has a lot on his mind."
The bus driver drove to the apartment where Charles lived; he had an extra room for Elwood. He would work from there. One of the first things he would do was contact the local priest and get a message to Father Gabriel.
Georg went back in the house to find all the children downstairs. "Georg, you and I get to share a room."
"That's fine Max. Is everyone happy with their room?"
"Maria is sleeping with me and Gretl, Papa."
"That was nice of you, Maria."
"Not a problem Captain, I can sleep anywhere. Isabel thought my presence would help them sleep better."
Rosemary had come in the room. "I was told that lunch was several hours ago. Dinner's ready. Why don't you take your seats in the dining room."
Isabel found the dining room to be all prepared for them. Katia pointed out the highchair without the tray. "This is for the youngest little girl; she'll be at the same level as everyone else at the table."
"Did you hear Gretl?"
"I did Maria; me a big girl now."
"Yes you are, up you go. And I'll sit next to you."
Martha found the seat with the booster chair. "Marta, your seat is right here." She pulled out the chair. Max placed here and brought the chair closer to the table. The others took their seats. Georg sat at the head of the table next to Maria.
"We need to thank God for our safe travel and the food we see before us. Maria, will you offer a prayer?"
"Of course Captain," she began. "God of creation, you brought us safely to this place. Your glory was seen in the beautiful sights we saw, the glorious mountains, the rich valleys and now a place filled with hope for all who travel here.
"We thank you for this food which has been provided. May it nourish our bodies so we may live out our purpose here on earth. Amen."
Isabel and Martha began to pass the dishes of food around the table. Everyone found something they liked; no one was very picky. Katia removed the serving dishes; Rosemary replaced them with a big tray of cookies. "We know everyone likes cookies."
Katia refilled the children's glasses with more milk; she had coffee for the adults. They talked for a while before departing for the living room. There they played a rousing game of charades until bedtime.
