A Chance Encounter

The following day, at the Colonel's insistence, Ginger found himself, in company with Cub, riding along the river bank toward the county town to have a check up with the local GP. It was a bright, sunny day, and to their relief the wind had dropped. The sunlight glinted on the sluggish waters of the tidal estuary and seagulls drifted over the scene, punctuating the silence with their mournful cries. The trees had not yet started to put on their autumn finery. The horses were glad to be out. Cub had chosen Firefly as she needed the exercise and Ginger was now sufficiently proficient not to need a lead rein. She bucked and cavorted as she felt the grass under her feet and Ginger felt heartily grateful for Kara's sensible nature. Cub seemed totally unperturbed by the mare's antics.

The doctor's house was half way up the hill on the approach to the town. It stood back, approached by a steep set of steps edged by a metal railing. Ginger was surprised that the metalwork had not been sacrificed for scrap, but as he mounted the uneven steps he realised that perhaps it had been spared on the grounds of safety and practicality. It certainly came in handy as a hitching rail for the horses.

After a brief wait he was ushered into the surgery where, after a thorough going over, he was given a clean bill of health, much to his relief.

Having rejoined Cub, who had idled away the time of the consultation in the waiting room, Ginger gave him the good news and the pair emerged onto the top of the steps, discussing what they would do for the rest of the day.

While several proposals were being put forward and dismissed, Ginger's gaze wandered idly over the street. Suddenly he stiffened, his eye attracted by a couple who were standing further up the street, on the opposite side of the road.

Cub saw his change of attitude and asked what had attracted his attention.

"I'm sure I know that person," said Ginger, indicating the taller of the two, who had his back toward them. "I've met him, or seen him, before, I'm certain. I just can't place him"

"That often happens," said Cub, "when you meet people out of context. I shouldn't worry, you'll remember when you're not thinking about it."

At that moment, the person under discussion clearly ended his conversation with his companion. An envelope or small package was handed over and he turned around to cross the road.

Ginger gasped, hardly able to believe his eyes. His mouth went dry with shock. He recognised the man immediately as soon as he turned round. For a moment he stood there, stunned, his mouth open.

Cub looked mystified. "What's wrong," he queried. "You look as though you have seen a ghost."

Ginger found his voice. "In a way I have," he said, still breathless with shock. "I've just recognised him; he is a member of the German Secret Service. What on earth is he doing here, strolling up the street as though he owns the place?"

It was Cub's turn to feel a sense of shock. "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Absolutely," confirmed Ginger. "I'd know von Stalhein anywhere."