Valentine Williams

Name: The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7
Author: Valentine Williams

The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

Summary

“The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7”, published in 1918, is a work by Valentine Williams. It explores elements such as Herr Doktor, Berlin and Rotterdam.

Quotes from The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (Valentine Williams)

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ IN WHICH A SILVER STAR ACTS AS A CHARM Ihave often remarked in life that there are days when some benevolent deity seems to be guiding one's every action. On such days, do what you will, you cannot go wrong. As the Berlin train bumped thunderously over the culverts spanning the canals between the tall, grey houses of Rotterdam and rushed out imperiously into the plain of windmills and pollards beyond, I reflected that this must be my good day, so kindly had some fairy godmother shepherded my footsteps since I had left the café. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ I said in German.
"I won't excuse you," he roared. "Who are you? What do you want in Germany? You've been to London, I see by this passport."
"I had no time to get my passport stamped at the Consulate at Rotterdam," I said. "I arrived there too late in the evening. I could not wait. I am going to Berlin on most important business."
"That's nothing to do with it," the man shouted. He was working himself up into a fine frenzy. "Your passport is not in order. You're not a German. You're an American. We Germans know what to think of our American friends, especially those who come from London." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ The fat man sprang up.
"The Herr Doktor must excuse me: I am overwhelmed: I had no idea that the Herr Doktor was not one of these tiresome American spies that are overrunning our country. The Herr Doktor will understand. . . . If the Herr Doktor had but said . . ."
"Herr Major," I said, endeavouring to put as much insolence as I could into my voice (that is what a German understands) , "I am not in the habit of bleating my business to every fool I meet. Now I must go back to the train."
"The Berlin train has gone, Herr Doktor, but . . ."
"The Berlin train gone?" I said. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ Conversation was polite and perfunctory.
"It is on occasions such as these," said the lame officer, "that one recognizes how our brothers overseas are helping the German cause."
"Your work must be extraordinarily interesting," observed one of the dug-outs.
"All your difficulties are now over," said the Major, much in the manner of the chorus of a Greek play. "You will be in Berlin to-night, where your labours will be doubtless rewarded. American friends of Germany are not popular in London, I should imagine!" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ I never saw such a thorough examination in my life. People's bags were literally turned upside down and every single object pried into and besnuffled. After the customs' examination passengers were passed on to the searching-rooms, the men to one side, the women to the other. I caught sight of a female searcher lolling at a door . . . a monstrous and grim female who reminded me of those dreadful bathing women at the seaside in our early youth.
The fat official had vanished into an office leading off the Customs Hall. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ I found myself, the only occupant, in a first-class carriage. On the window was plastered a notice, in Dutch and German, to the effect that the carriage was reserved. Suddenly I thought of my bag and overcoat. They were nowhere to be seen. After a little search I found them beneath the seat. In the overcoat pocket was a black tie.
I lost no time in taking the hint. If any of you who read this tale should one day notice a ganger on the railway between Rotterdam and Dordrecht wearing the famous colours of a famous regiment round his neck you will understand how they got there. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ I speak amongst ourselves, is it not so, gentlemen? There were special orders about you from the Corps Command at Münster. Your special has been waiting for you here for four days. The gentleman who came to meet you has been in a fever of expectation. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Valentine Williams, The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (1918)

“ I handed over my passport.
Directly he had examined it, a red flush spread over his cheeks and forehead and he brought his hand down on the table with a crash. The sentry beside me winced perceptibly.
"It's not viséd," the fat official screamed in a voice shrill with anger. "It's worthless . . . ”

Valentine Williams

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Quotes from The Man with the Clubfoot — Chapter 7 (Valentine Williams)

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