My parents are not around anymore.
Neither are Reuben's. But his Uncle still has a house in Hamburg. and since that''s where we both hail from, and we have the use of a staff car, I suggest that we should go there, and revisit our old stamping ground.
Reuben is strangely reticent about the idea.
But we arrive there all the same.
His Uncle, Fritz, is not a little shocked to see two decorated naval officers at his door, but soon recovers his surprise and embraces his long unseen Nephew. His welcome to me was more reserved, and did I notice some silently mouthed communication between Nephew and Uncle, which I was not supposed to see?
Soon we are sitting down to a hearty meal of mutton and sauerkraut. (I thought it should normally be knuckle of pork, but it still tasted great)
Towards the end of the meal, and the wine is being poured, there is a definite bumping noise from the attic.
Uncle Fritz has closed his eyes, and Reuben is staring at me intently.
"Damned mice, Sir."
"Damned big mice, Reuben", I tried to joke.
"Sir..." Reuben sighed,
"You know my name is Reuben; my Uncle's real name is Isaac."
He swallowed some wine.
"Does that give you a clue, Sir?"
"Yes. Yes it does, Reuben..."
Lt de Bunsen, U-46
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