The Shadowboxer by Noel; Behn Read Free Book Online

the pulpit-balcony. The witness’s striped uniform had been fashioned into a replica of the SS tunic and breeches. He stood unmanacled. An aura of shabby self-importance lingered.
    â€œName?” demanded Webber.
    â€œPrisoner SP-M 32113, Herr Standartenfuehrer.”
    â€œPrisoner from where?”
    â€œConcentration Camp Breendonck, now on special assignment to SD-Ausland, Standartenfuehrer.”
    â€œThe prisoner,” von Schleiben interjected, “will refrain from using the word ‘Standartenfuehrer.’”
    â€œList your occupations prior to arrest,” Webber continued.
    â€œDoctor of brain surgery, psychoanalyst, criminologist, professor, author, lect—”
    â€œWere you a full professor?”
    â€œOh, quite assuredly, Herr Stand—Excuse me. Yes, a full professor.”
    â€œWhere have you taught?”
    â€œThe University of Vienna, the University of Heidelberg, Princeton University—that is in the United States of America, Standartenfuehrer—Oxford Univ—”
    â€œWhat subjects did you teach?”
    â€œCriminology, Stand—criminology. Most particularly the area of criminal pathology and, to a lesser degree …”
    Platt stared intently at the witness.
    â€œHave you written books on the subject of criminal pathology?” Webber continued.
    â€œPrecisely eleven, Standartenfuehrer. Eleven volumes, of which five—”
    â€œThen you could be considered an expert in the field of criminal pathology?”
    â€œThere was a time—”
    â€œPrior to arrest, what was your name?”
    â€œExcuse me, Herr Stan—”
    â€œWhat was your name before you were arrested?”
    â€œâ€¦ My name?”
    â€œYes, your name.”
    â€œOh … of course. I was—I am Professor Franz Josef Tebet—”
    â€œThis is an outrage,” Platt shouted, jumping to his feet. “Obergruppenfuehrer, Herr Webber has intentionally deceived and insulted this body by confronting it not only with a degenerate, but with a notorious and unconscionable charlatan as well. Even his fellow Jews have disavowed his mad rantings. If the facts be known—”
    â€œIf the facts be known,” Webber countered, “Herr Platt was once a student of this so-called heretic, a student who twice failed the examinations.”
    â€œThat is a lie, an abject lie. I demand—”
    Von Schleiben’s fist crashed onto the table. “Sit down.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œDown.”
    Platt hesitated, flushed, then slowly lowered himself into his chair.
    â€œIf you have a request,” von Schleiben announced with benevolence, “it will be made in ordinary tones, not at the top of your lungs.”
    â€œI request the removal of the charlatan, Obergruppenfuehrer,” muttered Platt.
    â€œRequest noted. Webber, continue, but be warned: the introduction of alien and degenerate philosophy will not be tolerated.”
    â€œOf course, Obergruppenfuehrer.” Webber turned back to Tebet. “Have you read the dossier and other material relating to Erik Spangler?”
    â€œI have read it most thoroughly, Herr Standartenfuehrer,” Tebet replied, wiping the perspiration from his forehead.
    â€œFrom the material presented you, is it possible to determine the date or dates on which Spangler will attempt to free Hilka Tolan?”
    â€œMost definitely, Herr Standartenfuehrer.”
    â€œWhat are those dates?”
    â€œThe twenty-sixth of this month. It is possible he might appear on the eighth or the seventeenth of next month, but I would think such a delay is most improbable.”
    â€œWhich material on Spangler led you to this conclusion?”
    â€œThe Chronology of Events.”
    â€œThe three-page Chronology of Events in the Spangler Dossier?”
    â€œYes, Standartenfuehrer.”
    â€œThe dossier contains over eight hundred pages,” Webber commented in feigned