I stood at a loss.
My ideas for a serious evening were vanishing into thin air.
"Then you must suggest something," said I. "The other places I know are a bit slapdash.
I don't think they would suit you."
"How do you know?" "Can see that—" She looked at me quickly: "Well, we could try."
"All right." I definitely gave up my entire programme. "Then I do know somewhere, if you're not easily shocked. We'll go to Alfons'."
"Alfons' sounds very good," she replied; "and I'm not easily shocked this evening."
"Alfons runs a beer garden," said I; "an old friend of Lenz's."
She laughed.
"Lenz has friends everywhere, I guess."
I nodded.
"He makes them easily.
You saw that with Binding." "Yes, indeed," she replied. "It was like lightning."
We drove off.
Alfons was a heavy placid fellow.
Prominent cheekbones . . .
Small eyes . . .
Shirt sleeves rolled up . . .
Arms like a gorilla. . . .
Anyone he didn't want in his pub he threw out himself—including members of the Fatherland Sports Union.
For really difficult guests he kept a hammer under the counter.
The place was conveniently situated; close by the hospital. It saved Alfons transport charges.
With a hairy hand he wiped over the bright deal table.
"Beer?" he asked.
"Whisky, and something to eat," said I.
"And the lady?" asked Alfons.
"The lady will also have a whisky," said Patricia Holl-mann.
"That's the stuff!" remarked Alfons. "There are pork chops with sauerkraut."
"Killed by yourself?" I asked.
"Certainly."
"But the lady would probably prefer something a bit lighter, Alfons."
"Not seriously," protested Alfons. "Let her have a look at the chops first."
He got a waiter to show a portion.
"Was a wonderful sow," said he.
"Took two firsts."
"That's the stuff," replied Patricia Hollmann to my amazement, with as much assurance as if she had been in the racket for years.
Alfons winked.
"Two portions then?"
She nodded.
"Fine!
I'll go and choose them myself."
He went off to the kitchen.
"I take back my doubts about the place," said I. "You have taken Alfons by storm.
Choosing them himself—usually he does that only for very old customers."
Alfons returned.
"I've thrown in a fresh sausage as well."
"Not a bad thought," said I.
Alfons looked at us benevolently.
The whisky arrived.
Three glasses.