The Naked Trees

By Tage Skou-Hansen

Christian smiled, and Jakob insisted on hearing what he had said to the worker once more. Leo was immediately willing, and repeating it did not make the story any less enjoyable. Naturally, Christian’s brilliant demonstration of the sabotage equipment for the two young workers also demanded a detailed explanation, but no sooner had he begun this than Christian interrupted.

   - Well, I had to do something to show them that we were trustworthy and not hotheads, he said. You stood there fumbling like a couple of apprentice electricians, you and Holger. In fact, I was just about to call you over for the demonstration.

   - And we who thought you were finally satisfied with us, said Leo disappointedly. We were really proud of ourselves. And of you.

   - There was absolutely nothing to boast about, replied Christian curtly. He stood up and began walking back and forth across the floor.

   The spoilsport! Naturally we had not carried out anything sensational, but it was after all our first sabotage, and why was it necessary to duck us so emphatically? Did we tire him with our foolery? Did he regret having invited us? Was he embarrassed, was there only one person who understood how to talk about Christian Borck? Or was he purely and simply nervous, as he had been before the New Year lunch? Gerda did not appear and it had been quiet out in the kitchen for some time. It was amazing how long that little amount of food took.

   A general gloom spread throughout the room. Jakob and Leo attempted to pick up the pieces but without success. They ended up sitting chuckling to themselves over in the corner. And Christian tramped agitatedly across the floor. The same man who half an hour earlier had shown such coolness and efficiency was now walking here with a nervous twitch in his eye. Tell me how it could happen!

   In a moment he would start a lecture on ideals. That was how it would be. Yes. Shortly, we would have the real meaning of sabotage explained. We would hear about the longing to be used and to serve, about the need to be responsible for something and to give one’s loyalty to ideas greater than oneself. About showing courage, and fidelity, and a lot more of that kind of stuff. And all of it could be right enough or completely wrong, but what was the point of saying it now?