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Page 211
and strain showing clearly on his face.
My Clod, Milstein thought. He is going to let it happen. He is going to surrender to Soyuz and the fascists. "Please, my dear friend, do not allow this," Milstein said.
Cherny took hold of the minister's arm in a surprisingly powerful grip. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't know what they intend, Dovi, and neither do you. You have no proof. You and Abramov think you know what they plan to do. Thinking does not make it so. Get me evidence. That is why I asked you, why I need for you to go with those barbarians, to join them in the shooting party. If they want something from you, promise them the moon, if necessary. But find out exactly what they intend to do, and when."
Milstein stared at Cherny. I am no hero, David Milstein thought. Quite the contrary. Violence makes my knees tremble and my mouth dry.
"Don't worry; I gave my word, and I will do as you ask, old friend," Milstein said in an almost inaudible voice. He could not escape the feeling of impending disaster in the room.
Cherny's shoulders sagged, his broad face was pallid and damp with sweat. The overheated room rumbled with a babel of many voices. "Forgive me, Dovi," Aleksandr Cherny whispered. "I have nowhere else to turn."

 
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