Der Fuehrer - Hitler's Rise to Power (1944) - Heiden

188 DER FUEHRERMeanwhile, in the adjoining room — a cold, dismal place, full of beerfumes — Hitler spoke to his three prisoners in confused, jumbledsnatches. He told them that he had formed a new government withLudendorff. This was again untrue. Ludendorff knew nothing about it.The three, he continued, had but one choice: to join him. He was thegovernment; in a hoarse voice he stammered: 'Reich government —Hitler; National Army— Ludendorff; Police — Seisser.' Herr von Kahrcould be Bavarian 'Provincial Administrator,' a post without power.Pohner was to be premier with dictatorial powers.No answer. All three were darkly silent. At the doors and windowsstood armed bohemia, pistols at belts, rifles over their shoulders,daggers at their sides — wild men with burning eyes, the ravenousbeast, sensing that the cage door is about to open. Hitler raised his pistoland cried out that he knew it was hard for the gentlemen to decide, butthat anyone who did not want to collaborate in the post to which Hitlerappointed him 'has no right to existence.' They had but one choice: tofight by his side and conquer, or to die. Lossow and Seisser latertestified that he staggered round the room half-drunk, though he hadcertainly taken no alcohol. He brandished his gun in their faces: 'I havefour shots in my pistol! Three for my collaborators if they abandon me.The last bullet for myself!' He set the pistol to his temple and saidsolemnly: 'If I am not victorious by tomorrow afternoon, I shall be adead man.'Meanwhile, the three had recovered their nerves. Kahr, with forcedindifference, told Hitler to go ahead and shoot him: 'Dying or not dyingmakes no difference to me. . . .' Hitler, barely listening, roared at Graf:'Get me a stein!' He wanted beer.Seisser spoke. He reproached Hitler for breaking his word of honor.Hitler suddenly grew plaintive: 'Yes, I did. Forgive me, but I had to forthe sake of the fatherland.' Lossow was still silent. Kahr began to say afew words under his breath to the general. Hitler flew into a rage andinterrupted: no talking without his permission. Again hostile silence.The putsch was threatening to collapse. Hitler had an inspiration. Heran from the room, dashed into the hall, faced the silent,