Uvoz Road, which ran by the army camp and the Monastery was churned into mud and the soldiers in their tents got very little sleep. Many were up half the night digging emergency drainage ditches and bailing out flooded tents. Poor planning had placed most of the tents in areas particularly prone to collecting water. The majority of the soldiers were not in a good mood as the first light of dawn also brought the end of the rain storm.

Alois Pech arrived at the corner of Anenska and Uvoz Streets at almost the exact moment the rain stopped. He took up his usual place, hidden behind a series of shrubs and trees, shrugged off his oiled cape and tried to get comfortable in the miserably wet conditions. It was hard to keep the water falling from the trees from wetting his notebook. He sniffed, removed the stub of a pencil from one of his pockets, and waited.

For several days now, since the attack on the carts and the involvement of the monk Klacel, Pech had only one assignment; to keep an eye on the comings and goings from the monastery. His special brief was to watch for Brother Matthew, see what he did and follow him if he left. So far, this had been a boring assignment, as Klacel had not been seen, inside or outside the monastery grounds. All of which was duly included in his daily reports sent to Untercommandant Darmstaedter. Pech was not a man of great imagination, so long boring missions suited his temperament. State informers had few friends and he accepted the fact with equanimity, preferring to spend his time either watching others or gardening in a small plot behind his house. His wife, as dull a person as himself, shared his interests and had prepared him two packed meals to get him through the day. So provisioned, he would not have to leave his observation post for any reason.

In fact, he was about to unwrap the first of these supplies, when the milk delivery wagon rolled up to the monastery gate and the night porter grumbled his way over to collect Brother Victor. All of which was duly noted. But once the milk wagon rumbled away the excitement died down, and there was a significant gap of time before the gate swung open once again. This time a magnificently dressed Oberstleutnant on a large gray horse rode off along the muddy road in the direction of the camp. The day had started.

Stirred by the departure of the officer on his horse, the guards surrounding the monastery shook themselves out of their hiding places, groaned and stretched. Like soldiers every where and in every age, they were professionals at making the best of uncomfortable or difficult situations. Storms and rain were only a few of the elements that conspired to make their lives difficult, but long ago these men had found oilskins to cover their greatcoats, and nooks in which to hide when the conditions became intolerable.

Pech watched as they appeared, as if by magic, from alcoves, under trees and out of doorways to begin again today the same routine of march, counter march, pause and repeat that they had performed yesterday, and would presumably perform tomorrow. A Feldwebel and a ZugsKorporale stamped from the monastery gate minutes after the guards had all regained their posts. Pech marveled at the uncanny way the soldiers had known exactly when the NCO inspection would take place. It all went in his book.

With the arrival of the NCOs came the sun. As if to compensate for the heavy rains the night before, the sky cleared of all clouds and the sun, even low on the eastern horizon, promised a day of uninterrupted splendor. Pech loosened his own greatcoat and prepared for the expected heat.

Replacement guards arrived from camp, their boots muddy from their march along Uvoz street, the overnight detail was relieved of duty and marched away. The new guards arranged themselves along the monastery walls, making themselves as comfortable as possible. The Feldwebel and the ZugsKorporale vanished in the direction of the kitchen and a few crickets began to chirp in the grass.

In the middle of the exchange more water fell on Pech's notes, but the distraction did not prevent him from recording Brother Gregory's departure. The monk was well known, and had his teaching duties at the Realschule. In the next hour several other monks also left, some on pastoral duties and some to other educational establishments where they were accredited teachers. It was all routine, and Klacel remained out of sight.

About the middle of the morning Pech's jaw began to throb. He put down his notebook, opened his wife's package and hunted for the small sachet he knew would be inside. Wrapped in waxed paper he found what he was looking for; two or three small pieces of Leadwort root, or Dentelaire as the French called it.

These he began to chew with great reluctance, as the taste was strongly acid. Almost at once his saliva began to flow, within minutes his toothache seemed better and the pain in his jaw began to lessen. Last year, during the visit of the gypsy herbalist, his wife had laid in a stock of these remedies as she knew all about her husband's chronic toothache.

In the middle of getting relief the first of the coaches began arriving. Most of the coaches were standard Broughams, and their passengers were government officers that Pech new well by sight, including his own superior Untercommandant Darmstaedter. But one coach was more magnificent than the rest, it was a open George IV Phaeton, a low-hung vehicle with a gracefully curved body, small front wheels and a seat for the groom at the back. These Phaetons were the height of fashion, having been designed, it was said, by a King of England. This particular carriage was deep black and maroon with vermilion striping and cane work on the side panels.

Side by side sat Monsignor Schrattenbach and a very stiff Bishop Schaffgotsche. Upon their arrival there was a flurry of activity, monks, including Abbot Napp appeared at the gateway, all the other carriages jerked into action, and the whole party eventually splashed it's way north to the army camp. Pech contentiously noted down all the names of the guests, but could only guess where and why they were going.