RANSVESTIA

My spirits were so lifted by seeing Helen again that I believe I gave my best performance of the tour that night.

The day after Helen completed her interview, I left for West Berlin. After clearing customs and arranging for delivery of my trunks and luggage, I took a taxi 'home' to Greta's permanent address. I unpacked, then called the Club where I regularly appeared to arrange for an open- ing night. The Manager was happy to hear that I was back and invited me to dinner with his family that evening. This would be another good test, because he was Greta's cousin!

We talked mostly about my tour in the U.S. I told him that I had enjoyed every minute and had made some new friends — also I said that I hoped to return one day for another tour. As the conversation drifted around to my opening, he suggested that I open the following Monday so he could do some advertising. I agreed and went with him to the Club strictly as a spectator and to renew acquaintances with the girls. The girls in this case being all female impersonators. Everyone accepted me as Greta. It dawned on me suddenly, that this was the first time since my training that I spoke nothing but German all day. It was a tired but confident blonde that slept well that night.

―

The ringing of the telephone jarred me awake the next morning. I answered sleepily, but when a strange man's voice said, "Welcome home, Miss Prein, did you enjoy your visit in the United States?”, I was wide

awake.

"Yes, I did," I said, “but it's good to be home.”

"It's always good to get home after a long absence,” he said, “but to business. Will you stop by the office this afternoon? I wish to talk to you about your insurance.

""

"Of course, Herr Baumbach," I said, "Will two o'clock do?”

“Good. I'll see you then,” he said, and hung up.

Good old Amytol to the rescue, I said to myself. Herr Baumbach the insurance man was my primary contact with the 'other side'. I had studied his picture enough that I felt I would have no trouble recogniz- ing him. I showered and dressed. As I pulled on my nylons and listened to the faint rustle of my slip as it slid over my body, I wondered if real

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