At this time, my son, being only nine, was too young for any attempt at flight across the border, so that some less direct method of escape was necessary. With this aim, we tried for employment with some Soviet agency abroad. Speaking five languages, my wife was able to procure a position in Berlin, and permission to take our son with her. While my brother and I were planning an illegal escape, Boris was arrested for alleged indiscretions, while a scout master, and deported to the dreadful Solovetsky Islands for five years. Since my escape would have involved a death penalty for him, my plans had to be abandoned.

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