This is the fifth volume of my award-winning Wattpad Featured Story, 'Posted As Missing', an intense adventure/romance set in the turmoil of World War One Europe.
I've grown tired of blood-and-guts war stories, so I've written this series to examin...
The six carried on a rambling conversation through the remainder of lunch, touching on many topics. As Henry shared observations from his visits to Château-d'Œx, David asked, "How had you decided on this location?"
"We had assembled a long list of resorts, but only a few offered the isolation, the clean, dry air and the accommodations we required. The deciding factor was that sufficient hotels there were willing to reduce prices to meet our demands." He shrugged. "And as tourism continues in its deep slump, those who were inflexible now regret their decisions."
"Could I get the list of the resorts?"
"Yes, certainly, David." Henry cocked his head. "But please, appease my curiosity. Why would you want this?"
"I need to find other covers for the men. Some may have related the presence of fuse salesmen to the explosions." He shrugged. "Your mention of the resorts – and their lack of business – prompted the thought of the men acting as agents promoting tourism. This might be a fine guise to explain their activities, particularly away from the industrial areas."
"But, would it have any effect? Would any Germans be able to cross the border? That's the main problem now with tourism." Henry raised a finger. "That and being able to afford it."
"It matters not if we succeed in selling anything. What matters is a good cover. Enticing brochures depicting peaceful settings would add to the emotional impact as the men discuss the reality of the war."
Edith nodded. "I like this. A fine dichotomy between the horrors they now experience and what is possible with peace. Reinforce the message."
"I would think there's a government department, or at least, a committee here for the promotion of tourism. It's too important a sector ..." David paused and grimaced. "Or it had been before the war disrupted it. Anyway, an office that would have brochures and leaflets on –"
"Postcards." John interrupted, looking up from his plate. "They've been one of the best promotions for the attractions of Switzerland for two decades now. Ever since inexpensive colour printing was invented, they've flooded abroad, sent home by enthusiastic travellers."
David nodded. "Yes, of course. I had sent one from Schaffhausen last year to let my family know I was alive and safe after Ypres."
"I became fascinated by the variety several years ago, and I've gathered a rather large collection of them." John laid down his cutlery, wiped his fingers and took an envelope from his breast pocket. "I'm meeting later with a gentleman to trade some of my duplicates." He selected a few, and as he laid them on the tablecloth in front of David, he continued, "The most beautiful are usually the most common."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"A fine example of basic market economics. The demand driving their supply." David examined the cards, nodding. "These are all beautiful."
"Exactly! The printers continued producing the ones which sold best, following the market. There are many thousands of different cards, but only a few hundred of those are common. The last report of sales, 1913, showed over a hundred and ten million were sold in Switzerland."
