That day I walked to Gestapo headquarters. The red-and-black swastika flew from the flagpole. Uniformed Germans were everywhere. It was a well-known fact that people who entered this building did not always leave it again. I entered the building and inquired of the soldiers on guard where this Austrian had his office.
I was told which office, and went directly there. It was a medium-sized room, filled with desks, all occupied by workers who were busily typing. The Austrian's desk was in the corner of the room. He sat behind it facing me when I entered. His name was Karl Silberbauer.
I went up to his desk and stood with my back to the typists. I'd been thrown off by the fact that he wasn't alone, so all I did was stand there, briefly looking into his eyes. Any spoken words would have been audible throughout the room, so I just stood and didn't say a word. All I did was rub my thumb against the two fingers beside it, the index finger and the middle finger – the sign for money.
Why does Miep choose to visit Gestapo headquarters?
She is no longer afraid of the Germans.
She seeks a friendship with the Austrian.
She believes the Austrian owes her money