They Used Dark Forces by Dennis Wheatley

that can be reduced toeither number, would be liable to result in misfortune if on it you were working together. This would prove especially so between December 21st and February 19th, which is the House of Saturn, and between July 21st and August 20th, which is the House of Uranus.
    â€˜However, it so happens that, as partners, you will receive compensation for that. Everyone has days in the week that are more favourable to him than others, because on each the influence of certain heavenly bodies is predominant; and it might well have been that the days favourable to one of you would have been unfavourable to the other. But the Sun and Moon, representing the male and female principle as they do, have a natural attraction and this results in the subjects of either enjoying the protection of both. Therefore, Sundays and Mondays will prove the most fortunate days for both of you. You will find, too, if these days coincide with dates ruled by your numbers, they will prove exceptionally fortunate. In consequence you should plan for your most dangerous activities to take place on the 1st and 2nd, the 10th and 11th, the 19th and 20th or the 28th and 29th of any month; and if those dates fall on a Sunday or Monday your ventures will almost certainly prove successful.’
    Gregory nodded and said, ‘Although up to now I’ve always thought of astrology as no more than a jumble of ancient superstitions, I’ve been most impressed by your exposition; and I feel it would be flying in the face of Providence not to accept your guidance. Can you tell us now what you think the chances are of our succeeding in our mission?’
    Pointing to the two horoscopes on his desk, Malacou replied, ‘To interpret these fully would take many days of hard work, but I can give you general indications. Your stars endow you with all the qualities needed to carry out your mission and your having the Royal Star of the Lion in both your names makes me confident that you will succeed in it. But not until August. Mr. Kuporovitch’s horoscope shows that he will be of great assistance to you. Yet, through his association with the 8, the fact that August is the 8th month and that the greater part of it lies in the period of the number 4 Positive, he will bring you into grave danger. In fact, should you disregard my warningto take big risks only on your fortunate days, it is even possible that, owing to him, you may die in the hour of your triumph.’
    At this, Kuporovitch, believing the doctor to have predicted that he would lead Gregory to his death, suddenly flared up and cried, ‘How dare you attempt to undermine the confidence my friend has in me! I would be torn in pieces rather than betray him! You are a false prophet and have deceived us for your own evil ends. You are no Turk. I’ll swear to that. Can you deny that you changed your name to Malacou from the Jewish one of Malacchi with which you were born?’

6
The Long Road to Peenemünde
    Gregory shot the Russian a startled glance. While he thought it probable that his friend was right in believing the doctor to be a Jew, he did not agree that they stood any risk of being betrayed by him; and even if he owed his powers as an occultist to the Devil that was no affair of theirs.
    What mattered was that he and his daughter were providing them with a secure base from which to begin their operations. This attempt to unmask him was, therefore, not only pointless but dangerous. Rather than run any risk of their giving his secret away, he might decide to rid himself of them. Into Gregory’s mind there flashed the memory that witches and warlocks were said to employ poisons—and Malacou was a doctor.… Swiftly coming to his feet, he intervened.
    â€˜Stefan, what on earth gave you such an idea? Before we left London we were informed that Colonel von Altern had been a Military Attaché in Turkey, and Frau von Altern has told us herself that she is a Turkish lady.