kulkov decides to try a ploy. he orders the magician to go around the corner of the main room out of sight of the others. he knocks the german out and then fires one round, making the rest think he has exacted revenge for the attack. he repeats the charade with the defiant sergeant (ivan triesault). the third man kulkov picks admits he is major erich von sturmer (harro meller). stillman cannot hide his anger against the major for allowing two of his men to be "shot" before revealing his identity.