" What's new?" " Same old daily bunkeroo." "Mr. Powers says he wants to see that foreign stuff as soon as it comes in." "Don't declare war for a few minutes." ""According to a high official, it is believed..."" "Bah!" "Foreign correspondent!" "I could get more news out of Europe looking in a crystal ball." "That, uh, Stebbins cable has a morsel in it." "Stebbins makes me sick." "They all make me sick." "Europe about to blow up, and all I can get out of my foreign staff... is a daily guessing game." " I want some facts, Mr. Bradley!" " For instance?" "Any kind of facts." "There must be something going on in Europe beside a nervous breakdown." "Why not try sending me over, Mr. Powers?" "You've written a book on economics or something..." "The Twilight of Feudalism." "Yes." "It was very well received." "Not by me." "I don't want any more economists... sages or oracles bombinating over our cables." "I want a reporter, somebody who doesn't know the difference... between an "ism" and a kangaroo." "A good, honest crime reporter..." "that's what the Globe needs." "That's what Europe needs." "There's a crime hatching on that bedeviled continent." "Wait a minute." "I've got something that might pass for an idea." "Who was that fellow that ran down the payroll robbery last week?" "Oh, you mean Johnny Jones." "He beat up a policeman, didn't he, in the line of duty?" "Yes, there's talk at the City desk of firing him." "Hmm." "Beat up a policeman, eh?" "Sounds ideal for Europe." "Send Mr. Jones up here right away." "Mr. Powers wants to see you, Mr. Jones." " He does, huh?" " You should come right away." " What about?" " I ain't in his confidence." "Tell him to save his breath." "Tell him I've resigned." " I'm supposed to bring you there." " Okay." "Wait till I open this." "Where's Mr. Jones?" "I told you to send him right up here!" " Are you Mr. Jones?" " Yes." "Sit down, please." "Oh." "You mind a personal question?" " No." " Are you married?" " No luck." " Single, eh?" " Ever been in Europe?" " No." "What's your opinion of the present European crisis, Mr. Jones?" "What crisis?" "I'm referring to the impending war." "Oh, that." "To tell you the truth, Mr. Powers, I haven't given it much thought." "You don't keep up with our foreign news, do you?" "Mr. Powers, if you're gonna fire me, you can scrap the intelligence test." "It's okay with me." "I can get a job on any other newspaper in town." " So long." " Wait a minute." " Nobody fired you." " Huh?" "How would you like to cover the biggest story in the world today?" " Give me an expense account, and I'll cover anything." " I'll give you an expense account." " Okay, what's the story?" " Europe." "I'm not exactly equipped, but I could do some reading up." "No, I like you just as you are." "What Europe needs is a fresh, unused mind." " Foreign correspondent, huh?" " No." "Reporter." "I don't want correspondence." "I want news." "Think you could dig up some news in Europe?" " I'd be very happy to try, sir." " This is what I mean." "Mr. Van Meer, when questioned by our oracle, Mr. Stebbins... refused to open his mouth." "Twelve hundred words cable-tolled to the fact that... the great Van Meer had nothing to say." "You know what that stuff is doing?" "Driving our readers crazy with frustration." "Who's Van Meer?" "Keynote to the European situation today." "Listen, Jones." "If Van Meer stays at the helm... of his country's affairs for the next three months... it may mean peace in Europe." "If we knew what he was thinking, we'd know where Europe stands." " A German, huh?" " No." "Holland's strongman." "One of two signers of the Dutch treaty with the Belgians." "Now, this is your first assignment." "Talk with him, find out what's in that treaty... and what he thinks is going to happen... facts." " Van Meer, huh?" " Right." " Anybody else?" " No." "How about Hitler?" "Don't you think it'd be good to pump him?" "He must have something on his mind." " Yes?" " Mr. Stephen Fisher to see you, Mr. Powers." "Tell him to come in." "Did you ever hear of Stephen Fisher?" " I'm afraid he's not on my beat." " He is from now on." "He's head of the Universal Peace Party, and very close to Van Meer." "They're both working to prevent Europe going up in flames." "Oh." " How do you do, Mr. Fisher?" " How are you?" " Nice of you to come over." "Sit down." " Thank you." "Mr. Fisher, Mr. Jones, our new foreign correspondent." " I want you to know each other." " How do you do?" ""Jones"..." "I don't like that name." "It's going to handicap you, young man." "Now, wait a minute." "I've got some sort of a name here." "Yes. "Haverstock." "Huntley Haverstock."" " Sounds more important, don't you think?" " Oh, yes." "Very dashing too." " It sounds better than Richard Harding Davis." " What's the matter with that?" "We can't use that." "That's the name of one of our greatest war correspondents 40 years ago." "Speak up, young man." "You don't mind being Huntley Haverstock, do you?" "A rose by any name, sir." "It's exciting being present at the christening of an American newspaper correspondent." "Shouldn't we break a bottle of champagne over him?" "Break one over my head to see if I'm still awake. "Huntley Haverstock."" "Well, Mr. Haverstock, you'd better get started." "You've got a lot to do..." "passports, photos, visas..." " Expenses." " I'll send a note to the cashier." "I hope you brought your Sunday articles over." "I managed three of them." " See you in London, Mr. Haverstock." " Yes, of course." "Thank you, Mr. Powers." "Thank you for everything." "Except Huntley Haverstock." "Get a load of this, Mother." "How's it look?" "Chic?" "Don't wear it over one eye." "It makes you look like a gangster." "You always think boys are wearing their hats over one eye." "Let him wear it the way it is." "He'll have to wear a stovepipe when he gets to London." "They call 'em poppers." " Toppers, Uncle Bjorn." " Bobby, put that in the box for Uncle John." " Let me try it on." " No, I'm going to first." " Now he's a regular war correspondent." " Without a war." " He'll get his war, all right." " Aw, they're all throwing a big bluff over there." "Let's hope so." "Mother, how do you like the way we have our nest furnished?" "I'd hang lighter curtains, and I'd move that sofa out in the middle." "It's too bad you haven't an open fireplace." "If you'd speak to the captain, he'd tend to everything." "All ashore that's going ashore!" "All ashore..." "Now, Mother." "You're Jones, aren't you?" "My name's Stebbins, London man for the Globe." "Yes, Mr. Powers told me you'd be here." "Nice of you to come." " I lost mine on the way over." " I can say your other name too... that Huntley Tavers... feld..." "I could say it yesterday, but I had a tough session with the boys last night." " I'll stick to Jones, if you don't mind." " Jones is great with me." "Let's get out of here." "This crowd's making me nervous." "My nerves aren't in the pink this morning." "You take it easy." "I'll follow you." " Porter, bring those bags, and don't bang them into my knees." " Very good, sir." "What about a drink after that long train ride?" "Sounds like a very logical idea." "I may not act it, but I've been here 25 years..." "London man for the Globe, and they haven't caught on to me yet." " How did you manage it?" " You cable back the government handouts... and sign 'em "our London correspondent."" " What's yours?" " Scotch and soda, please." " Miss?" "Oh, miss?" " Just a moment, sir." "Oh, miss, please..." "Scotch and soda and a glass of milk." " "A glass of milk"?" " I'm on the wagon." "I went to the doctor today about these jitters... and he said it was the wagon for a month or a new set of organs." "I can't afford new organs." "If I'd known you were on the wagon, I could've got along without this... but as long as it's here..." "Good luck." " Good?" " Just like any other scotch and soda." "That's what I thought." "Doesn't taste the way it did when I was a baby." "That's got poison in it." "Speaking of poison, I got some pills..." "Oh, some cables have been coming over from New York." "They love to cable." "Makes them think you're working for them." "There's an invitation to that lunch for the Dutchman Van Meer tomorrow." "I guess that's your dish." "This is given by the Universal Peace Party." "That's Fisher's organization, isn't it?" "I don't know." "I don't follow those things very much." "New York wants it, I send it." "That's the secret of being a correspondent." "Been doing it 25 years." "Twenty-five years, and I end up on milk." " Good morning." "How's the water wagon?" " Look at that." "One of them shook off this morning." "Oh... well, I'm just on my way to the Van Meer luncheon." "I've got to have lunch here with old man Clark." "He's the international..." "Here you are." "I didn't know whether to meet you in the grill or upstairs." "Hmm." "Good-bye, Stebbins." "Good-bye, Miss, uh, Clark." "Who is he calling "Clark"?" "He's got his nerve." "Oh, some fresh American reporter." "Good morning, Mr. Van Meer." "I beg your pardon, sir." "You are Mr. Van Meer, aren't you?" "That's my name, yes." "My name's Haverstock." "You don't know me." "I'm an American." " I happened to be on my way to your luncheon." " Ah?" " Then perhaps..." " That's very kind of you, sir..." "Come." "Come, come." "It's all in a good cause." "Savoy Hotel." " This is very kind of you, Mr. Van Meer." " It's a pleasure, my boy." "I dislike riding alone." "One thinks too much while riding alone." "Yes, exactly." "The Polish situation... and the Dutch treaty with the Belgians must be on your mind these days." "What do you feel England will do in case the Nazis..." "England is so beautiful, hmm?" "It's nice to see London in the sunshine." "Always there is lots of rain or fog." "Also, it is August." "Yes, I found out it was August." "That was good for me." "But would you mind telling me how you feel... about Mr. Fisher and his peace organization?" "You know Mr. Fisher?" "Oh, a very fine man." "A good man." "I wish there were more like him in the world just now." "Then I take it you don't think there's much hope for peace." "I mean, you don't think one little peace organization... can make much headway against the European war panic." "I would like to think so." "Oh, look at those birds." "No matter how big the city, there must always be parks... and places for the birds to live." "I was walking through the park this morning... and I saw several people feeding the birds." "That's a good sign at a time like this, is it not?" "Yes, it's a dandy sign... but I think right now the birds are the least of our problems." "Your country, for instance..." "what might be its attitude..." "Oh, we're now near the Savoy." "How much?" "A shilling." "That's fine." "By the way, young man... what newspaper do you represent?" "As a matter of fact, I'm not exactly a reporter... but I was trying to get you to talk, and I didn't want bird talk either." "I gathered that." "Just what was it you were trying to get me to tell you?" "I was trying to find out what you know about the possibility of a general war." "How do you really feel about it?" "My boy, I feel very old and sad... and helpless." "Well, I did have one." "The last news from Poland was very alarming." " Nobody wants war, and yet..." " Then we don't have to have it." "Miss Fisher, often circumstances over which we have no control..." "Yes, those very convenient circumstances over which we have no control." "It always seems odd, but they usually bring on war." "You never hear of circumstances over which we have no control... rushing us into peace, do you?" "Very determined woman, my daughter." "Let's go and see if you can pick a fight somewhere else." "Excuse us." " Good for you." " Wasn't he a bore?" "Many worthy people are." "How do you do?" "How would you like to be fishing in Ireland at this minute?" "We haven't had a good sail or swim together in months." "Not even a game of cribbage." "Miss them?" "Up anchor, mate." "There's the admiral." "He has a weakness for you." "Go do your stuff." "Ah, here you are... the Jones that became a Haverstock." "Have a good trip?" "I still wish you were Richard Harding Davis." " So do I, sir." "Anything except..." " Hello." "Hello." "Meet Mrs. Appleby." "This is Huntley Haverstock... special correspondent, New York Globe." " Foreign correspondent?" "Not really?" " Cross my heart." "You look such a sweet boy." "You don't seem like the others... you know, greasy." " No?" " But I'm sure you're marvelous at it." "I wonder if you know a friend, Monty Rockingham." "He's in the embassy at Istanbul." "Or is it Honolulu?" "Do help me with this distinguished-looking gentleman over here." "I can't make any headway with him, but I'm sure he must speak some language." "Everybody does." "I haven't the least idea who he is... but there isn't anybody here who isn't internationally important." "This is Mr. Haver..." " Uh, Stock." "No English?" "Vous parlez français?" " Try German." " Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" "Splendid." "What else do you know?" " Well, only pig latin." " Pig la..." "Oh." "Here we are." "This'll do it." "Ah." "Now we're getting somewhere." "The universal language." "Dear Maharaja." "Ah." "Well, they come in pairs." "If you speak English, will you give me a hand with the laughing Latvian?" "What's he talking?" " Latvian." " No kidding?" "I didn't know the Lats had a language." "I thought they just rubbed noses." "You mean, you actually speak Latvian?" "Oh, just enough to get about." "What does "just enough to get about" consist of in Latvia?" "Well, I don't think you'd have any trouble." "That'll be a comfort when I get to Latvia." "You think there might be a chance soon?" "You never can tell in my racket." " I suppose you've guessed I'm a foreign correspondent." " Are you?" "That's nice." "I see you're taking notes." "Are you covering this affair too?" " I sort of work here." " Oh, publicity!" "You're just the one I'm looking for." "We've got to go in a secret conference right away." "Oh." "Uh..." "Me?" "Excuse me." "I beg your pardon, but I have a Latvian friend here... who's particularly interested in the origin of the kilt." "I wonder if you'd be interested in talking to him." "He's a lovely fellow." "It's a most amazing story." "You see... the Greeks, in the early period, they used to wear a kilt." "What is this big secret conference all about?" "It's no secret as far as I'm concerned." "However, I'll let you in on that part later." "But since you're handling the publicity for this outfit... you might give me a line on what it's about ...this League for Peace and Understanding." "What is it you'd like to know?" "First, is this Mr. Fisher entirely on the level?" " Very much so." " He seems like a very nice guy." "He is, I assure you." "Well, what is it that makes him, or you, think... that an organization like this, made up of well-meaning amateurs... buck up against those tough military boys of Europe?" "It's the "well-meaning amateurs," as you call them... who do the fighting when the war comes, isn't it?" " Luncheon is served." " Please don't go yet." "You don't want any of those dreary chicken patties." "I'm sorry." "I must go." "Then sit at the press table with me." "Nobody listens to the speeches at the press table." "We could talk." " You don't know my name yet." " Is it necessary?" "It is to me." "Don't mind if you hear... it's Huntley Haverstock, because it's really Jones." " What's yours?" " Mine's really Smith." "Don't mind if you hear it's anything else." " Waiter?" " Yes, sir?" "Same young lady." "Try again." "I have taken the young lady 13 notes, sir." "She won't accept any more." "Milords, ladies... and gentlemen... pray silence for your chairman..." "Mr. Stephen Fisher." "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make... which I'm sure will be a great disappointment to us all." "I've just received this telegram from Mr. Van Meer... who was to have been our guest of honor today." ""Deeply regret." "Called away suddenly owing to unforeseen circumstances." "I will be unable to attend your meeting as planned." "I am with you and your work with all my heart." "I could not have said more had I been there."" "Although this removes one of our star attractions at the luncheon... we may have more time to tell you... from the inside what this party has stood for... and why we've asked you here today." "I can think of no one more competent to do this... than the speaker I am about to introduce." "I trust you will not think this is a family affair... when I say I refer to my daughter..." "Miss Carol Fisher." "Milords... ladies and gentlemen... pray silence for Miss Carol Fisher." "Ladies and gentlemen..." "I trust that, even making allowances for a father's exuberance... you do not think I'm in any way being put forward today... as a substitute for Mr. Van Meer." "Unhappily for us, no one can take Mr. Van Meer's place." "What I can do, possibly, is to clear up a few misapprehensions... that seem to have crept into the public discussion of this movement... and revise some of the epithets applied to us... by some who have not gone as deeply into the matter as they might." " The female of the "speeches" is deadlier than the male." " Shh!" "...as a group of well-meaning amateurs." "I'm sure there are some of you here who think of us as such." "I should like to ask anyone who has called us "well-meaning amateurs"... to stand up by his chair and tell me just why... a well-meaning amateur is any less reliable... than a well-meaning professional at a moment like this... but I'll not take the time." "I think the world has been run long enough by the well-meaning professional." "We might give the amateurs their chance now." "But what I really want to do is give you a brief idea of... just... just how far-reaching our amateur plans are." "Use your notes." "And, uh, just... why we ask for your support... professional or amateur." "What I mean is that... however much one may..." "I mean, we should both... both of us..." "Better to wait in there." " Mr. Fisher, how are you?" " When did you get over?" "Just now." "I had a cable from Mr. Powers." "This is my first assignment." "Rather ironic assignment: a peace conference in the shadow of war." " You mean it's really coming?" " Today and tomorrow will tell." "There's still hope." " I'm going back to London today." " Leaving for London?" "I only just got here." "The conference is just beginning." "Today and tomorrow, the work of peace must be done in London rather than Amsterdam." "Are you taking your whole staff to London with you, including your..." "No, someone staying here will see you're given all the help you need." "You'll be in very good hands." "Here she is." " Mrs. Appleby, Mr. Haverstock." " We met at the luncheon." "You remember Mr. , don't you?" "He's nice, but I still can't understand him." "Dr. Williamson, Mr. Huntley Haverstock represents the New York Globe." "He's unfamiliar with Amsterdam and the machinery of peace meetings." "Would you take him under your wing?" "Perhaps you and Mrs. Appleby might see he samples eight or ten varieties of Dutch cheese tonight." "Now I must see what unlucky person... is going to give up his seat to me on that plane." "Don't get into any mischief, will you?" " "Mischief"?" " Your first visit to Amsterdam?" " Yes." " You must let me take you to Rembrandt's house..." "It might be a good idea if we went over the agenda of the conference." "If you'll excuse me, I see a friend." "Mr. Van Meer, how are you?" "We seemed to lose each other the day before yesterday." "I'm so sorry you were called away." "Don't you remember me?" "We shared the same cab on the way to the luncheon." "Excuse me." "May I have your picture, Mr. Van Meer?" "Thank you." "There he goes!" "Follow that car!" "Quick!" "Oh." " You better get out of here." " Don't be silly." "Drive on." " Who's he shot?" " Van Meer." "Assassinated." " Dead?" " Looked like it." " Bad show." " Couldn't be much worse, from his point of view." "Do you mind shoving your knees out of the way?" "You'd better hop in the back, old girl." "Hurry." "Safety glass." "I wonder whose make." " Good chauffeur you've got, Miss Fisher." " Yes, isn't he?" " You two know each other?" " Yeah." "I forgot." "This is Scott ffolliott." "Newspaperman, same as you." "Roaming correspondent." " Mr. Haverstock, Mr. ffolliott." " With a double F." " How do you do?" " How do you do?" " I don't get the double F." " At the beginning." "Both small Fs." " It can't be at the beginning." " One of my ancestors had his head chopped off by Henry VIII." "His wife dropped the capital letter to commemorate the occasion." "There it is." " How do you say it?" "Like a stutter?" " No, just straight "fuh."" " It's stopped raining." "The sun's coming out." " The police are coming." "That's the most amazing disappearing trick I've ever seen." "Don't suppose they could've got up that high, do you?" "Vanished." "Take a look for yourself, old boy." "Tell him your name, about the two small Fs." "That would be a bit over his head." "Well, this isn't catching any assassins." " We should've kept one of those policemen and played bridge." " I guess you're right." "Oh!" "I'll bet 2 to 1 on the derby." "Look at those sails on that windmill." "You'll get used to those when you've been in Holland longer." "I could've sworn they were going against the wind." "Why don't you lie down on the grass and cool off?" "In due time, but first I want you to get the police back here." " The police again?" " We don't want the police." "I've decided not to prosecute." "You'll get the police, 'cause our man's in there." " Where?" " In that mill." " What makes you think so?" " A lot can happen while I'm explaining." "Please get the police." "I'd go if I spoke the language." " What'll you do?" " A bit of snooping." "I hate to seem executive, but this is serious." " Come on, Scott." " All right." "You shall have your police." "It's a signal." "It's a signal for that plane to land." "Oh." "Ah, come in... and close the door, mister." "Mr. Van Meer." "It isn't possible." "I've just been given a drug... drug of some sort." "But I saw you shot just now outside the conference hall!" "I saw it!" "They gave it to me... when they moved me from..." "Ah, it's beginning now." "I..." "The man I saw shot was a dead image!" "The man you saw shot... that wasn't me." "He was a subs... substitute that looked like me." "But why?" "What..." "They..." "They want the world to think... that I've been assassinated." "Yes." "To conceal the fact... that I am in their hands." ""Their hands"?" "Who are "they"?" "I can't explain." "I'm not cert..." "This drug..." "I can hardly think." "All I can tell you is that... they are going to take me away by plane... like a bird." "Always are places in the city... where birds can get crumbs." "Birds." "Cru..." "Oh, quickly." "A pencil." "You see?" "Old mill." "Up the road." "Look." "Man." "Old mill." "Understand?" "Does anyone here speak English?" "English?" "We speak English in the school." "Why have you been holding out on me?" "Tell these two policemen... to come with me." "Very, very important." "Big old prisoner." "Old mill." "Tell them to follow me." "Do you understand?" "Yeah." "Yeah." "That's what I've been trying to tell you." "Come on." "They've gone." "They've killed him." "But it isn't..." "Who are you?" "Where are the others?" "There's been a frame-up." "Ask him where the others have gone." "He says he doesn't know what you're talking about." "There are no other people." "He's been asleep here all day." "He's lying." "I talked to Van Meer in this very room." "Well, there's one thing I can show you... the assassin's car, the one we followed." "A unique specimen, old boy." "The only one-horse sports car in the world." "That car was here!" "Listen, I know I look a fool... but there's something fishy going on around here." "There's a big story in this." "I can smell it... and I'm going to get to the bottom of it." "And nothing's gonna stop me, do you understand?" "I'm going to prove that that was not Van Meer that was assassinated but his double." "Who is it?" "All right, come in." " Mr. Haverstock?" " Yes." "What are you, the house detective?" "You weren't announced." "I'm sorry, sir." "We asked at the desk." "Policemen, huh?" "Don't tell me you're here to apologize about the windmill." "No, sir." "We simply want you to come with us... and tell your story to our chief of police." "Does this chief of police speak English?" "I'm a very busy man." "It will take no more than half an hour, sir." "We all speak English." "That's marvelous." "That's more than I can say for my country." "Would you sit down?" "I have to make a phone call." "Dinner date with a young lady." "The exchange doesn't answer." "Well, I'll call later." "Look, I'm a very quick bather." "Would you excuse me... while I jump in the tub and give myself a shave?" "Look at some magazines." "I'll be right back." " You couldn't bring the chief of police here, could you?" " No, I am afraid not." "No, I thought not." " Please don't bother to come." " You'll find it on my dressing table." "Well, we meet again." "So it seems." "Quite a lot's happened since I last saw you." " So I see." " Uh..." "I, uh, had quite a chase after that guy outside Amsterdam." "It's quite a country." "It's interesting." "Windmills and tulips." "Did you find everything you..." "We were just talking about the tulips." "Don't seem to be any." "I really think I should be going now." "Thank you very much for the powder." "Oh, must you really go now?" "Yes, I must be going now." "Really." "Good-bye." " You've made quite a day of it, haven't you?" " Shh!" "Listen..." "Made monkeys out of ffolliott and me, broken into my bedroom... and disgraced me before a friend of my father's." "What are your plans now?" " You might at least have had your clothes on." " Take it easy." " This is serious business." " I've seen your "serious business" before." " What are you doing?" " Escaping." " From what?" " A couple fellows in my room about to kill me." " May I ask who?" " Two gentlemen disguised as policemen waiting to take me for a ride." " Don't you think you've been talking through your hat long enough?" " I'm not!" "I've thrown a monkey wrench into some international dirty business." "I know Van Meer's alive." "That's the reason they want to kill me." " I can think of others." " You've got to help me... not for my sake, but this is the biggest story in Europe." "Your childish mind is as out of place in Europe as you are in my bedroom." "Get over there." "Ah." "You see what you're doing, don't you?" "This is going straight back to London." "We'll be common gossip by tomorrow." "I don't care for myself, but my father's engaged in great work." "He's trying to help avert a dreadful war." "This is just the thing to discredit him." "I know you care nothing about our work." "All you're interested in... is having fun with windmills and hotel bathrooms." "You don't believe I'm in trouble." "You'll be in plenty of trouble if you don't get out." "For the last time, please go." "Okay, but I want you to know exactly what's going to happen when I do go." "I'll go back to my room and try to shake those fellows off, but I won't succeed." "They'll stick to me like a couple of tattoo marks until they get me." "They'll stop at nothing." "I seem to know too much, and they're right." "I don't know the ins and outs of your crackpot movement... and what's wrong with Europe, but I do know a story... and I'll keep after it until either I get it or it gets me." "Sorry you have those derogatory opinions of me... but I guess that can't be helped." "Well, so long." "It's been nice knowing you." "I said "good-bye."" "Don't go." "Oh, I guess I could've handled those fellows all right, with luck." "We mustn't take chances." "We should get some help." "That's what I had in mind at first." "I'll get Dr. Williamson and Mr. Van..." "Not with me this way." "They might not understand." "They have understood." "We could catch the boat to England and see Father if you could get out." "That's the hitch." "What's that friend of yours?" "f-f something." " ffolliott." " Give me Mr. ffolliott's room, please." "Left the hotel?" "That's strange." "We were to dine together tonight." " He realized how much I meant to you." " You'd mean much more with your clothes on." " You like the intellectual type." "Say, I've got an idea." " What?" "The manager, please." "Buzz for the valet, will you?" "Hello, is this the manager?" "This is Mr. Haverstock in 537." "What kind of a hotel is this?" "My bathtub leaks... my phone's out of order, and I've been robbed." "Will you send somebody up right away?" "Thank you." "Operator, send a waiter up to 537." "And ask the chambermaid to bring up clean sheets." "I've set mine on fire." "And I'd like a window-cleaner, and ask boots to come up and get my shoes." "And hurry it up." "That's a good girl." "That'll clutter up that room for those two guys." "It's the valet." "Come in." " Do you speak English?" " Yes, sir." " Go to my room, 537..." " 537." "and get me a shirt, tie, suit, and a hat." "You see, my husband's waiting in the room for this gentleman." "No sign of them yet." "Come on, let's hide in the cabin." " Full up, sir." "Sorry." " Not even a small cabin?" "Not a thing." "Everybody in a hurry to get home." "I see." "I have a rare bank note here you might be interested in." "That is, if you collect rare bank notes." "Sir, I'd do it if I could, but there just isn't a place left." "Aboard an English ship you come up against such an air of incorruptibility." "As a matter of fact, sir, I just had a cabin returned." " Can I have your name, sir?" " Oh." "One cabin isn't going to do us much good." "We just can't..." "I fully intended to sleep in the lounge." "I hope you didn't think I..." "No, of course not." "It's very kind of you." "Fine." "I'll take it." "I'm sorry, sir." "I'm afraid it's too late now." "You seemed to have some doubt about taking it." "I had to let that gentleman have it." "Oh, that's too bad." "It's such a rare five-pound note too." "The watermark's upside down." "I think you'd have loved it." "Well, perhaps next time." "Were you really going to tip that man five pounds?" "Of course." "I charge all my traveling expenses to the office." "Corrupting an official:" "five pounds." "You're just a wee bit unscrupulous, aren't you?" "Not unscrupulous." "Just in love." " It's the same thing, I suppose." " I beg your pardon?" "I beg yours." "You see, I love you and I want to marry you." "I love you, and I want to marry you." "Well, that cuts our love scene down quite a bit, doesn't it?" " Do you mind?" " Not at all." "It's made a new man of me." "I hope not entirely new." "It took me some time... to get used to the first man you were." "To be perfectly frank, I expected a little more argument." "I'm left with quite a few things I wanted to say." "Save them until after we're married." "I imagine they'll sound much better then." "I'd saved things to say then too." "You were really quite sure of yourself, weren't you?" "Funny..." "I didn't think I had a chance." " A guy's got a right to dream, though, hasn't he?" " Evidently." "Do you think your father will understand?" "I think Father will be delighted, frankly." "Right, sir." " Good morning, Miss Carol." " Good morning, Stiles." " This is Mr. Haverstock." "Is Father up yet?" " Yes, miss." "He's having breakfast." "Come on." " Hello, Father." " What are you doing in London?" "Jo..." "Mr. Haverstock brought me back on the boat." "Nothing wrong, is there?" "You're not ill?" "You look healthy." "No, I'm fine." "It's Mr. Haverstock." "I hope you don't mind my barging in." "On the contrary." "I'm delighted." "You cover a lot of territory, don't you?" "You didn't even send a wire." "Just for that, I hope your trip was perfectly uncomfortable." "It wasn't so bad." "We couldn't get cabins... but we managed to sleep on the deck." "Monsieur Krug." "How nice to see you again." "Mr. Haverstock, Monsieur Krug." "Monsieur Krug is a member of the Borovian Embassy staff here." "Sit down." "Have a spot of breakfast." "I know I should tidy up, but I'm simply starved." "So you were in Amsterdam yesterday, Mr. Haverstock?" "Poor Van Meer." "I count his death a heavy personal loss." "Of all people, why Van Meer?" "You can't ask "why" of an assassin." "There's no logic in killing." "We can't spare such men in a world like ours." "Did you by any chance meet him, Mr. Haverstock?" "Not formally, but I saw him die." "Horrible." "As a matter of fact, I chased the man that shot him and almost caught him." "Mr. Haverstock is a newspaperman, Monsieur Krug." "That would be quite a coup, bringing in your first story wrapped around an assassin." "I shall have to be getting along now, Mr. Fisher." "Shall we settle on the wording for the peace petition now or later?" "We may as well clear it up in the study." "You'll excuse us?" "Father, could I speak to you?" "It's terribly important." "This won't take a moment." "Meanwhile, see if you can't interest Mr. Haverstock... in some eggs and bacon." " Mr. Fisher..." "What's that man doing here?" " It's Monsieur Krug." " Van Meer isn't dead." " But I just read..." "That was his double." "Van Meer was kidnapped." " I talked to him in a mill outside Amsterdam." " What has Krug to do with it?" " Remember my description of the man in the mill?" " You mean the sweater?" "Of course!" "But that's impossible." "We've known Monsieur Krug..." "Mr. Krug brought Van Meer here by plane last night." "He's in England." "They're hiding him." " Positive about this?" " I was as close to Krug as I am to you now." " It'd be terrible if we made a mistake." "On the other hand..." " Mr. Fisher." "Leave it to me." "I don't want to seem inhospitable, but I must ask you to leave." "Mr. Haverstock is going to suggest I turn you over to the police." "Mr. Haverstock seems to be something of a troublemaker." "I thought you said he'd been taken care of by our agents in Amsterdam." "I thought so too." "I don't understand it, unless perhaps..." "Miss Fisher's being with him may have caused complications." "It would've been ideal if she'd been in our confidence." "Leave my daughter out of it." " I beg your pardon." " Most unfortunate, his coming here." "I've never had to cope with this sort of thing before, thanks to you." "Someone has to take care of the sordid details." "But this is close to home." "In fact, it is my home." "After all, I'm only a politician." "In a sense." "And politicians aren't usually called upon to, uh... do away with their guests, are they?" "Quiet, boy." "Quiet." "Not in the house." "No, sir." "But I have an idea." " Do you remember Rowley?" " Rowley?" "Yes, the little man who used to work at your father's stables in Austria." "Yes, I recall he was present when a mutual friend of ours, um... accidentally fell off the high bridge at Bern." "He's retired now." "Lives somewhere in Clapham here in London." "If Mr. Haverstock could be induced to hire him... in the capacity of a private detective..." " What for?" " Well... you should warn him that it is very dangerous to go about London... with the knowledge that he has." "Yes, I see." "Yes." "You use the English language with great delicacy, Krug." "Thank you, sir." "I shall look Mr. Rowley up at once... and give him his instructions." "But you mustn't." "It would be too dangerous." " What do we do?" "Call Scotland Yard?" " I thought it best to send Krug on his way." "You let him get away?" "Well, listen..." "Don't you see how important it is not to rouse Krug's suspicions?" " Van Meer will be killed immediately." " Dead or alive, it's a story." "Johnny, Father's right." " Okay, I'll cable them what I've got." " I wouldn't if I were you." "Van Meer's life may depend upon our keeping this quiet." "Keep it quiet?" "A famous diplomat's kidnapped under my own eyes, and I muzzle myself?" "I'm sorry, but this is a story with facts... the kind I was sent here to get, the kind America's waiting for." "It'll be bigger if you can wait just a few hours... until we can find Van Meer and discover what's behind this whole curious business." " I know what's behind it." " I don't mean who's behind it." "I mean the why of it." "Dear, will you get me all my correspondence with Krug?" "Please, Johnny, do what Father says." "It'll be best for you and poor Mr. Van Meer." "Okay." "I'll wait." " I'm worried about you." " I'm a little worried about myself." "I feel weak-minded." "You're doing the right thing, but I don't like you dashing about without protection." " Forget it." " If what you say is true, you need protection." "I've covered beer mob killings and race riots since I was a tot without even a rabbit's foot." "These people are criminals, more dangerous than your rumrunners and housebreakers." "They're fanatics." "They combine a mad love of country with an equally mad indifference to life... their own as well as others." "They're cunning, unscrupulous... and... inspired." "And I really couldn't face Mr. Powers again... if you didn't live long enough to turn in the best story of the year." "I'm gonna be a fine foreign correspondent hiding in an attic somewhere." "I'm not suggesting you hide anywhere." "Just get somebody to watch out for you." "A nurse?" "Johnny Jones goes to Europe and hires a nurse." "That's gonna look great on the expense account." "I know a very efficient private detective agency where we can get just the man." " Okay, whatever you say." " I can arrange it all for you." "If it'll make you feel better, I won't mention it to anybody." "If anyone finds out I've hired a bodyguard, I'll shoot myself." " If that's Mr. Rowley, tell him to wait outside." " Yes, sir." "I've called on Mr. Haverstock." "Will you tell him Mr. Rowley is here?" " Will you wait here, please?" " Thank you." " Mr. Haverstock, your cab's here." " Where are you going?" " To the office." "I've got work to do." " But you mustn't go." "I was sent over here at great expense as a newspaperman, not a refugee." " How about lunch at the Savoy?" " I'll see you out." "Johnny, please be careful." "I'll be all right." "Mr. Haverstock?" "Is this the man?" "Look, who's protecting who?" "Well, I ain't lanky, sir, but I'm quick." "I take it you understand what to do." "You can trust me to take care of Mr. Haverstock." "Are we going now, sir?" "Yes, you can take me to my office, and if you're good..." " to the American Club." " Right, sir." " You'll keep after this other thing?" " As soon as there's news, I'll let you know." "Then you can break the story." "Good-bye." "Good-bye, sir." "Why, Carol." "Nothing must happen to him, Father." "I just couldn't..." "How do we go, sir?" "Would you like me to walk behind you, or beside you, like a friend?" " What's the custom?" " Different people has different tastes." "With the Duke of Albatrorr, the duke, being a democratic gent..." "I used to walk alongside of him, man-to-man, like." "On the other hand, I once had a lady who thought that was disrespectful." ""Three paces behind," she says, "and don't smoke on duty."" " What's good enough for a duke is good enough for me." " Thank you, sir." "If we want to go to the American Club, we'd better take a cab." "There's one." "What's the trouble, sir." "Is it gangsters after you?" " Not exactly." " We're not afraid of gangsters over here, sir." " Even our police don't carry guns." " What do they do?" "Hit you over the head with a stick." "A bit more healthy-like." "Did you see that?" "Someone deliberately pushed me!" "That was me, sir." "If I'd have pulled you back, you'd have been caught." " It was push or nothing." " Smart work, Mr. Rowley." "Thank you very much." "After all, that's what I'm here for, isn't it?" "Taxi!" " American Club." " Yes, sir." "After you, sir." "I'm not certain, sir, but I've got an idea... two men just got in another cab to follow us." "I don't see anyone suspicious." "Well, I may have been mistaken... but I'm almost certain I saw them." "They may have heard where we're going." "Driver." "Driver?" "Go down Victoria Street... 'round past Buckingham Palace." "Right, sir." "We might give 'em the slip if we go the long way around." "I'm afraid they're still after us." "Our best plan is to pull 'round the next corner and change cabs." "Driver?" "Take the first to your left and pull up." "We're going to walk a bit." "I'll do it, sir." "I understand the money." "It'll be quicker." "Thank you, sir." "Our best plan is to slip into the cathedral for a bit." "Let's call off this ducking and let them catch up with us and have a showdown." " I wouldn't cause a scene." "Our job is to give 'em the slip." " All right." " Let's go." " Nice bit of architecture, sir, innit?" "Do you mind not going right in, sir?" "I saw by the notice it was a requiem mass... a mass for the dead." "That sort of thing always depresses me ...praying for the dead and all that." "The dead are all right in their place, sir... but the music and the candles always gives me the creeps." "It does really, sir." "I don't like to be so fussy..." "How about a trip up top, sir?" "That'd really put 'em off the scent." "Boys, careful there." " I can't see." " Eh?" "Here, here." "There you are, me boy." "Ooh!" "Look, there it goes." "There." "I'll have to buy you another now." "Love a duck!" "Careful, boys." "You better be careful too, sir." "Not yet, boys." "Let's get out of here." "I have a luncheon date and plenty to do before it." "I've got it in mind, sir." "Don't you worry." "Really, now, look." "Isn't it worthwhile coming up here to see it, sir?" "There's the houses of Parliament over there." "And there's St. James's Park." "That green patch." "Yeah." "Come along, boys." "You must excuse me getting so scared when you leaned over just now, sir." "I was once with a man on a bridge in Switzerland." "He had a very nasty fall." "Killed him." "Stone dead." "Always made me a bit nervous since." "Don't go down just yet, sir." "I'd like you to see St. Paul's." "There it is, just coming out of the mist." "Oh, and look." "There's the 'orse guards approaching Buckingham Palace." " See 'em?" "Down there." " It makes the backs of me legs go funny." "Height always did." "Let's get down again, Eric." "Why didn't you say so before?" "Miss, I know just how you feel." "Them as has no head for heights can't help it." "Nobody ought not to blame them." " What's it got to do with you?" " All right, keep your head on." " I was only sympathizing." " I'm going down anyway." " Wait for the lift." " No." "No stairs for me." "I'm gonna take the elevator." "Wait a minute, sir." "You ain't seen the 'orse guards yet." "You must see the 'orse guards, sir." "Where?" "I don't see anything." "Why, there they are, sir." "Down the road." "Just going toward the... the white building." "No, boys." "This way." "Well, there but for the grace of God." " I still don't know what instinct made me step aside when he came at me." " You need a drink." "I heard the lift coming up, and I turned." "I saw that look in his eye as he came toward me." "In that split second, the whole thing flashed through my mind." "All I could think of was Fisher." ""Fisher planned this."" "Then I guess I just stepped aside, and over he went." "Over he went, all right." "Did you want this?" "No, thanks." "When are you going to send the story to our esteemed gazette?" "When I get ready." "Well, there goes another of my illusions." "I thought you were one of those journalists nothing could stop." "Floods, smallpox, love..." "the story must go on." "It'll go on." "No." "I can understand you not wanting to drag Miss Fisher into it." "On the other hand, she's probably in it already." " The moll of the gang." " Why, you dirty..." "On second thought, I'm sure not." "I'm sure she's a fine girl... upstanding, honest, with a great soul." "I can't send the story on Van Meer until he's safe." "We've got to find Van Meer first." "Ah, there's our man now, probably." "Mr. Van Meer, come in." "Good morning, Stebbins." "How are you, Haverstock?" "Congratulations on your little set-to with Rowley." "What do you know about Rowley?" "Very little ffolliott doesn't hear." "He probably even knows about Fisher." "I was onto Fisher a year ago... but that fellow with the high-neck sweater..." " Krug... he's new to me..." " You're onto him too?" " Followed him to London." " I thought you were cold on this story." "On the contrary." "I've been doing a bit of noticing." " Remember that tramp asleep in the mill?" " Yeah." " He wasn't a tramp at all." " Van Meer, I suppose." "Not quite, but I noticed him do a strange thing for a tramp." "He dirtied his hands with some of that nasty Dutch soil." "I can't follow the workings of these masterminds." "No." "Tell him it's ridiculous." "You'd already disappeared, so I followed Krug... but ended up at the same old mousetrap." "You mean Fisher?" "The good, kind, genial head of the Peace Party, Herr Fisher." "Hello, Eddie?" "This is Plunger Stebbins." "I want to place a bet on Flibbertigibbet in the first..." "The race is over?" "What do you know about that?" "Okay, I'll call you later." "Any objection to working the rest of this thing together?" "Catch Fisher, find Van Meer, that sort of thing?" "All right, but I'd like to know why they kidnapped Van Meer." "He was one of the signatories to a certain treaty." "The most important clause was never written down... just memorized by the two people who signed." "They're gonna beat it out of him?" "They're going to try." "It'd be a good idea if we put a stop to them." "It contains information that would be valuable to the enemy... in the war that breaks out tomorrow, weather permitting." "What?" "Why didn't someone let me in on this?" " Stebbins, we've got to get busy." " Plenty of time." "Lunch first." "You mind waiting?" "You might be of some help." "I thought up a little plan for forcing Fisher's hand." "Let's have it." "I think the neatest thing would be to kidnap Fisher's daughter." " Oh, yeah?" " One of Fisher's few genuine traits is his affection for Miss Fisher." "Easy." "You're speaking to the man who loves her." "All the better." "Give you a chance to get chummy... and keep her out of this mess while we batter away at papa." "This is my scheme:" "I walk in, let Fisher know... his daughter's in the hands of someone who means business... just as he means business when he kidnaps people." "He'll see things our way." " Nothing doing." " I thought you were a newspaperman." "That doesn't include kidnapping your fiancée where I come from." " It would if your country were at stake." " This isn't my country." "It's your story." "Don't be gloomy." "She doesn't have to know." " Just keep her amused." " Why not grab Fisher and have a showdown?" "No good." "We've got nothing on Fisher." "He'd slip out of it anyway." "All we'd do would be to kill Van Meer." "Mm." "Hello, darling." "Are you all right?" "What were you doing on the tower?" "Trying to keep out of harm's way, but those assassins followed." "There was a scuffle, and over he went." "Darling, they won't stop till they get you." "You must leave London immediately." "The one thing everybody forgets is I'm a reporter." "There's a war." "I can't run out." "Scott, he can't stay here." "Tell him how desperate these men are." "He shouldn't stay another minute." "Take him somewhere." " I won't go." " Couldn't you think up some aunt in the country or something?" "There's my Aunt Margaret at Harpenden." "Let me take you there." " How about it?" " Stay out of this." "It's the only sensible thing to do." "May I use your telephone?" "Hello, Stiles?" "Miss Carol speaking." "Tell Mr. Fisher I'm driving down to Aunt Margaret's at Harpenden." " I won't go." " I'll be back in time for dinner." "Thank you." " It's settled." "We can get you a toothbrush..." " It's no good." "I'm wondering whether this idea of your aunt is so good." "Maybe it'd be better further out..." "say, Cambridge." " There's no place as obscure as Harpenden." " It isn't so much the place... as the fact Krug might connect you with it." " You're right." "Make it Cambridge." " I'll phone your father so he doesn't worry." "Thank you, Scott." "Please, Johnny?" "That was a break, her suggesting they go to the country." "As a matter of fact, old boy, I suggested it to her... on the phone about half an hour ago." "There hasn't been a sign of anybody for the last 30 miles." " What's the matter?" " Nothing." "You might at least talk to me." "It's unfair to sit there and pout... because I've kidnapped you from your so-called duties." " You've kidnapped me?" " Mm-hmm." " Just remember that, will you?" " Please forgive me." "Why, sure." "I don't think kidnapping's... anything to get sore about when done by the right kidnapper, do you?" " Not at all." " Thanks." "Hello?" "No, Mr. ffolliott." "I'm afraid he's not in yet." "Very well, sir." " Johnny, you don't love me." " You're crazy." " You looked unhappy when you kissed me." " Never happier in my life." "Won't do." "Johnny, what's happened?" "The war, I guess." "They say it's coming tomorrow." "So you've changed your philosophy since yesterday." "There are more important things in the world than love." " I've got lots to do." "Important things." " Carol..." "Got to get started." "It'll take three hours to get back." "I'm not going to be misunderstood." "I'm so in love, I'm going mad." "Won't do." "I suppose it can't be helped." "You've turned European on me overnight, Johnny." "That's unfair." "I'm just as big a jackass as I ever was." "Bigger." "You're not going back to London to dinner tonight." "You can't run out on your kidnapper like that." "I mean..." "Well, you know what I mean." "If you run out on me now, I'm going... straight to London and let them bump me off." "Be a relief at that." "Well, you are moody." "Am I the cause?" "If you knew how much I loved you, you'd faint." "There." "What'd I tell you?" "Come in." " Mr. Haverstock?" " Yes?" " Call from London." " Have them switch it up." "Sorry, there's only one phone..." "in the office." "All right, I'll come down." "Forgive me for a moment, dear." "Just a moment, sir." "Hello?" "Is that you, Haverstock, old boy?" "Are you alone?" "Can you talk?" "I can't get a hold of Fisher." "He's been out all afternoon." "I'm afraid you'll have to keep the girl much longer than we'd planned." "I don't know what time he'll be back." "I've got to catch him alone." "Keep the girl there for the night." "But that's absolutely impossible." "We can't let this thing go now." "I can't very well explain, but I simply couldn't pull a thing like that." "You've got to try." "There isn't anything else to be done." "I'm counting on you." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Are you quite satisfied with your room, sir?" "Well, not exactly." "That is, I mean, yes... but I really wanted another room as well... a single room." "Oh." "Mr. Naismith?" "Mr. Naismith, this gentleman wants another room." "For the young lady?" "How long will you be requiring it?" "She'll only be here just the one night." " The gentleman has number 7, sir." " What about number 8?" "It doesn't really make any difference, so long as it's a good room... windows and all that." "I quite understand, sir." "I think perhaps the room next to yours would be best." "It's quite cozy, isn't it, Miss Pollitt?" "Number 8?" " They're all very much alike to me, sir." " Eight'll do." "Will you bring the young lady and sign the book, please?" "Yes, I'll..." "I'll get her." " Good evening, sir." " Good evening, Stiles." "Terrible thing, sir, that poor man who was here this morning." "Yes, terrible, Stiles." "My bags all packed?" " Yes, sir." " And Miss Carol's?" "Mrs. Stiles packed hers too." "She hopes she's put in the right things." "It's been such a rush, especially with Miss Carol not back yet." "Mr. ffolliott's here now." "He's waiting in the sitting room." "Another gentleman just phoned." "He wouldn't leave his name." "I thought I recognized his voice as the foreign gentleman who was here at breakfast." " Did he say he'd telephone again?" " Yes, he said it was urgent." "Well, show Mr. ffolliott into the study." " Hello, sir." " Scott, you caught me at a very busy moment." "I'm getting ready to go to America tomorrow." "Are you taking Carol with you?" "Yes." "She doesn't know yet." "It's been such a rush." "I'm waiting for her now." "What's your worry?" "Must be important, by the number of times you telephoned." "Yes, it is, sir." "It's about Carol." " I'm afraid that..." " What?" "Anything happen to her?" "I don't think you'll be able to take her to America." "What do you mean?" "Why not?" "It'll sound rather silly to you, but Carol has been kidnapped." " Is this a joke of some sort?" " No, sir." "What do you mean, "kidnapped"?" "I happen to know she's with her aunt in Harpenden." "I'm afraid she isn't." "Stiles, who gave you the message that Miss Carol had gone to her Aunt Margaret's?" "Miss Carol herself, sir." " Thank you, Stiles." " That's where she thought she was going." "Get me Harpenden 43422." "Hello, is that you, Margaret?" "Is Carol with you?" "No." "No, I..." "I wasn't certain." "She said she might run down to see you." "I didn't know whether to expect her back for dinner." "Right." "Good night, Margaret." "No, she isn't there." "What makes you say she's been kidnapped?" "Well, sir..." "I arranged it." "This has gone far enough." "Where is Carol?" "Carol's being held as a sort of hostage... by some people who are very much in earnest... as much as you are." "Don't be so cryptic." "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about." "I want to know where you're hiding Van Meer." "So that's it." "You've been talking with Haverstock." "He was here this morning telling us about Van Meer still being alive." " You promised Haverstock you'd look into it, didn't you?" " Naturally." "An unusual way of looking into it, trying to have him put out of the way." "I realize a life or two is a small matter, the way you work." "Well, the people who have got Carol can take a leaf out of your book." "Where is she?" "What have you done with her?" "Where's Van Meer?" "Hello?" "I think I can get our Dutch friend to talk if you come along." "Sorry to drag you here like this, but I think it's the only way... if you want to leave tomorrow." "When you get here, ask at the cashier's desk... to use the phone." "They'll show you straight up." "Very well." "I'll drop in as soon as I can." "If you want Carol, you'd better tell me where Van Meer is." " Bring her back." "I'll give you the address." " Carol can be home in three hours... but I want that address now." "You'll have it as soon as Carol is home." "I can't possibly wait three hours." "Besides, I happen to want Van Meer alive." "Well, Scott, I delivered him, all right." "Good." "I'll be getting along now." "Thanks very much for those points for my leader." "Can I take them now?" "Good night, Carol." "Good night, sir." "Good night." "I beg your pardon, sir." "This isn't like you." "What is it that's upset you so?" "I know I'm being silly." "I'm behaving perfectly stupidly." "Please forgive me." "I wouldn't mind so much... but I didn't think he was that sort of person." "Something to do with young Haverstock?" "You like him very much, don't you?" "After what happened today..." "I drove him down to the country to get him away from those people..." "I thought you were going to Aunt Margaret's." "We were, but Scott ffolliott... thought it would be better to go further away." "So..." "I thought the College Arms at Cambridge would be a good place." "When we got there, I found out he wanted..." "You see, we'd been joking about it... but when I heard him book the extra room, I knew he meant it." "Such a cheap trick." "That's what hurts:" "It was so cheap." "It wasn't at all like I thought he was." "What difference does it make?" "I don't care if I ever see him again." "You won't have to." "We're going to America tomorrow by clipper." "Tomorrow?" "Oh, but I can't." "Well..." "I suppose I can, but why tomorrow?" "It's our last chance." "War will probably be declared tomorrow." "I have to get to Washington." "The boats will be crowded." "We're liable to wait weeks." " But what about Mr. Van Meer?" " We've done all we could." "I was at the foreign office with Ainsworth this afternoon." "They're taking the whole thing over." "Stiles, what is it?" " The blackout, sir." "I have to draw the blinds." " Oh, I forgot." " Before you do that, order me a taxi, will you?" " Yes, sir." "I've got people I must see before we leave." "I'll try not to be long." "Mrs. Stiles has done your packing." "I thought we might go to Southampton, stay at the Southwestern." "Stiles, and my hat, please." "Good-bye, darling." "In the meantime, you and Stiles might be loading the car so as not to lose time." " You'd better eat." " What about you?" "I'll get a sandwich later." "242 Charlotte Street... halfway up Tottenham Court Road." "Wait here until Haverstock turns up." "He's bound to come here." "Bring him along to 242 Charlotte Street... off Tottenham Court Road." " Hello?" " Hello." "Hello?" "Hello." "Be careful." "Might I use your telephone?" "This way, sir." " Where is he?" " In there." "We can't make him say anything." "It's up to you." "Let's get it over." "Is this place safe?" "There'll be no interruption." "We closed it for decoration." " Those people downstairs?" " They won't make any trouble." "They know what will happen to their relatives in the homeland if they do." "Not a very attractive nest, and the music a little vulgar... but it serves its purpose." "Yes." "Pardon me." "Put your arm around him... and hold his head forward." "These lights..." "can't you cut them down?" "I thank you." "Oh, I thank you very much." "You're like my friend, Mr. Fisher." "I'm sorry." "It's just so dark." "I cannot tell, but... but you are so like my friend." "I am Fisher, Mr. Van Meer." "I am your friend." "Oh!" "I am so glad." "Mr. Fisher, are the police here?" "Oh, they mustn't get away." "You mustn't let these people go." "I represent the Jupiter Life Assurance." "Could I interest you in a small policy?" " Why did you bring him up?" " I didn't know what to do." "I'd relieve the lady of this embarrassment... but you know how women are with firearms." "No sense of timing." "I'll just sit here." "You carry on with whatever you were doing." "Don't mind me." "I sometimes sit like this for hours." "Who's that?" "Is it the police?" "Oh, tell me where I am." "You are in London, Mr. Van Meer." "In London?" "Have I been here long?" "Oh, you must send a telegram... to my wife." "Tell her I am safe with you." "Please try to understand." "The police are not here." "I am here merely to talk to you." "But these... these people..." "They think I'm working with them." "They don't know I'm your friend." "We must play a little game." " A little game?" " Yes." "They have asked me to get you to tell me... what they are trying to find out." "But I can't do that." "You know I can't." "You can tell me, Mr. Van Meer." "Just that one clause in the treaty." "Clause 27." "Clause 27." "Come, Mr. Van Meer." "But it's the... the secret clause." "I know it:" "Clause 27." "But they..." "they mustn't know it." "It would help them if they make war." "War, Fisher." "You don't want them helped, do you?" "Of course not." "Just let them see you telling it to me." "It'll be enough." "Just let them see you whisper it to me." "I'll promise to keep it safe." "He's not your friend." "Don't tell him." "Who was that?" "Someone just said you weren't my friend." "Why didn't you bring the police?" "Why aren't you taking me away from here?" "Ah." "You are not taking me away." "Why?" "You are so..." "F-Fisher?" "Fisher!" "Fisher, where are you?" "Help me." "Help me, Fi..." "Help..." "Oh, yes." "I see now." "There's no help." "No help for the whole... poor, suffering world." "Oh, you... you cry peace, Fisher." "Peace." "And there was no peace." "Only war and death." "You're..." "You're a liar, Fisher." "A cruel, cruel liar." "You can do what you want with me." "That's not important." "But you'll never conquer them, Fisher." "Little people everywhere... who give crumbs to birds... lie to them... drive them, whip them... force them into war." "When the beasts like you... will devour each other... then the world... will belong to the little people." "We're wasting valuable time." "Kurt." "All right." "I..." "I will speak." "I will tell everything." "Come on, Mr. Fisher." "In the event of invasion by an enemy..." "Why, it's only a restaurant." "Look!" "Come on!" "This way, sir!" "Down the back stairs!" "Follow me!" "Come on, Haverstock!" "They must've gone out some other way!" "You're an idiot if you don't nab Fisher before he gets on that plane." "How can we arrest him without any evidence?" "Don't be so obstinate." "Isn't Van Meer himself proof enough?" "No, and you ought to know it." "What proof is there against Fisher personally?" "Of all the conceited, stupid numbskulls..." "If you'd stop behaving like a Boy Scout and let us handle this..." "Ask McKenna to come in here." "Why don't you go see Dr. Boniface?" "He's good for nerves." " Identification of Van Meer complete?" " Absolutely." "He's unconscious in the nursing home, but there's no doubt it's Van Meer." "You'd better get back there." "Take somebody with you." "Get a statement as soon as he comes to." "In the meantime, send a man to keep an eye on that flying boat and await instructions from us." "What's the good of being related to Scotland Yard?" "I can't get my brother to do anything." " Scotland Yard can't solve my problems." " Scotland Yard's in on it." "Everybody but me." "You're in it too." "We've got to get on that plane and keep an eye on Fisher." "While we're driving down, ring up Mayfair 24574." " Just a moment." "Let me get it down." " Mayfair 24574." "That's my cousin." "He's the director of the airline." "Tell him I've got to have two seats on the clipper for America tomorrow morning." "Then go to the Hilton Nursing Home and stick by Van Meer." "Then phone Miss Edith Armbruster, Kensington 66255." "Tell her I'm off to America." "Will she dine with me next Monday instead of tomorrow?" " Square it with her, will you?" " Sure, sure." "Then call up Stephens at the Post and tell him I'm off to America." "Cable New York." "Tell them I'm off to America." "Then ring up the Crescent Dancing Academy and cancel my rumba lesson." "Two ham sandwiches on rye bread." "There's no use my waiting around." "I have several things..." "Hard to say how soon he'll recover." "It may be hours before he can speak." "I don't know much about this, but my friend's on the clipper." "The minute Van Meer speaks, they'll send word to the plane." "Did you hear the wireless?" "We're at war." "War declared!" "Read all about it!" "Special war edition!" "War declared!" "War!" "It's war with Germany!" "War declared!" "England declares war on Germany!" "Miss Pimm?" "Miss Pimm, I found that picture." " Steward, bring me one of those, please." " Yes, sir." " Any message for me?" " What name, sir?" "Steward, is there a message for me?" "Mrs. Benson." "I'll be with you in a minute, madam." " This one's for me." " Yes, sir." "Lovely, isn't it?" "Sort of makes you forget all about the war and troubles." "It would be nice if we could just keep flying... for a long time, live in the clouds." "Yes, it would be very nice." "But it's time for me to make a landing... a forced landing." "What's the matter?" "Anything happen?" "I've got to talk to you." "I don't want to, but I've got to." "It's the hardest part..." "talking to you now." "I don't mind about the rest, really." "It's about Krug and Van Meer." "You've guessed." "Not till last night." "I've just been worried." "But I believed in you." "You shouldn't." "It's true, then, what I wouldn't believe?" "Yes." "I'm to be arrested when we land..." " Oh!" " as a spy, shipped back to London." " Father..." " That's quite all right, except... just the one phase of it: you." "That's why I've got to talk to you." "I should like you to hear a little from my own point of view." "It might help you..." "afterwards." "First about yourself, my deceiving you." "I had to." "I didn't want you involved because you're English... half English, anyway." "I'm not." "I'm just coated with an English accent... a very thin coat." "I've fought for my country in my heart in a very difficult way... because sometimes it's harder to fight dishonorably... than nobly in the open." "I've used my country's methods because I was born with them." "I don't intend making this sort of plea to the court-martial." "I'm making it only to my daughter, whom I've loved dearly... and before whom I feel a little... ashamed." "What you say to me now means much more to me than any other verdict... my dear." " Steward?" " Yes, sir?" "This is not for me." "I was mistaken." "I'm not gonna sit here another 14 hours and play hide-and-seek with her." "I'm gonna talk to her and have it over with." "I don't see that you could do any harm." "He knows we're on the plane." " Not a word in front of her, understand?" " I wouldn't dream of talking." " What are you going to say?" " How do I know?" "I'm all mixed up." "In love with the girl and gonna help hang her father." "I've got to say something or go crazy." "Would a little brandy make you feel better?" "You know it always makes me cry harder." " Oh!" " Surprise." " What are you doing here?" " Just having myself a ride." "Look, Carol, I've got to speak to you alone." "It's very important." "Do you mind, Mr. Fisher?" " ffolliott's with you, isn't he?" " In a way, yes." "And you're both after my father." "You're going to have him arrested, aren't you?" "I don't know what you're talking about." "I never arrested anyone in my life." "That's a lie." "You've been following him from the beginning." "That's why you wanted me out of the way yesterday at the inn." "Pretended you loved me, tried to keep me overnight so you could..." "It's a lie, that's all." "Everything you've said to me have been lies." " Hello." "Quite a reunion, isn't it?" " You too?" "Please, dear." "Stay and have a drink, Scott." " I'll be back." " Where are you going?" "Just to stretch my legs." "I read that wireless you received." " It was given to me by mistake." " That's all right, sir." "You're not going unless I go with you." "I know you both think my father is a traitor and a renegade." "Well, he isn't... not to me." "Thanks." "It's a minority report, but very welcome." "Carol, I've got nothing to do with spies." "I'm just a reporter." "I came here after a story." "I'm sorry I heard of Van Meer." "I'd blow up the Globe... and cut Mr. Powers's throat rather than harm you." "What is it?" " They've gone crazy." "What do they think they're doing?" " Who are they?" "Go below." "Tell them we're being attacked." "Sorry about this." "It has nothing to do with me." " We're coming down." " You're the most amazing, cool-headed woman I've ever seen." " Make Father wear this." " Right." "Here you are." "Put these on." "Keep changing." "Could you come out, sir?" "They're all going nuts!" "I'll be out immediately." "What am I going to say?" "This isn't like bad weather." "Tell them it's a mistake, that it's target practice." "I know it's foolish for me to ask you to be calm." "We're doing the best we can." "Are we all going to be drowned?" "Keep away from that window, sir." "It might be dangerous." "Sit back." "I'm not going to put this on." "What are they firing at?" "I never heard of anything so stupid." "I shall see the British consul as soon as..." "She's gone." "What in the name of heaven are they doing?" "Switch off the gas." "You've got the other port motor." " They cut off the other starboard motor." "Cut that off too." " Right." "It's German, the Von Schier." "She thought we were a bomber." "She's steaming to our rescue." "The wing's coming off!" " Let me get out!" " Come away from that door!" "We're crazy to stay here." " When she hits the water, the tail's the best place." " Right." "Let's get back there." "Look out!" "Mr. Fisher!" "Quick!" "No good staying on here." "She's going under." "Quick!" "Onto the wing!" "Look!" "There's the pilot!" " Don't let him on, fools!" "We shall all go down!" " Shut your mouth!" " I'm gonna throw that swine off." " No, he's right." "It won't hold us." "I'd better slip away." "Quickly move to the other end." "That might make it lighter here." "Hurry!" "He's gone!" "Johnny, don't go!" "You'll be washed away!" "Johnny, come back!" "Look!" "It must be the enemy coming to pick us up." "Is it the enemy?" "We're all right." "She's American." "American ship Mohican picked us all up, taking us back to London." "I can't tell you what happened." "We're not allowed." "I'll wire from London in a couple of days." "Bye, Franklin." "This is awkward." "I've just been having a dirty row with the captain." "The fellow insists on acting the true-blue neutral." ""Enemy waters." Not a line to the press from his ship." " Can't send out any stories?" " We can only use the wireless for private messages." ""Hello, Aunt Effie." "Safe aboard the Mohican." "Feeling tip-top."" "I ask you!" "Two days before we get to London, we get scooped on our own story." " Why don't you have a crack at brass buttons?" " What's the use?" "What good will it do me?" "My hands are tied." " What are you talking about?" " Carol." "I came 4,000 miles to get a story." "I get shot at like a duck, pushed off buildings..." "I get the story, and then I got to shut up." "What are you grinning at?" "I'm not gonna throw her father up for grabs." "He died like a hero to save her and the rest of us." "I guess I'm talking through my hat." "The whole point is he was her father... and I'm not gonna play Judas to the only girl..." "I'm glad you've said that." "Very glad." " You dry?" "You all right?" " I'm all right." "I want you to send it, the whole story." " We'll talk about that later." " No, please." "You can't help me by protecting my father." "Listen, I'm in love with you." "I can't hit you with a scandal for a wedding present." "Johnny, my father fought for his country his way." "It wasn't a straight way, but it was a hard way." "And I've got to fight for my country a hard way." "Okay, if that's the way you feel about it." "I guess that's for me." "I put in a call to my uncle..." "Uncle Powers." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Johnny Jones calling from the Mohican." "What the deuce is he doing there?" "Wait." "Johnny wouldn't call if it wasn't a story." "Tell them to hold the presses." "Send Bradley in." "Tell him we're breaking up page one." "Hello?" "Hello, Mr. Powers." "This is Johnny Jones." "Easy." "Here comes the captain." "Mr. Powers, keep your ear glued to this phone... and don't hang up." " Mr. Haverstock, I want to talk with you." " Yes, sir?" " I've just found out you're a newspaperman." " I guess that's right." "Why didn't you tell me that when I questioned you?" " You lied to me, sir." " My dear captain... when you've been shot down in a British plane by a German destroyer... 300 miles off the coast of England..." "latitude 45... and have been hanging on to a half-submerged wing for hours... waiting to drown with half a dozen other stricken human beings... you're liable to forget you're a newspaperman for a moment." "You're gonna have to forget it for as long as you're on this ship." "I can't understand your attitude, sir." "You performed a heroic rescue." "Captain John Martin." " You took us out of the sea." " You're not sending anything from this ship." " That's final." " You're absolutely right, Captain." "We mustn't embarrass the United States government." "Exactly." "That's my point." "That's the story." "If you don't want me to print it, okay." " But you ought to hear it first." " That's only fair." "You know who the head of that movement was in London?" "Stephen Fisher." "What?" "You mean the man who ran the Universal Peace Party?" "That's preposterous!" "Yes, the same Mr. Fisher who was drowned a few hours ago." "He was using the Peace Party as a cover-up for spies and traitors." "He was going to be arrested and sent back to England." " Those are facts." " I can't believe it." "He was a friend of mine." "The same Stephen Fisher who engineered the kidnapping of Van Meer, the Dutch diplomat." " You don't expect anybody to believe that." " It's the truth." " I refuse..." " Captain, wait a minute." "This young lady should know whether my friend is speaking the truth about Mr. Fisher." "Yes, I ought to know." "Mr. Fisher was... my father." "And I want the story printed." "What's that?" "Oh, I guess that's my uncle." "Uh..." "Hello?" "Oh, hello, Uncle." "How are you?" "How's Aunt Sadie?" "I'm all right, thanks." "We had a little accident, but I can't tell you about it now." "I'll tell you later." "I'll write you." "Yes, I'm going back to Europe." "I was wondering if you had any instructions for me." "Yes." "Keep on the job." "Have you got all that?" "Rush it out at once." "This is London." "We have as a guest tonight... one of the soldiers of the press... one of the little army of historians writing history... from beside the cannon's mouth... the foreign correspondent of the New York Globe, Huntley Haverstock." "Hello, America." "I've been watching a part of the world being blown to pieces." "A part of the world as nice as Vermont and Ohio... and Virginia and California and Illinois... lies ripped up and bleeding like a steer in a slaughterhouse." "I've seen things that make the history of the savages read like Pollyanna legends..." "It's a raid." "We shall have to postpone the broadcast." " Let's go on as long as we can." " We have a shelter downstairs." "How about it, Carol?" " They're listening in America, Johnny." " Okay." "We'll tell them, then." "I can't read the rest of the speech..." "the lights have gone out... so I'll just have to talk off the cuff." "All that noise you hear isn't static." "It's death coming to London." "They're coming now." "You can hear the bombs falling on the streets and homes." "Don't tune me out." "This is a big story, and you're part of it." "It's too late to do anything here except stand in the dark and let them come." "It's as if the lights were all out everywhere... except in America." "Keep those lights burning." "Cover them with steel, ring them with guns... build a canopy of battleships and bombing planes around them." "Hello, America!" "Hang on to your lights." "They're the only lights left in the world." "And the rockets' red glare" "The bombs bursting in air" "Gave proof through the night" "That our flag was still there" "O say, does that star-spangled banner" "Yet wave" "O'er the land of the free" "And the home" "Of the brave"