Original subtitles

Oh, good morning.

Good morning. I have an appointment with Mr. Velika.

I'm afraid he's just out of practice.

Yes, I'm not sure that we should disturb him now.

Was it important? I'm from Empress Magazine. I have an appointment to

him. Oh, well, I suppose it'll be all right.

We're just dashing off. Would you excuse us? Excuse me.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Hello. Hello, reception.

Please, please, will somebody help me? I've been attacked.

Yes, yes, I'm in suite number 39.

What's happened?

I'm the hotel manager.

Oh, it's that man in there. He attacked me. Mr. Valita.

Yes, I came here to interview him and he assaulted me. Oh,

please do something.

Very well, Anna. I'll deal with the matter straight away.

Well, what do you think of him? I think he's very good.

How about you, Junior?

Eh?

Come on, down, Junior.

Down you go, girl.

Personally, I prefer Van Cliburn amongst the younger boys for Chopin.

Stefan Veliko is probably the finest young concert pianist in the world.

And that's a very proper attitude in one who is organising his tour.

Personally, I think there should be more of these interchanges of artists

between countries. I think the British Cultural Council has done very well to

get him over here.

Hear, hear.

What's more, the fact that his government allowed him to come is a move

right direction.

Which is more than could be said for that.

Check. Oh, blast.

Particularly since our two governments are embarking on a series of trade

You think Veliko's tour is part of a political manoeuvre? Some people might

think so. Anyway, I should keep your gun in your garter, if I may.

Why?

Well, if this treaty goes through, it could be good for Britain.

But some individuals are going to lose a lot of money.

What individuals?

Well, Veliko's government aren't taking any chances. They sent a man called

Zelenko with them.

And his knowledge of classical music is just about like mine.

But I bet he's a great deal better at chess.

Well, I hope there isn't going to be any trouble.

Before Veliko starts his tour tomorrow at the festival, he's got a recital

tonight before a very distinguished audience.

The trade minister's going to be there.

You're very well informed on the subject.

I read the papers, my dear.

That hasn't been in the papers, my dear.

I've been wondering why the council asked me to look after Veliko while he

here. Yeah, strange, isn't it?

You had something to do with it, didn't you?

About the trade minister, Camilla.

I have been a member of the British Cultural Council ever since I came back

Africa, and this is the first time they've asked me to do anything on this

scale. They've finally recognised your potential.

Will you answer that, my defties?

Excuse me.

Hello?

Yes, he is. Hold on.

Thank you.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry. What?

Yes.

Yes.

I'll be right along.

If you're going to Veliko's hotel, perhaps you give me a lift.

Why should I be going? Since you're organizing his tour, you might be

to know they found a young lady in his suite.

She's dead.

Well?

I'm asking you again. What happened?

I've told you twice.

Tell me again.

Mr. Peterson and Mrs. Gale had been here to talk about organizing the tour.

They left and I started to practice.

A concert pianist must practice several hours a day. You ought to know that by

now, Zelenko. The piece you were practicing?

It was the A -flat Polonaise by Chopin, which is exactly the same answer I gave

you twice before.

Go on.

I finished the piece and I wished to go to the bathroom. You want to know what

for? No.

I went into the hall and I found this girl.

So?

Somehow she got into the vestibule, was strangled, and you heard nothing.

When I'm practicing, I'm listening to what I'm playing.

Zelenko, you don't really think I killed her, do you? It's not a question of

what I think. It's how it's going to look to the rest of the world. While you

are here, you're a representative of your country. I'm a representative of my

country's art.

And I'm not going to be made into a political showpiece. That is not for you

decide.

You're already involved, whether you like this or not.

If what you tell me is true and you really know nothing about this girl,

must presume that she was planted here to incriminate you.

Who would do a thing like that?

Stefan, not everyone here is going to appreciate our country's arts.

That would be the newspapers.

Their government has no control over them.

Yes?

I was expecting you.

But I thought the British Cultural Council was only sending one person.

Mrs. Gale and I met on the doorstep.

My name is John Steve.

I was expecting you too.

I am Jalinko.

Zelenkov. I would have recognized you anywhere.

How is Madame Zelenkov?

I have not seen her for three months.

I've been busy.

Of course, that sighting trip in Turkey.

The one that took you past all the American bases.

I was on leave.

Well, I'm not questioning that. I saw some marvelous pictures of you

on the Black Sea. It was taken by that amiable British hiker.

The one on the telescopic camera.

Madame.

You will want to meet Veliko. Yes. This way, please.

Stefan.

This is Stefan Veliko. This is Mrs. Gale from the British Cultural Council, who

combines an interest in music with a PhD in anthropology.

Yes, we met this morning. Very nice to see you again, Mrs. Gale. And this is

John Steed, who is what is known as Man About Town.

How do you do?

His other activities are rather obscure.

Then he must have a great deal in common with you, Jelenko.

Is this your first visit to London, Mr. Veliko?

Yes, and I'm looking forward to it very much. Mr. Steed, for you.

Thank you. Will you sit with me? Of course.

I told him I'd be here.

Then?

Steed.

Stefan, I thought you might like to have a look at the guest list for this

evening. Could we discuss this a little later, Mrs. Gale? You see...

A girl was found dead here this morning, murdered. I've got so much on my mind.

I found there is no need to trouble Mrs.

Gale with all this.

Or perhaps Mrs. Gale already knows.

No, I knew nothing about it. You mean somebody was murdered in this hotel? No,

no, here in my apartment.

Did you call the police?

Mr. Zelenko has dealt with that.

It's all going to be hushed up and the murderer is going to go unpunished.

But nothing must prejudice the success of my tour.

Not forgetting the trade talks, of course.

May I have a word with you, Zelenko?

I'll see you out.

Mrs. Gayle, it's been a great pleasure meeting you.

Thank you, Mr. Smith. And goodbye, Mr. Veliko. Goodbye.

Well, the evidence suggests Veliko's telling the truth.

The dead girl was called Polly White. She has a long criminal record for

blackmail and extortion.

She made a living out of it? Sure. She had a taxable income. Taxable?

Her speciality was to get into a railway carriage with a man on his own.

And then claimed that she'd been assaulted.

What was she doing in this hotel?

I don't know.

Maybe she'd run out of railway carriages.

I don't understand.

She probably came here to smear Lico's name.

So he might have killed her in a panic.

Yes,

he might have done.

Now, Polly White shared a flat with another girl. She may be able to tell us

something.

But I think that she was killed by her employer.

to carry the smear to its natural conclusion.

Remember the trade talks? They reached a point of crucial negotiation.

I thought we were the ones that put politics before legality.

Well, we live and learn.

Hmm.

Excuse me, sir, are you a member?

No, I'm afraid not.

Well, if you'd just fill this in, please, sir. Well, yes, of course.

Just a formality, sir.

Well, we must do everything properly, mustn't we?

That's what we always do here.

That'll be 25 guineas, please.

John Smith carries the Wallace Hotel.

Yes, that's fine.

Twenty -five. Well, there's twenty -six pounds.

It's these guineas. Thank you, sir. And now? Through there.

The Garden of Delights.

I'll keep you a moment, sir.

I say, you keep popping up everywhere. They really keep you busy, don't they?

Will you have a drink?

Yes, I'd like a brandy.

Well, cheers.

That'll be 15 shillings, please.

Now,

where is it?

Do keep the change, my dear.

Thanks.

I wonder if you could help me. I'm looking for a girl called Darlene.

I've never heard of her. I was told that she worked here.

Who told you? A girl called Polly White.

All right.

I'm Darlene. What do you want? You share a flat with Polly White, don't you?

Maybe.

Have you seen her recently?

She's away on business.

What sort of business?

I don't know. Why?

Because she's dead.

But I'm meeting her tonight.

I don't think she'll turn up. She's loaded this morning.

I don't believe you.

No, I don't expect you to.

But if she doesn't turn up, you may want to know what sort of business she's in.

You can give me a ring and here's my card.

What's the matter?

This job you sent Polly on, what was it?

How should I know?

It was for a friend of mine.

Didn't he tell you? I don't ask questions.

Look, I told her on the phone where to go to and who to see.

I've never met her and I don't know anything more about it.

I just wonder when she'll get back.

My friend said the job would take two or three days.

She told me this morning she'd be back tonight.

I can definitely tell you she won't be back tonight.

Then that means Stefan Veliko could be arrested.

No, I don't think so. The evidence suggests it was an elaborate frame -up.

I think I let her in.

You can't blame yourself for that. It was just sheer coincidence she happened

arrive as we left.

I know, but that poor girl was strangled just a moment after we saw her.

And what about Veliko? It must be a terrible shock for him.

Do you think we should postpone the recital tonight?

I don't think that'll be necessary.

But the minister has definitely promised to be here. We can't involve him in any

hint of scandal.

I don't think there's going to be any.

You see, the people who framed Veliko obviously wanted a scandal.

And for that very reason, the authorities are going to try and keep it

Well, I suppose they know what's best.

You don't think there's any possibility that Veliko might be guilty?

You imagine, Mr. Peterson?

Yes.

It doesn't seem so incredible, though. I can't stop thinking about that poor

girl.

Feel as though I was somehow responsible myself.

Ah.

I was told you wanted to see me on some important business. Yes, come in.

Thank you very much.

I have been making one or two discoveries.

You see this telephone?

Mm -hmm.

Where do you think the line leads?

I'd guess the hotel switchboard. No.

Look, a switch has been put onto the circuit so that calls can be intercepted

the next suite.

Now, that suite has been unoccupied for the past three weeks.

Who told you that?

The hotel management have been very cooperative.

Come in. Thank you.

Sit down.

Oh, thank you very much.

Would you like a drink?

Yes, I'd very much like a... Planting, I believe.

Well, unless you have any of that vodka of yours, that red -hot stuff, 90 %

proof, adjabajanian. No, no, no, no, no.

Look.

This is from my own village.

Where's Veliko?

Oh, he is resting.

Now. Well, cheers.

Now, while Stefan was practicing, the woman came in here.

She prepared herself to look assaulted.

I know she smeared lipstick across her face because it was found all over her

fingers.

She then picked up the telephone.

Thought she was calling reception, but instead, she was speaking to her own

murderer. He came in a few moments later, pretending to be the manager. He

killed her and then went.

That's a very sound reconstruction.

You seem to know an awful lot about what happened.

I don't expect you to trust me, Mr. Steed, but I think you must agree my

reconstruction is logical.

I remember you got top marks at college for deductions.

Who knew where you were staying, London? Well, I knew, of course, and the people

from my embassy and this British Cultural Council.

They made the hotel reservations.

Would anyone in the embassy want to blacken Veliko's name?

You know who Veliko's uncle is.

Oh.

Important men have enemies.

Yes, but I was thinking of this British Cultural Council.

Yeah, I thought you'd be thinking of that. Well?

It's possible there's still a good deal of opposition in this country to the

projected trade treaty.

No doubt you will be investigating this cultural council.

Yes, but it all in operation.

Good.

I love you.

Cheers.

Now,

the dead girl.

Oh, yeah.

Would you have another little one there?

Did you get any information from the friend of the dead girl?

Not yet.

On the other hand, she may change her mind.

Which reminds me, I really think I'd better stand by the telephone.

Oh, no, no, no, you don't have to leave yet. I was going to tell you a funny

story about a funeral.

I think I'd really better go.

Well, then you let me know if you learn anything.

But you will be the first to know.

Your glass.

Oh.

Fascist curelle.

Hello?

Hello?

This is Darlene.

You saw me today in the club about my friend.

Look, I'd like to see you again.

No, no, not at the club.

This is my address. Can you take it down?

Yeah.

NW3.

When do you want me to be there?

In an hour's time.

Good girl.

What are you going to do with him? Don't worry.

We just want him out of the way for this evening.

Hello? I'm afraid it's practicing. Is it urgent?

Oh, hold on a moment, please.

Stefan, that's for you.

For me? She says she has to speak to you.

But I don't know anybody in London.

All right, I'll take it. Oh, no.

Please let me.

Thank you.

Hello?

Yes, I'm Stefan Valico speaking.

I've got some information about the girl who was murdered in your room.

Who are you?

If you want to talk to me, come to the Stud Club.

Number 3, Soho Court.

Ask for Miss Lomax.

You'd better come, Mr. Veliko.

All right.

I will do as you ask.

What is important?

No, just someone who wanted a photograph. I promised to send her one.

It's a bit chilly in here.

Excuse me, I must get my jacket.

Oh, would you like to help yourself to a drink and kindly make me one as well?

All right.

Thank you.

Yes. Stefan?

Stefan?

Mrs. Gayle?

What is the matter?

Where is Stefan?

I don't know. He must have gone out.

Out?

Of course, that telephone call.

What phone call? Who was it from?

I don't know. A girl.

Why didn't you stop him?

That's your job, Mr. Zelenko.

Please answer that. This might be him. No, he has a key.

Is Stefan all right? I don't know. He's gone.

Gone? Where to?

We don't know.

Hey, what's been happening to you?

Someone's been making pretty strenuous steps to get rid of me. Where's

In here.

I thought it was your job to look after Veliko. Please sit down, Mr. Steed.

Veliko has been due the way from here.

I am going to find out where.

Now, this should interest you.

He had a telephone call.

You're just in time to hear it. You don't trust anybody, do you? It is

to take special precautions.

You know this club?

This should interest you.

I happen to be a member.

Good evening, sir. Can I help you?

Please, I'm looking for Miss Lomax. My name is Stefan Valico. Oh, yes, she's

expecting you. If you'd like to leave your coat there and go straight through

there, you'll find her at the bar.

Thank you.

Can I help you?

Please, I'd like to speak to Miss Lomax.

Yes, who are you?

My name is Stefan Valico.

Never heard of you.

But you telephoned me about the girl who was killed this morning.

I don't know what you're talking about.

But you asked me to come here.

Listen, I don't know who you are or what you're talking about. Now go away. Miss

Lomax, it was your voice on the telephone. It wasn't. Now stop pestering

get out. Please listen to me. Take your hands off me.

Peterson, I thought I told you not to phone me here.

Is Mr. Peterson in his office?

He is, but I've just put a call through to him again.

All right, I'll wait.

But you know how busy I am today.

All right, then. I suppose I'll have to come over there.

Mrs. Gale, he's free now. Thank you.

Come in.

Oh, Mr. Peterson, I've made those notes on Veliko's tour.

Oh, thank you very much. I'm afraid I can't discuss it now, though. I'm late

an appointment.

Well, could I type them out and leave you a copy?

Well... Maybe I could use this machine.

Well, there'll be nobody else here.

Then I shan't be in anybody's way, shall I?

No.

Well, make yourself at home.

Thank you.

Oh, Mrs.

Gayle's alone in my office. I've got to go out for an hour.

Look after her, will you?

Yes, Mr. Eastman.

I thought you might like Mr. Peterson.

Oh, it's very kind of you. Thank you.

A fine representative of your country's art, you look.

I'm sorry. I thought he behaved himself very well.

I must congratulate you on the use of your umbrella.

Thank you.

And may I compliment you? What was it you were trying to do to your friend?

Disjoint his left arm from its socket over my right shoulder.

And where did you learn that particular piece of nastiness?

Saturday afternoons, British television, last time I was here. You should watch.

Now change your clothes and pegs.

But the recital tonight. There will be no recital. There will be no tour.

But surely you can't mean that.

Mr. Teed, there have been two attempts to blacken Stefan's name. If we stay,

they may be a third.

Remember, Stefan is my responsibility.

You're not fulfilling his responsibility by cancelling the tour. Mr. Teed is

right. I've got to play tonight.

I am not asking you your opinion.

I'm not blaming you for this morning, but what happened this afternoon was

entirely your own responsibility.

Look, I wanted to help you to find out who killed the girl. That is no concern

of yours. It is his concern. Whatever you do now, his name's going to be in

papers tomorrow.

But I have been given every assurance that the matter would be dealt with

discreetly. Up till now.

There is a little matter of the inquest tomorrow at ten o 'clock.

Then I must speak to my embassy at once.

This inquest must be stopped.

Now look, even your government can't cancel an inquest.

Then we shall have to leave immediately.

Well, how's it going to look at the inquest if you and he aren't there to

what really happened?

That is of no account to me.

Our people will know the truth.

But the rest of the world will think he's a murderer just protected by

diplomatic immunity. Look for me. I must play tonight. If he goes back to his

country labelled a murderer, what's going to happen to our trade talks?

All right.

But on these conditions.

Stefan, you will stay here till I take you to your recital. You will admit no

one and you will speak to no one on the telephone.

Thank you, Comrade Zelenko.

Mr. Thief, I shall want to check these security arrangements personally.

I shall want to see this recycle room for myself.

That can be arranged.

I hope for your own sake, Mr. Steed, that you have not underestimated these

people.

We must see that it is not, as you say, third time lucky for them.

As you say, Mr. Zelenko.

Sit down.

And which of them did this?

zelenko really and not one of you here was able to stop him we weren't

anything like that bloke in the bowler hat the english one he's not as harmless

as he looks you know you mean our friend mr steed i thought you told me you were

going to take care of him tell the boys to look after him all right we can deal

with him later so this is all you've got to show do you think that's good enough

burns Aren't we paying you enough to get something on Veliko?

Darling, sent you round that photograph of Veliko and Steed coming out of here?

Can't you do anything with that?

Who is this Steed, anyway? Some sort of policeman?

Those two prosperous policemen aren't so free with their fibres.

Besides, you must have some pretty high connections to have hushed up our

Polly's unfortunate accident.

Burns. I think our photograph is going to help us.

As you know, Valika is giving a recital tonight at the British Cultural

Conference.

Miss Walters, this is the final invitation.

Thank you, Mrs. Gale.

No sign of Felix, not that bit.

Yes, sir, of course I'll give him the message.

Can I help you?

I've come to see Mr. Steed. Who?

Steed. I phoned a strap and someone said he'd be here.

For the recital, you mean? Yes.

I'll check the invitation list.

Yes, there is a Mr. Steed. He's the guest of Mrs. Gale.

But I don't think he's in the building now.

Oh, Mrs. Gale, this young lady is asking for a Mr.

Steed. I believe he's your guest tonight.

Yes. Can I help you?

Well, I don't know. I really ought to see him personally.

It's to do with Stefan Veliko.

Oh. Will you come into the office?

Now, look, I represent Stefan Veliko while he's over here, so whatever you

to say will probably interest me more than Mr. Steed.

I want money for my information.

I can arrange that, too.

What exactly have you got to sell?

Someone's going to be murdered at this recital tonight.

And for 500 pounds, I could tell you who.

Why should you want to sell out your friends?

Maybe they're not my friends anymore.

They murdered someone I knew.

Look, I tell you for nothing except I need the money to get away.

All right.

Wait here. Where are you going?

To get the 500 pounds.

Keep that much here?

Hardly. I'm going to the bank.

And come back with the police?

No, thanks.

You come round to this address tonight at eight, and I'll be watching.

When I see you go in there alone, I'll follow.

All right.

Don't forget will you otherwise someone else will get killed

Who is it?

It's Peterson.

Peterson? Yes, from the British Cultural Council.

I'm not supposed to let anyone in.

Oh, but you know me, Mr. Benito. I want to discuss your program for the recital

tonight.

All right.

But you mustn't stay very long. Thank you.

Is Mr. Zelenko out?

I thought he was with you, looking at the recycling room. Oh, I must have

him. I was called away this afternoon.

What is it you want to see me about?

I have here a photograph of you in the company of a British agent coming out of

a London strip club.

I thought it might interest your friends at home.

I do not understand this.

But I think you do.

If I were to send copies of this to your security people...

You can imagine what conclusions they might draw.

I'm sure you wouldn't like to embarrass your uncle.

I want you to do something for me.

I see.

So you are the person responsible for all these terrible things, including the

death of that poor girl.

I want nothing to do with you. Now, get out of here. I don't think you quite

realize how much trouble you're in. Now, supposing at that fight at the club

this afternoon a girl was killed.

Hit on the head with a bottle, perhaps.

I have witnesses who are prepared to say they saw you hit her. Nobody was killed

at that fight, and well you know it. No.

Well, then get out of here. But you see, it could be arranged.

What do you mean?

You mean you'd kill someone else just to incriminate me?

As I say, it could be arranged if you make it necessary.

I'm going to call the police.

Your word against my witnesses?

What is it you want me to do?

Well, now.

The trade minister will be at your recital tonight.

I want you to shoot him.

Ah, Stephan.

You've been a long time. I've been checking the security arrangements with

Steed, and I must say I do not find them particularly impressive.

Just a couple of plainclothes detectives on guard outside the door. That doesn't

seem much for a minister.

Are you expecting trouble for the minister?

I'm always expecting trouble.

But in this case, perhaps not.

There hasn't been a successful political assassination in this country since

1812. Here.

Well, have you had any callers?

No, nobody called.

How are you feeling?

I'm always nervous before I recycle your tunnel that by now.

Don't forget, these hands are valuable property of the state.

Maybe you don't agree, maybe you only appreciate hard -working, rough hands. I

do not denigrate your contribution, Stefan.

Call marks, workers by hand and brain.

Paragraph 69, page 23.

You see, I learned my lesson.

What is the matter with you?

I don't know.

I cannot forget that dead girl.

Let me worry about her. Trust me.

Who can one trust?

How long have you been smoking?

Me? You know I never smoke.

No, I didn't think you did.

And you say there have been no callers?

But there is ash in the ashtray.

You're right.

Who can one trust?

Have there been any calls, Walter?

A man phoned several times, but he wouldn't leave his name.

I see. And is Mrs. Gayle still in my office? No, she went out some time ago.

Did she leave a message for me? Not for you, Mr. Peterson, but she left a note

for Mr.

Steed.

Oh, I'll look after that.

Who is Mr.

Steed? It was the young woman asking for him earlier this evening.

Really? Well, let's find out, shall we?

Maybe I can help you.

My name's Steve.

Oh, then this is for you.

I suppose it is.

I rather enjoy opening other people's letters myself.

British cultural council?

Yes, sir, he's just come in.

It's for you. It sounds like the same man as before.

I'll take it in my office. Excuse me, would you?

Of course.

Charming fellow.

Well, I'm afraid I have to be going now. Now, if there are any other letters for

me, perhaps you'd keep them for me.

No, no, I can't possibly leave here now.

Yes, all right, I'll see you later.

Well, you'll just have to keep her there until after the recital.

Oh, and Burns, see what you can get out of her.

Now, for the last time, what's the game?

All right, then. We'll try it another way.

Ever heard of Russian roulette?

Because that's what we're going to play, Mrs. Gale.

Do you want to tell me what you're up to?

No?

Very well, then.

You were lucky that time.

Shall we try again?

Only this time, the odds will be four to one.

I'll count to three, shall I?

One. Two.

Three.

Well, your luck's really in, isn't it?

Now, it'll be two to one this time.

All right,

all right, who's there?

I want to see a girl even a little older.

There's no show tonight, so we're closed.

Oh, that's very good of you, dear fellow. I'm

a newly -fledged member, paid my 25 quid, and I want to see that little,

gal undo that little old golden chain.

She's not here tonight, for now. You go along home, you'll wake the neighbours.

Oh, now I'd better come inside.

It's five, I know.

I've got your note.

What did Darlene have to say?

Nothing. I was too late. She was dead.

Burns was waiting for me.

We've been playing one -sided Russian roulette.

I told you, gambling would be the death of you.

You all right?

Medicinal. Now, I just wonder what your friend Mr. Peterson is planning at this

recital tonight.

I don't know.

Except that someone's going to get killed.

That better?

All right, let's go.

What, like this?

This is no time to worry about haute couture.

You're late. The recital has started.

I'm very sorry. I was picking up my girlfriend.

Where is she, then?

She's a little tired up at the moment. She'll be here. Have you checked the

invitation list? Well, of course. I was here on time.

No one has come in who shouldn't be here.

As it occurred to you, the man we're looking for might have been here all the

time.

I'm sure we all agree it is a great privilege for us to hear Stefan Veliko's

first performance in this country.

It has always been my belief that art transcends all national frontiers, and I

may add national differences.

Later this evening, Mr. Veliko will play for us again.

There will now be a short interval.

Are you ready now, Mr. Veliko?

Do you seriously want me to shoot him?

Do I have to remind you of the alternatives?

Mr. Peterson, just what exactly are you getting out of this?

Hmm? Money.

Money.

I'm trying to worry about, my dear fellow, your government will waft you

this country with full diplomatic immunity, or newspapers will proclaim

victim of a foreign plot, and for once they'll be quite right. Then you would

all this just to wreck the trade talks.

Don't underestimate it.

There's a great deal of money involved.

If these talks go through, certain individuals stand to lose heavily.

Of course, I can't expect you to understand.

I think I do understand, Mr. Peterson.

And it seems I have no other choice.

No, in actual fact, you haven't.

Have you an invitation card, sir?

I've a letter of introduction.

Mr. Peterson.

Yes, sir, that's quite all right.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mrs. Gale. Good evening, Miss Walters. I'm terribly late. Is

everything all right? Yes, of course.

Good.

How will I know when?

Just watch me. You'll see me get into conversation with him.

I'll take him over to look at our manuscript collection.

Now, when I step away, that'll be your signal.

It's quite simple, isn't it? Do you understand?

Yes, it's quite simple.

Where is this man Peterson? I don't see him.

I'll go and see what's happened to Stefan.

I shall wait here.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Nice of you to come. Thank you.

Excuse

me.

Where's Stefan?

I don't know. The last time I saw him, he was talking to Peterson.

Oh, Peterson's over there.

I thought these would interest you, sir. They're a particularly rare collection

of originals.

Well, did you find him? I told him to stay in his dressing room.

Well, he wasn't there.

You didn't really think I would do it, did you?

Did you?

Good boy, Stefan. Come on, get out of here.

We don't want to spoil anybody's evening, do we?

And then?

In 48, I moved with my family to Gorkenskaja. Ah, 48.

I was living in Herefordshire at the time. What a spring that was. What's up

here?

Yes. A wisteria. A place.

A place.

I agree.

Leningrad. What a beautiful city in this now.

I remember as a boy.

The horses.

Beautiful.

But that was old Russia.

Eh?

You're a naughty boy.

No, no, no. I was just remembering how miserable I was.

Cheers.

And check, mate.

Mate?

Good morning.

Oh, good morning. How many games is that?

That is one.

Do we have another one, old friend?

Eh, no.

Perhaps next time we meet, I take my revenge, unaccompanied by personal

reminiscences. Now I must go.

Oh.

May I?

Of course. Be my guest.

May I?

Do.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

I can only hope the trade talks are as successful.

Though the outcome not quite as ridiculous.