"Now tell me about it," she said. "Why did they burn your house? And how did you succeed in getting here?" "They got so interested in the fight, they lost their heads," I said. "That's the only explanation I can think of. I thought I'd be as safe as a two-dollar watch at a pickpockets' convention: I figured they'd go to some pains to avoid damaging me. I guessed wrong." "But your own people...." "Maybe they were right: they couldn't afford to let the Ruskis get me. Funny--if they'd just thought to write me a letter and ask for my co-operation...." "But how did you get covered with mud? And the blood stains on your back?" "I had a nice long swim: five hours' worth. Then another hour getting through a mangrove swamp. Lucky I had a moon. Then a three-hour hike ... and here I am." "I hope you're feeling better now that you've had something to eat. You looked terrible." "Another block and I wouldn't have made it. I felt sucked dry. The scratch on my back is nothing, but maybe the shock ... I don't know." "Lie down now and sleep," said Margareta. "What do you want me to do?" "Get me some clothes," I said. "A grey suit, white shirt, black tie and shoes. And go to my bank and draw some money, save five thousand. Oh yeah, see if there's anything in the papers. If you see anybody hanging around the lobby when you come back, don't come up; give me a call and I'll meet you." She stood up. "This is really awful," she said. "Can't your embassy----" "Didn't I mention it? A Mr. Pruffy, of the Embassy, came along to hold Smale's hand ... not to mention a Colonel Sanchez. I wouldn't be surprised if the local cops weren't in the act by now ... unless they all think I'm dead. That impression won't last long after you show up with a nice fresh check on my account and spend part of it on a man's suit. I'll get some sleep and light out as soon as you get back." "Where will you go?" "I'll get to the airport and play it by ear. I don't think they've alerted everybody. It was a hush-hush deal, until it went sour; now they're still picking up the pieces." "The bank won't be open for hours yet," said Margareta. "Go to sleep and don't worry. I'll take care of everything." I made it to the bedroom and slid out on the big wide bed, and consciousness slipped away like a silk curtain falling. * * * * * I knew I wasn't alone as soon as I opened my eyes. I hadn't heard anything, but I could feel someone in the room. I sat up slowly, looked around. He was sitting in the embroidered chair by the window: an ordinary-looking fellow in a tan tropical suit, with an unlighted cigarette in his mouth and no particular expression on his face. "Go ahead, light up," I said. "Don't mind me." "Thanks," he said, in a thin voice. He took a lighter from an inner pocket, flipped it, held it to the cigarette. I stood up. There was a blur of motion from my visitor, and the lighter was gone and a short-nosed revolver was in its place.