Frequently the member, in his new pose, will attempt, at least on a temporary basis, to secure employment. His underground work will be conducted in the evenings and on week ends. Some of the comrades are on the Party’s payroll, but most are not. One member became, in the words of her employer, an “efficient, affable, and able” secretary. Little did he dream that she was a communist on special underground assignment. In another instance a comrade, when hired for a job, said she was born in a Southern city, had attended a certain grade and high school, and had previously worked in another city. Later FBI investigation revealed that her story was a complete falsehood. Her job was only a front for secret communist work. That’s why the underground is a nightmare of deceit, fear, and tension, where one has to tell falsehoods, fabricate a background, adopt a new name, and live in fear of being recognized by old friends or acquaintances. Suppose the Girl in the Polka-dotted Blouse, in order to carry out an assignment, must pose as a widow or the estranged wife of a sea captain, or as the retired owner of a ladies’ dress shop? Think of the problems that would arise. What types of stories must be improvised? What kind of personal possessions must be purchased to keep up the cover? The Party has thoroughly studied these problems. Let’s look at a secret study issued for the instruction of women underground comrades, like the Girl in the Polka-dotted Blouse. Here’s the advice: 1. Suppose you are posing as a widow (after having been married some twenty years) and you have now come to this city “to get away from it all and try to forget.” _Answer_: Well, you shouldn’t come in (as to a rooming house) empty-handed, with only a handbag. You “must make some show of previous accumulation,” for example, have “a few personal ‘precious’ things,” such as “picture(s), little mementoes.” Where can you get them? “In any 5-10c store.” 2. Suppose you have an inquisitive landlady who has access to your apartment. _Answer_: You might first say (to cover up the scarcity of your personal belongings) that, being so sad over becoming a widow, you “haven’t had the heart to unpack everything yet.” If you stay longer, you better buy a dustmop and some other items, “so that the story of having been a housewife for so many years will ring true.” And by all means have some luggage, preferably “beat-up” luggage. “The more luggage a woman moves in with the better is she accepted on the strength of her story.” 3. What if you’re underground in a small town? What about social life? People are sure to become suspicious if you stay seven nights a week at home. Moreover, unlike a man, it doesn’t look right to go to a late movie alone. _Answer_: Take a short trip out of town. This not only takes away suspicion but gives you something to talk about.