d it be arranged?

Of course it could be arranged. The guide went into five minutes of
oratory on the desire of the Soviet Union to trade with the West, and
thus spread everlasting peace.

An interview was arranged for Mr. Smith with Mr. Shvernik for that
afternoon.

Mr. Smith met Mr. Shvernik in the latter's office at two and they went
through the usual amenities. Mr. Shvernik spoke excellent English so Mr.
Smith was able to dismiss his interpreter-guide for the afternoon. When
he was gone and they were alone Mr. Shvernik went into his sales talk.

"I can assure you, sir, that not since the Japanese startled the world
with their new cameras shortly after the Second War, has any such
revolution in design and quality taken place. The Mikoyan is not only
the _best_ camera produced anywhere, but since our plant is fully
automated, we can sell it for a fraction the cost of German, Japanese or
American--"

Paul Koslov came to his feet, walked quietly over to one of the pictures
hanging on the wall, lifted it, pointed underneath and raised his
eyebrows at the other.

Leonid Shvernik leaned back in his chair, shocked.

Paul remained there until at last the other shook his head.

Paul said, in English, "Are you absolutely sure?"

"Yes." Shvernik said. "There are no microphones in here. I absolutely
know. Who are you?"

Paul said, "In the movement they call you Georgi, and you're top man in
the Leningrad area."

Shvernik's hand came up from under the desk and he pointed a heavy
military revolver at his visitor. "Who are you?" he repeated.

Paul ignored the gun. "Someone who knows that you are Georgi," he said
"I'm from America. Is there any chance of anybody intruding?"

"Yes, one of my colleagues. Or perhaps a secretary."

[Illustration]

"Then I suggest we go to a bar, or some place, for a drink or a cup of
coffee or whatever the current Russian equivalent might be."

Shvernik looked at him searchingly. "Yes," he said finally. "There's a
place down the street." He began to stick the gun in his waistband,
changed his mind and put it back into the desk drawer.

As soon as they were on the open street and out of earshot of other
pedestrians, Paul said, "Would you rather I spoke Russian? I have the
feeling that we'd draw less attention than if we speak English."

Shvernik said tightly, "Do the Intourist people know you speak Russian?
If not, stick to English. Now, how do you know my name? I have no
contacts