on is too ridiculous to deny," Smith lied. "We have no
desire to pry into your activities. We wish only to maintain the status
quo."

The exchange continued, charges and countercharges and denials. Neither
side expected truth or honesty, and the game was as old as civilization.
Neither expected to be believed, although the press of both nations
would heatedly condemn the other's lack of good faith. The ethical side
of the affair was for the rabble to consider, for only the rabble cared
about such things. The real task was to ferret out the enemy's attitudes
and intentions without revealing one's own.

* * * * *

Smith felt that he had won a little, and lost a little too. He had found
many hints of subversive activity, but had betrayed his own lack of
certainty by reacting so swiftly to it. Ivan IX, on the other hand,
seemed too much at ease, too secure, and even impertinent.

"At our last meeting," said the Asian, "I suggested a meeting between
ourselves. Have you given thought to the matter?"

"I have given it thought," said the President, "and will agree to the
proposal provided you come to this country. The meeting will be held at
my capitol."

"Which you change at random intervals, I notice," purred Ivan with a
bland smile. "For security reasons?"

"You could only know that by espionage!" Smith snapped.

"Your proposal of course is outrageous. The only sensible place for the
meeting is in Singapore."

"That is out of the question. I must insist on the capitol of my
government as the only acceptable meeting-place. My government in
contacting yours put itself in the position of extending an invitation,
a position from which we could not depart without loss of dignity."

"I suggest we delay the matter then," grunted the Peoplesfriend. "And
talk about the agenda for such a meeting. What did you have in mind?"

"I have already stated our general aims as being a reduction of armament
expenses, beneficial to both sides. I think you agree?"

"Not necessarily, since our budget is already rather low. However, make
your specific proposals, and I shall consider them. Further economy,
where not injurious to security, is always desirable."

"I propose, then, that we discuss a method whereby agreement might be
reached on a plan to divulge the nature of our respective armaments,
including number, nature, and purpose of each weapon-class, as a
foundation for discussions relating to reduc