The Human Factor

This programme contains some strong language.

172 went out to Kinshasa yesterday. 169 came back somewhat mutilated.

Hmm...nasty.

I'll be out for lunch. Davis will be holding the fort.

Sorry I'm late. You going out to sell secrets?

The bottom has dropped out of the secrets market.

I take what I can get for them.

-I need money more than you married men. How's Sarah?

-Fine.

-And the little bastard?

-Fine, too.

PHONE RINGS

Somebody's phoning us.

If Zaire replies to 172, send copies to the Foreign Office.

Sir, Brigadier Tomlinson wants to see you.

Upstairs, sir. Room A3.

A3, thank you.

KNOCKING Come in!

Castle, come in.

I don't think you know Col Daintry.

I think I knew a cousin of yours at Cambridge.

Col Daintry has taken over Security.

You mean Roger. I haven't seen him for years.

He's at the Treasury. A first in maths.

I got a third, so I'm in the Secret Service.

I explained to Col Daintry that you and Davis deal with cables

as far as Section 6A is concerned.

Of course, Watson sees them too.

Davis was at Reading University, I believe?

You've had a chat?

I talked to Davis about you, so I'm talking to you about Davis.

An open check.

I gather that politically he's a bit on the left.

-Yes, he's a member of the Labour Party.

-And you?

I have no politics as Davis no doubt told you.

There's nothing personal in all this. It's just the drill.

I shan't keep you long. I have a train to catch at King's Cross.

-Shooting weekend?

-How did you know?

CAR HORN

-Ah, yes. Elementary.

-My dear Watson.

-Hmm?

-Watson is our chief in Section Six.

-Actually...

-It's purely routine.

There are so many rules that sometimes some of them get neglected. Human nature.

There's the regulation about not taking work out.

Briefcases, and so on.

You live in the country. Do you find it inconvenient?

It's less than an hour.

We have a child. And a dog.

-Huckleberry Finn. Good?

-In my opinion, better than Tom Sawyer.

-You get your cheese from Paxton's.

-Yes.

You prefer theirs to Fortnum's?

Not particularly, but a cheese shop,

there's something foolhardy and English about it.

-What on earth are Maltesers?

-A sort of chocolate.

Good?

I was disagreeable to my son this morning.

You don't mind? I asked the same of Davis.

Davis wasn't carrying a briefcase when I saw him.

That's true.

But I was thinking about what he had in his overcoat pockets.

Is he in the habit of taking reports out of the office

-over lunch.

-No that I'm aware of.

It's very embarrassing, having to ask

men to empty their raincoat pockets like schoolboys.

We've got complete confidence in both of you.

Thank you.

Do you think those 'Teser things would do for my hostess?

I'd like something out of the ordinary.

They should fit the bill, then.

Do you think Fortnum's have them?

They're very inexpensive.

I don't want to seem niggardly.

-Go for quantity.

-A fiver. A tenner, maybe. Something like that.

-Nicely done up. It might amuse her?

-Definitely.

Well, I think that covers it.

Thank you.

Sarah!

Sarah!

-Sarah!

-Sorry, I didn't hear you. I was talking to Dr Barker.

-What's wrong?

-Sam's got measles.

He'll do all right. Just keep him quiet.

-Would you like a whisky, Doctor?

-Hypochondria is sweeping the parish.

And some genuine cases of measles.

-Keep Sam's curtains drawn. Not too much light.

-Thank you, Doctor.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye.

-What's the matter?

-I was worried.

Everything seemed wrong. No wife, no child, no dog.

-He's in the garden.

-No whiskey on the sideboard.

What a creature of habit you are!

I know.

I don't want any variations. Whiskey on the lawn and the dog on the sideboard.

Everything is normal except Sam's temperature.

-Can I see Sam?

-He was almost asleep. Better leave him for a while.

Hello Buller.

-Why don't you bark when I come home? A failure.

-He's not.

He frightened the electricity man this morning, even though he was trying to be friendly.

I feel safer with him when you're not here. And Sam loves him.

-Finished the book?

-I need a change.

Perhaps War And Peace. Before it's too late.

-We haven't got it.

-I will buy a copy on Monday.

Cheese. Maltesers for Sam.

Why was the electricity man afraid of Buller? He knows him.

This one was new.

He looks awfully hot and dry.

So would you if you had a temperature of 103.

Are you sad we haven't made a child?

I'm worried about him starting school.

He's a good runner.

In England, you're accepted if you're good at any kind of games.

I don't want him to be an honorary White.

No, we don't.

-You love him, don't you?

-Yes.

It's so strange, a little bastard.

-That's what Davis calls him.

-He doesn't know?

No, he calls all children little bastards.

I forgot something.

You were worried about something?

No, it was nothing really.

Something happened at the office today. New security man throwing his weight about.

It irritated me.

It's not their fault. It's the fault of the job.

I've been with the firm for more than 15 years.

I ought to be trusted by now.

I love the firm.

The firm gave you to me.

And I'll love it until it takes you away.

Like the Lord.

Yours, Daintry.

Is that man Daintry slightly crazy?

I don't think so. First-class shot.

Why?

He brought me a grand-looking package.

And when I opened it, out dropped 200 bags of chocolate marbles.

What the hell am I supposed to do with them?

My dear fellow.

I'm going up, but there are drinks before changing.

-A good day's sport?

-The birds were going over well.

I'm a fishing man myself. You're Daintry, aren't you?

-I took your blood pressure once.

-Ah, yes, Dr Percival!

I wanted to get together quietly here. Come into the study.

My God, if these are not Maltesers.

I always bought them at the movies when I was a kid.

Colonel Daintry got them.

I haven't had a Malteser in donkey's years.

Never go to the movies now.

There seems to be a leak somewhere in Section Six.

At home or in the field?

I have a nasty feeling at home, in the African section. 6A.

I've just finished going through Section Six.

Security is slack, but that's true of the other sections.

A lot of briefcases going out at lunchtime.

It's possible the leak came from abroad and the evidence was planted.

Damage morale. Hurt us with the Americans. A spy scandal is dangerous.

-Not a very important leak?

-A very small drip.

Mainly economic matters.

Any ideas, Daintry?

The head of Section Six, Watson, has been thoroughly checked.

Then there's Castle. He belongs to the slack vetting days.

But I'd say he's clear.

Married. Second wife. First wife dead.

House in the country. Life insurance. Very steady.

-A country house?!

-No, a house in Berkhamsted.

No high living. Doesn't even run to a car.

Nice chap. We brought him back from Pretoria seven years ago.

Spot of trouble in Africa?

Problems about the girl he wanted to marry.

She was a Black, wasn't she?

Is that significant?

Did I say so?

Tell me about Davis.

I don't know I'm happy about Davis. Flashier type.

Bachelor. Lives alone. Spends freely. Runs an expensive car.

-So do I.

-Likes a bet. Fond of vintage port.

-I'm fond of vintage port.

-Reading University.

Mathematics. And Labour.

Like half the population. Secretaries?

-Vetted even more carefully.

-The girl in 6A is General Chamberlain's daughter.

May we ask who tipped us off?

Moscow.

A Soviet defector who remains in place.

What worries me is that Davis was taking a report out of the office.

I could put a maximum security check on him.

Looking beyond that, suppose you proved it. What then?

That would be up to the courts.

Then they'll have pulled it off.

-Pulled it off?

-Another trial.

Usual headlines. Nobody will know how unimportant the leak was,

only that the Secret Service has been penetrated again.

And we don't want to blow our source.

Might be better to shut our eyes to the whole thing.

Move whoever's responsible to a backwater and forget him.

And abet a crime?

The Russians don't often bring things to trial.

If we're to have a chance of beating them,

it's important that we're playing the same game.

Logical?

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

Shall we have one more whiskey?

I'd like another if I may.

I don't want to be difficult but I would like things clearer.

It's quite simple.

Take Davis. Put on your maximum security check.

You might give him a marked note,

see if it turns up in Moscow.

I could feed Davis some tidbit from the bacteriologists at Porton.

Then if it bounced back, there wouldn't be much doubt.

When we're quite certain he's our man, we just eliminate him.

Eliminate?

We can't risk a flight and a press conference in Moscow.

Are you asking me to push someone under a train?

We can't risk an inquest. He should die quite peacefully, without pain, poor chap.

Who?

If it is Davis, he's only 40. Makes life difficult with these antibiotics.

Death.

Perhaps a heart attack.

His liver, if he drinks a lot.

You said something about port.

But I'm not saying he's guilty.

None of us are. We're taking Davis as an example to examine the problem.

We may need the science boys. Nothing spectacular. Doctor's certificate.

That's why I wanted Percival to meet you.

KNOCKING

Not disturbing you, I hope?

-Forget to pack something?

-What's that?

It was recommended by my dentist for between the teeth.

You do eat rather a lot of chocolate.

Mine was recommended by Cartier.

It is after midnight.

I didn't want you to go to bed troubled.

You seemed rather shocked at Hargreaves' attitude.

Perhaps I was.

Hargreaves likes to shock. Bit naughty like that.

Really?

Do you shave morning AND night?

-Yes. It's a habit.

-Something to do with being married?

My wife and I are separated.

Never wanted to get married myself.

The trout-fishing season is too short as it is.

There's another thing.

You haven't been with us long or you'd know.

We all live in boxes. You know, boxes.

Do you know Mondrian?

Someone in the firm?

Not as far as I know. He was a painter chappie.

Boxes. All part of the same picture.

Each one separate but held in perfect balance.

Everyone to his own box. You in yours, I in mine.

No responsibility for the next man's box. Makes sense, you know.

Just find our leak and pass him on to the next box.

No reason to lose any sleep.

Does the painter share your interpretation?

He's dead.

Mr Castle. All well at the Foreign Office?

These things are relative. 1897 was our best year, I think.

Have you got War And Peace? The Aylmer Maude translation?

-Finished Huckleberry Finn already?

-I'd like a change.

-You can't beat Aylmer Maude for Tolstoy.

-Two copies, as usual.

-Family well?

-My lad has measles.

Nothing to worry about. How is your son?

His business is doing very well, I'm afraid.

-Perhaps I'll meet him.

-We talk of you often.

He's interested to know what you're buying.

KNOCKING

Come in.

Here you are. Letter from Mr Davis and a cable. Mozambique, I expect.

What makes you think that? No secrets here.

He has to sign the receipt.

Just a moment.

Letter for you. You have to sign.

What about my message? I'm afraid I'm busy for lunch.

A cable from Lourenco Marques. I'll bring it in once I decode it.

Will you come to Lourenco Marques with me?

I've always dreamt of being sent there one day.

You've been there, haven't you?

Yes, Sarah and I spent a couple of days at the Palona Hotel.

Eight years ago.

-What's your dream, Castle?

-Security. Not Daintry's kind.

I know I'm a romantic. When I joined the firm, I thought of atom secrets.

Atom secrets is Section Eight.

PHONE RINGS

Castle.

What are they up to now? Have you got one?

Yes, all right.

-Hargreaves wants me.

-I have to report for a medical.

Insurance, perhaps. They gave me one before they sent me abroad.

Do you think they might send me?

If you're serious, I'll put you up for it.

Castle, I'm serious. I've had it here.

All right.

-Good morning, sir.

-Sit down, Castle.

-Remember a chap called Cornelius Muller?

-Very well.

He's coming over from Africa. He will see some of your material.

-Zaire?

-Mozambique he's interested in.

In that case, Davis is your man.

The other thing is, I didn't meet Muller under agreeable circumstances.

I've seen your file. How is your wife?

She is well. It would be better if Davis dealt with Muller.

He hasn't your experience of BOSS.

My experience of the Bureau of State Security was personal.

You are Davis's superior. You are the natural officer.

I know it will be tricky. Knives out on both sides.

Are you and your wife vegetarian?

Vegetarian? No.

Good. Have a bird.

I brought a brace for my secretary and she doesn't even eat eggs.

-Amazing...

-That's very kind, sir.

-You must have a go.

-I wouldn't be any good. I've never shot anything.

Why must we show Muller anything?

I'm not too keen on the Dutch myself. Not my kind of Africa.

But would you rather a Russian Africa?

No.

There's a joint operation called Uncle Remus.

I'm telling you because Muller might mention it.

I see.

Why don't you have him home for a meal? That's what I do with outsiders.

They think they've been clasped to the bosom.

-I don't know if my wife would agree.

-Leave it to her. All right?

-Don't forget your bird.

-Oh, yes.

Why not take both?

I'll give one to Davis. Could I have a word with you about Davis?

Yes, of course.

He needs a change. Send him to Lourenco Marques.

Our man there might be glad of it.

-Has Davis suggested that?

-Not exactly.

-I think he'd like to get away. He's in a nervous state.

-What about?

A spot of girl trouble, I expect.

-And desk fatigue.

-I'll bear him in mind.

This visit of Muller's

is strictly secret. I haven't even told Watson. Don't tell Davis.

This is the precise colour of a '47 Chateau Yquem

I was offered at the French embassy.

There, I'm happy to say, the resemblance ends.

-There's nothing seriously wrong?

-Be careful with your liver.

-On the scales.

-What's up with my liver?

One has to be careful, especially we bachelors.

It's the sinful life. Sit down. I'll take your blood pressure.

I don't live it up much.

I like a drink of port. I like to go to the pub.

Perhaps finish up with one or two at the club.

I'm rather good at guessing other men's clubs.

The Gank?

The Playgirl Showbar, actually.

I'm a member of the Whig And Pen myself.

If you take me to yours, I'll take you to mine.

Would you really like to?

Why not? I have never been to a showbar.

Tits and a martini, and all that.

Must be bad for your blood pressure.

Do you know what all this is about?

I'm afraid not. I'm in my little box, just as you are in yours.

You can get dressed.

But you are in the firm.

-I'm C's liaison with Porton.

-I don't like to think about Porton.

People talk about nuclear weapons. They forget bacteriological warfare.

Don't run down Porton. It's the one area where we're ahead of America.

-A very useful thing.

-Why?

Oh, I don't know.

Yes, I do. I'll give you an example.

If the Americans come to us and say, can we come up with a beastie

which can survive any insecticide the Cubans can spray while it munches up the sugar cane,

we say, "By all means, and there's a favour you can do for us." Get the point?

I'm going to have you back for another blood test.

What are all these tests about?

We medicos love tests. It's the thrill of the chase.

Hunting down disease in people who think they are fit.

I'm having dinner with one of the senior men. Davis will put me up.

-Will it be that late?

-Do you mind?

Oh, no.

-I trust Davis to look after you.

-This is the approved scarf.

Thank you.

-Muller's coming over.

-Cornelius Muller?

I have to be friendly to him. By order.

Don't worry. He can't hurt us now.

How do I look?

You look splendid.

£35, please, sir.

AFRICAN DRUMS

This must be like old times to you.

-Why?

-Africa.

-Remember your blood pressure.

-You can't scare me tonight.

We'll have the same again.

I'm fine.

POP MUSIC

Gentlemen, this is my pad, so I'll say good night.

I'm sorry he came.

-I thought you liked him.

-I did.

But he got on my nerves tonight with his talk about my blood pressure.

What's it got to do with him?

Is he really a doctor?

He is something to do with Porton.

-Yes, he told me.

-Did he?

-Yes, he was rather proud of Porton.

-How do you mean?

He says they are ahead of the Americans.

The Americans have to come to them cap in hand, asking for a bug to eat up all the Cuban sugar cane.

That's what he told me.

Make yourself at home.

I'll find a night cap for us.

Do you mind some music?

Does no-one here ever clean up?

A woman comes in on Monday. I save it all for her.

A glass of port?

Have you got any Scotch?

We'll call it a black and white baulker.

A black and white baulker isn't so bad.

You could advertise it. A giant panda with a top hat.

PHONE RINGS

Who can that be?

-Hello.

-'It's Sarah. Am I disturbing you?'

No, it's all right. ..It's Sarah.

Sarah?

-You weren't asleep, were you?

-Is it Sam?

No, Sam's all right. I'm scared. The telephone has rung twice

-since midnight.

-The wrong number. It's always happening.

Somebody knows you're not in.

-I'd come back if I could.

-'No, I don't want that.

I feel better now I've talked to you.'

I'm a fool, aren't I? I love you, darling.

Same here, darling.

Say sorry to Davis.

-Good night, darling.

-Good night, Maurice.

Nothing really wrong, is there?

Not with Sarah.

I think your phone's tapped.

How do you know?

It just hit me, like a door left open which is usually shut.

Nobody can tell nowadays.

Unless they want you to know.

-Why?

-Scare you, perhaps.

-Why me?

-Percival's conversation with you worries me.

I think they're onto a leak and are trying to check up.

-They think we're the leaks?

-One of us.

-Perhaps both.

-As we're not, who cares?

Who bloody cares?

I'm sick of them.

I'm not coming in Monday morning.

It's Cynthia's day off and I've invited her to the zoo.

Did she say she'd come?

No, but she didn't say she wouldn't.

Perhaps she'll take pity on me. Damn her.

Oh, Davis. You really are in love.

If anybody asks, I'm at the dentist.

All right? I'll be back at one.

Aren't you supposed to brief Watson on 69300?

After lunch. I'll take it with me.

You really do take chances, Davis.

I'm going to take Cynthia to the monkey house to study copulation.

-Sorry if I'm late, my dear.

-Hello, Father.

-I've given myself a sherry.

-Same for me, please.

-How's your mother?

-I've got news for you.

Only Mother knows.

Well, don't you want to hear my news?

News...? Oh, I'm sorry, my dear. Someone I know.

Oh...

I'm getting married.

Married? Does your mother know?

Father, I've just told you she does.

Oh...

He's in an advertising agency.

-He handles the Jameson's Baby Powder account.

-Good.

They're spending a huge amount to knock Johnson's into second place.

Colin wrote the slogan. "Jameson's Is The Smoothest.

You Can Bet Your Baby's Bottom Dollar."

-He's very creative.

-Isn't he?

My dear, are you absolutely sure...?

We're both quite sure, Father.

After all, we have been living together for the past year.

Oh, I'm sorry, I never knew.

While I think of it, I'll give you our phone number.

I'm there officially from the 21st.

It's only a registry office wedding. We aren't inviting anybody. Family, I mean.

Except Mother.

You'd be welcome if you're not too frightened to meet Mother.

Oh...I'm not sure I can make it...

What would you like for a wedding present?

A cheque would be best.

And easier for you.

-You should come.

-I'll try. I'll try.

-Bring a friend if it will make you feel less out of it.

-A friend?

You do have friends, don't you?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

HE COUGHS

-I know where Davis was last Monday morning.

-Oh?

At the zoo.

So?

He told Castle he was going to the dentist.

Did he meet anyone?

No, but he was waiting for somebody.

He had a report with him.

It's all very circumstantial.

John, I'm convinced he's our man.

What about Watson? He's hasn't been with us long.

With his vetting, he wouldn't get away with a Communist wet nurse.

Then there's Castle. Even less likely.

Son of an old-fashioned family doctor.

Mother, a warden in the Blitz, attends Conservative Party rallies.

Well, that clears the mother.

He's a good son. He visits her every month.

A good family man. Careful with money.

Moderate with drink. Wouldn't have the imagination to be a double agent.

When we are sure, have you decided how we act?

We are working on a cute little scheme, John.

Groundnuts.

-Groundnuts?

-Yes, you know, groundnuts.

-Like peanuts.

-I do know, Nigel. I was a commissioner in Nigeria.

Apparently when they go bad, they produce a mould,

the mould produces something called aflatoxin.

Waiter.

Please, Mr Davis.

All right, I'll hide first.

ALL: One...two...three...four...

< Five...six...seven... eight...nine...ten.

WHISTLE

-It's bloody cold being It.

-It was your idea.

I couldn't resist Sam. Little bastard loves hide-and-seek.

-I'll give them a shout.

-Hang on!

I want to talk to you, Castle. I'm being followed.

On Thursday, I took Cynthia to Scott's.

There was a man at the entrance as we left.

Later on, he was at Scott's, drinking black velvets.

Today, as I was leaving the flat, I noticed a Mini.

Only by chance. I thought I knew the man.

I didn't, but I saw him again behind me driving out of London.

-Did he follow you here?

-I lost him.

I told you your phone was tapped.

Castle, what the hell is going on?

There must be a leak somewhere. It's a security check.

They want you to lose your nerve... if you were the leak.

-You don't believe that?

-No.

Let them finish their check and they won't believe it.

I don't like this, Castle.

-I'm not making much headway with War And Peace.

-Oh, dear.

It's a great book. If only you had the patience.

-Did you reach the retreat?

-No. And my friend got tired of it, too.

Let's see what we can do for you.

What about one of the great Victorians?

Trollope. I'll ask my son to suggest one.

He's very fond of Trollope.

-How odd.

-He's a surprising boy, but it's the money, you see.

I suppose he must make a lot.

But he needs a lot to pay the police income tax.

That's what he calls it. In come the police and you pay the tax.

Two copies, as usual, sir?

PHONE RINGS

Please go in.

Come in, Castle. You two have met before.

I'm glad you found it possible to call, Mr Castle.

Take a seat.

It wasn't convenient, but here I am.

We wanted to avoid unnecessary scandal by writing to your ambassador.

You've been very imprudent.

Security Police - Capt van Donck - brought it to our attention.

He fears that diplomatic privileges are unduly stretched as far as junior staff are concerned.

-He wants to charge you with breaking the law.

-What law?

If you want a Black whore, go to a whorehouse in Lesotho or Swaziland.

They are part of your Commonwealth.

You've been under observation.

If it wasn't for diplomatic privilege, you'd be in prison now.

Where is she?

All right, Captain. I'll look after Mr Castle.

Thank you. Don't worry. I'll find her.

I'm afraid he'll give the girl a rough time.

I could offer her protection.

There are times when you have to decide who your friends are.

-I suppose Sir John knows that I tried to recruit you?

-Recruit?

That doesn't seem quite the word. But here we are, working together.

If I had known, I wouldn't have threatened you over that wretched Bantu girl.

I never realised she was one of your agents.

I took you for a high-minded anti-apartheid sentimentalist.

-You don't bear me any grudge?

-We're both pros.

-By the way, how did you get your agent out?

-My agent?

-The Bantu girl. I suppose it was through Swaziland.

-Yes.

I thought we had that frontier pretty well watertight.

Do you remember Capt van Donck?

Vividly.

I had to ask for his demotion over letting the girl slip.

What was her name? Mankozi?

-Sarah Mankozi.

-I was convinced it was a real love affair.

Don't take offence.

I was sure that if we had the girl in prison, you would work for us.

Do you know?

I once had an encounter with a Black myself.

I wasn't in the Republic, of course,

but in Lesotho, mixing with my Black brothers in the Holiday Inn.

It seemed somehow quite different there.

Apart from being legal, I mean.

Half past ten, shall we say?

Well, then.

It does have a bearing on Uncle Remus

and the problems we might face together.

Your country, my country, and the States, of course.

Here she is. ..Darling.

Let me introduce Mr Muller. ..My wife Sarah.

-So glad to meet you, Mrs Castle.

-We almost met seven years ago.

Yes, seven wasted years.

-You have a very beautiful wife, Castle.

-Thank you.

-And our son, Sam.

-Hello, Sam. How old are you?

Seven. How old are you?

How do you like the climate here, Mrs Castle, after South Africa?

It's less extreme.

You DO mean the weather?

Yes.

-The weather.

-It's less extreme.

What shall we drink to?

-Uncle Remus?

-Let's leave Uncle Remus for the office.

-If you like.

-I'd rather drink to you and your wife.

-I hope she hasn't retired because of us.

-It's all right.

Here's to you both.

We used to get an excellent port from Lourenco Marques, when it was still Portuguese.

It's very different now.

Poor Davis...

Poor who?

Nothing. A chap I work with.

Your wife must miss Africa sometimes.

-Her memories are different from yours.

-Come, now.

We are both Africans. My family arrived before the Bantu.

It's only latecomers who mistake identifying Africans with colour.

Especially the Communists, of course. Like poor Connolly.

Why POOR Connolly?

He went too far.

He had contacts with the guerillas.

He was a good lawyer. Made life very difficult for the Security Police.

Doesn't he still?

No.

He died in prison a year ago.

Pneumonia.

Well, it saved him from a long trial.

-Good morning. I'm Castle.

-That's right.

Good morning. Glad you could come.

This is Mr Castle from the British embassy.

I'm not here as a diplomat. I'm a writer.

I invited him to sit in on our group.

-He'll answer questions, right?

-I hoped to ask some.

-It's a trade.

-Fair enough.

Who goes first?

I've got a question. What do you think you are doing here?

-That's a rhetorical question.

-See, we don't speak the same language.

You couldn't write a book I'd want to read.

We've got White liberals of our own. We don't need you.

-Let him talk.

-What can he tell us?

Do you know what the labourers will have to do in this country?

-Tell me.

-They're going to have to duck.

-Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea.

-I'm learning.

-How's the book?

-It's difficult to contact people.

-You need a postman.

-I'd be grateful of any help.

I'll see what I can do.

This is Sarah Mankozi. Can you give her a lift to Pretoria?

-Of course.

-You don't want to look conspicuous.

-Well, goodbye.

-Goodbye. Thank you.

I'm afraid I'm a little naive about South Africa.

If I was dressed as your maid, I could sit in front.

Then you'd be taking your maid home.

Connolly said I might be able to help you.

That's fine. Code it for London.

KNOCKING

Sarah. Is everything all right?

The Durban plane was late, but the man was not on it anyway.

-I thought something awful had happened to you.

-To him, perhaps.

You may have to write your book without him, but there are others.

-Is it safe for you to be here?

-Safe enough.

It's an expensive hotel. One of the best.

If we tried to meet in Soweto, the Security Police would soon want to know why.

-There are different rules for money.

-Do you want a drink? Whiskey?

A small one, thank you.

Water, please.

Good luck.

I'm sorry today went wrong. Better luck next time.

-You should stay clear after this.

-Why?

I'm worried about you.

I don't want to stop. I'd miss it.

Why did Connolly choose you to help me?

I felt sorry for myself. Matthew thought I should do something useful.

-What was the matter?

-A friend of mine died a few weeks ago.

He was knocked down by a car.

-Was he a close friend?

-Yes, he was.

Can't we meet without attracting attention?

Pretoria is very conservative. It's not Johannesburg.

-Johannesburg is an hour's drive. We could meet there.

-All right.

-Are you really a diplomat?

-Yes, of course. Why?

-You don't behave diplomatically.

-I think this is very diplomatic.

Friendly relations with the locals.

-Have you booked a room here?

-No. Why?

Are you afraid to risk it?

-Aren't you?

-No...

Sarah...

It's all right. It was my idea.

That's not what I meant.

You don't regret it, do you?

What's there to regret?

I can't stay the night.

-I'll drive you back.

-You've got to stay.

It would look strange if you left.

I have friends in Johannesburg. I will make my way home.

When will I see you?

If you need me, leave a message with Matthew Connolly.

I think I will need you.

I want to see you when we don't have to be afraid.

I'll come to the embassy. British territory.

It will be legal in your office.

-Don't make a joke of it.

-Do I look respectable?

Sarah...

Please take care of yourself.

Can't you come to my flat?

-We could spend hours together, all night.

-Nobody comes here.

-Do you do anything about...?

-About what?

-Aren't you worried about getting pregnant?

-It's too late.

-What do you mean?

-I found out I was pregnant a month ago, before I met you.

-What are you saying?

-I'm ten weeks gone.

You knew and didn't tell me?

It's not your concern. The father's dead. I told you.

-You didn't tell me about his bastard.

-Like a white girl?

-You've made a fool of me.

-Bloody hypocrite. We didn't meet at the tennis club.

-You wanted a black girl to see if it's true.

-Don't talk like a whore.

I'll talk the way I feel.

Just take me back.

Were you waiting till I noticed?

-Stop here.

-Why?

-Stop the car.

VOICES

CAR LEAVES

The prisoner says you kicked him when he was on the floor.

He was never on the floor.

What about his ruptured spleen?

I caught him with my hand. He rushed at me.

Could you show us how?

Would you step down here a minute?

Would the prisoner step down?

Could you show us again?

Was the prisoner rushing on stilts?

LAUGHTER

JUDGE: The court is adjourned until 2:00.

-Did you ask her?

-She said all right.

-Where?

-Your place.

DOORBELL

Hello, Sarah.

Thank you. I didn't know how I was going to talk to you.

-I'm sorry.

-If it's to say you're sorry, you don't have to.

I wanted to see you again. I've missed you.

Well, I missed you too, Maurice.

It's been awful.

Yes.

-I seem to be in love with you.

-Because things were left unsaid.

You'll be all right.

No! No, I won't.

I love you.

-You're making terrible trouble for yourself.

-For us.

Yes, for us.

Oh, Maurice!

AUTOMATIC SHUTTER

I love you.

AUTOMATIC SHUTTER

Sarah's key. Don't worry about her. She's in good hands.

-Thank God.

-Have you told your people?

London says I've got to get right out.

Take the first possible plane to Lourenco Marques. Wait for Sarah in the Palona Hotel.

Connolly, I'm damned grateful.

It's all for the cause.

I wish I could say I was part of your cause, but I'm not.

-Maybe your Communism isn't real Communism.

-It's real, all right.

Sarah may take a week or two. Don't worry.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

It's good to see you.

I thought I was never going to see you again, Boris.

They sent me back here, after your last report about Muller.

-What happens here?

-Language lessons.

-You teach Russian?

English. Don't laugh. My only pupil is a Pole.

When you were here, did you know Connolly was dead?

No, not until a few weeks ago.

I only did it because Connolly saved Sarah. I never shared his beliefs. Now he's dead.

-You said you became Black when you fell in love with Sarah.

-Yes.

You're doing this for her people. YOUR people. We need you.

-Why? My information is trivial.

-We take Uncle Remus very seriously. How are things at home?

Sarah's worried when the phone rings. I worry about Sam and Sarah. If things happen to me...

-Your escape route is planned.

-What about Sarah and Sam's?

They will follow you. Trust us.

I know, I'm sorry.

What is it? The plane's waiting.

I didn't know you were off to Washington.

-Nor did I. What do you want?

-'A green light.'

A green light?

The marked card has turned up.

What marked card?

Remember that night at your house after the pheasant shoot? You and I and Daintry?

I said I'd pass some information to a friend of ours

-who's in poor health.

-Oh, yes.

-It's come back like a homing pigeon.

-'Are you sure?'

I'm sure.

All right.

The word at the office is you're off work with a hangover.

I really feel awful. We didn't drink that much.

No, it was my fault for weaning you off the port. Sit up, old chap.

Must have been the champagne.

The wine lists in some of these sex clubs are a disgrace.

-What are you doing?

-This is better than the hair of the dog.

It is kind of you to bother.

No point in your suffering.

Here's the mail.

-Is the Zaire bag in?

-Yes. Arthur's ill, by the way.

What's the matter with Davis?

-A splitting head. He phoned himself so it can't be serious.

-Hangover?

Perhaps. He said he'd been out drinking with Dr Percival.

I'll go and see him at lunch. Will you come?

I'm afraid I'm busy.

-It was kind of you to come, Castle.

-I'll come again.

Next time, do you think you could ask Cynthia if she'd like to come with you?

-How's Sarah?

-Fine.

-And the little bastard?

-He's fine too.

-I wish I had a little bastard. But only with Cynthia.

-Yes.

HE READS She should never have looked at me,

if she meant I should not love her.

I've got it badly, you see. I read poetry.

-I mark the passages which remind me of Cynthia.

-I'll ask her.

I'm not malingering, really I'm not. My arms and legs feel like jelly.

-You don't think, Castle, do you, that this might stop me?

-Stop you?

I'd be a different man if I could get to Lourenco Marques.

-I've done my best. I talked to C.

-You are a good chap.

I'll see you soon.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

-You wanted to see me.

-Come in and sit down.

My daughter.

Beautiful girl.

-Getting married this morning.

-Congratulations.

-Never met the man.

-Do I talk about babies' bottoms?

-What?

Yes. He invented the slogan,

"You Can Bet Your Baby's Bottom There's Nothing Smoother Than Jameson's."

Don't you get damn lonely in this outfit sometimes?

-I get on well with Davis. That makes a lot of difference.

-Are you quite satisfied with him?

Has there been a complaint? I back him to the hilt.

Um...

Yes, I...

Would you do me a favour, Castle?

I've been let down by the chap I was going to take to the wedding.

I wouldn't like my daughter to think that I had no friends.

We wouldn't have to go to the registry office,

but there's a...there's a small reception

in my...wife's flat.

-It's not far.

-I'd be glad to come, sir.

That's damned decent.

I won't know a soul there.

Except for my wife, of course,

and I haven't spoken to her for seven years.

ANIMATED CONVERSATION

He's absolutely dishy.

-Oh, I'm Daintry.

-Daintry?

-This is my daughter's wedding.

-You must be Sylvia's husband.

-I didn't catch your name.

-Sylvia.

-Let's go.

-You must see your daughter.

Yes...

I'd forgotten about the owls.

My dear, Edward told me you were here. How nice of you to come.

-Castle from the office. Sorry, I don't...?

-Maurice.

How do you do? SMASHING

For Christ's sake, Edward. Is it an owl?!

No, only an ashtray. >

-Are you a friend of Colin's?

-No.

-He's brilliant.

-Do you work together?

-I AM Jameson's Baby Powder.

Oh, coats. In the bedroom. That way. PHONE RINGS

-Is your name Castle?

-Yes.

Somebody wants you. A woman. She sounds upset.

Sarah?

Cynthia. What is it?

You haven't even met Colin yet.

No...

-Davis is dead.

-Davis?

He's dead. Dr Percival is over there now.

Christ, that man...!

OWL SMASHES

Edward, John's broken one of my owls!

I can't be everywhere at once. > You old fool. I'll never forgive you.

-Come on, Castle.

-Why are you here in MY house?!

-I hadn't expected this to happen.

-What do you mean?

I didn't expect things to go so rapidly.

I suppose there will be a postmortem?

Of course. If that's what his doctor wants.

-Why are Special Branch here?

-I asked them to look round.

-Why?

-Do you think he was killed?

-Of course not.

His liver was in a shocking state.

I don't understand what they're after.

Just a security check, Castle.

Here's another one. The same vertical line down the margin.

"She should never have looked at me if she meant I should not love her."

Are you going out?

Yes, I need some air. So does Buller.

Darling, don't let's tell Sam yet about Davis.

-Not while he's still finding his feet at school.

-You know best.

Poor Davis. No more hide-and-seek.

Yes, no more hide-and-seek. Come on, Buller.

Run, Daddy, run!

Buller!

DOG BARKS

Gentlemen. This is Ferguson from the Prime Minister's office

and General Phipps from Military Intelligence.

Would you like to sit here? Thank you.

Sorry, sir, but Mr Watson is going straight to the funeral.

Damnation, it's for Section 6. I managed to catch Mr Castle.

Get him.

We've had a death in the family.

I'm sorry. Who is it?

A chap called Davis.

Well, Mr Muller's just returned from Germany.

Thank you for coming at such short notice.

-Ah, Castle, sorry to make you miss the funeral. I want you to cover this for Watson.

-Of course.

Well, fire away.

No notes, gentlemen.

Thank you.

This is an off-the-record briefing

about Operation Uncle Remus.

The first thing to say is that Uncle Remus is NOT an operation to defend South Africa for its own sake,

but to defend the free West. This is understood in Washington, from where Sir John has just returned.

If the goldmines were shut by a racial war, Russia would be the chief gold source. An oil crisis

would look like a minor problem.

Not just gold, diamonds, uranium.

It would be a losing war, as in Vietnam.

Well, you can see it's a worrying picture.

I can't believe they'd get involved again.

I mean with troops in a strange continent.

They're just as ignorant of Africa

as they were of Asia. >

Uncle Remus would make the use of troops almost unnecessary.

The plan is, in the event of invasion,

to seal South Africa off from the north, leaving a narrow channel to stop the enemy.

How? You've got a long open frontier.

Too long for minefields. Are you going to build a wall?

An invisible wall, yes.

The careful use of tactical weapons would make such a wall.

Tactical?

It's a reassuring word.

The tactical bomb is reasonably clean.

Much cleaner than the Hiroshima bomb.

-HE MUTTERS

-Jesus Christ...

Ah, Mr Castle. I hoped you'd call in.

I have the Trollope for you.

My son says you will enjoy this one very much.

I was thinking of dropping in to see your son. Is he in?

You won't, sir. Not now. Anything I can tell him?

It's a rather delicate matter.

I have a number of books at home bought in my youth,

illustrated books, of the kind your son may be interested in.

And some of them might be worth quite a lot of money.

And, well, you know how it is.

I've brought a list with me.

I'll make sure he gets it as soon as he's back.

That's very kind of you.

And what about The Way We Live Now?

Your book by Trollope?

Do you mind if I don't bother after all? I need a rest from all that.

Goodbye.

Yes, fine. Thank you.

Hold on a minute.

Here. Get out.

Yes.

Fine, that's all right.

-Remember poor Davis?

-You know nothing about Davis.

-Put some soda in...

-Don't mother me. I don't want to be looked after.

I'm sorry.

Something has happened.

Why can't you talk to me?

Because THEY forbid it?

-The Official Secrets Act and all that stupidity.

-It's not them.

When we came to England, Connolly sent someone to see me.

He had saved you and Sam.

All he asked for in return was a little help. I was grateful and I agreed.

What's wrong with that?

I've been a double agent for seven years. There...

I've waited all that time to tell you.

Maurice...

-Are you in danger?

-I've always been in danger.

-Now?

It's worse now. I think they've discovered there's a leak and they thought it was Davis.

-You think they killed him?

-Yes.

-So it might have been you?

-Yes.

How could they know about the leak?

They must have a defector somewhere in Moscow who passed my reports back to London.

That means you're safe.

If you stop now, it will confirm that Davis was the leak.

I know. I told Connolly's man I was finished.

I said goodbye to the whole thing.

And then something else happened.

It dropped into my lap like a joke from God.

The biggest secret I've ever been trusted with.

Because Watson happened to be at a funeral.

What are you talking about?

I had to let them know what those bastards are up to. I hope I have.

Maurice, it's suicide.

Now Davis is dead, when your report's passed to London...

I know but it may save a lot of your people's lives.

Don't talk to me about my people. YOU are my people.

What do you want me to do?

The best thing is for you to take Sam and go to my mother's.

Separate yourself from me. Pretend there's been a bad quarrel.

-If nothing happens, we'll come together again.

-And if something DOES happen?

They've promised me an escape route. Alone.

And then they'd contact you and Sam when everything dies down.

We wouldn't be able to communicate.

Perhaps for a long time.

You haven't said a word of blame, Sarah.

What would I say?

Well,

I'm what's commonly known as a traitor.

We have our own country.

You and I and Sam.

And you've never betrayed that.

How long do we have?

Why are you jumping to such a conclusion?

Something kept bothering me after my evening with Castle.

Later I realised what it was. It was the way he took the news

of Connolly's death. His friend. A Communist friend.

It was his job to make such friends.

I wasn't seriously alarmed,

I simply made a mental note

that if there was a leak in the African Section, it would be Castle.

Interesting.

Then the funeral. A chap called Davis, you said?

Davis died of cirrhosis. < So you said.

And Connolly died of pneumonia.

I will only say one thing, Sir John.

If there has been a leak in the African Section,

I tell you with utter certainty

that the leak IS Castle.

Well, as I say, there has been no leak.

- We simply lost a man too fond of port. - I hope you're telling the truth.

This is my house, Muller.

I mean no offence.

We both have to tell lies from time to time.

I just hope that for you, this isn't one of those times.

Good night.

-'Hello.'

-Is Mr Halliday there?

'No.'

But this is Mrs Halliday.

My name's Ca... I'm a customer.

Yes, Mr Castle?

-I wanted to ask him about a letter.

-I've no idea when he'll be back.

Oh. Where is he?

He had to go to court.

-Court?

-They arrested our son, you see.

I thought the police had come to an understanding with him?

That's what HE thought till 6 o'clock this morning. Wicked, isn't it?

I'm sorry. I thought we had time.

I was wrong.

-You'll have to take Buller.

-What will YOU do?

I've got a number for abandon ship. I don't know if it still works.

Either they'll help me to get out, or the police will come.

-Then it's the end for us?

-Of course it's not.

As long as we're alive, we'll come together again.

I spoke to your mother. She wasn't exactly welcoming.

-Now if nothing happens, you'll come back.

-And if...?

-You came to the Palona Hotel, remember?

-Bye, Daddy.

-Goodbye, son.

I'll see you soon.

Oh, damn!

Come on, come on.

-What's Muller got to go on?

-Intuition.

Intuition?

My secretary tried to phone Castle at home. No reply.

Probably away for the day with the family.

I thought if Daintry went down there. Make sure that's all it is.

I hope nothing comes of this. It would mean Davis was innocent.

He's no loss to the firm, John.

He was inefficient, careless

and he drank too much.

Sooner or later, he'd have been a problem anyway. Have a peanut.

No, thanks.

May I use the phone, please?

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS AGAIN

-'Is that Maurice?'

-Yes.

I'm glad you're there. Sarah thinks you've gone away.

-No, I'm still here.

-What's this nonsense?

-It isn't nonsense, Mother.

Sarah says she forgot to take Buller.

-'I know.'

-Sam wants to know if you fed him.

-DOORBELL RINGS

-Tell him I have.

-Daintry.

-May I come in?

-Yes, of course. Let me take your coat.

-Thank you.

Please.

-Come in.

-Thank you.

Have a Scotch?

-Yes, I'll have a small one, if I may.

-Please sit down.

What are you doing here, Daintry?

-Cigarette?

-I don't, thanks.

-May I?

-Please.

I happened to be driving through and I thought I'd look you up.

CASTLE CHUCKLES

I'm sorry. I know security is a serious business.

-Have you come to add to my troubles?

-Add?

Yes, my wife has left me with my son. She's gone to my mother's.

-Oh, I'm sorry.

-Yes, we quarrelled.

It's awful when those things happen.

-The last time you and I met was the day of my daughter's wedding.

-We left because of Davis.

Yes, poor devil.

What do you think about his death?

Oh, I don't know what to think.

I try not to think about it, to tell you the truth.

They think he was guilty of a leak, don't they?

They don't confide much in a security officer.

-Davis never leaked anything to anyone.

-Do you believe that?

-I know it.

-I have had my doubts.

To tell you the truth.

So they did confide in you?

It was a bad day for you, wasn't it?

First to break that owl and then to see Davis dead on his bed.

-Yes, I didn't like what Dr Percival said.

-What?

He said, "I hadn't expected this to happen."

-Yes, I remember.

-It opened my eyes.

They jumped in too quickly.

-They didn't properly investigate alternatives.

-You mean, yourself?

-Or Watson.

-I'd forgotten him.

-What about our agents, secretaries?

What was security doing?

I don't have as free a hand as you think, you know.

Did they talk to you about boxes?

-Oh, you know all about that, do you?

-We all get that spiel.

Well, Davis is in a box all right now.

Another Scotch?

No, no, no, thank you. I'm fine.

You know,

you and I could be making the same mistake, jumping to conclusions.

Maybe Davis WAS guilty.

If our section was the one suspected of leaks,

-the information could only have concerned Africa.

-I see that.

That seems to indicate an African interest.

An attachment to Africa or to Africans.

I doubt if Davis ever knew an African. Except my wife and child.

Just by way of a contrast, take a man like 69300 in Lourenco Marques.

No-one knows what friendships he's made.

He has his own agents, many of them Communists. As I had in Pretoria.

You see what I mean.

It's time to go, I think.

Good night.

-Is that your car?

-No, I'm parked a few yards up the road. I misread the numbers.

Thanks for the Scotch.

Hey...

What a beautiful boy you are.

Ah, Mr Castle.

The back door was open.

And I imagine we haven't got a lot of time.

Your watchdog is so friendly.

He found me when I was watching you through the French windows at the back.

-I wasn't expecting you.

-No, sir, I thought not.

-My letter. Did you give it to your son?

-I thought it better not.

You've always been under a misunderstanding.

My son does not concern himself in your way of business.

I pass the message on where it truly belongs. Where are your wife and boy? I have ordered...

I understand. I've sent them away.

Well, that's one difficulty out of the way.

-A pity your wife didn't take the dog.

-It was all a bit of a rush.

What will you do with it?

I don't know. Couldn't you...?

You're not a sporting gentleman, unfortunately.

I mean, shotgun?

I've a Smith and Wesson revolver.

There's been a bullet in the second chamber.

-It's been lying there for years.

-You have a cellar?

-Yes.

-And what's his name?

Buller.

Buller.

Now, Buller, you don't want to cause any trouble, do you, eh?

You wicked old thing!

And what was your impression?

My impression?

My impression was that you killed the wrong man.

Pity.

How did you get mixed up in this?

Not mixed up, sir. I've been a member of the party since boyhood.

-So you're one of the fifth?

-On the quiet.

No meetings or marches. It's been a lonely life.

They use me when they can. I've picked up from your drop many a time.

Have you never wavered a bit, Halliday? Hungary, Czechoslovakia?

I don't know what you've done for us, sir, but you must be important to go to Moscow.

I never wanted to go there. I'm afraid I'm not a Communist, Mr Halliday.

There's a key in the glove compartment. Room 1028.

Take the lift straight up.

-And after that?

-I wouldn't know, sir.

A little present for you.

-That Trollope you asked for. You might be glad of something to read.

-Thank you.

-Goodbye, sir.

CALYPSO MUSIC PLAYS

Please. Time is a little lacking for us.

Please sit down.

This is your passport, Mr Partridge.

Your ticket is to Paris only.

But surely they'll be watching all planes?

They'll be watching particularly the one to Prague

which is due to leave at the same time as the one to Moscow which has been delayed.

Perhaps Aeroflot

await an important passenger?

The police will be very attentive to Prague and Moscow.

What about the immigration desk?

That will be taken care of.

Please keep still,

Mr Partridge.

What's my profession?

Retired.

That at least is true.

DOORBELL

Could I speak to Mrs Maurice Castle?

What name, please? Butler.

Would you wait in there? Thank you.

Thank you.

There's a Mr Butler to see you, Sarah.

Don't leave toys lying about. There's a good boy.

-Mrs Castle.

-Yes?

-I'm Inspector Butler.

-Yes.

I thought you might tell us how to contact your husband.

-You don't know where he is?

-Why should we know where your husband is?

I mean, you didn't try his office?

His office suggested I might find YOU here.

Well, I don't know where he is. What is it about?

It's partly about a dog.

Buller?

The neighbours complained about a whining noise. Someone phoned the police. The dog had been shot.

Whoever did it made a mess of it. I'm afraid they had to finish your dog off.

Oh, God, what will Sam say?