So, what's the story? I am a freelance agent for the British Secret Service Bureau. My...

Richard Hannay:
So, what's the story?
Scudder:
[hesitantly]
I am a freelance agent for the British Secret Service Bureau.
Richard Hannay:
My housekeeper told me you were an accountant.
Scudder:
I don't make a habit of telling people that I'm a spy. Last night I was supposed to meet someone from the Bureau to exchange information, but it was a double-cross. Obviously I've been betrayed. I've been on the trail of a German espionage ring and I've tracked down their headquarters to a village in Scotland.
Richard Hannay:
[sarcastically]
You should contact the Weekly News. They're offering ten pounds to anyone spotting a German agent. An espionage ring could make you a very wealthy man.

So... what's the story? I am a freelance agent for the British Secret Service Bureau. My housekeeper told me you were an accountant. I don't make a habit of telling people that I'm a spy. {\Now }last night I was supposed to meet someone from the Bureau to exchange information. But it was a double cross. Obviously I've been betrayed. I've been on the trail of a German espionage ring and I tracked down their headquarters to a village in Scotland. You should contact the Weekly News. They're offering �10 to anyone spotting a German agent. An espionage ring could make you a very wealthy man. I apologise for having disturbed you, Mr Hannay. With your permission, I will attempt to evade my would-be assassins and report on what I've learnt to my superior. No-one should involve themselves in intelligence work without a good breakfast. Do you have the key to this? I'll go and get it. Eat, Mr Scudder. Life never seems as grim after a couple of fried eggs. I've heard whispers of a plot to assassinate a high-ranking European royal figure. Really? - Who? - Suffice it to say, for those who wish to see war, this man's death could light the tinder.