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But still The Big One had got away!

They got to the hotel at about three o'clock There was a e at Strasbourg They went up to her rooh Tracy said, 'Here he is, Papa, and almost in one piece' She handed the receiver to Bond

Marc-Ange said, 'Did you get him?'

'No, damn it He's in Italy now At least I think he is That was the way he went How did vou get on? It looked fine from down below'

'Satisfactory All accounted for'

'Gone?'

'Yes Gone for good There was no trace of your man from Zurich I lost two Our friend had left a surprise in his filing-cabinet That accounted for Che-Che Another one wasn't quick enough That is all The trip back was entertaining I will give you the details to-car You know?'

'Yes By the hat about the girl friend, Irn of her Just as well It would have been difficult to send her away like the others'

'Yes Well, thanks, Marc-Ange And the news froood See you tomorrow'

Bond put down the receiver Tracy had discreetly retired to the bathroom and locked the door She now called, 'Can I coot on to Station M His call was expected He arranged to visit the Head of Station, a e, in an hour's ti, then he went along to his room

His suitcase had been unpacked and there was a bowl of crocuses beside his bed Bond smiled, picked up the bowl, and placed it firmly on the -sill Then he had a quick shower, coed out of his stinking ski clothes into the warht with his of what he would have to put on the teleprinter to M Then he put on his dark-blue raincoat and went down into the street and along to the Odeons Platz

(If he had not been thinking of other things, he ht have noticed the woure in a frowsty dark-green Loden cloak, who gave a start of surprise when she saw hih the traffic, and got on his tail She was expert at what she was doing, and, when he went into the newish aparto near the door to verify the address, but waited on the far side of the square until he came out Then she tailed him back to the Vier Jahreszeiten, took a taxi back to her flat, and put in a long-distance call to the Metropole Hotel on Lake Co-desk an is and ot on to Tracy and said, 'What the hell is this? Have you got a pass-key or sohed 'The maid on this floor has become a friend

She understands people who are in love Which isthose flowers?'

'They're lovely I thought they looked prettier by theand they will get so and change s, I'll take you down and buy you a drink Just one And three for ht?'

'Wilco' Her receiver went down

It hurt like hell and Bond couldn't prevent the tears of pain fro out of his eyes She kissed them away She looked pale at what she had seen 'You're sure you oughtn't to see a doctor?"

'I' one You did it beautifully What worriesto make love In the proper fashion, elbows are rather important for the man'

'Then we'll do it in an iht, or to to pretend I'in' She looked at him seriously 'I wish I was, James I a'

'Drinks,' said Bond firot all the ti,' she said indignantly 'We've got so much to talk about and all you think about is drink'