Henry Lane is arrested and accused of spying in Amaria. Cmr. Hastings tells his wife that Henry is a Russian spy and a trial will be embarrassing. The USSR says he is British spy. Almaria decide he is too hot to handle and release him.

Britain and the Soviet Union agree to exchange captured agents and use Amalia as the site of the transfer.

It is not unusual for people to visit Amalia as a tourist but when a British government mathematician visits, his trip is particularly interesting considering he is fond of gambling and deeply in debt.