He noted the dingy consulate sign, then started up the dark and narrow stairs.

The consulate door stood open.
A clerk, native to Ehrenstein, was writing at a table.

At a desk by the window sat Carmichael, deep in a volume of Dumas.

No one ever hurried here; no one ever had palpitation of the heart over business.

The clerk lifted his head.
"Mr.Carmichael ?" said Grumbach in English.
The clerk indicated with his pen toward the individual by the window.
Carmichael read on.