He decided to pay Sir George Harvey a visit. So far, they had only had time for a brief word on the boat coming over. It was probably a good moment to put him in the picture.

He opened the door of the compartment and walked out into the corridor, cannoning heavily into someone who was coming from the opposite direction. There was a muffled curse and he was sent staggering backward by a strong push.

He straightened his tie and moved forward. Facing him was an American Army sergeant whose jaw stuck out belligerently. “Why the hell can’t you look where you’re going, buddy?” the man asked.

Chavasse took a deep breath of corn whiskey and forced a smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

The American seemed to undergo a change of attitude. He swayed forward and patted Chavasse on the shoulder. “That’s okay, pally. We all make mistakes.”

His eyes swam myopically, enormously magnified by the thick lenses of his steel-rimmed spectacles, and his peaked cap was tilted forward over his nose, making him look faintly ridiculous. He patted Chavasse on the shoulder again, sidled past him, and lurched away.

Chavasse moved along the corridor, pausing outside the end compartment. He knocked and went in.

Sir George was sitting at a small collapsible table, writing a letter. He looked up with a smile and laid down his pen. “Ah, Mr. Chavasse, I was hoping to see you. I’m afraid I’ve been rather busy with various matters concerning this peace conference. Is everything under control?”

Chavasse nodded. “As far as possible. We’ll be in Osnabruck in about forty minutes. I thought I’d better have a chat with you before we arrive.”

Sir George poured sherry into two glasses and handed him one. “Do you anticipate any trouble with Muller?”

Chavasse shook his head. “Not really. I should imagine he’s going through hell at the moment. Probably frightened of his own shadow. All I want to do is gain his confidence and make him believe I’m what I’m supposed to be. I don’t want to use you if I can help it, but if he turns awkward or gets suspicious, then I might have to call on you. With any luck, that should clinch things.”