A man named Rabat is insisting that he speak with the Ambassador Voltas at the embassy in Thailand. The Ambassador's secretary, Anna says "I'm sorry but his Excellency is engaged at the moment". Rabat asks "You are his secretary?" Anna says "I am". Rabat says "Then I must tell you this is a matter of life and death". Anna asks "To what does it refer?" Rabat says "It is a highly personal matter". Anna says "If you wish an interview with his Excellency, you may submit your request through the usual diplomatic channels". Rabat says "Now listen to me please, the Ambassador is leaving his post here in Thailand to attend the International Conference in London, is he not?" Anna says "Why do you ask?" Rabat says "And from there he expects to travel to his own country, before returning here to Bangkok, is that so?" Anna says "I don't know who you are or what you want, but if you don't leave his Excellency's office at once I will summon the authorities". Rabat says "If I don't talk to the Ambassador, my dear girl, his Excellency will never live to see his native land again". Anna says "Are you insane?" Rabat says "I tell you, I have..." At that moment, the Ambassador walks into the room. Rabat says "Your Excellency, do you speak English, sir? My French is very bad". The Ambassador says "Yes, I speak English". Rabat says "I must see you in private, sir". Anna says "Your Excellency, this man forced his way into the office and demanded an interview. He must be drunk or crazy". Ambassador says "Now, now, calm yourself Anna. What is it you wish, young man?" He says "My name is Rabat, and I have a minor position at the Polish legation here, Your Excellency. Sir, you must be on your guard. I have authentic information that an assassin has been chosen to follow you to London and to make certain you never reach the International Conference alive".