The next morning Bond had a cold shower. Then he ate his
breakfast at a table in front of the window. He was looking at
the sea when the telephone rang. It was the concierge.
'A man from Radio Stentor is here with the radio that you
ordered, monsieur
,' the concierge said.
'Send him up,' said Bond.
When Mathis came in, Bond smiled.
'I've just arrived from Paris, monsieur,' said Mathis. 'Here
is the radio.' He put the radio on the floor and switched it on.
The sound of loud music filled the room. Mathis walked
across to Bond and shook his hand.
Bond smiled. 'Now, why-?' he began.
'My dear friend,' said Mathis. 'Your cover has been spoilt!
The Russians know who you are.'
Mathis looked up at the ceiling. Then he pointed to the
chimney18
•
'A few centimetres up the chimney is a radio
microphone,' he explained. 'Its wires go up to the room
above. They can hear everything.' Then Mathis smiled. 'Now
for some more play-acting,' he said. He walked over to the
radio and switched it off.
'Are you happy, monsieur?' he asked.