During the First World War, a writer named Ashenden, introduced only by his last name, is enlisted as an agent through threats and promises by "R.", a Colonel with British Intelligence. He is sent to Switzerland where he becomes involved in a number of counter-intelligence operations; these he accomplishes by means of persuasion, bribery, blackmail, or coincidence. He does not use a weapon. The book is a collection of loosely linked stories by W. Somerset Maugham. It is partly based on the author's experience as a member of British Intelligence in Europe during the First World War. Table of Contents: R. A Domiciliary Visit Miss King The Hairless Mexican The Dark Woman The Greek A Trip to Paris Giulia Lazzari Gustav The Traitor Behind the Scenes His Excellency The Flip of a Coin A Chance Acquaintance Love and Russian Literature Mr. Harrington's Washing