Minute 011: Our Distinguished Guest

“A little more polished than the others,” says Vandamn. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re pleased, Mister Townsend,” says Roger. “But I’m afraid, just as obvious,” replies Vandamn. “Now what the devil is all this about?” asks Thornhill. “Why was I brought here?”“Games?” replies Vandamn, “Must we?”“Not that I mind a slight case of abduction now and then,” says Roger, “but I have tickets for the theater this evening, to a show I was looking forward to — and I get, well, kind of unreasonable about things like that!” “With such expert play-acting,” says Vandamn, “you make this very room a theater.” Vandamn glances up as the door opens. A tall, thin man enters the room.“Ah, Leonard,” says Vandamn, “Have you met our distinguished guest?”“He’s a well-tailored one, isn’t he?” says Leonard. “My secretary is a great admirer of your work, Mister Kaplan,” says Vandamn. “Elusiveness, however misguided-““Wait a minute,” says Roger. “Wait, wait – – did you call me Kaplan?”“I know you’re a man of many names,” says Vandamn, “but I’m perfectly willing to accept your current choice.” Leonard hands Vandamn a box of cigarettes. “Current choice?” asks Roger. “My name is Thornhill! Roger Thornhill – it’s never been anything else.”