``It doesn't matter. You get back to the captain and tell him this: Somebody's going to take a shot at the prime minister, and Mahzeer is in on the plot. Tell him under no circumstances to trust the prime minister with Mahzeer.''

Griffith said, ``That's impossible. Mahzeer's the ambassador.''

``Nevertheless it's true.''

``Impossible.'' Griffith was trying to clear his head of the champagne fuzz that encased it. ``I'll show you how wrong you are. Mahzeer and the prime minister are alone right now.'' He nodded triumphantly. ``So that proves it!''

Hoag looked terrified. ``Where are they?''

``Where'd you expect, the john? Mahzeer's office.''

``Where is that?''

``Facing us, two flights up. Look, old man, you cann't go up. They wonn't even let you in the front door. So why don't you be a good boy and'' --

Hoag grabbed him by the shoulders. ``Listen to me, Leigh. If you want to spend another day in the State Department -- another day -- you get in there and tell that captain what I told you.'' He bit out the words. ``And you know I can do it.''

Griffith raised placating hands. ``Easy does it, Phil. I was just going. I'm on my way.'' He turned and fled into the house and made his way up the marble stairs without once looking back. On the second landing he paused to look for Docherty, didn't see him, and accepted a glass of champagne. He took several large swallows, recollected that Docherty had gone up another flight, and decided he would be wise to cover himself by finding him. The way Hoag was, no telling what he might say or do. He finished his champagne and climbed uncertainly to the next landing. At the top a uniformed officer blocked further progress. ``Yes, what is it?'' he asked.