In this collection, Somerset Maugham appears as the author of fascinating political detective stories, which are based on his own experience of “secret service to His Majesty.” The First World War. Thousands of soldiers are dying at the fronts. And far in the rear, another war is going on - secret, an undeclared confrontation between European intelligence services. The danger here is no less, but the game with death is much subtler and more sophisticated. After all, the main weapon of a secret agent is his mind and reaction speed.