The stage is capital Vienna where division into four were under rule of it by four countries after World War II. These countries are England, France, Austria and U.S. Master of voice never knew the old Vienna before the war with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm. Constantinople fit for master of voice. Master of voice knew it in the classic period of the Black Market. We’d run anything, if people wanted it enough hm, and had the money to pay. A situation like that does tempt amateurs. But they can’t stay the course like a professional. Sign of Entering American Zone was erected at the entrance to the British, Russian and French zones. Now the city, it’s divided into four zones, you know, each occupied by a power.
The center of the city that’s international, policed by an international patrol. An American and Russian officer salute as they face each other protecting their respective zones. All strangers to the place, and none of them could speak the same language, except a sort of a smattering of German said master of voice. A jeep full of M.P.s drives off on inspection. Good fellows on the whole, did their best, you know. Building in the city lay in ruins from bomb raids during the war. Master of voice was gonna tell you about Holly Martins. He came all the way here to visit a friend of his. The name was Harry Lime. He offered some sort of a job to Martins. Anyway, there he was. Poor chap. Happy as a lark and without a cent.
A train pulls into the station. As soon as Martins arrived, spoke to US M.P. about the purpose of him visit here. A porter signs in German next to the banisters of the floor above. Martin was told about Lime’s accident by porter. Sorry for the grave diggers. Hard work in this frost. Then Martins met Calloway. They made friends. Then They talk about Lime. Martins said once in a while Best friend he ever had. Martins told Lime was about the worst racketeer that ever made a dirty living in this city by Calloway. Martins doesn’t believe It Some petty racket with gasoline or something? Said Martins. It wasn’t petrol said Calloway. Martins and Calloway are fighting. Paine is about to stop it. It all right,Paine. He’s only a scribbler with too much drink in him said Calloway. Calloway is not going to close your file at a dead man’s expense said Martins Calloway denies it. When Martins is finished with you, you’ll leave Vienna, you’ll look so silly. Martins and Paine made friends.
Major Calloway said this gentleman’s got to have a room for tonight and he’ll be off tomorrow said Paine. Hartman can’t very well introduce you to everybody. Paine introduce Martins to Crabbin. Crabbin called Paine sergeant. Crabbin haven’t never heard to Martins. Crabbin talk to Martins about own. Crabbin works propaganda, and Crabbins does a little show each week and does the striptease the week before. This is the first opportunity We’ve had of making an American author welcome. We’re having a little lecture on the contemporary novel said Crabbin. Ifyou’d agree to be our guest, we’d be delighted to have you and for as long as you care to stay said Crabbin. Martins talk about somebody hit me to Crabbin. Goodness, We must report that to the police said Crabbin. It was just a soldier, and I was trying to punch his major in the eyes said Martins. Then Martins talk about Lime died to Crabbin. Goodness, that’s awkward said Crabbin. Then Martins promised to meet Kurtz of Lime’s friend. Then Martin introduced book which a story of a man who hunted down a sheriff who was victimizing his best friend to Paine. Then Martins met Kurtz. Martins talks to Kurtz about the police have a crazy notion that he was mixed up in some sort of a racket. Everyone in Vienna is. Once when I was hard up, sold some tires on the black market. Then Kurtz advised Martins. Harry went to cross. And from up there came the truck. It was just about here said Kurtz. Kurtz talk about even at the end Lime to Martins. Lime said Kurtz if Martins arrived here, please take care of him. To see that you got safely home. Ticket, you know, and all that said Kurtz. What’s the good of another postmortem? And suppose you dig up something, well, discreditable to Harry said Kurtz. Martins still gather Lime’s information. Then he speak with Anna, but she said don’t know anything any more except I want to be dead, too. You shouldn’t get mixed up in this. Then you’ll have to come with us, Miss Schmidt said Calloway.
[798 words]
