# I: “Yes”—and “No” explained — Continental Op Stories

> Chapter companion for Continental Op Stories by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

The Continental Op arrives in Stefania, capital of Muravia, to investigate Lionel Grantham, a young American heir who has come into a large inheritance and is suspected of being swindled. He meets with U.S. chargé d'affaires Roy Scanlan, who provides background on Grantham's family and his sudden departure, and suggests consulting the Minister of Police, Vasilije Djudakovich.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

The Op's investigation into Grantham's activities and the potential swindle highlights themes of hidden motives and false appearances.

### Class and Power

Grantham's aristocratic background and sudden wealth contrast with the political machinations of Muravian officials like Einarson and Mahmoud.

## Character check-ins

### The Continental Op

Arrives in Stefania to investigate Lionel Grantham's activities and potential swindling.

### Lionel Grantham

Young American heir who came into a large inheritance and is now in Stefania, possibly being swindled.

### Colonel Einarson

Icelander and head of the army; seen with Grantham and considered a possible scoundrel.

### Vasilije Djudakovich

Minister of Police in Muravia, recommended by Scanlan as a person to trust for help.

## Key lines

> The train from Belgrade set me down in Stefania, capital of Muravia, in early afternoon—a rotten afternoon.

The Op arrives in Stefania on a cold, rainy afternoon.

_Establishes the setting and mood of the chapter._

> Seven months ago, on his twenty-first birthday, this Lionel Grantham got hold of the money his father had left him—a nice wad.

Grantham inherited a large sum on his 21st birthday seven months ago.

_Provides key background on Grantham's financial situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/i-yes-and-no
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters