Continental Op Stories · Chapter
IX: Conjectures explained
The Continental Op questions Romaine Frankl about Vasilije Djudakovich, learning that the Minister of Police prioritizes personal comfort, which ironically makes him an effective administrator.
What happens
The Continental Op questions Romaine Frankl about Vasilije Djudakovich, learning that the Minister of Police prioritizes personal comfort, which ironically makes him an effective administrator. The Op deduces that Colonel Einarson killed Mahmoud, suspecting Einarson aims to emulate the Shah of Persia by seizing power. Romaine, excited by the prospect of revolution, asks the Op to use and break Einarson for her, and the Op agrees to see what develops at a midnight meeting.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
The Op and Romaine engage in a guessing game about Einarson's true intentions, and the Op conceals his own plans.
Class and Power
Vasilije's comfort-driven leadership and Einarson's ambition to seize power reflect the dynamics of political control.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Romaine expresses hatred for Einarson and asks the Op to use and break him, indicating shifting allegiances.
Characters to notice
- The Continental Op
Questions Romaine about Vasilije and deduces Einarson's motives; plans to attend a midnight meeting.
- Romaine Frankl
Describes Vasilije's character and comfort-driven police efficiency; excitedly asks the Op to give her a revolution.
- Vasilije Djudakovich
Minister of Police who prioritizes comfort, leading to an effective police force; mentioned as having Mahmoud's assassin killed.
- Colonel Einarson
Suspected of killing Mahmoud; carries a worn picture of the Shah of Persia, suggesting he aims to become a dictator.
- Jack Counihan
Referred to as 'the boy' whom the Op plans to take home with all his money.
- Lionel Grantham
Mentioned as having been ambushed alongside Einarson earlier in the evening.
Key passages
“Comfort to him means enormous amounts of food and drink and at least sixteen hours of sleep each day, and not having to move around much during his eight waking hours.”
His idea of comfort is consuming large quantities of food and drink, sleeping most of the day, and remaining sedentary during his few waking hours.
Romaine describes Vasilije's extreme laziness and its paradoxical effect on police efficiency.
“If he carries the Shah’s picture and looks at it often enough to have it shabby from handling, does it mean he hopes to follow his example? Or doesn’t it?”
The worn condition of the Shah's photo suggests Einarson frequently studies it, possibly indicating he aspires to replicate the Shah's rise to power.
The Op speculates that Einarson's possession of a worn photo of the Shah of Persia signals his dictatorial ambitions.
“Give me a revolution, nice man! ... I detest Einarson. Use him and break him for me. But give me a revolution!”
Romaine passionately asks the Op to instigate a revolution, urging him to exploit and destroy Einarson for her sake.
Romaine reveals her intense desire for political upheaval and her personal vendetta against Einarson.