Continental Op Stories · Chapter
XV: Bargain Hunters explained
The Continental Op forces Colonel Einarson into a room at gunpoint, where Romaine Frankl is present.
What happens
The Continental Op forces Colonel Einarson into a room at gunpoint, where Romaine Frankl is present. After subduing Einarson with physical force, the Op negotiates with Romaine and Vasilije Djudakovich for King Lionel Grantham's abdication in exchange for four million dollars and a safe train to Saloniki. Djudakovich agrees to handle Einarson and the army, while the Op remains wary of the fat minister's cold demeanor.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
The Op and Grantham pose as legitimate rulers to extract a ransom, while Romaine and Djudakovich negotiate under a veneer of officialdom.
Violence and Survival
The Op uses physical force and threats to control Einarson, highlighting the brutal pragmatism required to survive in a hostile environment.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The Op questions Djudakovich's trustworthiness, while Romaine acts as a go-between, balancing loyalty to her own interests and the deal.
Characters to notice
- The Continental Op
Prods Einarson into the room, subdues him physically, and negotiates the abdication deal with Romaine and Djudakovich.
- Colonel Einarson
Brought in at gunpoint, humiliated by the Op, and later left with Djudakovich for a private talk.
- Romaine Frankl
Present in the room, jokes about the Op's violence, and brokers the abdication deal with Djudakovich.
- Vasilije Djudakovich
Enters the room with Romaine, coldly observes Einarson, and agrees to handle the army and the abdication terms.
- Lionel Grantham
Referenced as the newly crowned king whose abdication is being negotiated for four million dollars.
Key passages
“I prodded Einarson into the room and closed the door. Romaine looked at him and at the automatic that was now uncovered in my hand. With burlesque disappointment she said: “Oh, you haven’t killed him yet!””
The Op pushes Einarson into the room, revealing his gun. Romaine mockingly expresses disappointment that Einarson is still alive.
Sets the tense, darkly humorous tone of the negotiation scene.
““The government will give Lionel the First a draft for four million dollars, American, on either a Vienna or Athens bank, in exchange for his abdication.” She dropped her official tone and added: “That’s every nickel I could get out of him.””
Romaine announces the government's offer of four million dollars for King Lionel's abdication, then admits she squeezed the maximum amount from Djudakovich.
Highlights the transactional nature of the political deal and Romaine's role as intermediary.
““He’s got ideals,” she explained. “He despises you and your king for a pair of adventurers who are making a profit out of his country’s troubles. That’s why he’s so sniffy. But he’ll keep his word.””
Romaine explains that Djudakovich's coldness stems from his disdain for the Op and Grantham as profiteers, but assures the Op that Djudakovich is honorable.
Reveals the moral conflict and the fragile trust underlying the negotiation.