This short spy story by Robert Arthur highlights the importance of not judging people by appearances. After spending a fact-finding evening out with a man he believes to be a secret agent, a young writer is disappointed by his host’s mundane appearance and lifestyle. Things change when, upon returning to spy’s apartment, they are confronted at gunpoint by a rival agent. The writer learns that not only can looks be deceiving, but wit and presence of mind can often turn the tables in threatening situations. Themes include appearance vs. reality, deception, intelligence vs. physical power.
