The Traitor Summary

In the story "The Traitor" Ashenden begins his tale by introducing Gustav. Gustav is the best report writer employed by the British Intelligence Deparment. His reports are often used as examples of the proper way to write an acceptable report. After Gustav has been employed by the intelligence deparment for about a year, R. begins to be suspicious of his prize writer. R. sends Ashenden to Basle to confront Gustav about R.'s suspicions. Once in Basle, Ashenden is surprised to find that Gustav is home since his wife had received a letter from Gustav addressed from Mannheim the day before. Ashenden questions Gustav about this letter and receives an answer which he believes is unsatisfactory. Ashenden asks to see Gustav's passport, a request that Gustav refuses to honor. As Ashenden continues to talk to the man, Gustav finally admits that...