Chapter 10 Summary

After Tarr leaves, Lacon tells Smiley that he thought their discussion the previous year was arranged by Control as a way of keeping Alleline from obtaining Control's job. Lacon will inform the Minister of the situation about Irina. They talk about Ellis and how Smiley thought Ellis had been betrayed from the inside. Lacon thought it was Control's incompetence. Lacon wouldn't allow an inquiry into the betrayal of Ellis. This is the incident that resulted in the dismissal of Control. Lacon thinks Circus will tighten their procedures now, but Smiley tells him that might alert Gerald. Smiley suggests another service run the investigation, but Lacon says that will be unacceptable.

One-hundred and twenty of the four hundred active agents are behind the Iron Curtain. They discuss Ellis, who was shot in the back. Lacon wants Smiley to handle the investigation. Before leaving, Smiley...