Burris’ voice was very calm. “Malone,” he said, “what does pig-Latin have to do with anything?”
“You said—”
“I said one of the State Department translators was acting up,” Burris said. “If you want details—”
“I don’t think I can stand them,” Malone said.
“Some of the Russian and Chinese releases have come through with the meaning slightly altered,” Burris went on doggedly. “And I want you to check on it right away. I—”
“Thank God,” Malone said.
Burris blinked. “What?”
“Never mind,” Malone said. “Never mind. I’m glad you told me, Chief. I’ll get to work on it right away, and—”
“You do that, Malone,” Burris said. “And for God’s sake stop calling me Chief! Do I look like an Indian? Do I have feathers in my hair?”
“Anything,” Malone said grandly, “is possible.” He broke the connection in a hurry.