FICTION

WILL THE REAL GRETA

PLEASE STAND UP

(Continued from TVia No. 78)

Geri-Wisc.

My opening night was very successful. Maybe it was because of a 'new' voice, but I had three encores before the audience would let me leave the stage. I was pleased as punch with my performance and myself as I returned to the hotel. The desk clerk told me there was a man wait- ing to see me in my room. I presume it was probably Major Atkins, so the stranger that greeted me gave me quite a shock! He said he was from the Embassy, and just wanted to check that everything was alright. Had I been molested, or insulted, or had anyone said anything that they could use as propaganda against the U.S. I assured him that everything was quitè alright. He casually asked me why I had changed my selection of songs for my opening. I had no idea they were watching me that closely! The only answer I could think of in a hurry was that in talking to some of the other performers I had changed them at their suggestion, and felt that my opening was more successful as a result of those suggestions. He seemed satisfied with my answer and left after saying he would see me again before I left for Philadelphia. My hands were trembling as I lit a cigarette. Only time would tell if I had really passed the test. I paced the floor nervously for a few minutes while thoughts ran through my mind that maybe my impersonation wasn't so good and I doubted if I could ever make such a good spy. I finally calmed down, brushed my (ugh) shorter hair and went to bed.

For my first encore the next night I sang an oldie "Take the “A” Train" which let my contact know that I had been contacted by them. As I left the Club, a drunk staggered into me and as he clumsily tried to help me, I slipped him a note containing information about the Em- bassy's visit. During my stay in New York, the Embassy contact paid me several visits all social except two nights before I left when he gave me some information to pass to my next contact which I did - after