[This is a partial transcription of a conversation recorded in the Commonwealth Hotel in London, England. Missing words are due to the fact the Agent was hiding under a sofa in the lobby, and was sat upon just as surveillance began.]

Desk Clerk: Can I help you, sir? And might I say, that's a fine (inaudible) you're wearing.

Traveler: Thank you. I got it at my home in Tokyo. I spilled a huge glass of (inaudible) all over it, but it cleaned up okay.

Desk Clerk: Well, Sir, it looks fine now.

Traveler: I guess that's the peril of (inaudible) with a badger and a (inaudible)! That'll teach me.

[An awkward pause here was followed by nervous laughter, and another pause.]

Desk Clerk: As I was saying, can I help you?

Traveler: Yes, I'd like a room.

Desk Clerk: Okay, here's the key to room 4. That'll be 200 pounds.

Traveler: Room 4? Four is an unlucky number for Japanese people. In Japanese, the word for "four" sounds like "death." I can't sleep there.

Desk Clerk: Okay, here's the key to room 9. That'll be 250 pounds.

Traveler: Room 9? Nine is an unlucky number. In Japanese, the word for "nine" sounds like "agony." I can't sleep there, either.

Desk Clerk: Perhaps Sir would like to stay elsewhere?

Traveler: No, no. Here's good.

Desk Clerk: Then how about room 42? That's a very nice room, and only 300 pounds.

Traveler: 42? 42 is an unlucky number. In Japanese the word for "forty-two" sounds like "to die." Don't you have any non-bad-luck rooms?

Desk Clerk: For 400 pounds, you can have room 8.

Traveler: Ah, room 8: a very lucky number. I like the looks of the Japanese kanji character for "eight": wide at the bottom, narrow at the top. A sure sign of good things to come. I'll take it.

Desk Clerk: Very good, Sir. Here's your key. Up the stairs to the right.

Traveler: Thank you very much.

Desk Clerk: You're welcome. I hope you have a (inaudible) stay here in London.