Tarr uses a gun to threaten the Circus’s Paris operator, a man named Steve Mackelvore. He wants to use Mackelvore’s secret coding machine to send a message. Tarr’s message is sent to Alleline, requesting a meeting about information which is crucial to the well-being of the Circus. Mackelvore sends the message and Tarr sits with him while they wait for a response. Tarr is anxious, worried that the Russians are chasing him. Mackelvore points out that he should be more concerned about British intelligence wanting to kill him.

At the same time, Mendel spies on the Circus building using a pair of binoculars. He contacts Smiley and reports the identity of every person who enters or leaves the building. He spots two men entering the Circus who seem to be carrying boxes of ammunition. Then, just as Guilliam predicted, a shuttle arrives at the Circus and takes documents inside. Alleline arrives a short time later, followed by Haydon and Bland. These men are identified as Tinker, Tailor, and Soldier. 

Smiley visits the secret London safehouse. The old woman whom Esterhase employs to guard the building and operate the radios shows Smiley around the house, pointing out the locations of the hidden microphones.