Claudio Howerd-Wolferstan is neither a communist nor a spy. Yet he breaks into a top-security Government hostel to retrieve the family treasure. With a spot secured on the wanted lists of both the British police and Russian communist leaders, he is forced to run from a charge of high treason. A master of disguise, he bluffs his way out of many a dangerous situation and outwits his pursuers. But how long can his luck last? The speed of Claudio's transformations from Spanish sailor to chimney-sweep, from elephant trainer to Indian guitarist give the chase a comical breathlessness. It is easy to understand why FELLOW PASSENGER is one of Household's own favourites.