 At the outset of the book, the failure of a major operation called "Testify" has resulted in Smiley and the former head of the Circus, Control, being fired.Guillam survives the purge of personnel loyal to Smiley, but is demoted to the head of the "Scalphunters," fieldmen used in operations that require physical action and/or violence.The position is seen as one of the least desirable in the Circus, described humorously by Smiley as "cosh and carry".