  We report the detection of direct l-type transitions towards the
proto-planetary nebula CRL 618 during a study of vibrationally excited carbon
chains. The J=8,10,11,12,13,14 DJ=0 transitions of HCN in its first excited
bending mode v2=1 were detected in absorption against the continuum of the
central HII region making use of the Effelsberg 100m telescope and the Very
Large Array. Additionally, the J=9 direct l-type transition was detected in
emission presumably indicating a weak maser. All lines are blueshifted with
respect to the systemic velocity of CRL 618 indicating that the lines originate
from a hot, expanding circumstellar envelope. The HCN column density along the
line of sight in front of the continuum is 2E18 cm^-2.
