Postern of Fate

PosternofFate
ATommyandTuppenceMystery
Dedication
ForHannibalandhismaster
Epigraph
FourgreatgateshasthecityofDamascus….PosternofFate,theDesertGate,Disaster’sCavern,FortofFear…Passnotbeneath,OCaravan,orpassnotsinging.HaveyouheardThatsilencewherethebirdsaredead,yetsomethingpipethlikeabird?fromGatesofDamascusbyJamesElroyFleckerContents
TitlePage
Dedication
Epigraph
BookI
1MainlyConcerningBooks
2TheBlackArrow
3VisittotheCemetery
4LotsofParkinsons
5TheWhiteElephantSale
6Problems
7MoreProblems
8Mrs.Griffin
BookII
1ALongTimeAgo
2IntroductiontoMathilde,TrueloveandKK
3SixImpossibleThingsBeforeBreakfast
4ExpeditiononTruelove;OxfordandCambridge
5MethodsofResearch
6Mr.Robinson
BookIII
1MaryJordan
2ResearchbyTuppence
3TommyandTuppenceCompareNotes
4PossibilityofSurgeryonMathilde
5InterviewwithColonelPikeaway
6PosternofFate
7TheInquest
8ReminiscencesaboutanUncle
9JuniorBrigade
10AttackonTuppence
11HannibalTakesAction
12Oxford,CambridgeandLohengrin
13VisitfromMissMullins
14GardenCampaign
15HannibalSeesActiveServicewithMr.Crispin
16TheBirdsFlySouth
17LastWords:DinnerwithMr.Robinson
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
BOOKI
One
MAINLYCONCERNINGBOOKS
“Books!”saidTuppence.
Sheproducedthewordratherwiththeeffectofabad-temperedexplosion.
“Whatdidyousay?”saidTommy.
Tuppencelookedacrosstheroomathim.
“Isaid‘books,’”shesaid.
“Iseewhatyoumean,”saidThomasBeresford.
InfrontofTuppencewerethreelargepackingcases.Fromeachofthemvariousbookshadbeenextracted.Thelargerpartofthemwerestillfilledwithbooks.
“It’sincredible,”saidTuppence.
“Youmeantheroomtheytakeup?”
“Yes.”
“Areyoutryingtoputthemallontheshelves?”
“Idon’tknowwhatI’mtryingtodo,”saidTuppence.“That’stheawkwardpartofit.Onedoesn’tknowever,exactly,whatonewantstodo.Ohdear,”shesighed.
“Really,”saidherhusband,“Ishouldhavethoughtthatthatwasnotatallcharacteristicofyou.Thetroublewithyouhasalwaysbeenthatyouknewmuchtoowellwhatyoudowanttodo.”
“WhatImeanis,”saidTuppence,“thathereweare,gettingolder,gettingabit—well,let’sfaceit—definitelyrheumatic,especiallywhenoneisstretching;youknow,stretchingputtinginbooksorliftingthingsdownfromshelvesorkneelingdowntolookatthebottomshelvesforsomething,thenfindingitabitdifficulttogetupagain.”
“Yes,yes,”saidTommy,“that’sanaccountofourgeneraldisabilities.Isthatwhatyoustartedtosay?”
“No,itisn’twhatIstartedtosay.WhatIstartedtosaywas,itwaslovelytobeabletobuyanewhomeandfindjusttheplacewewantedtogoandlivein,andjustthehousetherewe’dalwaysdreamtofhaving—withalittlealteration,ofcourse.”
“Knockingoneortworoomsintoeachother,”saidTommy,“andaddingtoitwhatyoucallaverandaandyourbuildercallsalodger,thoughIprefertocallitaloggia.”
“Andit’sgoingtobeverynice,”saidTuppencefirmly.
“Whenyou’vedoneitIshan’tknowit!Isthattheanswer?”saidTommy.
“Notatall.AllIsaidwasthatwhenyouseeitfinishedyou’regoingtobedelightedandsaywhataningeniousandcleverandartisticwifeyouhave.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.“I’llremembertherightthingtosay.”
“Youwon’tneedtoremember,”saidTuppence.“Itwillburstuponyou.”
“What’sthatgottodowithbooks?”saidTommy.
“Well,webroughttwoorthreecasesofbookswithus.Imean,wesoldoffthebookswedidn’tmuchcareabout.Webroughttheoneswereallycouldn’tbeartopartwith,andthen,ofcourse,thewhat-you-call-’ems—Ican’tremembertheirnamenow,butthepeoplewhoweresellingusthishouse—theydidn’twanttotakealotoftheirownthingswiththem,andtheysaidifwe’dliketomakeanoffertheywouldleavethingsincludingbooks,andwecameandlookedatthings—”
“Andwemadesomeoffers,”saidTommy
“Yes.Notasmanyastheyhopedwewouldmake,Iexpect.Someofthefurnitureandornamentsweretoohorrible.Well,fortunatelywedidn’thavetotakethose,butwhenIcameandsawthevariousbooks—thereweresomenurseryones,youknow,somedowninthesittingroom—andthereareoneortwooldfavourites.Imean,therestillare.Thereareoneortwoofmyownspecialfavourites.AndsoIthoughtit’dbesuchfuntohavethem.Youknow,thestoryofAndroclesandtheLion,”shesaid.“IrememberreadingthatwhenIwaseightyearsold.AndrewLang.”
“Tellme,Tuppence,wereyoucleverenoughtoreadateightyearsold?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“Ireadatfiveyearsold.Everybodycould,whenIwasyoung.Ididn’tknowoneevenhadtosortoflearn.Imean,somebodywouldreadstoriesaloud,andyoulikedthemverymuchandyourememberedwherethebookwentbackontheshelfandyouwerealwaysallowedtotakeitoutandhavealookatityourself,andsoyoufoundyouwerereadingittoo,withoutbotheringtolearntospelloranythinglikethat.Itwasn’tsogoodlater,”shesaid,“becauseI’veneverbeenabletospellverywell.AndifsomebodyhadtaughtmetospellwhenIwasaboutfouryearsoldIcanseeitwouldhavebeenverygoodindeed.Myfatherdidteachmetodoadditionandsubtractionandmultiplication,ofcourse,becausehesaidthemultiplicationtablewasthemostusefulthingyoucouldlearninlife,andIlearntlongdivisiontoo.”
“Whataclevermanhemusthavebeen!”
“Idon’tthinkhewasspeciallyclever,”saidTuppence,“buthewasjustvery,verynice.”
“Aren’twegettingawayfromthepoint?”
“Yes,weare,”saidTuppence.“Well,asIsaid,whenIthoughtofreadingAndroclesandtheLionagain—itcameinabookofstoriesaboutanimals,Ithink,byAndrewLang—oh,Ilovedthat.Andtherewasastoryabout‘adayinmylifeatEton’byanEtonschoolboy.Ican’tthinkwhyIwantedtoreadthat,butIdid.Itwasoneofmyfavouritebooks.Andthereweresomestoriesfromtheclassics,andtherewasMrs.Molesworth,TheCuckooClock,FourWindsFarm—”
“Well,that’sallright,”saidTommy.“Noneedtogivemeawholeaccountofyourliterarytriumphsinearlyyouth.”
“WhatImeanis,”saidTuppence,“thatyoucan’tgetthemnowadays.Imean,sometimesyougetreprintsofthem,butthey’veusuallybeenalteredandhavedifferentpicturesinthem.Really,theotherdayIcouldn’trecognizeAliceinWonderlandwhenIsawit.Everythinglookssopeculiarinit.TherearethebooksIreallycouldgetstill.Mrs.Molesworth,oneortwooftheoldfairybooks—Pink,BlueandYellow—andthen,ofcourse,lotsoflateroneswhichI’denjoyed.LotsofStanleyWeymansandthingslikethat.Therearequitealothere,leftbehind.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.“Youweretempted.Youfeltitwasagoodbuy.”
“Yes.Atleast—whatd’youmeana‘goodbye?’”
“Imeanb-u-y,”saidTommy.
“Oh.Ithoughtyouweregoingtoleavetheroomandweresayinggoodbyetome.”
“Notatall,”saidTommy,“Iwasdeeplyinterested.Anyway,itwasagoodb-u-y.”
“AndIgotthemverycheap,asItellyou.And—andheretheyallareamongourownbooksandothers.Only,we’vegotsuchaterriblelotnowofbooks,andtheshelveswehadmadeIdon’tthinkaregoingtobenearlyenough.Whataboutyourspecialsanctum?Isthereroomthereformorebooks?”
“No,thereisn’t,”saidTommy.“There’snotgoingtobeenoughformyown.”
“Ohdear,ohdear,”saidTuppence,“that’ssolikeus.Doyouthinkwemighthavetobuildonanextraroom?”
“No,”saidTommy,“we’regoingtoeconomize.Wesaidsothedaybeforeyesterday.Doyouremember?”
“Thatwasthedaybeforeyesterday,”saidTuppence.“Timealters.WhatIamgoingtodonowisputintheseshelvesallthebooksIreallycan’tbeartopartwith.Andthen—andthenwecanlookattheothersand—well,theremightbeachildren’shospitalsomewhereandtheremight,anyway,beplaceswhichwouldlikebooks.”
“Orwecouldsellthem,”saidTommy.
“Idon’tsupposethey’rethesortofbookspeoplewouldwanttobuyverymuch.Idon’tthinkthereareanybooksofrarevalueoranythinglikethat.”
“Youneverknowyourluck,”saidTommy.“Let’shopesomethingoutofprintwillfulfilsomebookseller’slong-feltwant.”
“Inthemeantime,”saidTuppence,“wehavetoputthemintotheshelves,andlookinsidethem,ofcourse,eachtimetoseewhetherit’sabookIdoreallywantandIcanreallyremember.I’mtryingtogetthemroughly—well,youknowwhatImean,sortofsorted.Imean,adventurestories,fairystories,children’sstoriesandthosestoriesaboutschools,wherethechildrenwerealwaysveryrich—L.T.Meade,Ithink.AndsomeofthebooksweusedtoreadtoDeborahwhenshewassmall,too.HowweallusedtoloveWinniethePooh.AndtherewasTheLittleGreyHentoo,butIdidn’tcareverymuchforthat.”
“Ithinkyou’retiringyourself,”saidTommy.“IthinkIshouldleaveoffwhatyou’redoingnow.”
“Well,perhapsIwill,”saidTuppence,“butIthinkifIcouldjustfinishthissideoftheroom,justgetthebooksinhere….”
“Well,I’llhelpyou,”saidTommy.
Hecameover,tiltedthecasesothatthebooksfellout,gathereduparmfulsofthemandwenttotheshelvesandshovedthemin.
“I’mputtingthesamesizedonestogether,itlooksneater,”hesaid.
“Oh,Idon’tcallthatsorting,”saidTuppence.
“Sortingenoughtogetonwith.Wecandomoreofthatlater.Youknow,makeeverythingreallynice.We’llsortitonsomewetdaywhenwecan’tthinkofanythingelsetodo.”
“Thetroubleiswealwayscanthinkofsomethingelsetodo.”
“Wellnow,there’sanotherseveninthere.Nowthen,there’sonlythistopcorner.Justbringmethatwoodenchairoverthere,willyou?Areitslegsstrongenoughformetostandonit?ThenIcanputsomeonthetopshelf.”
Withsomecareheclimbedonthechair.Tuppencelifteduptohimanarmfulofbooks.Heinsinuatedthemwithsomecareontothetopshelf.Disasteronlyhappenedwiththelastthreewhichcascadedtothefloor,narrowlymissingTuppence.
“Oh,”saidTuppence,“thatwaspainful.”
“Well,Ican’thelpit.Youhandedmeuptoomanyatonce.”
“Ohwell,thatdoeslookwonderful,”saidTuppence,standingbackalittle.“Nowthen,ifyou’lljustputtheseinthesecondshelffromthebottom,there’sagapthere,thatwillfinishupthisparticularcasefulanyway.It’sagoodthingtoo.TheseonesI’mdoingthismorningaren’treallyours,they’retheoneswebought.Wemayfindtreasures.”
“Wemay,”saidTommy.
“Ithinkweshallfindtreasures.IthinkIreallyshallfindsomething.Somethingthat’sworthalotofmoney,perhaps.”
“Whatdowedothen?Sellit?”
“Iexpectwe’llhavetosellit,yes,”saidTuppence.“Ofcoursewemightjustkeepitandshowittopeople.Youknow,notexactlyboasting,butjustsay,youknow:‘Ohyes,we’vegotreallyoneortwointerestingfinds.’Ithinkweshallmakeaninterestingfind,too.”
“What—oneoldfavouriteyou’veforgottenabout?”
“Notexactlythat.Imeantsomethingstartling,surprising.Somethingthat’llmakeallthedifferencetoourlives.”
“OhTuppence,”saidTommy,“whatawonderfulmindyou’vegot.Muchmorelikelytofindsomethingthat’sanabsolutedisaster.”
“Nonsense,”saidTuppence.“Onemusthavehope.It’sthegreatthingyouhavetohaveinlife.Hope.Remember?I’malwaysfullofhope.”
“Iknowyouare,”saidTommy.Hesighed.“I’veoftenregrettedit.”
Two
THEBLACKARROW
Mrs.ThomasBeresfordreplacedTheCuckooClock,byMrs.Molesworth,choosingavacantplaceonthethirdshelffromthebottom.TheMrs.Molesworthswerecongregatedheretogether.TuppencedrewoutTheTapestryRoomandhelditthoughtfullyinherfingers.OrshemightreadFourWindsFarm.Shecouldn’trememberFourWindsFarmaswellasshecouldrememberTheCuckooClockandTheTapestryRoom.Herfingerswandered…Tommywouldbebacksoon.
Shewasgettingon.Yes,surelyshewasgettingon.Ifonlyshedidn’tstopandpulloutoldfavouritesandreadthem.Veryagreeablebutittookalotoftime.AndwhenTommyaskedherintheeveningwhenhecamehomehowthingsweregoingandshesaid,“Ohverywellnow,”shehadtoemployagreatdealoftactandfinessetopreventhimfromgoingupstairsandhavingareallookathowthebookshelveswereprogressing.Italltookalongtime.Gettingintoahousealwaystookalongtime,muchlongerthanonethought.Andsomanyirritatingpeople.Electricians,forinstance,whocameandappearedtobedispleasedwithwhattheyhaddonethelasttimetheycameandtookupmorelargeareasinthefloorand,withcheerfulfaces,producedmorepitfallsfortheunwaryhousewifetowalkalongandputafootwrongandberescuedjustintimebytheunseenelectricianwhowasgropingbeneaththefloor.
“Sometimes,”saidTuppence,“Ireallywishwehadn’tleftBartonsAcre.”
“Rememberthediningroom,”Tommyhadsaid,“andrememberthoseattics,andrememberwhathappenedtothegarage.Nearlywreckedthecar,youknowitdid.”
“Isupposewecouldhavehaditpatchedup,”saidTuppence.
“No,”saidTommy,“we’dhavehadtopracticallyreplacethedamagedbuilding,orelsewehadtomove.Thisisgoingtobeaverynicehousesomeday.I’mquitesureofthat.Anyway,there’sgoingtoberoominitforallthethingswewanttodo.”
“Whenyousaythethingswewanttodo,”Tuppencehadsaid,“youmeanthethingswewanttofindplacesforandtokeep.”
“Iknow,”saidTommy.“Onekeepsfartoomuch.Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore.”
AtthatmomentTuppenceconsideredsomething—whethertheyeverweregoingtodoanythingwiththishouse,thatistosay,beyondgettingintoit.Itsoundedsimplebuthadturnedoutcomplex.Partly,ofcourse,allthesebooks.
“IfI’dbeenaniceordinarychildofnowadays,”saidTuppence,“Iwouldn’thavelearnedtoreadsoeasilywhenIwasyoung.Childrennowadayswhoarefour,orfive,orsix,don’tseemtobeabletoreadwhentheygettotenoreleven.Ican’tthinkwhyitwassoeasyforallofus.Wecouldallread.MeandMartinnextdoorandJenniferdowntheroadandCyrilandWinifred.Allofus.Idon’tmeanwecouldallspellverywellbutwecouldreadanythingwewantedto.Idon’tknowhowwelearnt.Askingpeople,Isuppose.ThingsaboutpostersandCarter’sLittleLiverPills.WeusedtoreadallabouttheminthefieldswhentrainsgotnearLondon.Itwasveryexciting.Ialwayswonderedwhattheywere.Ohdear,ImustthinkofwhatI’mdoing.”
Sheremovedsomemorebooks.Three-quartersofanhourpassedwithherabsorbedfirstinAliceThroughtheLooking-Glass,thenwithCharlotteYonge’sUnknowntoHistory.HerhandslingeredoverthefatshabbinessofTheDaisyChain.
“Oh,Imustreadthatagain,”saidTuppence.“TothinkoftheyearsandyearsandyearsitissinceIdidreadit.Ohdear,howexcitingitwas,wondering,youknow,whetherNormanwasgoingtobeallowedtobeconfirmedornot.AndEtheland—whatwasthenameoftheplace?Coxwellorsomethinglike—andFlorawhowasworldly.Iwonderwhyeveryonewas‘worldly’inthosedays,andhowpoorlyitwasthoughtof,beingworldly.Iwonderwhatwearenow.Doyouthinkwe’reallworldlyornot?”
“Ibegyerpardon,ma’am?”
“Ohnothing,”saidTuppence,lookingroundatherdevotedhenchman,Albert,whohadjustappearedinthedoorway.
“Ithoughtyoucalledforsomething,madam.Andyourangthebell,didn’tyou?”
“Notreally,”saidTuppence.“Ijustleantonitgettinguponachairtotakeabookout.”
“IsthereanythingIcantakedownforyou?”
“Well,Iwishyouwould,”saidTuppence.“I’mfallingoffthosechairs.Someoftheirlegsareverywobbly,someofthemratherslippery.”
“Anybookinparticular?”
“Well,Ihaven’tgotonveryfarwiththethirdshelfup.Twoshelvesdownfromthetop,youknow.Idon’tknowwhatbooksarethere.”
Albertmountedonachairandbangingeachbookinturntodislodgesuchdustasithadmanagedtogatheronit,handedthingsdown.Tuppencereceivedthemwithagooddealofrapture.
“Oh,fancy!Allthese.Ireallyhaveforgottenalotofthese.Oh,here’sTheAmuletandhere’sThePsamayad.Here’sTheNewTreasureSeekers.Oh,Iloveallthose.No,don’tputtheminshelvesyet,Albert.IthinkI’llhavetoreadthemfirst.Well,Imean,oneortwoofthemfirst,perhaps.Now,what’sthisone?Letmesee.TheRedCockade.Ohyes,thatwasoneofthehistoricalones.Thatwasveryexciting.Andthere’sUndertheRedRobe,too.LotsofStanleyWeyman.Lotsandlots.OfcourseIusedtoreadthosewhenIwasabouttenoreleven.Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifIdon’tcomeacrossThePrisonerofZenda.”Shesighedwithenormouspleasureattheremembrance.“ThePrisonerofZenda.One’sfirstintroduction,really,totheromanticnovel.TheromanceofPrincessFlavia.TheKingofRuritania.RudolphRassendyll,somenamelikethat,whomonedreamtofatnight.”
Alberthandeddownanotherselection.
“Ohyes,”saidTuppence,“That’sbetter,really.That’searlieragain.Imustputtheearlyonesalltogether.Now,letmesee.Whathavewegothere?TreasureIsland.Well,that’snicebutofcourseIhavereadTreasureIslandagain,andI’veseen,Ithink,twofilmsofit.Idon’tlikeseeingitonfilms,itneverseemsright.Oh—andhere’sKidnapped.Yes,Ialwayslikedthat.”
Albertstretchedup,overdidhisarmful,andCatrionafellmoreorlessonTuppence’shead.
“Oh,sorry,madam.Verysorry.”
“It’squiteallright,”saidTuppence,“itdoesn’tmatter.Catriona.Yes.AnymoreStevensonsupthere?”
Alberthandedthebooksdownnowmoregingerly.Tuppenceutteredacryofexcessivedelight.
“TheBlackArrowIdeclare!TheBlackArrow!Nowthat’soneofthefirstbooksreallyIevergotholdofandread.Yes.Idon’tsupposeyoueverdid,Albert.Imean,youwouldn’thavebeenborn,wouldyou?Nowletmethink.Letmethink.TheBlackArrow.Yes,ofcourse,itwasthatpictureonthewallwitheyes—realeyes—lookingthroughtheeyesofthepicture.Itwassplendid.Sofrightening,justthat.Ohyes.TheBlackArrow.Whatwasit?Itwasallabout—ohyes,thecat,thedog?No.Thecat,therat,andLovell,thedog,RuleallEnglandunderthehog.That’sit.ThehogwasRichardtheThird,ofcourse.Thoughnowadaystheyallwritebookssayinghewasreallywonderful.Notavillainatall.ButIdon’tbelievethat.Shakespearedidn’teither.Afterall,hestartedhisplaybymakingRichardsay:‘Iamdeterminedsotoproveavillain.’Ahyes.TheBlackArrow.”
“Somemore,madam?”
“No,thankyou,Albert.IthinkI’mrathertootiredtogoonnow.”
“That’sallright.Bytheway,themasterrangandsaidhe’dbehalfanhourlate.”
“Nevermind,”saidTuppence.
Shesatdowninthechair,tookTheBlackArrow,openedthepagesandengrossedherself.
“Ohdear,”shesaid,“howwonderfulthisis.I’vereallyforgottenitquiteenoughtoenjoyreadingitalloveragain.Itwassoexciting.”
Silencefell.Albertreturnedtothekitchen.Tuppenceleanedbackinthechair.Timepassed.Curledupintherathershabbyarmchair,Mrs.ThomasBeresfordsoughtthejoysofthepastbyapplyingherselftotheperusalofRobertLouisStevenson’sTheBlackArrow.
Inthekitchentimealsopassed.Albertappliedhimselftothevariousmanoeuvreswiththestove.Acardroveup.Albertwenttothesidedoor.
“ShallIputitinthegarage,sir?”
“No,”saidTommy,“I’lldothat.Iexpectyou’rebusywithdinner.AmIverylate?”
“Notreally,sir,justaboutwhenyousaid.Alittleearly,infact.”
“Oh.”Tommydisposedofthecarandthencameintothekitchen,rubbinghishands.“Coldout.Where’sTuppence?”
“Oh,missus,she’supstairswiththebooks.”
“What,stillthosemiserablebooks?”
“Yes.She’sdoneagoodmanymoretodayandshe’sspentmostofthetimereading.”
“Ohdear,”saidTommy.“Allright,Albert.Whatarewehaving?”
“Filletsoflemonsole,sir.Itwon’ttakelongtodo.”
“Allright.Well,makeitaboutquarterofanhourorsoanyway.Iwanttowashfirst.”
Upstairs,onthetopfloorTuppencewasstillsittinginthesomewhatshabbyarmchair,engrossedinTheBlackArrow.Herforeheadwasslightlywrinkled.Shehadcomeacrosswhatseemedtoherasomewhatcuriousphenomenon.Thereseemedtobewhatshecouldonlycallakindofinterference.Theparticularpageshehadgotto—shegaveitabriefglance,64orwasit65?Shecouldn’tsee—anyway,apparentlysomebodyhadunderlinedsomeofthewordsonthepage.Tuppencehadspentthelastquarterofanhourstudyingthisphenomenon.Shedidn’tseewhythewordshadbeenunderlined.Theywerenotinsequence,theywerenotaquotation,therefore,inthebook.Theyseemedtobewordsthathadbeensingledoutandhadthenbeenunderlinedinredink.Shereadunderherbreath:“Matchamcouldnotrestrainalittlecry.Dickstartedwithsurpriseanddroppedthewindacfromhisfingers.Theywereallafoot,loosingswordanddaggerinthesheath.Ellishelduphishand.Thewhiteofhiseyesshone.Let,large—”Tuppenceshookherhead.Itdidn’tmakesense.Noneofitdid.
Shewentovertothetablewhereshekeptherwritingthings,pickedoutafewsheetsrecentlysentbyafirmofnotepaperprintersfortheBeresfordstomakeachoiceofthepapertobestampedwiththeirnewaddress:TheLaurels.
“Sillyname,”saidTuppence,“butifyougochangingnamesallthetime,thenallyourlettersgoastray.”
Shecopiedthingsdown.Nowsherealizedsomethingshehadn’trealizedbefore
“Thatmakesallthedifference,”saidTuppence.
Shetracedlettersonthepage.
“Sothereyouare,”saidTommy’svoice,suddenly.“Dinner’spracticallyin.Howarethebooksgoing?”
“Thislot’sterriblypuzzling,”saidTuppence.“Dreadfullypuzzling.”
“What’spuzzling?”
“Well,thisisTheBlackArrowofStevenson’sandIwantedtoreaditagainandIbegan.Itwasallright,andthensuddenly—allthepageswereratherqueerbecauseImeanalotofthewordshadbeenunderlinedinredink.”
“Ohwell,onedoesthat,”saidTommy.“Idon’tmeansolelyinredink,butImeanonedoesunderlinethings.Youknow,somethingyouwanttoremember,oraquotationofsomething.Well,youknowwhatImean.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean,”saidTuppence,“butitdoesn’tgolikethat.Andit’sletters,yousee.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbyletters?”
“Comehere,”saidTuppence.
Tommycameandsatonthearmofthechair.Tommyread:“‘Matchamcouldnotrestrainalittlecryandevendiedstarterstartedwithsurpriseanddroppedthewindowfromhisfingersthetwobigfellowsonthe—somethingIcan’tread—shellwasanexpectedsignal.Theywereallafoottogethertighteningloosingswordanddagger.’It’smad,”hesaid.
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“that’swhatIthoughtatfirst.Itwasmad.Butitisn’tmad,Tommy.”
Somecowbellsrangfromdownstairs.
“That’ssupperin.”
“Nevermind,”saidTuppence,“I’vegottotellyouthisfirst.Wecangetdowntothingsaboutitlaterbutit’sreallysoextraordinary.I’vegottotellyouthisstraightaway.”
“Oh,allright.Haveyougotoneofyourmare’snests?
“No,Ihaven’t.It’sjustthatItookouttheletters,yousee.Well—onthispage,yousee,well—theMof‘Matcham’whichisthefirstword,theMisunderlinedandtheAandafterthattherearethreemore,threeorfourmorewords.Theydon’tcomeinsequenceinthebook.They’vejustbeenpickedout,Ithink,andthey’vebeenunderlined—thelettersinthem—becausetheywantedtherightlettersandthenextone,yousee,istheRfrom‘restrain’underlinedandtheYof‘cry,’andthenthere’sJfrom‘Jack,’Ofrom‘shot,’Rfrom‘ruin,’Dfrom‘death’andAfrom‘death’again,Nfrom‘murrain’—”
“Forgoodness’sake,”saidTommy,“dostop.”
“Wait,”saidTuppence.“I’vegottofindout.NowyouseebecauseI’vewrittenoutthese,doyouseewhatthisis?Imeanifyoutakethoselettersoutandwritetheminorderonthispieceofpaper,doyouseewhatyougetwiththeonesI’vedonefirst?M-A-R-Y.Thosefourwereunderlined.”
“Whatdoesthatmake?”
“ItmakesMary.”
“Allright,”saidTommy,“itmakesMary.SomebodycalledMary.Achildwithaninventivenature,Iexpect,whoistryingtopointoutthatthiswasherbook.Peoplearealwayswritingtheirnamesinbooksandthingslikethat.”
“Allright.Mary,”saidTuppence.“AndthenextthingthatcomesunderlinedmakesthewordJ-o-r-d-a-n.”
“Yousee?MaryJordan,”saidTommy.“It’squitenatural.Nowyouknowherwholename.HernamewasMaryJordan.”
“Well,thisbookdidn’tbelongtoher.Inthebeginningitsaysinarathersilly,childish-lookingwriting,itsays‘Alexander,’AlexanderParkinson,Ithink.”
“Ohwell.Doesitreallymatter?”
“Ofcourseitmatters,”saidTuppence
“Comeon,I’mhungry,”saidTommy.
“Restrainyourself,”saidTuppence,“I’monlygoingtoreadyouthenextbituntilthewritingstops—oratanyratestopsinthenextfourpages.Thelettersarepickedfromoddplacesonvariouspages.Theydon’truninsequence—therecan’tbeanythinginthewordsthatmatters—it’sjusttheletters.Nowthen.We’vegotM-a-r-yJ-o-r-d-a-n.That’sright.Nowdoyouknowwhatthenextfourwordsare?D-i-dn-o-t,not,d-i-en-a-t-u-r-a-l-y.That’smeanttobe‘naturally,’buttheydidn’tknowithadtwo‘ls.’Nowthen,what’sthat?MaryJordandidnotdienaturally.Thereyouare,”saidTuppence.“Nowthenextsentencemadeis:Itwasoneofus.IthinkIknowwhichone.That’sall.Can’tfindanythingelse.Butitisratherexciting,isn’tit?”
“Lookhere,Tuppence,”saidTommy,“you’renotgoingtogetathingaboutthis,areyou?”
“Whatdoyoumean,athing,aboutthis?”
“Well,Imeanworkingupasortofmystery.”
“Well,it’samysterytome,”saidTuppence.“MaryJordandidnotdienaturally.Itwasoneofus.IthinkIknowwhich.Oh,Tommy,youmustsaythatitisveryintriguing.”
Three
VISITTOTHECEMETERY
“Tuppence!”Tommycalled,ashecameintothehouse.
Therewasnoanswer.Withsomeannoyance,heranupthestairsandalongthepassageonthefirstfloor.Ashehastenedalongit,henearlyputhisfootthroughagapinghole,andsworepromptly.
“Someotherbloodycarelesselectrician,”hesaid.
Somedaysbeforehehadhadthesamekindoftrouble.Electriciansarrivinginakindlytangleofoptimismandefficiencyhadstartedwork.“Comingalongfinenow,notmuchmoretodo,”theysaid.“We’llbebackthisafternoon.”Buttheyhadn’tbeenbackthatafternoon;Tommywasnotpreciselysurprised.Hewasused,now,tothegeneralpatternoflabourinthebuildingtrade,electricaltrade,gasemployeesandothers.Theycame,theyshowedefficiency,theymadeoptimisticremarks,theywentawaytofetchsomething.Theydidn’tcomeback.Onerangupnumbersonthetelephonebuttheyalwaysseemedtobethewrongnumbers.Iftheyweretherightnumbers,therightmanwasnotworkingatthisparticularbranchofthetrade,whateveritwas.Allonehadtodowastobecarefultonotrickanankle,fallthroughahole,damageyourselfinsomewayoranother.HewasfarmoreafraidofTuppencedamagingherselfthanhewasofdoingthedamagetohimself.HehadhadmoreexperiencethanTuppence.Tuppence,hethought,wasmoreatriskfromscaldingherselffromkettlesordisasterswiththeheatofthestove.ButwherewasTuppencenow?Hecalledagain.
“Tuppence!Tuppence!”
HeworriedaboutTuppence.Tuppencewasoneofthosepeopleyouhadtoworryabout.Ifyouleftthehouse,yougaveherlastwordsofwisdomandshegaveyoulastpromisesofdoingexactlywhatyoucounselledhertodo:Noshewouldnotbegoingoutexceptjusttobuyhalfapoundofbutter,andafterallyoucouldn’tcallthatdangerous,couldyou?
“Itcouldbedangerousifyouwentouttobuyhalfapoundofbutter,”saidTommy.
“Oh,”saidTuppence,“don’tbeanidiot.”
“I’mnotbeinganidiot,”Tommyhadsaid.“Iamjustbeingawiseandcarefulhusband,lookingaftersomethingwhichisoneofmyfavouritepossessions.Idon’tknowwhyitis—”
“Because,”saidTuppence,“Iamsocharming,sogood-looking,suchagoodcompanionandbecauseItakesomuchcareofyou.”
“Thatalso,maybe,”saidTommy,“butIcouldgiveyouanotherlist.”
“Idon’tfeelIshouldlikethat,”saidTuppence.“No,Idon’tthinkso.Ithinkyouhaveseveralsaved-upgrievances.Butdon’tworry.Everythingwillbequiteallright.You’veonlygottocomebackandcallmewhenyougetin.”
ButnowwherewasTuppence?
“Thelittledevil,”saidTommy.“She’sgoneoutsomewhere.”
Hewentonintotheroomupstairswherehehadfoundherbefore.Lookingatanotherchild’sbook,hesupposed.Gettingexcitedagainaboutsomesillywordsthatasillychildhadunderlinedinredink.OnthetrailofMaryJordan,whoevershewas.MaryJordan,whohadn’tdiedanaturaldeath.Hecouldn’thelpwondering.Alongtimeago,presumably,thepeoplewho’dhadthehouseandsoldittothemhadbeennamedJones.Theyhadn’tbeenthereverylong,onlythreeorfouryears.No,thischildoftheRobertLouisStevensonbookdatedfromfurtherbackthanthat.Anyway,Tuppencewasn’thereinthisroom.Thereseemedtobenoloosebookslyingaboutwithsignsofhavinghadinterestshowninthem.
“Ah,wherethehellcanshebe?”saidThomas.
Hewentdownstairsagain,shoutingonceortwice.Therewasnoanswer.Heexaminedoneofthepegsinthehall.NosignsofTuppence’smackintosh.Thenshe’dgoneout.Wherehadshegone?AndwherewasHannibal?TommyvariedtheuseofhisvocalcordsandcalledoutforHannibal.
“Hannibal—Hannibal—Hanny-boy.Comeon,Hannibal.”
NoHannibal.
Well,atanyrate,she’sgotHannibalwithher,thoughtTommy.
Hedidn’tknowifitwasworseorbetterthatTuppenceshouldhaveHannibal.HannibalwouldcertainlyallownoharmtocometoTuppence.Thequestionwas,mightHannibaldosomedamagetootherpeople?Hewasfriendlywhentakenvisitingpeople,butpeoplewhowishedtovisitHannibal,toenteranyhouseinwhichhelived,werealwaysdefinitelysuspectinHannibal’smind.Hewasreadyatallriskstobothbarkandbiteifheconsidereditnecessary.Anyway,wherewaseverybody?
Hewalkedalittlewayalongthestreet,couldseenosignsofanysmallblackdogwithamedium-sizedwomaninabrightredmackintoshwalkinginthedistance.Finally,ratherangrily,hecamebacktothehouse.
Ratheranappetizingsmellmethim.Hewentquicklytothekitchen,whereTuppenceturnedfromthestoveandgavehimasmileofwelcome.
“You’reeversolate,”shesaid.“Thisisacasserole.Smellsrathergood,don’tyouthink?Iputsomeratherunusualthingsinitthistime.Thereweresomeherbsinthegarden,atleastIhopetheywereherbs.”
“Iftheyweren’therbs,”saidTommy,“IsupposetheywereDeadlyNightshade,orDigitalisleavespretendingtobesomethingelsebutreallyfoxglove.Whereonearthhaveyoubeen?”
“ItookHannibalforawalk.”
Hannibal,atthismoment,madehisownpresencefelt.HerushedatTommyandgavehimsucharapturouswelcomeasnearlytofellhimtotheground.Hannibalwasasmallblackdog,veryglossy,withinterestingtanpatchesonhisbehindandeachsideofhischeeks.HewasaManchesterterrierofverypurepedigreeandheconsideredhimselftobeonamuchhigherlevelofsophisticationandaristocracythananyotherdoghemet.
“Oh,goodgracious.Itookalookround.Where’veyoubeen?Itwasn’tveryniceweather.”
“No,itwasn’t.Itwasverysortoffoggyandmisty.Ah—I’mquitetired,too.”
“Wheredidyougo?Justdownthestreetfortheshops?”
“No,it’searlyclosingdayfortheshops.No…Ohno,Iwenttothecemetery.”
“Soundsgloomy,”saidTommy.“Whatdidyouwanttogotothecemeteryfor?”
“Iwenttolookatsomeofthegraves.”
“Itstillsoundsrathergloomy,”saidTommy.“DidHannibalenjoyhimself?”
“Well,IhadtoputHannibalonthelead.TherewassomethingthatlookedlikeavergerwhokeptcomingoutofthechurchandIthoughthewouldn’tlikeHannibalbecause—well,youneverknow,Hannibalmightn’tlikehimandIdidn’twanttoprejudicepeopleagainstusthemomentwe’darrived.”
“Whatdidyouwanttolookinthecemeteryfor?”
“Oh,toseewhatsortofpeoplewereburiedthere.Lotsofpeople,Imeanit’svery,veryfullup.Itgoesbackalongway.ItgoesbackwellintheeighteenhundredsandIthinkoneortwoolderthanthat,onlythestone’ssorubbedawayyoucan’treallysee.”
“Istilldon’tseewhyyouwantedtogotothecemetery.”
“Iwasmakingmyinvestigations,”saidTuppence.
“Investigationsaboutwhat?”
“IwantedtoseeiftherewereanyJordansburiedthere.”
“Goodgracious,”saidTommy.“Areyoustillonthat?Wereyoulookingfor—”
“Well,MaryJordandied.Weknowshedied.Weknowbecausewehadabookthatsaidshedidn’tdieanaturaldeath,butshe’dstillhavetobeburiedsomewhere,wouldn’tshe?”
“Undeniably,”saidTommy,“unlessshewasburiedinthisgarden.”
“Idon’tthinkthat’sverylikely,”saidTuppence,“becauseIthinkthatitwasonlythisboyorgirl—itmusthavebeenaboy,Ithink—ofcourseitwasaboy,hisnamewasAlexander—andheobviouslythoughthe’dbeenrathercleverinknowingthatshe’dnotdiedanaturaldeath.Butifhewastheonlypersonwho’dmadeuphismindaboutthatorwho’ddiscoveredit—well,Imean,nobodyelsehad,Isuppose.Imean,shejustdiedandwasburiedandnobodysaid….”
“Nobodysaidtherehadbeenfoulplay,”suggestedTommy.
“Thatsortofthing,yes.Poisonedorknockedontheheadorpushedoffaclifforrunoverbyacaror—oh,lotsofwaysIcanthinkof.”
“I’msureyoucan,”saidTommy.“Onlygoodthingaboutyou,Tuppence,isthatatleastyouhaveakindlyheart.Youwouldn’tputthemintoexecutionjustforfun.”
“Buttherewasn’tanyMaryJordaninthecemetery.Thereweren’tanyJordans.”
“Disappointingforyou,”saidTommy.“Isthatthingyou’recookingreadyyet,becauseI’mprettyhungry.Itsmellsrathergood.”
“It’sabsolutelydoneàpoint,”saidTuppence.“So,assoonasyou’vewashed,weeat.”
Four
LOTSOFPARKINSONS
“LotsofParkinsons,”saidTuppenceastheyate.“Alongwaybackbutanamazinglotofthem.Oldones,youngonesandmarriedones.BurstingwithParkinsons.AndCapes,andGriffinsandUnderwoodsandOverwoods.Curioustohavebothofthem,isn’tit?”
“IhadafriendcalledGeorgeUnderwood,”saidTommy.
“Yes,I’veknownUnderwoods,too.ButnotOverwoods.”
“Maleorfemale?”saidThomas,withslightinterest.
“Agirl,Ithinkitwas.RoseOverwood.”
“RoseOverwood,”saidTommy,listeningtothesoundofit.“Idon’tthinksomehowitgoesawfullywelltogether.”Headded,“Imustringupthoseelectriciansafterlunch.Beverycareful,Tuppence,oryou’llputyourfootthroughthelandingupstairs.”
“ThenIshallbeanaturaldeath,oranunnaturaldeath,oneofthetwo.”
“Acuriositydeath,”saidTommy.“Curiositykilledthecat.”
“Aren’tyouatallcurious?”askedTuppence.
“Ican’tseeanyearthlyreasonforbeingcurious.Whathavewegotforpudding?”
“Treacletart.”
“Well,Imustsay,Tuppence,itwasadeliciousmeal.”
“I’mverygladyoulikedit,”saidTuppence.
“Whatisthatparceloutsidethebackdoor?Isitthatwineweordered?”
“No,”saidTuppence,“it’sbulbs.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“bulbs.”
“Tulips,”saidTuppence.“I’llgoandtalktooldIsaacaboutthem.”
“Whereareyougoingtoputthem?”
“Ithinkalongthecentrepathinthegarden.”
“Pooroldfellow,helooksasifhemightdropdeadanyminute,”saidTommy.
“Notatall,”saidTuppence.“He’senormouslytough,isIsaac.I’vediscovered,youknow,thatgardenersarelikethat.Ifthey’reverygoodgardenerstheyseemtocometotheirprimewhenthey’reovereighty,butifyougetastrong,hefty-lookingyoungmanaboutthirty-fivewhosays,‘I’vealwayswantedtoworkinagarden,’youmaybequitesurethathe’sprobablynogoodatall.They’rejustpreparedtobrushupafewleavesnowandagainandanythingyouwantthemtodotheyalwayssayit’sthewrongtimeofyear,andasoneneverknowsoneselfwhentherighttimeofyearis,atleastIdon’t,wellthen,yousee,theyalwaysgetthebetterofyou.ButIsaac’swonderful.Heknowsabouteverything.”Tuppenceadded,“Thereoughttobesomecrocusesaswell.Iwonderifthey’reintheparcel,too.Well,I’llgooutandsee.It’shisdayforcomingandhe’lltellmeallaboutit.”
“Allright,”saidTommy,“I’llcomeoutandjoinyoupresently.”
TuppenceandIsaachadapleasantreunion.Thebulbswereunpacked,discussionswereheldastowherethingswouldshowtobestadvantage.Firsttheearlytulips,whichwereexpectedtorejoicetheheartattheendofFebruary,thenaconsiderationofthehandsomefringedparrottulips,andsometulipscalled,asfarasTuppencecouldmakeout,viridiflora,whichwouldbeexceptionallybeautifulwithlongstemsinthemonthofMayandearlyJune.Asthesewereofaninterestinggreenpastelcolour,theyagreedtoplantthemasacollectioninaquietpartofthegardenwheretheycouldbepickedandarrangedininterestingfloralarrangementsinthedrawingroom,orbytheshortapproachtothehousethroughthefrontgatewheretheywouldarouseenvyandjealousyamongcallers.Theymustevenrejoicetheartisticfeelingsoftradesmendeliveringjointsofmeatandcratesofgrocery.
Atfouro’clockTuppenceproducedabrownteapotfullofgoodstrongteainthekitchen,placedasugarbasinfulloflumpsofsugarandamilkjugbyit,andcalledIsaacintorefreshhimselfbeforedeparting.ShewentinsearchofTommy.
Isupposehe’sasleepsomewhere,thoughtTuppencetoherselfasshelookedfromoneroomintoanother.Shewasgladtoseeaheadstickinguponthelandingoutofthesinisterpitinthefloor.
“It’sallrightnow,ma’am,”saidtheelectrician,“noneedtobecarefulanymore.It’sallfixed.”Headdedthathewasstartingworkonadifferentportionofthehouseonthefollowingmorning.
“Idohope,”saidTuppence,“thatyouwillreallycome.”Sheadded,“HaveyouseenMr.Beresfordanywhere?”
“Aye,yourhusband,youmean?Yes,he’suponanupperfloor,Ithink.Droppingthings,hewas.Yes,ratherheavythings,too.Musthavebeensomebooks,Ithink.”
“Books!”saidTuppence.“WellInever!”
TheelectricianretreateddownintohisownpersonalunderworldinthepassageandTuppencewentuptotheatticconvertedtotheextrabooklibraryatpresentdevotedtochildren’sbooks.
Tommywassittingonthetopofapairofsteps.Severalbookswerearoundhimonthefloorandtherewerenoticeablegapsintheshelves.
“Sothereyouare,”saidTuppence,“afterpretendingyouweren’tinterestedoranything.You’vebeenlookingatlotsofbooks,haven’tyou?You’vedisarrangedalotofthethingsthatIputawaysoneatly.”
“Well,I’msorryaboutthat,”saidTommy,“but,wellIthoughtI’dperhapsjusthavealookround.”
“Didyoufindanyotherbooksthathavegotanyunderlinedthingsintheminredink?”
“No.Nothingelse.”
“Howannoying,”saidTuppence.
“IthinkitmusthavebeenAlexander’swork,MasterAlexanderParkinson,”saidTommy.
“That’sright,”saidTuppence.“OneoftheParkinsons,thenumerousParkinsons.”
“Well,Ithinkhemusthavebeenratheralazyboy,althoughofcourse,itmusthavebeenratherabotherdoingthatunderliningandall.Butthere’snomoreinformationreJordan,”saidTommy
“IaskedoldIsaac.Heknowsalotofpeopleroundhere.Hesayshedoesn’trememberanyJordans.”
“Whatareyoudoingwiththatbrasslampyou’vegotbythefrontdoor?”askedTommy,ashecamedownstairs.
“I’mtakingittotheWhiteElephantSale,”saidTuppence.
“Why?”
“Oh,becauseit’salwaysbeenathoroughnuisance.Weboughtitsomewhereabroad,didn’twe?”
“Yes,Ithinkwemusthavebeenmad.Youneverlikedit.Yousaidyouhatedit.Well,Iagree.Andit’sawfullyheavytoo,veryheavy.”
“ButMissSandersonwasterriblypleasedwhenIsaidthattheycouldhaveit.SheofferedtofetchitbutIsaidI’drunitdowntotheminthecar.It’stodaywetakethething.”
“I’llrundownwithitifyoulike.”
“No,I’dratherliketogo.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.“PerhapsI’dbettercomewithyouandjustcarryitinforyou.”
“Oh,IthinkI’llfindsomeonewho’llcarryitinforme,”saidTuppence.
“Well,youmightoryoumightnot.Don’tgoandstrainyourself.”
“Allright,”saidTuppence.
“You’vegotsomeotherreasonforwantingtogo,haven’tyou?”
“Well,IjustthoughtI’dliketochatabitwithpeople,”saidTuppence.
“Ineverknowwhatyou’reupto,Tuppence,butIknowthelookinyoureyewhenyouareuptosomething.”
“YoutakeHannibalforawalk,”saidTuppence.“Ican’ttakehimtotheWhiteElephantSale.Idon’twanttogetintoadog-fight.”
“Allright.Wanttogoforawalk,Hannibal?”
Hannibal,aswashishabit,immediatelyrepliedintheaffirmative.Hisaffirmativesandhisnegativeswerealwaysquiteimpossibletomiss.Hewriggledhisbody,waggedhistail,raisedonepaw,putitdownagainandcameandrubbedhisheadhardagainstTommy’sleg.
“That’sright,”heobviouslysaid,“that’swhatyouexistfor,mydearslave.We’regoingoutforalovelywalkdownthestreet.Lotsofsmells,Ihope.”
“Comeon,”saidTommy.“I’lltaketheleadwithme,anddon’trunintotheroadasyoudidthelasttime.Oneofthoseawfulgreat‘longvehicles’wasnearlytheendofyou.”
Hanniballookedathimwiththeexpressionof“I’malwaysaverygooddogwho’lldoexactlywhatIamtold.”Falseasthestatementwas,itoftensucceededindeceivingeventhosepeoplewhowereinclosestcontactwithHannibal.
Tommyputthebrasslampintothecar,murmuringitwasratherheavy.Tuppencedroveoffinthecar.Havingseenherturnthecorner,TommyattachedtheleadtoHannibal’scollarandtookhimdownthestreet.Thenheturnedupthelanetowardsthechurch,andremovedHannibal’sleadsinceverylittletrafficcameupthisparticularroad.Hannibalacknowledgedtheprivilegebygruntingandsniffinginvarioustuftsofgrasswithwhichthepavementnexttothewallwasadorned.Ifhecouldhaveusedhumanlanguageitwasclearthatwhathewouldhavesaidwas:“Delicious!Veryrich.Bigdoghere.Believeit’sthatbeastlyAlsatian.”Lowgrowl.“Idon’tlikeAlsatians.IfIseetheoneagainthatbitmeonceI’llbitehim.Ah!Delicious,delicious.Verynicelittlebitchhere.Yes—yes—I’dliketomeether.Iwonderifshelivesfaraway.Expectshecomesoutofthishouse.Iwondernow.”
“Comeoutofthatgate,now,”saidTommy.“Don’tgointoahousethatisn’tyours.”
Hannibalpretendednottohear.
“Hannibal!”
Hannibalredoubledhisspeedandturnedacornerwhichledtowardsthekitchen
“Hannibal!”shoutedTommy.“Doyouhearme?”
“Hearyou,Master?”saidHannibal.“Wereyoucallingme?Ohyes,ofcourse.”
Asharpbarkfrominsidethekitchencaughthisear.HescamperedouttojoinTommy.HannibalwalkedafewinchesbehindTommy’sheel.
“Goodboy,”saidTommy.
“Iamagoodboy,aren’tI?”saidHannibal.“Anymomentyouneedmetodefendyou,hereIamlessthanafootaway.”
Theyhadarrivedatasidegatewhichledintothechurchyard.Hannibal,whoinsomewayhadanextraordinaryknackofalteringhissizewhenhewantedto,insteadofappearingsomewhatbroad-shouldered,possiblyasomewhattooplumpdog,hecouldatanymomentmakehimselflikeathinblackthread.Henowsqueezedhimselfthroughthebarsofthegatewithnodifficultyatall.
“Comeback,Hannibal,”calledTommy.“Youcan’tgointothechurchyard.”
Hannibal’sanswertothat,iftherehadbeenany,wouldhavebeen,“Iaminthechurchyardalready,Master.”Hewasscamperinggailyroundthechurchyardwiththeairofadogwhohasbeenletoutinasingularlypleasantgarden.
“Youawfuldog!”saidTommy.
Heunlatchedthegate,walkedinandchasedHannibal,leadinhand.Hannibalwasnowatthefarcornerofthechurchyard,andseemedtohaveeveryintentionoftryingtogainaccessthroughthedoorofthechurch,whichwasslightlyajar.Tommy,however,reachedhimintimeandattachedthelead.Hanniballookedupwiththeairofonewhohadintendedthistohappenallalong.“Puttingmeonthelead,areyou?”hesaid.“Yes,ofcourse,Iknowit’sakindofprestige.ItshowsthatIamaveryvaluabledog.”Hewaggedhistail.SincethereseemednobodytoopposeHannibalwalkinginthechurchyardwithhismaster,suitablysecuredashewasbyastalwartlead,Tommywanderedround,checkingperhapsTuppence’sresearchesofaformerday.
Helookedfirstatawornstonemonumentmoreorlessbehindalittlesidedoorintothechurch.Itwas,hethought,probablyoneoftheoldest.Therewereseveralofthemthere,mostofthembearingdatesintheeighteen-hundreds.Therewasone,however,thatTommylookedatlongest.
“Odd,”hesaid,“damnedodd.”
Hanniballookedupathim.HedidnotunderstandthispieceofMaster’sconversation.Hesawnothingaboutthegravestonetointerestadog.Hesatdown,lookedupathismasterenquiringly.
Five
THEWHITEELEPHANTSALE
TuppencewaspleasurablysurprisedtofindthebrasslampwhichsheandTommynowregardedwithsuchrepulsionwelcomedwiththeutmostwarmth.
“Howverygoodofyou,Mrs.Beresford,tobringussomethingasniceasthat.Mostinteresting,mostinteresting.Isupposeitmusthavecomefromabroadonyourtravelsonce.”
“Yes.WeboughtitinEgypt,”saidTuppence.
Shewasquitedoubtfulbythistime,aperiodofeighttotenyearshavingpassed,astowhereshehadboughtit.ItmighthavebeenDamascus,shethought,anditmightequallywellhavebeenBaghdadorpossiblyTehran.ButEgypt,shethought,sinceEgyptwasdoubtlessinthenewsatthismoment,wouldbefarmoreinteresting.Besides,itlookedratherEgyptian.Clearly,ifshehadgotitfromanyothercountry,itdatedfromsomeperiodwhentheyhadbeencopyingEgyptianwork.
“Really,”shesaid,“it’sratherbigforourhouse,soIthought—”
“Oh,Ithinkreallyweoughttoraffleit,”saidMissLittle.
MissLittlewasmoreorlessinchargeofthings.Herlocalnicknamewas“TheParishPump,”mainlybecauseshewassowellinformedaboutallthingsthathappenedintheparish.Hersurnamewasmisleading.Shewasalargewomanofampleproportions.HerChristiannamewasDorothy,butshewasalwayscalledDotty.
“Ihopeyou’recomingtothesale,Mrs.Beresford?”
Tuppenceassuredherthatshewascoming.
“Icanhardlywaittobuy,”shesaidchattily.
“Oh,I’msogladyoufeellikethat.”
“Ithinkit’saverygoodthing,”saidTuppence.“Imean,theWhiteElephantidea,becauseit’s—well,itissotrue,isn’tit?Imean,what’soneperson’swhiteelephantissomebodyelse’spearlbeyondprice.”
“Ah,reallywemusttellthattothevicar,”saidMissPrice-Ridley,anangularladywithalotofteeth.“Ohyes,I’msurehewouldbeverymuchamused.”
“Thatpapier-machébasin,forinstance,”saidTuppence,raisingthisparticulartrophyup.
“Ohreally,doyouthinkanyonewillbuythat?”
“Ishallbuyitmyselfifit’sforsalewhenIcomeheretomorrow,”saidTuppence.
“Butnowadays,theyhavesuchprettyplasticwashing-upbowls.”
“I’mnotveryfondofplastic,”saidTuppence.“That’sareallygoodpapier-machébowlthatyou’vegotthere.Imeanifyouputthingsdowninthat,lotsofchinatogether,theywouldn’tbreak.Andthere’sanold-fashionedtinopenertoo.Thekindwithabull’sheadthatoneneverseesnowadays.”
“Oh,butit’ssuchhardwork,that.Don’tyouthinktheonesthatyouputonanelectricthingaremuchbetter?”
ConversationontheselineswentonforashorttimeandthenTuppenceaskediftherewereanyservicesthatshecouldrender.
“Ah,dearMrs.Beresford,perhapsyouwouldarrangethecuriostall.I’msureyou’reveryartistic.”
“Notreallyartisticatall,”saidTuppence,“butIwouldlovetoarrangethestallforyou.YoumusttellmeifI’mdoingitwrong,”sheadded.
“Oh,it’ssonicetohavesomeextrahelp.Wearesopleasedtomeetyou,too.Isupposeyou’renearlysettledintoyourhousebynow?”
“Ithoughtweshouldbesettledbynow,”saidTuppence,“butitseemsasthoughthere’salongtimetogostill.It’ssoveryhardwithelectriciansandthencarpentersandpeople.They’realwayscomingback.”
AslightdisputearosewithpeoplenearhersupportingtheclaimsofelectriciansandtheGasBoard.
“Gaspeoplearetheworst,”saidMissLittle,withfirmness,“because,yousee,theycomeallthewayoverfromLowerStamford.TheelectricitypeopleonlyhavetocomefromWellbank.”
Thearrivalofthevicartosayafewwordsofencouragementandgoodcheertothehelperschangedthesubject.Healsoexpressedhimselfverypleasedtomeethisnewparishioner,Mrs.Beresford.
“Weknowallaboutyou,”hesaid.“Ohyesindeed.Andyourhusband.AmostinterestingtalkIhadtheotherdayaboutyouboth.Whataninterestinglifeyoumusthavehad.Idaresayit’snotsupposedtobespokenof,soIwon’t.Imean,inthelastwar.Awonderfulperformanceonyourandyourhusband’spart.”
“Oh,dotellus,Vicar,”saidoneoftheladies,detachingherselffromthestallwhereshewassettingupjarsofjam.
“Iwastoldinstrictconfidence,”saidthevicar.“IthinkIsawyouwalkingroundthechurchyardyesterday,Mrs.Beresford.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.“Ilookedintothechurchfirst.Iseeyouhaveoneortwoveryattractivewindows.”
“Yes,yes,theydatebacktothefourteenthcentury.Thatis,theoneinthenorthaisledoes.ButofcoursemostofthemareVictorian.”
“Walkingroundthechurchyard,”saidTuppence,“itseemedtometherewereagreatmanyParkinsonsburiedthere.”
“Yes,yes,indeed.There’vealwaysbeenbigcontingentsofParkinsonsinthispartoftheworld,thoughofcourseIdon’trememberanyofthemmyself,butyoudo,Ithink,Mrs.Lupton.”
Mrs.Lupton,anelderlyladywhowassupportingherselfontwosticks,lookedpleased.
“Yes,yes,”shesaid.“IrememberwhenMrs.Parkinsonwasalive—youknow,oldMrs.Parkinson,theMrs.ParkinsonwholivedintheManorHouse,wonderfuloldladyshewas.Quitewonderful.”
“AndthereweresomeSomersIsaw,andtheChattertons.”
“Ah,Iseeyou’regettingupwellwithourlocalgeographyofthepast.”
“IthinkIheardsomethingaboutaJordan—AnnieorMaryJordan,wasit?”
Tuppencelookedroundherinanenquiringfashion.ThenameofJordanseemedtocausenoparticularinterest.
“SomebodyhadacookcalledJordan.Ithink,Mrs.Blackwell.SusanJordanIthinkitwas.Sheonlystayedsixmonths,Ithink.Quiteunsatisfactoryinmanyways.”
“Wasthatalongtimeago?”
“Ohno.JustabouteightortenyearsagoIthink.Notmorethanthat.”
“ArethereanyParkinsonslivingherenow?”
“Ohno.They’reallgonelongago.OneofthemmarriedafirstcousinandwenttoliveinKenya,Ibelieve.”
“Iwonder,”saidTuppence,managingtoattachherselftoMrs.Lupton,whosheknewhadsomethingtodowiththelocalchildren’shospital,“Iwonderifyouwantanyextrachildren’sbooks.They’realloldones,Imean.Igottheminanoddlotwhenwewerebiddingforsomeofthefurniturethatwasforsaleinourhouse.”
“Well,that’sverykindofyou,I’msure,Mrs.Beresford.Ofcoursewedohavesomeverygoodones,giventousyouknow.Specialeditionsforchildrennowadays.Onedoesfeelit’sapitytheyshouldhavetoreadallthoseold-fashionedbooks.”
“Oh,doyouthinkso?”saidTuppence.“IlovedthebooksthatIhadasachild.Someofthem,”shesaid,“hadbeenmygrandmother’swhenshewasachild.IbelieveIlikedthosebestofall.IshallneverforgetreadingTreasureIsland,Mrs.Molesworth’sFourWindsFarmandsomeofStanleyWeyman’s.”
Shelookedroundherenquiringly—then,resigningherself,shelookedatherwristwatch,exclaimedatfindinghowlateitwasandtookherleave.
II
Tuppence,havinggothome,putthecarawayinthegarageandwalkedroundthehousetothefrontdoor.Thedoorwasopen,soshewalkedin.Albertthencamefromthebackpremisesandbowedtogreether.
“Likesometea,madam?Youmustbeverytired.”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidTuppence.“I’vehadtea.TheygavemeteadownattheInstitute.Quitegoodcake,butverynastybuns.”
“Bunsisdifficult.Bunsisnearlyasdifficultasdoughnuts.Ah,”hesighed.“LovelydoughnutsAmyusedtomake.”
“Iknow.Nobody’swerelikethem,”saidTuppence.
AmyhadbeenAlbert’swife,nowsomeyearsdeceased.InTuppence’sopinion,Amyhadmadewonderfultreacletartbuthadneverbeenverygoodwithdoughnuts.
“Ithinkdoughnutsaredreadfullydifficult,”saidTuppence,“I’veneverbeenabletodothemmyself.”
“Well,it’saknack.”
“Where’sMr.Beresford?Isheout?”
“Ohno,he’supstairs.Inthatroom.Youknow.Thebookroomorwhateveryouliketocallit.Ican’tgetoutofthewayofcallingittheatticstill,myself.”
“What’shedoingupthere?”saidTuppence,slightlysurprised.
“Well,he’sstilllookingatthebooks,Ithink.Isupposehe’sstillarrangingthem,gettingthemfinishedasyoumightsay.”
“Stillseemstomeverysurprising,”saidTuppence.“He’sreallybeenveryrudetousaboutthosebooks.”
“Ahwell,”saidAlbert,“gentlemenarelikethat,aren’tthey?Theylikesbigbooksmostly,youknow,don’tthey?Somethingscientificthattheycangettheirteethinto.”
“Ishallgoupandrouthimout,”saidTuppence.“Where’sHannibal?”
“Ithinkhe’suptherewiththemaster.”
ButatthatmomentHannibalmadehisappearance.Havingbarkedwiththeferociousfuryheconsiderednecessaryforagoodguarddog,hehadcorrectlyassumedthatitwashisbelovedmistresswhohadreturnedandnotsomeonewhohadcometostealtheteaspoonsortoassaulthismasterandmistress.Hecamewrigglingdownthestairs,hispinktonguehangingout,histailwagging.
“Ah,”saidTuppence,“pleasedtoseeyourmother?”
Hannibalsaidhewasverypleasedtoseehismother.Heleaptuponherwithsuchforcethathenearlyknockedhertotheground.
“Gently,”saidTuppence,“gently.Youdon’twanttokillme,doyou?”
Hannibalmadeitclearthattheonlythinghewantedtodowastoeatherbecausehelovedhersomuch.
“Where’sMaster?Where’sFather?Isheupstairs?”
Hannibalunderstood.Heranupaflight,turnedhisheadoverhisshoulderandwaitedforTuppencetojoinhim.
“Well,Inever,”saidTuppenceas,slightlyoutofbreath,sheenteredthebookroomtoseeTommyastrideapairofsteps,takingbooksinandout.“Whateverareyoudoing?IthoughtyouweregoingtotakeHannibalforawalk.”
“Wehavebeenforawalk,”saidTommy.“Wewenttothechurchyard.”
“WhyonearthdidyoutakeHannibalintothechurchyard?I’msuretheywouldn’tlikedogsthere.”
“Hewasonthelead,”saidTommy,“andanywayIdidn’ttakehim.Hetookme.Heseemedtolikethechurchyard.”
“Ihopehehasn’tgotathingaboutit,”saidTuppence.“YouknowwhatHannibalislike.Helikesarrangingaroutinealways.Ifhe’sgoingtohavearoutineofgoingtothechurchyardeveryday,itwillreallybeverydifficultforus.”
“He’sreallybeenveryintelligentaboutthewholething,”saidTommy.
“Whenyousayintelligent,youjustmeanhe’sself-willed,”saidTuppence.
Hannibalturnedhisheadandcameandrubbedhisnoseagainstthecalfofherleg.
“He’stellingyou,”saidTommy,“thatheisaverycleverdog.ClevererthanyouorIhavebeensofar.”
“Andwhatdoyoumeanbythat?”askedTuppence.
“Haveyoubeenenjoyingyourself?”askedTommy,changingthesubject.
“Well,Iwouldn’tgoasfarasthat,”saidTuppence.“PeoplewereverykindtomeandnicetomeandIthinksoonIshan’tgetthemmixedupsomuchasIdoatpresent.It’sawfullydifficultatfirst,youknow,becausepeoplelookratheralikeandwearthesamesortofclothesandyoudon’tknowatfirstwhichiswhich.Imean,unlesssomebodyisverybeautifulorveryugly.Andthatdoesn’tseemtohappensonoticeablyinthecountry,doesit?”
“I’mtellingyou,”saidTommy,“thatHannibalandIhavebeenextremelyclever.”
“IthoughtyousaiditwasHannibal?”
Tommyreachedouthishandandtookabookfromtheshelfinfrontofhim.
“Kidnapped,”heremarked.“Ohyes,anotherRobertLouisStevenson.SomebodymusthavebeenveryfondofRobertLouisStevenson.TheBlackArrow,Kidnapped,Catrionaandtwoothers,Ithink.AllgiventoAlexanderParkinsonbyafondgrandmotherandonefromagenerousaunt.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“whataboutit?”
“AndI’vefoundhisgrave,”saidTommy.
“Foundwhat?”
“Well,Hannibaldid.It’srightinthecorneragainstoneofthesmalldoorsintothechurch.Isupposeit’stheotherdoortothevestry,somethinglikethat.It’sveryrubbedandnotwellkeptup,butthat’sit.Hewasfourteenwhenhedied.AlexanderRichardParkinson.Hannibalwasnosingaboutthere.Igothimawayfromitandmanagedtomakeouttheinscription,inspiteofitsbeingsorubbed.”
“Fourteen,”saidTuppence.“Poorlittleboy.”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“it’ssadand—”
“You’vegotsomethinginyourhead,”saidTuppence.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Well,Iwondered.Isuppose,Tuppence,you’veinfectedme.That’stheworstofyou.Whenyougetkeenonsomething,youdon’tgoonwithitbyyourself,yougetsomebodyelsetotakeaninterestinittoo.”
“Idon’tquiteknowwhatyoumean,”saidTuppence.
“Iwonderedifitwasacaseofcauseandeffect.”
“Whatdoyoumean,Tommy?”
“IwaswonderingaboutAlexanderParkinsonwhotookalotoftrouble,thoughnodoubtheenjoyedhimselfdoingit,makingakindofcode,asecretmessageinabook.‘MaryJordandidnotdienaturally.’Supposingthatwastrue?SupposingMaryJordan,whoevershewas,didn’tdienaturally?Wellthen,don’tyousee,perhapsthenextthingthathappenedwasthatAlexanderParkinsondied.”
“Youdon’tmean—youdon’tthink—”
“Well,onewonders,”saidTommy.“Itstartedmewondering—fourteenyearsold.Therewasnomentionofwhathediedof.Isupposetherewouldn’tbeonagravestone.Therewasjustatext:Inthypresenceisthefullnessofjoy.Somethinglikethat.But—itmighthavebeenbecauseheknewsomethingthatwasdangeroustosomebodyelse.Andso—andsohedied.”
“Youmeanhewaskilled?You’rejustimaginingthings,”saidTuppence.
“Wellyoustartedit.Imaginingthings,orwondering.It’smuchthesamething,isn’tit?”
“Weshallgoonwondering,Isuppose,”saidTuppence,“andweshan’tbeabletofindoutanythingbecauseitwasallsuchyearsandyearsandyearsago.”
Theylookedateachother.
“RoundaboutthetimeweweretryingtoinvestigatetheJaneFinnbusiness,”saidTommy.
Thelookedateachotheragain;theirmindsgoingbacktothepast.
Six
PROBLEMS
Movinghouseisoftenthoughtofbeforehandasanagreeableexercisewhichthemoversaregoingtoenjoy,butitdoesnotalwaysturnoutasexpected.
Relationshavetobereopenedoradjustedwithelectricians,withbuilders,withcarpenters,withpainters,withwallpaperers,withprovidersofrefrigerators,gasstoves,electricappliances,withupholsterers,makersofcurtains,hangers-upofcurtains,thosewholaylinoleum,thosewhosupplycarpets.Everydayhasnotonlyitsappointedtaskbutusuallysomethingbetweenfourandtwelveextracallers,eitherlongexpectedorthosewhosecomingwasquiteforgotten.
ButthereweremomentswhenTuppencewithsighsofreliefannouncedvariousfinalitiesindifferentfields.
“Ireallythinkourkitchenisalmostperfectbynow,”shesaid.“OnlyIcan’tfindtheproperkindofflourbinyet.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“doesitmatterverymuch?”
“Well,itdoesrather.Imean,youbuyflourveryofteninthree-poundbagsanditwon’tgointothesekindsofcontainers.They’reallsodainty.Youknow,onehasaprettyroseonitandtheother’sgotasunflowerandthey’llnottakemorethanapound.It’sallsosilly.”
Atintervals,Tuppencemadeothersuggestions.
“TheLaurels,”shesaid.“Sillynameforahouse,Ithink.Idon’tseewhyit’scalledTheLaurels.Ithasn’tgotanylaurels.TheycouldhavecalleditThePlaneTreesmuchbetter.Planetreesareverynice,”saidTuppence.
“BeforeTheLaurelsitwascalledLongScofield,sotheytoldme,”saidTommy.
“Thatnamedoesn’tseemtomeananythingeither,”saidTuppence.
“WhatisaScofield,andwholivedinitthen?”
“IthinkitwastheWaddingtons.”
“Onegetssomixed,”saidTuppence.“WaddingtonsandthentheJoneses,thepeoplewhosoldittous.AndbeforethattheBlackmores?Andonce,IsupposetheParkinsons.LotsofParkinsons.I’malwaysrunningintomoreParkinsons.”
“Whatwaydoyoumean?”
“Well,Isupposeit’sthatI’malwaysasking,”saidTuppence.“Imean,ifIcouldfindoutsomethingabouttheParkinsons,wecouldgetonwithour—well,withourproblem.”
“That’swhatonealwaysseemstocalleverythingnowadays.TheproblemofMaryJordan,isthatit?”
“Well,it’snotjustthat.There’stheproblemoftheParkinsonsandtheproblemofMaryJordanandtheremustbealotofotherproblemstoo.MaryJordandidn’tdienaturally,thenthenextthingthemessagesaidwas,‘Itwasoneofus.’NowdidthatmeanoneoftheParkinsonfamilyordiditmeanjustsomeonewholivedinthehouse?SaythereweretwoorthreeParkinsons,andsomeolderParkinsons,andpeoplewithdifferentnamesbutwhowereauntstotheParkinsonsornephewsandniecestotheParkinsons,andIsupposesomethinglikeahousemaidandaparlourmaidandacookandperhapsagovernessandperhaps—well,notanaupairgirl,itwouldbetoolongagoforanaupairgirl—but‘oneofus’mustmeanahouseholdful.Householdswerefullerthenthantheyarenow.Well,MaryJordancouldhavebeenahousemaidoraparlourmaidoreventhecook.Andwhyshouldsomeonewanthertodie,andnotdienaturally?Imean,somebodymusthavewantedhertodieorelseherdeathwouldhavebeennatural,wouldn’tit?—I’mgoingtoanothercoffeemorningthedayaftertomorrow,”saidTuppence.
“Youseemtobealwaysgoingtocoffeemornings.”
“Well,it’saverygoodwayofgettingtoknowone’sneighboursandallthepeoplewholiveinthesamevillage.Afterall,it’snotverybig,thisvillage.Andpeoplearealwaystalkingabouttheiroldauntsorpeopletheyknew.IshalltryandstartonMrs.Griffin,whowasevidentlyagreatcharacterintheneighbourhood.Ishouldsaysheruledeveryonewitharodofiron.Youknow.ShebulliedthevicarandshebulliedthedoctorandIthinkshebulliedthedistrictnurseandalltherestofit.”
“Wouldn’tthedistrictnursebehelpful?”
“Idon’tthinkso.She’sdead.Imean,theonewhowouldhavebeenhereintheParkinsons’timeisdead,andtheonewhoisherenowhasn’tbeenhereverylong.Nosortofinterestintheplace.Idon’tthinksheevenknewaParkinson.”
“Iwish,”saidTommydesperately,“oh,howIwishthatwecouldforgetalltheParkinsons.”
“Youmean,thenweshouldn’thaveaproblem?”
“Ohdear,”saidTommy.“Problemsagain.”
“It’sBeatrice,”saidTuppence.
“What’sBeatrice?”
“Whointroducedproblems.Really,it’sElizabeth.ThecleaninghelpwehadbeforeBeatrice.Shewasalwayscomingtomeandsaying,‘Ohmadam,couldIspeaktoyouaminute?Yousee,I’vegotaproblem,’andthenBeatricebegancomingonThursdaysandshemusthavecaughtit,Isuppose.Soshehadproblemstoo.It’sjustawayofsayingsomething—butyoualwayscallitaproblem.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.“We’lladmitthat’sso.You’vegotaproblem—I’vegotaproblem—We’vebothgotproblems.”
Hesighed,anddeparted.
Tuppencecamedownthestairsslowly,shakingherhead.Hannibalcameuptoherhopefully,wagginghistailandwrigglinginhopesoffavourstocome.
“No,Hannibal,”saidTuppence.“You’vehadawalk.You’vehadyourmorningwalk.”
Hannibalintimatedthatshewasquitemistaken,hehadn’thadawalk.
“YouareoneoftheworstliarsamongdogsIhaveeverknown,”saidTuppence.“You’vebeenforawalkwithFather.”
Hannibalmadehissecondattempt,whichwastoendeavourtoshowbyvariousattitudesthatanydogwouldhaveasecondwalkifonlyhehadanownerwhocouldseethingsinthatlight.Disappointedinthiseffort,hewentdownthestairsandproceededtobarkloudlyandmakeeverypretenceofbeingabouttomakeasharpsnapbiteatatousled-hairedgirlwhowaswieldingaHoover.HedidnotliketheHoover,andheobjectedtoTuppencehavingalengthyconversationwithBeatrice.
“Oh,don’tlethimbiteme,”saidBeatrice.
“Hewon’tbiteyou,”saidTuppence.“Heonlypretendshe’sgoingto.”
“Well,Ithinkhe’llreallydoitoneday,”saidBeatrice.“Bytheway,madam,IwonderifIcouldspeaktoyouforamoment.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence.“Youmean—”
“Well,yousee,madam,I’vegotaproblem.”
“Ithoughtthatwasit,”saidTuppence.“Whatsortofproblemisit?And,bytheway,doyouknowanyfamilyhereoranyonewholivedhereatonetimecalledJordan?”
“Jordannow.Well,Ican’treallysay.TherewastheJohnsons,ofcourse,andtherewas—ahyes,oneoftheconstableswasaJohnson.Andsowasoneofthepostmen.GeorgeJohnson.Hewasafriendofmine.”Shegiggled.
“YouneverheardofaMaryJordanwhodied?”
Beatricemerelylookedbewildered—andsheshookherheadandwentbacktotheassault.
“Aboutthisproblem,madam?”
“Ohyes,yourproblem.”
“Ihopeyoudon’tmindmyaskingyou,madam,butit’sputmeinaqueerposition,yousee,andIdon’tlike—”
“Well,ifyoucantellmequickly,”saidTuppence.“I’vegottogoouttoacoffeemorning.”
“Ohyes.AtMrs.Barber’sisn’tit?”
“That’sright,”saidTuppence.“Nowwhat’stheproblem?”
“Well,it’sacoat.Eversuchanicecoatitwas.AtSimmondsitwas,andIwentinandtrieditonanditseemedtomeverynice,itdid.Well,therewasonelittlespotontheskirt,youknow,justroundnearthehembutthatdidn’tseemtomewouldmattermuch.Anyway,well,it—er—”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“itwhat?”
“Itmademeseewhyitwassoinexpensive,yousee.SoIgotit.Andsothatwasallright.ButwhenIgothomeIfoundtherewasalabelonitandinsteadofsaying￡3.70itwaslabelled￡6.Well,ma’am,Ididn’tliketodothat,soIdidn’tknowwhattodo.IwentbacktotheshopandItookthecoatwithme—IthoughtI’dbettertakeitbackandexplain,yousee,thatIhadn’tmeanttotakeitawaylikethatandthenyouseethegirlwhosoldittome—verynicegirlsheis,hernameisGladys,yes,Idon’tknowwhatherothernameis—butanywayshewaseversoupset,shewas,andIsaid,‘Well,that’sallright,I’llpayextra,’andshesaid,‘No,youcan’tdothatbecauseit’sallenteredup.’Yousee—youdoseewhatImean?”
“Yes,IthinkIseewhatyoumean,”saidTuppence.
“Andsoshesaid,‘Ohyoucan’tdothat,itwillgetmeintotrouble.’”
“Whyshoulditgetherintotrouble?”
“Well,that’swhatIfelt.Imeantosay,well,Imeanit’dbeensoldtomeforlessandI’dbroughtitbackandIdidn’tseewhyitcouldputherintrouble.Shesaidiftherewasanycarelessnesslikethatandtheyhadn’tnoticedtherightticketandthey’dchargedmethewrongprice,aslikelyasnotshe’dgetthesackforit.”
“Oh,Ishouldn’tthinkthatwouldhappen,”saidTuppence.“Ithinkyouwerequiteright.Idon’tseewhatelseyoucoulddo.”
“Well,butthereitis,yousee.Shemadesuchafussandshewasbeginningtocryandeverything,soItookthecoatawayagainandnowIdon’tknowwhetherI’vecheatedtheshoporwhether—Idon’treallyknowwhattodo.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“IreallythinkI’mtoooldtoknowwhatoneoughttodonowadaysbecauseeverythingissooddinshops.Thepricesareoddandeverythingisdifficult.ButifIwereyouandyouwanttopaysomethingextra,wellperhapsyou’dbettergivethemoneytowhat’s-her-name—Gladyssomething.Shecanputthemoneyinthetillorsomewhere.”
“Ohwell,Idon’tknowasI’dliketodothatbecauseshemightkeepit,yousee.Imean,ifshekeptthemoney,ohwell,Imeanitwouldn’tbedifficultwouldit,becauseIsupposeI’vestolenthemoneyandIwouldn’thavestolenitreally.ImeanthenitwouldhavebeenGladyswhostoleit,wouldn’tit,andIdon’tknowthatItrustherallthatmuch.Ohdear.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“lifeisverydifficult,isn’tit?I’mterriblysorry,Beatrice,butIreallythinkyou’vegottomakeupyourownmindaboutthis.Ifyoucan’ttrustyourfriend—”
“Oh,she’snotexactlyafriend.Ionlybuythingsthere.Andshe’seversonicetotalkto.ButImean,well,she’snotexactlyafriend,youknow.Ithinkshehadalittletroubleoncebeforethelastplaceshewasin.Youknow,theysaidshekeptbackmoneyonsomethingshe’dsold.”
“Wellinthatcase,”saidTuppence,inslightdesperation,“Ishouldn’tdoanything.”
ThefirmnessofhertonewassuchthatHannibalcameintotheconsultation.HebarkedloudlyatBeatriceandtookarunningleapattheHooverwhichheconsideredoneofhisprincipalenemies.“Idon’ttrustthatHoover,”saidHannibal.“I’dliketobiteitup.”
“Oh,bequiet,Hannibal.Stopbarking.Don’tbiteanythingoranyone,”saidTuppence.“I’mgoingtobeawfullylate.”
Sherushedoutofthehouse.
II
“Problems,”saidTuppence,asshewentdownthehillandalongOrchardRoad.Goingalongthere,shewonderedasshe’ddonebeforeifthere’deverbeenanorchardattachedtoanyofthehouses.Itseemedunlikelynowadays.
Mrs.Barberreceivedherwithgreatpleasure.Shebroughtforwardsomeverydelicious-lookingéclairs.
“Whatlovelythings,”saidTuppence.“DidyougetthematBetterby’s?”
Betterby’swasthelocalconfectioneryshop.
“Ohno,myauntmadethem.She’swonderful,youknow.Shedoeswonderfulthings.”
“éclairsareverydifficultthingstomake,”saidTuppence.“Icouldneversucceedwiththem.”
“Well,youhavetogetaparticularkindofflour.Ibelievethat’sthesecretofit.”
Theladiesdrankcoffeeandtalkedaboutthedifficultiesofcertainkindsofhomecookery.
“MissBollandwastalkingaboutyoutheotherday,Mrs.Beresford.”
“Oh?”saidTuppence.“Really?Bolland?”
“Shelivesnexttothevicarage.Herfamilyhaslivedherealongtime.Shewastellingushowshe’dcomeandstayedherewhenshewasachild.Sheusedtolookforwardtoit.Shesaid,becausethereweresuchwonderfulgooseberriesinthegarden.Andgreengagetreestoo.Nowthat’sathingyoupracticallyneverseenowadays,notrealgreengages.Somethingelsecalledgageplumsorsomething,butthey’renotabitthesametotaste.”
Theladiestalkedaboutthingsinthefruitlinewhichdidnottastelikethethingsusedto,whichtheyrememberedfromtheirchildhood.
“Mygreat-unclehadgreengagetrees,”saidTuppence.
“Ohyes.IsthattheonewhowasacanonatAnchester?CanonHendersonusedtolivethere,withhissister,Ibelieve.Verysaditwas.Shewaseatingseedcakeoneday,youknow,andoneoftheseedsgotthewrongway.Somethinglikethatandshechokedandshechokedandshechokedandshediedofit.Ohdear,that’sverysad,isn’tit?”saidMrs.Barber.“Verysadindeed.Oneofmycousinsdiedchoking,”shesaid.“Apieceofmutton.It’sveryeasytodo,Ibelieve,andtherearepeoplewhodieofhiccupsbecausetheycan’tstop,youknow.Theydon’tknowtheoldrhyme,”sheexplained.“Hic-up,hic-down,hictothenexttown,threehicsandonecupsuretocurethehiccups.Youhavetoholdyourbreathwhileyousayit.”
Seven
MOREPROBLEMS
“CanIspeaktoyouamoment,ma’am?”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence.“Notmoreproblems?”
Shewasdescendingthestairsfromthebookroom,brushingdustoffherselfbecauseshewasdressedinherbestcoatandskirt,towhichshewasthinkingofaddingafeatherhatandthenproceedingouttoateashehadbeenaskedtoattendbyanewfriendshehadmetattheWhiteElephantSale.Itwasnomoment,shefelt,tolistentothefurtherdifficultiesofBeatrice.
“Well,no,no,it’snotexactlyaproblem.It’sjustsomethingIthoughtyoumightliketoknowabout.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence,stillfeelingthatthismightbeanotherproblemindisguise.Shecamedowncarefully.“I’minratherahurrybecauseIhavetogoouttotea.”
“Well,it’sjustaboutsomeoneasyouaskedabout,itseems.NameofMaryJordan,thatwasright?OnlytheythoughtperhapsitwasMaryJohnson.Youknow,therewasaBelindaJohnsonasworkedatthepostoffice,butagoodlongtimeago.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“andtherewasapolicemancalledJohnson,too,sosomeonetoldme.”
“Yes,well,anyway,thisfriendofmine—Gwenda,hernameis—youknowtheshop,thepostofficeisonesideandenvelopesanddirtycardsandthingstheotherside,andsomechinathingstoo,beforeChristmas,yousee,and—”
“Iknow,”saidTuppence,“it’scalledMrs.Garrison’sorsomethinglikethat.”
“Yes,butitisn’treallyGarrisonnowadaysaskeepit.Quiteadifferentname.Butanyway,thisfriendofmine,Gwenda,shethoughtyoumightbeinterestedtoknowbecauseshesaysasshehadheardofaMaryJordanwhatlivedherealongtimeago.Averylongtimeago.Livedhere,inthishouseImean.”
“Oh,livedinTheLaurels?”
“Well,itwasn’tcalledthatthen.Andshe’dheardsomethingabouther,shesaid.Andsoshethoughtyoumightbeinterested.Therewassomerathersadstoryabouther,shehadanaccidentorsomething.Anywayshedied.”
“Youmeanthatshewaslivinginthishousewhenshedied?Wassheoneofthefamily?”
“No.IthinkthefamilywascalledParker,anameofthatkind.AlotofParkerstherewere,ParkersorParkinsons—somethinglikethat.Ithinkshewasjuststayinghere.IbelieveMrs.Griffinknowsaboutit.DoyouknowMrs.Griffin?”
“Oh,veryslightly,”saidTuppence.“Matteroffact,that’swhereI’mgoingtoteathisafternoon.ItalkedtohertheotherdayattheSale.Ihadn’tmetherbefore.”
“She’saveryoldlady.She’solderthanshelooks,butIthinkshe’sgotaverygoodmemory.IbelieveoneoftheParkinsonboyswashergodson.”
“WhatwashisChristianname?”
“Oh,itwasAlec,Ithink.Somenamelikethat.AlecorAlex.”
“Whathappenedtohim?Didhegrowup—goaway—becomeasoldierorsailororsomethinglikethat?”
“Ohno.Hedied.Ohyes,Ithinkhe’sburiedrighthere.It’soneofthosethings,Ithink,aspeopleusedn’ttoknowmuchabout.It’soneofthosethingswithanamelikeaChristianname.”
“Youmeansomebody’sdisease?”
“Hodgkin’sDisease,orsomething.No,itwasaChristiannameofsomekind.Idon’tknow,buttheysayasyourbloodgrowsthewrongcolourorsomething.NowadaysIbelievetheytakebloodawayfromyouandgiveyousomegoodbloodagain,orsomethinglikethat.Buteventhenyouusuallydie,theysay.Mrs.Billings—thecakeshop,youknow—shehadalittlegirldiedofthatandshewasonlyseven.Theysayittakesthemveryyoung.”
“Leukaemia?”
“Ohnow,fancyyouknowing.Yes,itwasthatname,I’msure.Buttheysaynowasonedaythere’llmaybebeacureforit,youknow.Justlikenowadaystheygiveyouinoculationsandthingstocureyoufromtyphoid,orwhateveritis.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“that’sveryinteresting.Poorlittleboy.”
“Oh,hewasn’tveryyoung.Hewasatschoolsomewhere,Ithink.Musthavebeenaboutthirteenorfourteen.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“it’sallverysad.”Shepaused,thensaid,“Ohdear,I’mverylatenow.Imusthurryoff.”
“IdaresayMrs.Griffincouldtellyouafewthings.Idon’tmeanthingsasshe’drememberherself,butshewasbroughtuphereasachildandsheheardalotofthings,andshetellspeoplealotsometimesaboutthefamiliesthatwereherebefore.Someofthethingsarerealscandalous,too.Youknow,goings-onandallthat.Thatwas,ofcourse,inwhattheycallEdwardiantimesorVictoriantimes.Idon’tknowwhich.Youknow.IshouldthinkitwasVictorianbecauseshewasstillalive,theoldQueen.Sothat’sVictorian,really.TheytalkaboutitasEdwardianandsomethingcalled‘theMarlboroughHouseset.’Sortofhighsociety,wasn’tit?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“yes.Highsociety.”
“Andgoings-on,”saidBeatrice,withsomefervour.
“Agoodmanygoings-on,”saidTuppence.
“Younggirlsdoingwhattheyshouldn’tdo,”saidBeatrice,loathtopartwithhermistressjustwhensomethinginterestingmightbesaid.
“No,”saidTuppence,“Ibelievethegirlsledvery—well,pureandausterelivesandtheymarriedyoung,thoughoftenintothepeerage.”
“Ohdear,”saidBeatrice,“howniceforthem.Lotsoffineclothes,Isuppose,racemeetingsandgoingtodancesandballrooms.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“lotsofballrooms.”
“Well,Iknewsomeoneonce,andhergrandmotherhadbeenahousemaidinoneofthosesmarthouses,youknow,astheyallcameto,andthePrinceofWales—thePrinceofWalesaswasthen,youknow,hewasEdwardVIIafterwards,thatone,theearlyone—wellhewasthereandhewaseversonice.Eversonicetoalltheservantsandeverythingelse.Andwhensheleftshetookawaythecakeofsoapthathe’dusedforhishands,andshekeptitalways.Sheusedtoshowittosomeofuschildrenonce.”
“Verythrillingforyou,”saidTuppence.“Itmusthavebeenveryexcitingtimes.PerhapshestayedhereinTheLaurels.”
“No,Idon’tthinkasIeverheardthat,andIwouldhaveheardit.No,itwasonlyParkinsonshere.Nocountessesandmarchionessesandlordsandladies.TheParkinsons,Ithink,weremostlyintrade.Veryrich,youknow,andallthat,butstillthere’snothingexcitingintrade,isthere?”
“Itdepends,”saidTuppence.Sheadded,“IthinkIought—”
“Yes,you’dbestbegoingalong,ma’am.”
“Yes.Well,thankyouverymuch,Idon’tthinkI’dbetterputonahat.I’vegotmyhairawfullymussednow.”
“Well,youputyourheadinthatcornerwherethecobwebsis.I’lldustitoffincaseyoudoitagain.”
Tuppencerandownthestairs.
“Alexanderrandownthere,”shesaid.“Manytimes,Iexpect.Andheknewitwas‘oneofthem.’Iwonder.Iwondermorethanevernow.”
Eight
MRS.GRIFFIN
“Iamsoverypleasedthatyouandyourhusbandhavecomeheretolive,Mrs.Beresford,”saidMrs.Griffin,asshepouredouttea.“Sugar?Milk?”
Shepressedforwardadishofsandwiches,andTuppencehelpedherself.
“Itmakessomuchdifference,youknow,inthecountrywhereonehasniceneighbourswithwhomonehassomethingincommon.Didyouknowthispartoftheworldbefore?”
“No,”saidTuppence,“notatall.Wehad,youknow,agoodmanydifferenthousestogoandview—particularsofthemweresenttousbytheestateagents.Ofcourse,mostofthemwereveryoftenquitefrightful.OnewascalledFullofOldWorldCharm.”
“Iknow,”saidMrs.Griffin,“Iknowexactly.Oldworldcharmusuallymeansthatyouhavetoputanewroofonandthatthedampisverybad.And‘thoroughlymodernized’—well,oneknowswhatthatmeans.Lotsofgadgetsonedoesn’twantandusuallyaverybadviewfromthewindowsofreallyhideoushouses.ButTheLaurelsisacharminghouse.Iexpect,though,youhavehadagooddealtodotoit.Everyonehasinturn.”
“Isupposealotofdifferentpeoplehavelivedthere,”saidTuppence.
“Ohyes.Nobodyseemstostayverylonganywherenowadays,dothey?TheCuthbertsonswerehereandtheRedlands,andbeforethattheSeymours.AndafterthemtheJoneses.”
“WewonderedalittlewhyitwascalledTheLaurels,”saidTuppence.
“Ohwell,thatwasthekindofnamepeoplelikedtogiveahouse.Ofcourse,ifyougobackfarenough,probablytothetimeoftheParkinsons,Ithinktherewerelaurels.Probablyadrive,youknow,curlingroundandalotoflaurels,includingthosespeckledones.Ineverlikedspeckledlaurels.”
“No.”saidTuppence,“Idoagreewithyou.Idon’tlikethemeither.ThereseemtohavebeenalotofParkinsonshere,”sheadded.
“Ohyes.Ithinktheyoccupieditlongerthananyoneelse.”
“Nobodyseemsabletotellonemuchaboutthem.”
“Well,itwasalongtimeago,yousee,dear.Andafterthe—well,Ithinkafterthe—thetroubleyouknow,andtherewassomefeelingaboutitandofcourseonedoesn’twondertheysoldtheplace.”
“Ithadabadreputation,didit?”saidTuppence,takingachance.“Doyoumeanthehousewassupposedtobeinsanitary,orsomething?”
“Ohno,notthehouse.No,really,thepeopleyousee.Wellofcourse,therewasthe—thedisgrace,inaway—itwasduringthefirstwar.Nobodycouldbelieveit.Mygrandmotherusedtotalkaboutitandsaythatitwassomethingtodowithnavalsecrets—aboutanewsubmarine.TherewasagirllivingwiththeParkinsonswhowassaidtohavebeenmixedupwithitall.”
“WasthatMaryJordan?”saidTuppence
“Yes.Yes,you’requiteright.Afterwardstheysuspectedthatitwasn’therrealname.Ithinksomebodyhadsuspectedherforsometime.Theboyhad,Alexander.Niceboy.Quitesharptoo.”
BOOKII
One
ALONGTIMEAGO
Tuppencewasselectingbirthdaycards.Itwasawetafternoonandthepostofficewasalmostempty.Peopledroppedlettersintothepostboxoutsideoroccasionallymadeahurriedpurchaseofstamps.Thentheyusuallydepartedtogethomeassoonaspossible.Itwasnotoneofthosecrowdedshoppingafternoons.Infact,Tuppencethought,shehadchosenthisparticulardayverywell.
Gwenda,whomshehadmanagedtorecognizeeasilyfromBeatrice’sdescription,hadbeenonlytoopleasedtocometoherassistance.Gwendarepresentedthehouseholdshoppingsideofthepostoffice.AnelderlywomanwithgreyhairpresidedoverthegovernmentbusinessofHerMajesty’smails.Gwenda,achattygirl,interestedalwaysinnewarrivalstothevillage,washappyamongtheChristmascards,valentines,birthdaycards,comicpostcards,notepaperandstationery,varioustypesofchocolatesandsundrychinaarticlesofdomesticuse.SheandTuppencewerealreadyonfriendlyterms.
“I’msogladthatthehousehasbeenopenedagain.PrincesLodge,Imean.”
“IthoughtithadalwaysbeenTheLaurels.”
“Ohno.Idon’tthinkitwasevercalledthat.Houseschangenamesalotaroundhere.Peopledolikegivingnewnamestohouses,youknow.”
“Yes,theycertainlyseemto,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Evenwehavethoughtofanameortwo.Bytheway,BeatricetoldmethatyouknewsomeoneoncelivingherecalledMaryJordan.”
“Ididn’tknowher,butIhaveheardhermentioned.Inthewaritwas,notthelastwar.Theonelongbeforethatwhenthereusedtobezeppelins.”
“Irememberhearingaboutzeppelins,”saidTuppence.
“In1915or1916—theycameoverLondon.”
“IrememberI’dgonetotheArmy&NavyStoresonedaywithanoldgreat-auntandtherewasanalarm.”
“Theyusedtocomeoveratnightsometimes,didn’tthey?Musthavebeenratherfrightening,Ishouldthink.”
“Well,Idon’tthinkitwasreally,”saidTuppence.“Peopleusedtogetquiteexcited.Itwasn’tnearlyasfrighteningastheflyingbombs—inthislastwar.Onealwaysfeltratherasthoughtheywerefollowingyoutoplaces.Followingyoudownastreet,orsomethinglikethat?”
“Spendallyournightsinthetube,didyou?IhadafriendinLondon.Sheusedtospendallthenightsinthetubes.WarrenStreet,Ithinkitwas.Everyoneusedtohavetheirownparticulartubestation.”
“Iwasn’tinLondoninthelastwar,”saidTuppence.“Idon’tthinkI’dhavelikedtospendallnightinthetube.”
“Well,thisfriendofmine,Jennyhernamewas,ohsheusedtolovethetube.Shesaiditwaseversomuchfun.Youknow,youhadyourownparticularstairinthetube.Itwaskeptforyoualways,yousleptthere,andyoutooksandwichesinandthings,andyouhadfuntogetherandtalked.Thingswentonallnightandneverstopped.Wonderful,youknow.Trainsgoingonrightuptothemorning.Shetoldmeshecouldn’tbearitwhenthewarwasoverandshehadtogohomeagain,feltitwassodull,youknow.”
“Anyway,”saidTuppence,“thereweren’tanyflyingbombsin1914.Justthezeppelins.”
ZeppelinshadclearlylostinterestforGwenda.
“ItwassomeonecalledMaryJordanIwasaskingabout,”saidTuppence.“Beatricesaidyouknewabouther.”
“Notreally—Ijustheardhernamementionedonceortwice,butitwasagesago.Lovelygoldenhairshehad,mygrandmothersaid.Germanshewas—oneofthoseFrowlinesastheywerecalled.Lookedafterchildren—akindofnurse.Hadbeenwithanavalfamilysomewhere,thatwasupinScotland,Ithink.Andafterwardsshecamedownhere.WenttoafamilycalledParks—orPerkins.Sheusedtohaveonedayoffaweek,youknow,andgotoLondon,andthat’swheresheusedtotakethethings,whatevertheywere.”
“Whatsortofthings?”saidTuppence.
“Idon’tknow—nobodyeversaidmuch.Thingsshe’dstolen,Iexpect.”
“Wasshediscoveredstealing?”
“Ohno,Idon’tthinkso.Theywerebeginningtosuspect,butshegotillanddiedbeforethat.”
“Whatdidshedieof?Didshediedownhere?Isupposeshewenttohospital.”
“No—Idon’tthinktherewereanyhospitalstogotothen.Wasn’tanyWelfareinthosedays.Somebodytoldmeitwassomesillymistakethecookmade.Broughtfoxgloveleavesintothehousebymistakeforspinach—orforlettuce,perhaps.No,Ithinkthatwassomeoneelse.SomeonetoldmeitwasdeadlynightshadebutIdon’tbelievethatforamomentbecause,Imean,everyoneknowsaboutdeadlynightshade,don’tthey,andanywaythat’sberries.Well,Ithinkthiswasfoxgloveleavesbroughtinfromthegardenbymistake.FoxgloveisDigoxoorsomenamelikeDigit—somethingthatsoundslikefingers.It’sgotsomethingverydeadlyinit—thedoctorcameandhedidwhathecould,butIthinkitwastoolate.”
“Weretheremanypeopleinthehousewhenithappened?”
“Oh,therewasquitealotIshouldthink—yes,becausetherewerealwayspeoplestaying,soI’veheard,andchildren,youknow,andweekendersandanurserymaidandagoverness,Ithink,andparties.Mindyou,I’mnotknowingallaboutthismyself.It’sonlywhatGrannyusedtotellme.AndoldMr.Bodlicotttalksnowandthen.Youknow,theoldgardenerchapasworksherenowandthen.Hewasgardenerthere,andtheyblamedhimatfirstforsendingthewrongleaves,butitwasn’thimasdidit.Itwassomebodywhocameoutofthehouse,andwantedtohelpandpickedthevegetablesinthegarden,andtookthemintothecook.Youknow,spinachandlettuceandthingslikethatand—er—Isupposetheyjustmadeamistakenotknowingmuchaboutgrowingvegetables.IthinktheysaidattheinquestorwhatevertheyhadafterwardsthatanyonecouldmakebecausethespinachorthesorrelleavesweregrowingneartheDigi—Digit-what-not,yousee,soIsupposetheyjusttookagreathandfulofbothleaves,possiblyinabunchtogether.Anyway,itwasverysadbecauseGrannysaidshewasaverygood-lookinggirlwithgoldenhairandallthat,youknow.”
“AndsheusedtogouptoLondoneveryweek?Naturallyshe’dhavetohaveadayoff.”
“Yes.Saidshehadfriendsthere.Foreigner,shewas—GrannysaystherewassomeassaidshewasactuallyaGermanspy.”
“Andwasshe?”
“Ishouldn’tthinkso.Thegentlemenlikedherallright,apparently.Youknow,thenavalofficersandtheonesupatSheltonMilitaryCamptoo.Shehadoneortwofriendsthere,youknow.Themilitarycampitwas.”
“Wasshereallyaspy?”
“Shouldn’tthinkso.Imean,mygrandmothersaidthatwaswhatpeoplesaid.Itwasn’tinthelastwar.Itwasagesbeforethat.”
“Funny,”saidTuppence,“howeasyitistogetmixedupoverthewars.IknewanoldmanwhohadafriendintheBattleofWaterloo.”
“Oh,fancythat.Yearsbefore1914.Peopledidhaveforeignnurses—whatwerecalledMamosellesaswellasFrowlines,whateveraFrowlineis.Verynicewithchildrenshewas,Grannysaid.Everyonewasverypleasedwithherandalwayslikedher.”
“Thatwaswhenshewaslivinghere,livingatTheLaurels?”
“Wasn’tcalledthatthen—atleastIdon’tthinkso.ShewaslivingwiththeParkinsonsorthePerkins,somenamelikethat,”saidGwenda.“Whatwecallnowadaysanaupairgirl.Shecamefromthatplacewherethepattycomesfrom,youknow,Fortnum&Masonkeepit—expensivepattyforparties.HalfGerman,halfFrench,sosomeonetoldme.”
“Strasbourg?”suggestedTuppence.
“Yes,thatwasthename.Sheusedtopaintpictures.Didoneofanoldgreat-auntofmine.Itmadeherlooktooold,AuntFannyalwayssaid.DidoneofoneoftheParkinsonboys.OldMrs.Griffin’sgotitstill.TheParkinsonboyfoundoutsomethingabouther,Ibelieve—theoneshepaintedthepictureof,Imean.GodsonofMrs.Griffin,Ibelievehewas.”
“WouldthathavebeenAlexanderParkinson?”
“Yes,that’stheone.Theonewho’sburiednearthechurch.”
Two
INTRODUCTIONTOMATHILDE,TRUELOVEANDKK
Tuppence,onthefollowingmorning,wentinsearchofthatwell-knownpubliccharacterinthevillageknownusuallyasOldIsaac,or,onformaloccasionsifonecouldremember,Mr.Bodlicott.IsaacBodlicottwasoneofthelocal“characters.”Hewasacharacterbecauseofhisage—heclaimedtobeninety(notgenerallybelieved)—andhewasabletodorepairsofmanycuriouskinds.Ifyoureffortstoringuptheplumbermetwithnoresponse,youwenttooldIsaacBodlicott.Mr.Bodlicott,whetherornothewasinanywayqualifiedfortherepairshedid,hadbeenwellacquaintedformanyoftheyearsofhislonglifewitheverytypeofsanitationproblem,bathwaterproblems,difficultieswithgeysers,andsundryelectricalproblemsontheside.Hischargescomparedfavourablywithareallivequalifiedplumber,andhisrepairswereoftensurprisinglysuccessful.Hecoulddocarpentering,hecouldattendtolocks,hecouldhangpictures—rathercrookedlysometimes—heunderstoodaboutthespringsofderelictarmchairs.ThemaindisadvantageofMr.Bodlicott’sattentionswashisgarruloushabitofincessantconversationslightlyhamperedbyadifficultyinadjustinghisfalseteethinsuchawayastomakewhathesaidintelligibleinhispronunciation.Hismemoriesofpastinhabitantsoftheneighbourhoodseemedtobeunlimited.Itwasdifficult,onthewhole,toknowhowreliabletheymightbe.Mr.Bodlicottwasnotonetoshirkgivinghimselfthepleasureofretailingsomereallygoodstoryofpastdays.Theseflightsoffancy,claimedusuallyasflightsofmemory,wereusuallyusheredinwiththesametypeofstatement.
“You’dbesurprised,youwould,ifIcouldtellyouwhatIknewaboutthatone.Yesindeed.Well,youknow,everybodythoughttheyknewallaboutit,buttheywerewrong.Absolutelywrong.Itwastheeldersister,youknow.Yes,itwas.Suchanicegirl,sheseemed.Itwasthebutcher’sdogthatgavethemalltheclue.Followedherhome,hedid.Yes.Onlyitwasn’therownhome,asyoumightsay.Ahwell,Icouldtellyoualotmoreaboutthat.ThentherewasoldMrs.Atkins.Nobodyknewasshekeptarevolverinthehouse,butIknew.IknewwhenIwassentfortomendhertallboy—that’swhattheycallthosehighchests,isn’tit?Yes.Tallboys.Well,that’sright.Well,thereshewas,seventy-five,andinthatdrawer,thedrawerofthetallboyasIwent,youknow,tomend—thehingeshadgone,thelocktoo—that’swheretherevolverwas.Wrappedup,itwas,withapairofwomen’sshoes.No.3size.Or,I’mnotsureasitwasn’tNo.2.Whitesatin.Tinylittlefoot.Hergreat-grandmother’sweddingshoes,shesaid.Maybe.ButsomebodysaidsheboughtthematacuriosityshoponcebutIdon’tknowaboutthat.Andtherewastherevolverwrappeduptoo.Yes.Well,theysaidashersonhadbroughtitback.BroughtitbackfromEastAfrica,hedid.He’dbeenoutthereshootingelephantsorsomethingofthatkind.Andwhenhecomehomehebroughtthisrevolver.Anddoyouknowwhatthatoldladyusedtodo?Hersonhadtaughthertoshoot.She’dsitbyherdrawingroomwindowlookingoutandwhenpeoplecameupthedriveshe’dhaveherrevolverwithherandshe’dshooteithersideofthem.Yes.Gotthemfrightenedtodeathandtheyranaway.Shesaidshewouldn’thaveanyonecominginanddisturbingthebirds.Verykeenonthebirds,shewas.Mindyou,shenevershotabird.No,shedidn’twanttodothat.ThentherewasallthestoriesaboutMrs.Letherby.Nearlyhadup,shewas.Yes,shoplifting.Verycleveratit,sotheysay.Andyetasrichastheymakethem.”
HavingpersuadedMr.Bodlicotttoreplacetheskylightinthebathroom,TuppencewonderedifshecoulddirecthisconversationtoanymemoryofthepastwhichwouldbeusefultoTommyandherselfinsolvingthemysteryoftheconcealmentintheirhouseofsometreasureorinterestingsecretofwhosenaturetheyhadnoknowledgewhatever.
OldIsaacBodlicottmadenodifficultiesaboutcomingtodorepairsforthenewtenantsoftheplace.Itwasoneofhispleasuresinlifetomeetasmanynewcomersaspossible.Itwasinhislifeoneofthemaineventstobeabletocomeacrosspeoplewhohadnotsofarheardofhissplendidmemoriesandreminiscences.Thosewhowerewellacquaintedwiththemdidnotoftenencouragehimtorepeatthesetales.Butanewaudience!Thatwasalwaysapleasanthappening.Thatanddisplayingthewonderfulamountoftradesthathemanagedtocombineamonghisvariousservicestothecommunityinwhichhelived.Itwashispleasuretoindulgeinarunningcommentary.
“Luckitwas,asoldJoedidn’tgetcut.Mighthaverippedhisfaceopen.”
“Yes,itmightindeed.”
“There’sabitmoreglasswantssweepinguponthefloorstill,missus.”
“Iknow,”saidTuppence,“wehaven’thadtimeyet.”
“Ah,butyoucan’ttakeriskswithglass.Youknowwhatglassis.Alittlesplintercandoyoualltheharmintheworld.Dieofit,youcan,ifitgetsintoabloodvessel.IrememberMissLaviniaShotacomb.Youwouldn’tbelieve….”
TuppencewasnottemptedbyMissLaviniaShotacomb.Shehadheardhermentionedbyotherlocalcharacters.Shehadapparentlybeenbetweenseventyandeighty,quitedeafandalmostblind.
“Isuppose,”saidTuppence,breakinginbeforeIsaac’sreminiscencesofLaviniaShotacombcouldbegin,“thatyoumustknowalotaboutallthevariouspeopleandtheextraordinarythingsthathavehappenedinthisplaceinthepast.”
“Aw,well,I’mnotasyoungasIwas,youknow.Overeighty-five,Iam.Goingonninety.I’vealwayshadagoodmemory.Therearethings,youknow,youdon’tforget.No.Howeverlongitis,somethingremindsyouofit,youknow,andbringsitallbacktoyou.ThethingsIcouldtellyou,youwouldn’tbelieve.”
“Well,it’sreallywonderful,isn’tit,”saidTuppence,“tothinkhowmuchyoumustknowaboutwhatalotofextraordinarypeople.”
“Ahno,there’snoaccountingforpeople,isthere?Onesthataren’twhatyouthinktheyare,sometimesthingsasyouwouldn’thavebelievedinaboutthem.”
“Spies,Isuppose,sometimes,”saidTuppence,“orcriminals.”
Shelookedathimhopefully…OldIsaacbentandpickedupasplinterofglass.
“Hereyouare,”hesaid.“How’dyoufeelifthatgotinthesoleofyourfoot?”
TuppencebegantofeelthatthereplenishingofaglassskylightwasnotgoingtoyieldmuchinthewayofIsaac’smoreexcitingmemoriesofthepast.Shenoticedthatthesmallso-calledgreenhouseattachedtothewallofthehousenearthediningroomwindowwasalsoinneedofrepairandreplacementbyanoutlayofmoneyuponglass.Woulditbeworthrepairingorwoulditbebettertohaveitpulleddown?Isaacwasquitepleasedtotransferhimselftothisfreshproblem.Theywentdownstairs,andoutsidethehousewalkedrounditswallsuntiltheycametotheerectioninquestion.
“Ah,youmeanthatthere,doyou?”
Tuppencesaidyes,shedidmeanthatthere.
“Kay-kay,”saidIsaac.
Tuppencelookedathim.TwolettersofthealphabetsuchasKKreallymeantnothingtoher.
“Whatdidyousay?”
“IsaidKK.That’swhatitusedtobecalledinoldMrs.LottieJones’stime.”
“Oh.WhydidshecallitKK?”
“Idunno.Itwasasortof—sortofnameIsupposetheyusedtohaveforplaceslikethis.Youknow,itwasn’tgrand.Biggerhouseshavearealconservatory.Youknow,wherethey’dhavemaidenhairfernsinpots.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,herownmemoriesgoingbackeasilytosuchthings.
“Andagreenhouseyoucancallit,too.Butthishere,KKoldMrs.LottieJonesusedtocallit.Idunnowhy.”
“Didtheyhavemaidenhairfernsinit?”
“No,itwasn’tusedforthat.No.Thechildrenhaditfortoysmostly.Well,whenyousaytoysIexpectthey’reherestillifnobodyhasturnedthemout.Yousee,it’shalffallingdown,isn’tit?TheyjuststuckupabitthentheyputabitofroofingoverandIdon’tsupposethatanyonewilluseitagain.Theyusedtobringthebrokentoys,orchairsouthereandthingslikethat.Butthen,yousee,theyalreadyhadtherockinghorsethereandTrueloveinthefarcorner.”
“Canwegetinsideit?”askedTuppence,tryingtoapplyhereyetoaslightlyclearerportionofapaneofwindow.“Theremustbealotofqueerthingsinside.”
“Ahwell,there’sthekey,”saidIsaac.“Iexpectit’shangingupinthesameplace.”
“Where’sthesameplace?”
“Ah,there’sashedroundhere.”
Theywentroundanadjacentpath.Theshedwashardlyworthyofbeingcalledashed.Isaackickeditsdooropen,removedvariousbitsofbranchesoftrees,kickedawaysomerottingapplesand,removinganolddoormathangingonthewall,showedthreeorfourrustykeyshanginguponanail.
“Lindop’skeys,those,”hesaid.“Lastbutonewasaslivinghereasgardener.Retiredbasket-maker,hewas.Didn’tdonogoodatanything.Ifyou’dliketoseeinsideKK—?”
“Ohyes,”saidTuppencehopefully.“I’dliketoseeinsideKK.Howdoyouspellit?”
“Howdoyouspellwhat?”
“ImeanKK.Isitjusttwoletters?”
“No.Ithinkitwassomethingdifferent.Ithinkitwastwoforeignwords.IseemtoremembernowK-A-IandthenanotherK-A-I.Kay-Kay,orKye-Kyealmost,theyusedtosayit.IthinkitwasaJapaneseword.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence.“DidanyJapanesepeopleeverlivehere?”
“Ohno,nothinglikethat.No.Notthatkindofforeigner.”
Theapplicationofalittleoil,whichIsaacseemedtoproduceandapplyquitequickly,hadawonderfuleffectontherustiestofthekeyswhich,insertedinthedoorandturnedwithagrindingnoise,couldbepushedopen.Tuppenceandherguidewentin.
“Thereyouare,”saidIsaac,notdisplayinganyparticularprideintheobjectswithin.“Nothingbutoldrubbish,isit?”
“That’saratherwonderful-lookinghorse,”saidTuppence.
“That’sMackild,thatis,”saidIsaac.
“Mack-ild?”saidTuppence,ratherdoubtfully.
“Yes.It’sawoman’snameofsomekind.Queensomebody,itwas.SomebodysaidasitwasWilliamtheConqueror’swifebutIthinktheywerejustboastingaboutthat.ComefromAmerica,itdid.Americangodfatherbroughtittooneofthechildren.”
“Tooneofthe—?”
“OneoftheBassingtonchildren,thatwas.Beforetheotherlot.Idunno.Isupposeit’sallrustedupnow.”
Mathildewasarathersplendid-lookinghorseevenindecay.Itslengthwasquitethelengthofanyhorseormaretobefoundnowadays.Onlyafewhairswereleftofwhatmustoncehavebeenaprolificmane.Oneearwasbrokenoff.Ithadoncebeenpaintedgrey.Itsfrontlegssplayedoutinfrontanditsbacklegsattheback;ithadawispytail.
“Itdoesn’tworklikeanyrockinghorseI’veeverseenbefore,”saidTuppence,interested.
“No,itdon’t,doit?”saidIsaac.“Youknow,theygoupanddown,upanddown,fronttoback.Butthisonehere,yousee—itsortofspringsforwards.Oncefirst,thefrontlegsdoit—whoop—andthenthebacklegsdoit.It’saverygoodaction.NowifIwastogetonitandshowyou—”
“Dobecareful,”saidTuppence.“Itmight—theremightbenailsorsomethingwhichwouldstickintoyou,oryoumightfalloff.”
“Ah.I’veriddenonMathilde,fiftyorsixtyyearsagoitmusthavebeen,butIremember.Andit’sstillprettysolid,youknow.It’snotreallyfallingtobitsyet.”
Withasudden,unexpected,acrobaticactionhespranguponMathilde.Thehorseracedforwards,thenracedbackwards.
“Gotaction,hasn’tit?”
“Yes,it’sgotaction,”saidTuppence.
“Ah,theylovedthat,youknow.MissJenny,sheusedtorideitdayafterday.”
“WhowasMissJenny?”
“Why,shewastheeldestone,youknow.Shewastheonethathadthegodfatherassentherthis.SentherTruelove,too,”headded.
Tuppencelookedathimenquiringly.TheremarkdidnotseemtoapplytoanyoftheothercontentsofKay-Kay.
“That’swhattheycallit,youknow.Thatlittlehorseandcartwhat’sthereinthecorner.Usedtorideitdownthehill,MissPameladid.Veryserious,shewas,MissPamela.She’dgetinatthetopofthehillandshe’dputherfeetonthere—yousee,it’smeanttohavepedalsbuttheydon’twork,soshe’dtakeittothetopofthehillandthenshe’dletitbegintogodownthehill,andshe’dputthebrakeson,asitwere,withherfeet.Oftenshe’denduplandinginthemonkeypuzzle,asamatteroffact.”
“Thatsoundsveryuncomfortable,”saidTuppence.“Imean,tolandinthemonkeypuzzle.”
“Ahwell,shecouldstopherselfabitbeforethat.Veryserious,shewas.Sheusedtodothatbythehour—threeorfourhoursI’vewatchedher.IwasdoingtheChristmasrosebedveryoften,youknow,andthepampasgrass,andI’dseehergoingdown.Ididn’tspeaktoherbecauseshedidn’tlikebeingspokento.Shewantedtogoonwithwhatshewasdoingorwhatshethoughtshewasdoing.”
“Whatdidshethinkshewasdoing?”saidTuppence,beginningsuddenlytogetmoreinterestedinMissPamelathanshehadbeeninMissJenny.
“Well,Idon’tknow.Sheusedtosaysometimesshewasaprincess,youknow,escaping,orMary,QueenofWhat-is-it—doImeanIrelandorScotland?”
“MaryQueenofScots,”suggestedTuppence.
“Yes,that’sright.Shewentawayorsomething,orescaped.Wentintoacastle.Locksomethingitwascalled.Notareallock,youknow,apieceofwater,itwas.”
“Ahyes,Isee.AndPamelathoughtshewasMaryQueenofScotsescapingfromherenemies?”
“That’sright.GoingtothrowherselfintoEnglandonQueenElizabeth’smercy,shesaid,butIdon’tthinkasQueenElizabethwasverymerciful.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,maskinganydisappointmentshefelt,“it’sallveryinteresting,I’msure.Whowerethesepeople,didyousay?”
“Oh,theyweretheListers,theywere.”
“DidyoueverknowaMaryJordan?”
“Ah,Iknowwhoyoumean.No,shewasbeforemytimeabit,Ithink.YoumeantheGermanspygirl,don’tyou?”
“Everyoneseemstoknowaboutherhere,”saidTuppence.
“Yes.TheycalledhertheFrowLine,orsomething.Soundslikearailway.”
“Itdoesrather,”saidTuppence.
Isaacsuddenlylaughed.“Ha,ha,ha,”hesaid.“Ifitwasarailway,aline,arailwayline,oh,itdidn’trunstraight,didit?No,indeed.”Helaughedagain.
“Whatasplendidjoke,”saidTuppencekindly.
Isaaclaughedagain.
“It’sabouttime,”hesaid,“youthoughtofputtingsomevegetablesin,isn’tit?Youknow,ifyouwanttogetyourbroadbeansoningoodtimeyououghttoput’eminandprepareforthepeas.Andwhataboutsomeearlylettuce?TomThumbsnow?Beautifullettuce,those,smallbutcrispasanything.”
“Isupposeyou’vedonealotofgardeningworkroundhere.Idon’tmeanjustthishouse,butalotofplaces.”
“Ahyes,I’vedoneoddjobbing,youknow.Iusedtocomealongtomostofthehouses.Someofthegardenerstheyhadweren’tanygoodatallandI’dusuallycomeinandhelpatcertaintimesorother.Hadabitofanaccidenthereonce,youknow.Mistakeaboutvegetables.Beforemytime—butIheardaboutit.”
“Somethingaboutfoxgloveleaves,wasn’tit?”saidTuppence.
“Ah,fancyyouhavingheardofthatalready.Thatwasalongtimeago,too.Yes,severalwastakenillwithit.Oneofthemdied.AtleastsoIheard.Thatwasonlyhearsay.Oldpalofminetoldmethat.”
“IthinkitwastheFrowLine,”saidTuppence.
“What,theFrowLineasdied?Well,Ineverheardthat.”
“Well,perhapsI’mwrong,”saidTuppence.“SupposingyoutakeTruelove,”shesaid,“orwhateverthisthing’scalled,andputitonthehillintheplacewherethatchild,Pamela,usedtotakeitdownthehill—ifthehillisstillthere.”
“Well,ofcoursethehillisstillthere.Whatdoyouthink?It’sallgrassstill,butbecarefulnow.Idon’tknowhowmuchofTrueloveisrustedaway.I’llhaveabitofacleanuponitfirst,shallI?”
“That’sright,”saidTuppence,“andthenyoucanthinkofalistofvegetablesthatweoughttobegettingonwith.”
“Ahwell,I’llbecarefulyoudon’tgetfoxgloveandspinachplantedtogether.Shouldn’tliketohearthatsomethinghappenedtoyouwhenyou’vejustgotintoanewhouse.Niceplacehereifyoucanjusthavealittlemoneytospendonit.”
“Thankyouverymuch,”saidTuppence.
“AndI’lljustseetothatthereTruelovesoitwon’tbreakdownunderyou.It’sveryoldbutyou’dbesurprisedthewaysomeoldthingswork.Why,Iknewacousinofminetheotherdayandhegotoutanoldbicycle.Youwouldn’tthinkitwouldgo—nobodyhadriddenitforaboutfortyyears.Butitwentallrightwithabitofoil.Ah,it’swonderfulwhatabitofoilcando.”
Three
SIXIMPOSSIBLETHINGSBEFOREBREAKFAST
“Whatonearth—”saidTommy.
HewasusedtofindingTuppenceinunlikelyspotswhenhereturnedtothehouse,butonthisoccasionhewasmorestartledthanusual.
Insidethehousetherewasnotraceofher,althoughoutsidetherewasaveryslightpatterofrain.Itoccurredtohimthatshemightbeengrossedinsomeportionofthegarden,andhewentouttoseeifthismightbethecase.Anditwasthenthatheremarked,“Whatonearth—”
“Hullo,Tommy,”saidTuppence,“you’rebackabitearlierthanIthoughtyouwouldbe.”
“Whatisthatthing?”
“YoumeanTruelove?”
“Whatdidyousay?”
“IsaidTruelove,”saidTuppence,“that’sthenameofit.”
“Areyoutryingtogoforarideonit—it’smuchtoosmallforyou.”
“Well,ofcourseitis.It’sachild’ssortofthing—whatyouhad,Isuppose,beforeyouhadFairyCycles,orwhateveronehadinmyyouth.”
“Itdoesn’treallygo,doesit?”askedTommy.
“Well,notexactly,”saidTuppence,“butyousee,youtakeituptothetopofthehillandthenit—well,itswheelsturnoftheirownaccord,yousee,andbecauseofthehillyougodown.”
“Andcrashatthebottom,Isuppose.Isthatwhatyou’vebeendoing?”
“Notatall,”saidTuppence.“Youbrakeitwithyourfeet.Wouldyoulikemetogiveyouademonstration?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidTommy.“It’sbeginningtorainratherharder.Ijustwantedtoknowwhyyou—well,whyyou’redoingit.Imean,itcan’tbeveryenjoyable,canit?”
“Actually,”saidTuppence,“it’sratherfrightening.ButyouseeIjustwantedtofindoutand—”
“Andareyouaskingthistree?Whatisthistree,anyway?Amonkeypuzzle,isn’tit?”
“That’sright,”saidTuppence.“Howcleverofyoutoknow.”
“OfcourseIknow,”saidTommy.“Iknowitsothername,too.”
“SodoI,”saidTuppence.
Theylookedateachother.
“OnlyatthemomentI’veforgottenit,”saidTommy.“Isitanarti—”
“Well,it’ssomethingverylikethat,”saidTuppence.“Ithinkthat’sgoodenough,don’tyou?”
“Whatareyoudoinginsideapricklythinglikethat?”
“Well,becausewhenyougettotheendofthehill,Imean,ifyoudidn’tputyourfeetdowntostopcompletelyyoucouldbeinthearti—orwhateveritis.”
“DoImeanarti—?Whatabouturticaria?No,that’snettles,isn’tit?Ohwell,”saidTommy,“everyonetotheirownkindofamusement.”
“Iwasjustdoingalittleinvestigation,youknow,ofourlatestproblem.”
“Yourproblem?Myproblem?Whoseproblem?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTuppence.“Bothourproblems,Ihope.”
“ButnotoneofBeatrice’sproblems,oranythinglikethat?”
“Ohno.It’sjustthatIwonderedwhatotherthingstheremightbehiddeninthishouse,soIwentandlookedatalotoftoysthatseemtohavebeenshovedawayinasortofqueeroldgreenhouseprobablyyearsandyearsagoandtherewasthiscreatureandtherewasMathilde,whichisarockinghorsewithaholeinitsstomach.”
“Aholeinitsstomach?”
“Well,yes.People,Isuppose,usedtoshovethingsinthere.Children—forfun—andlotsofoldleavesanddirtypapersandbitsofsortofqueerdustersandflannel,oilystuffthathadbeenusedtocleanthingswith.”
“Comeon,let’sgointothehouse,”saidTommy.
II
“Well,Tommy,”saidTuppence,asshestretchedoutherfeettoapleasantwoodfirewhichshehadlitalreadyforhisreturninthedrawingroom,“let’shaveyournews.DidyougototheRitzHotelGallerytoseetheshow?”
“No.Asamatteroffact,Ihadn’ttime,really.”
“Whatdoyoumean,youhadn’ttime?Ithoughtthat’swhatyouwentfor.”
“Well,onedoesn’talwaysdothethingsthatonewentfor.”
“Youmusthavegonesomewhereanddonesomething,”saidTuppence.
“Ifoundanewpossibleplacetoparkacar.”
“That’salwaysuseful,”saidTuppence.“Wherewasthat?”
“NearHounslow.”
“WhatonearthdidyouwanttogotoHounslowfor?”
“Well,Ididn’tactuallygotoHounslow.There’sasortofcarparkthere,thenItookatube,youknow.”
“What,atubetoLondon?”
“Yes.Yes,itseemedtheeasiestway.”
“Youhaveratheraguiltylookaboutyou,”saidTuppence.“Don’ttellmeIhavearivalwholivesinHounslow?”
“No,”saidTommy.“YououghttobepleasedwithwhatI’vebeendoing.”
“Oh.Haveyoubeenbuyingmeapresent?”
“No.No,”saidTommy,“I’mafraidnot.Ineverknowwhattogiveyou,asamatteroffact.”
“Well,yourguessesareverygoodsometimes,”saidTuppencehopefully.“Whathaveyoubeenreallydoing,Tommy,andwhyshouldIbepleased?”
“BecauseI,too,”saidTommy,“havebeendoingresearch.”
“Everyone’sdoingresearchnowadays,”saidTuppence.“Youknow,alltheteenagersandallone’snephewsorcousinsorotherpeople’ssonsanddaughters,they’realldoingresearch.Idon’tknowactuallywhattheydoresearchintonowadays,buttheyneverseemtodoit,whateveritis,afterwards.Theyjusthavetheresearchandagoodtimedoingtheresearchandthey’reverypleasedwiththemselvesand—well,Idon’tquiteknowwhatdoescomenext.”
“Betty,ouradopteddaughter,wenttoEastAfrica,”saidTommy.“Haveyouheardfromher?”
“Yes,shelovesitthere—lovespokingintoAfricanfamiliesandwritingarticlesaboutthem.”
“Doyouthinkthefamiliesappreciateherinterest?”askedTommy.
“Ishouldn’tthinkso,”saidTuppence.“Inmyfather’sparishIremember,everyonedislikedtheDistrictVisitors—NoseyParkerstheycalledthem.”
“Youmayhavesomethingthere,”saidTommy.“YouarecertainlypointingouttomethedifficultiesofwhatIamundertaking,ortryingtoundertake.”
“Researchintowhat?Notlawnmowers,Ihope.”
“Idon’tknowwhyyoumentionlawnmowers.”
“Becauseyou’reeternallylookingatcataloguesofthem,”saidTuppence.“You’remadaboutgettingalawnmower.”
“Inthishouseofoursitishistoricresearchwearedoingintothings—crimesandothersthatseemtohavehappenedatleastsixtyorseventyyearsago.”
“Anyway,comeon,tellmealittlemoreaboutyourresearchprojects,Tommy.”
“IwenttoLondon,”saidTommy,“andputcertainthingsinmotion.”
“Ah,”saidTuppence.“Research?Researchinmotion.InawayI’vebeendoingthesamethingthatyouare,onlyourmethodsaredifferent.Andmyperiodisveryfarback.”
“Doyoumeanthatyou’rereallybeginningtotakeaninterestintheproblemofMaryJordan?Sothat’showyouputitontheagendanowadays,”saidTommy.“It’sdefinitelytakenshapehasit?Themystery,ortheproblemofMaryJordan.”
“Suchaveryordinaryname,too.Couldn’thavebeenherrightnameifshewasGerman,”saidTuppence,“andshewassaidtobeaGermanspyorsomethinglikethat,butshecouldhavebeenEnglish,Isuppose.”
“IthinktheGermanstoryisjustakindoflegend.”
“Dogoon,Tommy.You’renottellingmeanything.”
“Well,Iputcertain—certain—certain—”
“Don’tgoonsayingcertain,”saidTuppence.“Ireallycan’tunderstand.”
“Well,it’sverydifficulttoexplainthingssometimes,”saidTommy,“butImean,therearecertainwaysofmakingenquiries.”
“Youmean,thingsinthepast?”
“Yes.Inasense.Imean,therearethingsthatyoucanfindout.Thingsthatyoucouldobtaininformationfrom.Notjustbyridingoldtoysandaskingoldladiestorememberthingsandcross-questioninganoldgardenerwhoprobablywilltellyoueverythingquitewrongorgoingroundtothepostofficeandupsettingthestaffbyaskingthegirlstheretotelltheirmemoriesofwhattheirgreat-great-auntsoncesaid.”
“Allofthemhaveproducedalittlesomething,”saidTuppence.
“Sowillmine,”saidTommy.
“You’vebeenmakingenquiries?Whodoyougototoaskyourquestions?”
“Well,it’snotquitelikethat,butyoumustremember,Tuppence,thatoccasionallyinmylifeIhavebeeninconnectionwithpeoplewhodoknowhowtogoaboutthesesortofthings.Youknow,therearepeopleyoupayacertainsumtoandtheydotheresearchforyoufromtheproperquarterssothatwhatyougetisquiteauthentic.”
“Whatsortofthings?Whatsortofplaces?”
“Well,therearelotsofthings.Tobeginwithyoucangetsomeonetostudydeaths,birthsandmarriages,thatsortofthing.”
“Oh,IsupposeyousendthemtoSomersetHouse.Doyougotherefordeathsaswellasmarriages?”
“Andbirths—oneneedn’tgooneself,yougetsomeonetogoforyou.Andfindoutwhensomeonediesorreadsomebody’swill,lookupmarriagesinchurchesorstudybirthcertificates.Allthosethingscanbeenquiredinto.”
“Haveyoubeenspendingalotofmoney?”askedTuppence.“Ithoughtweweregoingtotryandeconomizeoncewe’dpaidtheexpenseofmovinginhere.”
“Well,consideringtheinterestyou’retakinginproblems,Iconsiderthatthiscanberegardedinthewayofmoneywellspent.”
“Well,didyoufindoutanything?”
“Notasquicklyasthis.Youhavetowaituntiltheresearchhasbeenmade.Theniftheycangetanswersforyou—”
“YoumeansomebodycomesupandtellsyouthatsomeonecalledMaryJordanwasbornatLittleSheffield-on-the-Woldorsomethinglikethatandthenyougoandmakeenquiriestherelater.Isthatthesortofthing?”
“Notexactly.Andthentherearecensusreturnsanddeathcertificatesandcausesofdeathand,oh,quitealotofthingsthatyoucanfindoutabout.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“itsoundsratherinterestinganyway,whichisalwayssomething.”
“Andtherearefilesinnewspaperofficesthatyoucanreadandstudy.”
“Youmeanaccountsofsomething—likemurdersorcourtcases?”
“Notnecessarily,butonehashadcontactwithcertainpeoplefromtimetotime.Peoplewhoknowthings—onecanlookthemup—askafewquestions—renewoldfriendships.LikethetimewewerebeingaprivatedetectivefirminLondon.Thereareafewpeople,Iexpect,whocouldgiveusinformationortelluswheretogo.Thingsdodependabitonwhoyouknow.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“that’squitetrue.Iknowthatmyselffromexperience.”
“Ourmethodsaren’tthesame,”saidTommy.“Ithinkyoursarejustasgoodasmine.I’llneverforgetthedayIcamesuddenlyintothatboardinghouse,orwhateveritwas,SansSouci.ThefirstthingIsawwasyousittingthereknittingandcallingyourselfMrs.Blenkensop.”
“AllbecauseIhadn’tappliedresearch,orgettinganyonetodoresearchforme,”saidTuppence.
“No,”saidTommy,“yougotinsideawardrobenextdoortotheroomwhereIwasbeinginterviewedinaveryinterestingmanner,soyouknewexactlywhereIwasbeingsentandwhatIwasmeanttodo,andyoumanagedtogettherefirst.Eavesdropping.Neithermorenorless.Mostdishonourable.”
“Withverysatisfactoryresults,”saidTuppence.
“Yes,”saidTommy.“Youhaveakindoffeelingforsuccess.Itseemstohappentoyou.”
“Well,somedayweshallknowallabouteverythinghere,onlyit’sallsuchyearsandyearsago.Ican’thelpthinkingthattheideaofsomethingreallyimportantbeinghiddenroundhereorownedbysomeonehere,orsomethingtodowiththishouseorpeoplewhooncelivedinitbeingimportant—Ican’tjustbelieveitsomehow.Ohwell,Iseewhatweshallhavetodonext.”
“What?”saidTommy.
“Believesiximpossiblethingsbeforebreakfast,ofcourse,”saidTuppence.“It’squartertoelevennow,andIwanttogotobed.I’mtired.I’msleepyandextremelydirtybecauseofplayingaroundwithallthosedusty,ancienttoysandthings.Iexpectthereareevenmorethingsinthatplacethat’scalled—bytheway,whyisitcalledKayKay?”
“Idon’tknow.Doyouspellitatall?”
“Idon’tknow—Ithinkit’sspeltk-a-i.NotjustKK.”
“Becauseitsoundsmoremysterious?”
“ItsoundsJapanese,”saidTuppencedoubtfully.
“Ican’tseewhyitshouldsoundtoyoulikeJapanese.Itdoesn’ttome.Itsoundslikesomethingyoueat.Akindofrice,perhaps.”
“I’mgoingtobedandtowashthoroughlyandtogetallthecobwebsoffmesomehow,”saidTuppence.
“Remember,”saidTommy,“siximpossiblethingsbeforebreakfast.”
“IexpectIshallbebetteratthatthanyouwouldbe,”saidTuppence.
“You’reveryunexpectedsometimes,”saidTommy.
“You’remoreoftenrightthanIam,”saidTuppence.“That’sveryannoyingsometimes.Well,thesethingsaresenttotryus.Whousedtosaythattous?Quiteoften,too.”
“Nevermind,”saidTommy.“Goandcleanthedustofbygoneyearsoffyou.IsIsaacanygoodatgardening?”
“Heconsidersheis,”saidTuppence.“Wemightexperimentwithhim—”
“Unfortunatelywedon’tknowmuchaboutgardeningourselves.Yetanotherproblem.”
Four
EXPEDITIONONTRUELOVE;OXFORDANDCAMBRIDGE
“Siximpossiblethingsbeforebreakfastindeed,”saidTuppenceasshedrainedacupofcoffeeandconsideredafriedeggremaininginthedishonthesideboard,flankedbytwoappetizing-lookingkidneys.“Breakfastismoreworthwhilethanthinkingofimpossiblethings.Tommyistheonewhohasgoneafterimpossiblethings.Research,indeed.Iwonder
Sheappliedherselftoafriedeggandkidneys.
“Hownice,”saidTuppence,“tohaveadifferentkindofbreakfast.”
Foralongtimeshehadmanagedtoregaleherselfinthemorningwithacupofcoffeeandeitherorangejuiceorgrapefruit.Althoughsatisfactorysolongasanyweightproblemsweretherebysolved,thepleasuresofthiskindofbreakfastwerenotmuchappreciated.Fromtheforceofcontrasts,hotdishesonthesideboardanimatedthedigestivejuices.
“Iexpect,”saidTuppence,“it’swhattheParkinsonsusedtohaveforbreakfasthere.Friedeggorpoachedeggsandbaconandperhaps—”shethrewhermindagoodlongwaybacktoremembrancesofoldnovels—“perhapsyes,perhapscoldgrouseonthesideboard,delicious!Ohyes,Iremember,deliciousitsounded.Ofcourse,Isupposechildrenweresounimportantthattheyonlyletthemhavethelegs.Legsofgameareverygoodbecauseyoucannibbleatthem.”Shepausedwiththelastpieceofkidneyinhermouth.
Verystrangenoisesseemedtobecomingthroughthedoorway.
“Iwonder,”saidTuppence.“Itsoundslikeaconcertgonewrongsomewhere.”
Shepausedagain,apieceoftoastinherhand,andlookedupasAlbertenteredtheroom.
“Whatisgoingon,Albert?”demandedTuppence.“Don’ttellmethat’sourworkmenplayingsomething?Aharmoniumorsomethinglikethat?”
“It’sthegentlemanwhat’scometodothepiano,”saidAlbert.
“Cometodowhattothepiano?”
“Totuneit.YousaidI’dhavetogetapianotuner.”
“Goodgracious,”saidTuppence,“you’vedoneitalready?Howwonderfulyouare,Albert.”
Albertlookedpleased,thoughatthesametimeconsciousofthefactthathewasverywonderfulinthespeedwithwhichhecouldusuallysupplytheextraordinarydemandsmadeuponhimsometimesbyTuppenceandsometimesbyTommy.
“Hesaysitneedsitverybad,”hesaid.
“Iexpectitdoes,”saidTuppence.
Shedrankhalfacupofcoffee,wentoutoftheroomandintothedrawingroom.Ayoungmanwasatworkatthegrandpiano,whichwasrevealingtotheworldlargequantitiesofitsinside.
“Goodmorning,madam,”saidtheyoungman.
“Goodmorning,”saidTuppence.“I’msogladyou’vemanagedtocome.”
“Ah,itneedstuning,itdoes.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“Iknow.Yousee,we’veonlyjustmovedinandit’snotverygoodforpianos,beingmovedintohousesandthings.Andithasn’tbeentunedforalongtime.”
“No,Icansoontellthat,”saidtheyoungman.
Hepressedthreedifferentchordsinturn,twocheerfulonesinamajorkey,twoverymelancholyonesinAMinor.
“Abeautifulinstrument,madam,ifImaysayso.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.“It’sanErard.”
“Andapianoyouwouldn’tgetsoeasilynowadays.”
“It’sbeenthroughafewtroubles,”saidTuppence.“It’sbeenthroughbombinginLondon.Ourhousetherewashit.Luckilywewereaway,butitwasmostlyoutsidethatwasdamaged.”
“Yes.Yes,theworksaregood.Theydon’tneedsoverymuchdoingtothem.”
Conversationcontinuedpleasantly.TheyoungmanplayedtheopeningbarsofaChopinPreludeandpassedfromthattoarenderingof“TheBlueDanube.”Presentlyheannouncedthathisministrationshadfinished.
“Ishouldn’tleaveittoolong,”hewarnedher.“I’dlikethechancetocomeandtryitagainbeforetoomuchtimehasgonebybecauseyoudon’tknowquitewhenitmightnot—well,Idon’tknowhowIshouldputit—relapseabit.Youknow,somelittlethingthatyouhaven’tnoticedorhaven’tbeenabletogetat.”
Theypartedwithmutuallyappreciativeremarksonmusicingeneralandonpianomusicinparticular,andwiththepolitesalutationsoftwopeoplewhoagreedverylargelyintheirideasastothejoysthatmusicgenerallyplayedinlife.
“Needsalotdoingtoit,Iexpect,thishouse,”hesaid,lookingroundhim.
“Well,Ithinkithadbeenemptysometimewhenwecameintoit.”
“Ohyes.It’schangedhandsalot,youknow.”
“Gotquiteahistory,hasn’tit,”saidTuppence.“Imean,thepeoplewholivedinitinthepastandthesortofqueerthingsthathappened.”
“Ahwell,Iexpectyou’retalkingofthattimelongago.Idon’tknowifitwasthelastwarortheonebefore.”
“Somethingtodowithnavalsecretsorsomething,”saidTuppencehopefully.
“Couldbe,Iexpect.Therewasalotoftalk,sotheytellme,butofcourseIdon’tknowanythingaboutitmyself.”
“Wellbeforeyourtime,”saidTuppence,lookingappreciativelyathisyouthfulcountenance.
Whenhehadgone,shesatdownatthepiano.
“I’llplay‘TheRainontheRoof,’”saidTuppence,whohadhadthisChopinmemoryrevivedinherbythepianotuner’sexecutionofoneoftheotherpreludes.Thenshedroppedintosomechordsandbeganplayingtheaccompanimenttoasong,hummingitfirstandthenmurmuringthewordsaswell.
Wherehasmytruelovegonea-roaming?Wherehasmytruelovegonefromme?Highinthewoodsthebirdsarecalling.Whenwillmytruelovecomebacktome?
“I’mplayingitinthewrongkey,Ibelieve,”saidTuppence,“butatanyrate,thepiano’sallrightagainnow.Oh,itisgreatfuntobeabletoplaythepianoagain.‘Wherehasmytruelovegonea-roaming?’”shemurmured.“‘Whenwillmytruelove’—Truelove,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Truelove?Yes,I’mthinkingofthatperhapsasasign.PerhapsI’dbettergooutanddosomethingwithTruelove.”
Sheputonherthickshoesandapullover,andwentoutintothegarden.Truelovehadbeenpushed,notbackintohisformerhomeinKK,butintotheemptystable.Tuppencetookhimout,pulledhimtothetopofthegrassslope,gavehimasharpflickwiththedustershehadbroughtoutwithhertoremovetheworstofthecobwebswhichstilladheredinmanyplaces,gotintoTruelove,placedherfeetonthepedalsandinducedTruelovetodisplayhispacesaswellashecouldinhisconditionofgeneralageandwear.
“Now,mytruelove,”shesaid,“downthehillwithyouandnottoofast.”
Sheremovedherfeetfromthepedalsandplacedtheminapositionwhereshecouldbrakewiththemwhennecessary.
Truelovewasnotinclinedtogoveryfastinspiteoftheadvantagetohimofhavingonlytogobyweightdownthehill.However,theslopeincreasedinsteepnesssuddenly.Trueloveincreasedhispace,TuppenceappliedherfeetasbrakesrathermoresharplyandsheandTruelovearrivedtogetheratarathermoreuncomfortableportionthanusualofthemonkeypuzzleatthebottomofthehill.
“Mostpainful,”saidTuppence,excavatingherself.
Havingextricatedherselffromtheprickingofvariousportionsofthemonkeypuzzle,Tuppencebrushedherselfdownandlookedaroundher.Shehadcometoathickbitofshrubberyleadingupthehillintheoppositedirection.Therewererhododendronbusheshereandhydrangeas.Itwouldlook,Tuppencethought,verylovelylaterintheyear.Atthemoment,therewasnoparticularbeautyaboutit,itwasamerethicket.However,shedidseemtonoticethattherehadoncebeenapathwayleadingupbetweenthevariousflowerbushesandshrubs.Everythingwasmuchgrowntogethernowbutyoucouldtracethedirectionofthepath.Tuppencebrokeoffabranchortwo,pressedherwaythroughthefirstbushesandmanagedtofollowthehill.Thepathwentwindingup.Itwasclearthatnobodyhadevercleareditorwalkeddownitforyears.
“Iwonderwhereittakesone,”saidTuppence.“Theremustbeareasonforit.”
Perhaps,shethought,asthepathtookacoupleofsharpturnsinoppositedirections,makingazigzagandmakingTuppencefeelthatsheknewexactlywhatAliceinWonderlandhadmeantbysayingthatapathwouldsuddenlyshakeitselfandchangedirection.Therewerefewerbushes,therewerelaurelsnow,possiblyfittinginwiththenamegiventotheproperty,andthenaratherstony,difficult,narrowpathwoundupbetweenthem.Itcameverysuddenlytofourmoss-coveredstepsleadinguptoakindofnichemadeofwhathadoncebeenmetalandlaterseemedtohavebeenreplacedbybottles.Akindofshrine,andinitapedestalandonthispedestalastonefigure,verymuchdecayed.Itwasthefigureofaboywithabasketonhishead.AfeelingofrecognitioncametoTuppence.
“Thisisthesortofthingyoucoulddateaplacewith,”shesaid.“It’sveryliketheoneAuntSarahhadinhergarden.Shehadalotoflaurelstoo.”
HermindwentbacktoAuntSarah,whomshehadoccasionallyvisitedasachild.Shehadplayedherself,sheremembered,agamecalledRiverHorses.ForRiverHorsesyoutookyourhoopout.Tuppence,itmaybesaid,hadbeensixyearsoldatthetime.Herhooprepresentedthehorses.Whitehorseswithmanesandflowingtails.InTuppence’simagination,withthatyouhadgoneacrossagreen,ratherthickpatchofgrassandyouhadthengoneroundabedplantedwithpampasgrasswavingfeatheryheadsintotheair,upthesamekindofapath,andleaningthereamongsomebeechtreesinthesamesortofsummerhousenichewasafigureandabasket.Tuppence,whenridingherwinninghorseshere,hadtakenagiftalways,agiftyouputinthebasketontopoftheboy’shead;atthesametimeyousaiditwasanofferingandyoumadeawish.Thewish,Tuppenceremembered,wasnearlyalwaystocometrue.
“Butthat,”saidTuppence,sittingdownsuddenlyonthetopstepoftheflightshehadbeenclimbing,“that,ofcourse,wasbecauseIcheatedreally.Imean,IwishedforsomethingthatIknewwasalmostsuretohappen,andthenIcouldfeelthatmywishhadcometrueanditreallywasamagic.Itwasaproperofferingtoarealgodfromthepast.Thoughitwasn’tagodreally,itwasjustapodgy-lookinglittleboy.Ahwell—whatfunitis,allthethingsoneusedtoinventandbelieveinandplayat.”
Shesighed,wentdownthepathagainandfoundherwaytothemysteriouslynamedKK.
KKlookedinjustthesamemessasever.Mathildewasstilllookingforlornandforsaken,buttwomorethingsattractedTuppence’sattention.Theywereinporcelain—porcelainstoolswiththefiguresofwhiteswanscurledroundthem.Onestoolwasdarkblueandtheotherstoolwaspaleblue.
“Ofcourse,”saidTuppence,“I’veseenthingslikethatbeforewhenIwasyoung.Yes,theyusedtobeonverandas.Oneofmyotherauntshadthem,Ithink.WeusedtocallthemOxfordandCambridge.Verymuchthesame.Ithinkitwasducks—no,itwasswanstheyhadroundthem.Andthentherewasthesamesortofqueerthingintheseat,asortofholethatwaslikealetterS.Thesortofthingyoucouldputthingsinto.Yes,IthinkI’llgetIsaactotakethesetwostoolsoutofhereandgivethemagoodwash,andthenwe’llhavethemontheloggia,orlodgerashewillinsistoncallingit,thoughtheverandacomesmorenaturaltome.We’llputthemonthatandenjoythemwhenthegoodweathercomes.”
Sheturnedandstartedtoruntowardsthedoor.HerfootcaughtinMathilde’sobtrusiverocker—
“Ohdear!”saidTuppence,“nowwhathaveIdone?”
Whatshehaddonewastocatchherfootinthedarkblueporcelainstoolanditrolleddownontothefloorandsmashedintwopieces.
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence,“nowI’vereallykilledOxford,Isuppose.WeshallhavetomakedowithCambridge.Idon’tthinkyoucouldstickOxfordtogetheragain.Thepiecesaretoodifficult.”
ShesighedandwonderedwhatTommywasdoing.
II
Tommywassittingexchangingmemorieswithsomeoldfriends.
“World’sinafunnywaynowadays,”saidColonelAtkinson.“Ihearyouandyourwhat’s-her-name,Prudence—no,youhadanicknameforher,Tuppence,that’sright—yes,Ihearyou’vegonetoliveinthecountry.SomewheredownnearHollowquay.Iwonderwhattookyouthere.Anythingparticular?”
“Well,wefoundthishousefairlycheap,”saidTommy.
“Ah.Well,that’sluckyalways,isn’tit?What’sthename?Youmustgivemeyouraddress.”
“Well,wethinkwemaycallitCedarLodgebecausethere’saverynicecedarthere.ItsoriginalnamewasTheLaurels,butthat’sratheraVictorianhangover,isn’tit?”
“TheLaurels.TheLaurels,Hollowquay.Myword,whatareyouupto,eh?Whatareyouupto?”
Tommylookedattheelderlyfacewiththesproutingwhitemoustache.
“Ontosomething,areyou?”saidColonelAtkinson.“Areyouemployedintheserviceofyourcountryagain?”
“Oh,I’mtoooldforthat,”saidTommy.“I’mretiredfromallthatsortofstuff.”
“Ah,Iwondernow.Perhapsthat’sjustthethingyousay.Perhapsyou’vebeentoldtosaythat.Afterall,youknow,there’sagooddealwasneverfoundoutaboutallthatbusiness.”
“Whatbusiness?”saidTommy.
“Well,Iexpectyou’vereadaboutitorheardaboutit.TheCardingtonScandal.Youknow,cameafterthatotherthing—thewhat-you-call-’emletters—andtheEmlynJohnsonsubmarinebusiness.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“Iseemtoremembersomethingvaguely.”
“Well,itwasn’tactuallythesubmarinebusiness,butthat’swhatcalledattentiontothewholething.Andtherewerethoseletters,yousee.Gavethewholeshowawaypolitically.Yes.Letters.Ifthey’dbeenabletogetholdofthemitwouldhavemadeabigdifference.Itwouldhavedrawnattentiontoseveralpeoplewhoatthetimewerethemosthighlytrustedpeopleinthegovernment.Astonishinghowthesethingshappen,isn’tit?Youknow!Thetraitorsinone’smidst,alwayshighlytrusted,alwayssplendidfellows,alwaysthelastpeopletobesuspected—andallthetime—well,alotofallthatnevercametolight.”Hewinkedoneeye.“Perhapsyou’vebeensentdowntheretohavealookround,eh,myboy?”
“Alookroundatwhat?”saidTommy.
“Well,thishouseofyours,TheLaurels,didyousay?ThereusedtobesomesillyjokesaboutTheLaurelssometimes.Mindyou,they’dhadagoodlookround,thesecuritypeopleandtherestofthem.Theythoughtthatsomewhereinthathousewasvaluableevidenceofsomekind.Therewasanideaithadbeensentoverseas—Italywasmentioned—justbeforepeoplegotalerted.Butotherpeoplethoughtitmightbestillhiddenthereinthatpartoftheworldsomewhere.Youknow,it’sthesortofplacethathascellarsandflagstonesandvariousthings.Comenow,Tommy,myboy,Ifeelyou’reonthehuntagain.”
“IassureyouIdon’tdoanythingofthatkindnowadays.”
“Well,that’swhatonethoughtbeforeaboutyouwhenyouwereatthatotherplace.Beginningofthelastwar.Youknow,whereyourandownthatGermanchap.Thatandthewomanwiththenurseryrhymebooks.Yes.Sharpbitofwork,allthat.Andnow,perhaps,they’vesetyouonanothertrail!”
“Nonsense,”saidTommy.“Youmustn’tgetalltheseideasinyourhead.I’manoldgaffernow.”
“You’reacunningolddog.Ibetyou’rebetterthansomeoftheseyoungones.Yes.Yousittherelookinginnocent,andreallyIexpect,well,onemustn’taskyouquestions.Mustn’taskyoutobetrayStatesecrets,mustI?Anyway,becarefulofyourmissus.Youknowshe’salwaysonetostickherselfforwardtoomuch.ShehadanarrowescapelasttimeintheNorMdays.”
“Ahwell,”saidTommy,“IthinkTuppenceisjustinterestedinthegeneralantiquityofthisplace,youknow.Wholivedthereandwhere.Andpicturesoftheoldpeoplewhousedtoliveinthehouse,andalltherestofit.Thatandplanningthegarden.That’sallwe’rereallyinterestedinnowadays.Gardens.Gardensandbulbcataloguesandalltherestofit.”
“Well,maybeI’llbelievethatifayearpassesandnothingexcitinghashappened.ButIknowyou,Beresford,andIknowourMrs.Beresford,too.Thetwoofyoutogether,you’reawonderfulcoupleandIbetyou’llcomeupwithsomething.Itellyou,ifthosepapersevercometolight,it’llhaveavery,verygreateffectonthepoliticalfrontandthereareseveralpeoplewhowon’tbepleased.Noindeed.Andthosepeoplewhowon’tbepleasedarelookedonas—pillarsofrectitudeatthemoment!Butbysometheyarethoughttobedangerous.Rememberthat.They’redangerous,andtheonesthataren’tdangerousareincontactwiththosewhoaredangerous.Soyoubecarefulandmakeyourmissusbecarefultoo.”
“Really,”saidTommy,“yourideas,youmakemefeelquiteexcited.”
“Well,goonfeelingexcitedbutlookafterMrs.Tuppence.I’mfondofTuppence.She’sanicegirl,alwayswasandstillis.”
“Hardlyagirl,”saidTommy.
“Nowdon’tsaythatofyourwife.Don’tgetinthathabit.Oneinathousand,sheis.ButI’msorryforsomeonewhohasherinthepicturesleuthinghimdown.She’sprobablyoutonthehunttoday.”
“Idon’tthinksheis.Morelikelygonetoteawithanelderlylady.”
“Ahwell.Elderlyladiescansometimesgiveyouusefulinformation.Elderlyladiesandchildrenoffiveyearsold.Alltheunlikelypeoplecomeoutsometimeswithatruthnobodyhadeverdreamedof.Icouldtellyouthings—”
“I’msureyoucould,Colonel.”
“Ahwell,onemustn’tgiveawaysecrets.”
ColonelAtkinsonshookhishead.
III
OnhiswayhomeTommystaredoutoftherailwaycarriagewindowandwatchedtherapidlyretreatingcountryside.“Iwonder,”hesaidtohimself,“Ireallywonder.Thatoldboy,he’susuallyintheknow.Knowsthings.Butwhatcantherebethatcouldmatternow.It’sallinthepast—Imeanthere’snothing,can’tbeanythingleftfromthatwar.Notnowadays.”Thenhewondered.Newideashadtakenover—CommonMarketideas.Somewhere,asitwerebehindhismindratherthaninit,becausethereweregrandsonsandnephews,newgenerations—youngermembersoffamiliesthathadalwaysmeantsomething,thathadpull,hadgotpositionsofinfluence,ofpowerbecausetheywerebornwhotheywere,andifbyanychancetheywerenotloyal,theycouldbeapproached,couldbelieveinnewcreedsorinoldcreedsrevived,whicheverwayyoulikedtothinkofit.Englandwasinafunnystate,adifferentstatefromwhatithadbeen.Orwasitreallyalwaysinthesamestate?Alwaysunderneaththesmoothsurfacetherewassomeblackmud.Therewasn’tclearwaterdowntothepebbles,downtotheshells,lyingonthebottomofthesea.Therewassomethingmoving,somethingsluggishsomewhere,somethingthathadtobefound,suppressed.Butsurelynot—surelynotinaplacelikeHollowquay.Hollowquaywasahas-beenifthereeverwas.DevelopedfirstasafishingvillageandthenfurtherdevelopedasanEnglishRiviera—andnowameresummerresort,crowdedinAugust.Mostpeoplenowpreferredpackagetripsabroad.
IV
“Well,”saidTuppence,assheleftthedinnertablethatnightandwentintotheotherroomtodrinkcoffee,“wasitfunornotfun?Howwerealltheoldboys?”
“Oh,verymuchtheoldboys,”saidTommy.“Howwasyouroldlady?”
“Ohthepianotunercame,”saidTuppence,“anditrainedintheafternoonsoIdidn’tseeher.Ratherapity,theoldladymighthavesaidsomethingsthatwereinteresting.”
“Myoldboydid,”saidTommy.“Iwasquitesurprised.Whatdoyouthinkofthisplacereally,Tuppence?”
“Doyoumeanthehouse?”
“No,Ididn’tmeanthehouse.IthinkImeanHollowquay.”
“Well,Ithinkit’saniceplace.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbynice?”
“Well,it’sagoodwordreally.It’sawordoneusuallydespises,butIdon’tknowwhyoneshould.Isupposeaplacethat’sniceisaplacewherethingsdon’thappenandyoudon’twantthemtohappen.You’regladtheydon’t.”
“Ah.That’sbecauseofourage,Isuppose.”
“No,Idon’tthinkit’sbecauseofthat.It’sbecauseit’snicetoknowthereareplaceswherethingsdon’thappen.ThoughImustsaysomethingnearlyhappenedtoday.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbynearlyhappened?Haveyoubeendoinganythingsilly,Tuppence?”
“No,ofcourseIhaven’t.”
“Thenwhatdoyoumean?”
“Imeanthatpaneofglassatthetopofthegreenhouse,youknow,itwastremblingtheotherdayabit,hadthetwitches.Wellitpracticallycamedownonmyhead.Mighthavecutmetobits.”
“Itdoesn’tseemtohavecutyoutobits,”saidTommy,lookingather.
“No.Iwaslucky.Butstill,itmademejumprather.”
“Oh,we’llhavetogetouroldboywhocomesanddoesthings,what’s-his-name?Isaac,isn’tit?Havetogethimtolookatsomeoftheotherpanes—Imean,wedon’twantyoubeingdonein,Tuppence.”
“Well,Isupposewhenyoubuyanoldhousethere’salwayssomethingwrongwithit.”
“Doyouthinkthere’ssomethingwrongwiththishouse,Tuppence?”
“Whatonearthdoyoumeanbywrongwiththishouse?”
“Well,becauseIheardsomethingratherqueeraboutittoday.”
“What—queeraboutthishouse?”
“Yes.”
“Really,Tommy,thatseemsimpossible,”saidTuppence.
“Whydoesitseemimpossible?Becauseitlookssoniceandinnocent?Wellpaintedanddoneup?”
“No.Wellpaintedanddoneupandlookinginnocent,that’sallduetous.Itlookedrathershabbyanddecayedwhenweboughtit.”
“Well,ofcourse,that’swhyitwascheap.”
“Youlookpeculiar,Tommy,”saidTuppence.“Whatisit?”
“Well,itwasoldMoustachioMonty,youknow.”
“Oh,dearoldboy,yes.Didhesendhislovetome?”
“Yes,hecertainlydid.Hetoldmetomakeyoutakecareofyourself,andmetotakecareofyou.”
“Healwayssaysthat.ThoughwhyIshouldtakecareofmyselfhereIdon’tknow.”
“Well,itseemsit’sthesortofplaceyoumighthavetotakecareofyourself.”
“Nowwhatonearthdoyoumeanbythat,Tommy?”
“Tuppence,whatwouldyouthinkifIsaidthathesuggestedorhinted,whateverwayyoulike,thatwewereherenotasoldretiredhas-beensbutaspeopleonactiveservice?Thatwewereoncemore,asintheNorMdays,ondutyhere.Sentherebytheforcesofsecurityandordertodiscoversomething.Tofindoutwhatwaswrongwiththisplace.”
“Well,Idon’tknowifyou’redreaming,Tommy,orifitwasoldMoustachioMontywhowas,ifitwashewhosuggestedit.”
“Well,hedid.Heseemedtothinkthatweweredefinitelyhereonsomekindofmission,tofindsomething.”
“Tofindsomething?Whatsortofthing?”
“Somethingthatmightbehiddeninthishouse.”
“Somethingthatmightbehiddeninthishouse!Tommy,areyoumad,orwashemad?”
“Well,Iratherthoughthemightbemad,butI’mnotsosure.”
“Whatcouldtherebetofindinthishouse?”
“SomethingthatIsupposewasoncehiddenhere.”
“Buriedtreasure,areyoutalkingabout?Russiancrownjewelshiddeninthebasement,thatsortofthing?”
“No.Nottreasure.Somethingthatwouldbedangeroustosomeone.”
“Well,that’sveryodd,”saidTuppence.
“Why,haveyoufoundsomething?”
“No,ofcourseIhaven’tfoundanything.Butitseemstherewasascandalaboutthisplacedonkey’syearsago.Idon’tmeananyoneactuallyremembers,butit’sthesortofthingthatyourgrandmothertoldyou,ortheservantsgossipedabout.Actually,Beatricehasafriendwhoseemedtoknowsomethingaboutit.AndMaryJordanwasmixedupinit.Itwasallveryhush-hush.”
“Areyouimaginingthings,Tuppence?Haveyougonebacktothegloriousdaysofouryouth,tothetimewhensomeonegaveagirlontheLusitaniasomethingsecret,thedayswhenwehadadventure,whenwetrackeddowntheenigmaticMr.Brown?”
“Goodness,thatwasalongtimeago,Tommy.TheYoungAdventurerswecalledourselves.Doesn’tseemrealnow,doesit?”
“No,itdoesn’t.Notabit.Butitwasreal,yes,itwasrealallright.Suchalotofthingsarerealthoughyoucan’treallybringyourselftobelieveit.Mustbeatleastsixtyorseventyyearsago.Morethanthat,even.”
“WhatdidMontyactuallysay?”
“Lettersorpapersofsomekind,”saidTommy.“Somethingthatwouldhavecreatedordidcreatesomegreatpoliticalupheavalofsomekind.Someoneinapositionofpowerandwhooughtn’ttohavebeeninapositionofpower,andtherewereletters,orpapers,orsomethingthatwoulddefinitelycookhisgooseiftheyevercametolight.Allsortsofintriguesandallhappeningyearsago.”
“InthetimeofMaryJordan?Itsoundsveryunlikely,”saidTuppence.“Tommy,youmusthavegonetosleepinthetraincomingback,anddreamtallthis.”
“Well,perhapsIdid,”saidTommy.“Itcertainlydoesn’tseemlikely.”
“Well,Isupposewemightaswellhavealookaround,”saidTuppence,“aswearelivinghere.”
Hereyespassedroundtheroom.
“Ishouldn’tthinktherewouldbeanythinghiddenhere,doyou,Tommy?”
“Itdoesn’tseemthesortofhousewhereanythingwouldhavebeenlikelytobehidden.Lotsofotherpeoplehavelivedinthehousesincethosedays.”
“Yes.Familyafterfamily,asfarasIcanmakeout.Well,Isupposeitmightbehiddenupinanatticordowninthecellar.Orperhapsburiedunderthesummerhousefloor.Anywhere.”
“Anyway,it’llbequitefun,”saidTuppence.“Perhaps,youknow,whenwehaven’tgotanythingelsetodoandourbacksareachingbecauseofplantingtulipbulbs,wemighthavealittlesortoflookround.Youknow,justtothink.Startingfromthepoint:‘IfIwantedtohidesomething,wherewouldIchoosetoputit,andwherewoulditbelikelytoremainundiscovered?’”
“Idon’tthinkanythingcouldremainundiscoveredhere,”saidTommy.“Notwithgardenersandpeople,youknow,tearinguptheplace,anddifferentfamilieslivinghere,andhouseagentsandeverythingelse.”
“Well,youneverknow.Itmightbeinateapotsomewhere.”
Tuppencerosetoherfeet,wenttowardsthemantelpiece,stooduponastoolandtookdownaChineseteapot.Shetookoffthelidandpeeredinside.
“Nothingthere,”shesaid.
“Amostunlikelyplace,”saidTommy.
“Doyouthink,”saidTuppence,withavoicethatwasmorehopefulthandespondent,“thatsomebodywastryingtoputanendtomeandloosenedtheglassskylightintheconservatorysothatitwouldfallonme?”
“Mostunlikely,”saidTommy.“ItwasprobablymeanttofallonoldIsaac.”
“That’sadisappointingthought,”saidTuppence.“IwouldliketofeelthatIhadhadagreatescape.”
“Well,you’dbetterbecarefulofyourself.Ishallbecarefulofyoutoo.”
“Youalwaysfussoverme,”saidTuppence.
“It’sveryniceofmetodoso,”saidTommy.“Youshouldbeverypleasedtohaveahusbandwhofussesaboutyou.”
“Nobodytriedtoshootyouinthetrainorderailitoranything,didthey?”saidTuppence.
“No,”saidTommy.“Butwe’dbetterlookatthecarbrakesbeforewegooutdrivingnexttime.Ofcoursethisisallcompletelyridiculous,”headded.
“Ofcourseitis,”saidTuppence.“Absolutelyridiculous.Allthesame—”
“Allthesamewhat?”
“Well,it’ssortoffunjusttothinkofthingslikethat.”
“YoumeanAlexanderwaskilledbecauseheknewsomething?”askedTommy.
“HeknewsomethingaboutwhokilledMaryJordan.Itwasoneofus…”Tuppence’sfacelitup.“US,”shesaidwithemphasis,“we’llhavetoknowjustallaboutUS.An‘US’hereinthishouseinthepast.It’sacrimewe’vegottosolve.Gobacktothepasttosolveit—towhereithappenedandwhyithappened.That’sathingwe’venevertriedtodobefore.”
Five
METHODSOFRESEARCH
“Whereonearthhaveyoubeen,Tuppence?”demandedherhusbandwhenhereturnedtothefamilymansionthefollowingday.
“Well,lastofallI’vebeeninthecellar,”saidTuppence.
“Icanseethat,”saidTommy.“Yes,Idosee.Doyouknowthatyourhairisabsolutelyfullofcobwebs?”
“Well,itwouldbeofcourse.Thecellarisfullofcobwebs.Therewasn’tanythingthere,anyway,”saidTuppence.“Atleastthereweresomebottlesofbayrum.”
“Bayrum?”saidTommy.“That’sinteresting.”
“Isit?”saidTuppence.“Doesonedrinkit?Itseemstomemostunlikely.”
“No,”saidTommy,“Ithinkpeopleusedtoputitontheirhair.Imeanmen,notwomen.”
“Ibelieveyou’reright,”saidTuppence.“Iremembermyuncle—yes,Ihadanunclewhousedbayrum.AfriendofhisusedtobringithimfromAmerica.”
“Ohreally?Thatseemsveryinteresting,”saidTommy.
“Idon’tthinkitisparticularlyinteresting,”saidTuppence.“It’snohelptous,anyway.Imean,youcouldn’thideanythinginabottleofbayrum.”
“Oh,sothat’swhatyou’vebeendoing.”
“Well,onehastostartsomewhere,”saidTuppence.“It’sjustpossibleifwhatyourpalsaidtoyouwastrue,somethingcouldbehiddeninthishouse,thoughit’sratherdifficulttoimaginewhereitcouldbeorwhatitcouldbe,because,yousee,whenyousellahouseordieandgooutofit,thehouseisthenofcourseemptied,isn’tit?Imean,anyonewhoinheritsittakesthefurnitureoutandsellsit,orifit’sleft,thenextpersoncomesinandtheysellit,andsoanythingthat’sleftinnowwouldhavebelongedtothelasttenantbutoneandcertainlynotmuchfurtherbackthanthat.”
“Thenwhyshouldsomebodywanttoinjureyouorinjuremeortrytogetustoleavethishouse—unless,Imean,therewassomethingherethattheydidn’twantustofind?”
“Well,that’sallyouridea,”saidTuppence.“Itmightn’tbetrueatall.Anyway,it’snotbeenanentirelywastedday.Ihavefoundsomethings.”
“AnythingtodowithMaryJordan?”
“Notparticularly.Thecellar,asIsay,isnotmuchgood.Ithadafewoldthingstodowithphotography,Ithink.Youknow,adevelopinglamporsomethingliketheyusedtouseinolddays,withredglassinit,andthebayrum.Buttherewerenosortofflagstonesthatlookedasthoughyoucouldpullthemupandfindanythingunderneath.Therewereafewdecayedtrunks,sometintrunksandacoupleofoldsuitcases,butthingsthatjustcouldn’tbeusedtoputanythinginanymore.They’dfalltobitsifyoukickedthem.No.Itwasawashout.”
“Well,I’msorry,”saidTommy.“Sonosatisfaction.”
“Well,thereweresomethingsthatwereinteresting.Isaidtomyself,onehastosaysomethingtooneself—IthinkI’dbettergoupstairsnowandtakethecobwebsoffbeforeIgoontalking.”
“Well,Ithinkperhapsyouhad,”saidTommy.“Ishalllikelookingatyoubetterwhenyou’vedonethat.”
“IfyouwanttogettheproperDarbyandJoanfeeling,”saidTuppence,“youmustalwayslookatmeandconsiderthatyourwife,nomatterwhatherage,stilllookslovelytoyou.”
“Tuppencedearest,”saidTommy,“youlookexcessivelylovelytome.Andthereisakindofroly-polyofacobwebhangingdownoveryourleftearwhichismostattractive.RatherlikethecurlthattheEmpressEugenieissometimesrepresentedashavinginpictures.Youknow,runningalongthecornerofherneck.Yoursseemstohavegotaspiderinit,too.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence,“Idon’tlikethat.”
Shebrushedthewebawaywithherhand.ShedulywentupstairsandreturnedtoTommylater.Aglasswasawaitingher.Shelookedatitdoubtfully.
“Youaren’ttryingtomakemedrinkbayrum,areyou?”
“No.Idon’tthinkIparticularlywanttodrinkbayrummyself.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“ifImaygetonwithwhatIwassaying—”
“Ishouldlikeyouto,”saidTommy.“You’lldoitanyway,butIwouldliketofeelitwasbecauseIurgedyoutodoso.”
“Well,Isaidtomyself,‘NowifIwasgoingtohideanythinginthishousethatIdidn’twantanyoneelsetofind,whatsortofplacewouldIchoose?’”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“verylogical.”
“AndsoIthought,whatplacesaretherewhereonecanhidethings?Well,oneofthemofcourseisMathilde’sstomach.”
“Ibegyourpardon,”saidTommy.
“Mathilde’sstomach.Therockinghorse.Itoldyouabouttherockinghorse.It’sanAmericanrockinghorse.”
“AlotofthingsseemtohavecomefromAmerica,”saidTommy.“Thebayrumtoo,yousaid.”
“Well,anyway,therockinghorsedidhaveaholeinitsstomachbecauseoldIsaactoldmeaboutit;ithadaholeinitsstomachandalotofsortofqueeroldpaperstuffcameoutofit.Nothinginteresting.Butanyway,that’sthesortofplacewhereanyonemighthavehiddenanything,isn’tit?”
“Quitepossibly.”
“AndTruelove,ofcourse.IexaminedTrueloveagain.Youknowit’sgotasortofratherolddecayedmackintoshseatbuttherewasnothingthere.Andofcoursetherewerenopersonalthingsbelongingtoanyone.SoIthoughtagain.Well,afterall,there’sstillthebookcaseandbooks.Peoplehidethingsinbooks.Andwehaven’tquitefinisheddoingthebookroomupstairs,havewe?”
“Ithoughtwehad,”saidTommyhopefully.
“Notreally.Therewasthebottomshelfstill.”
“Thatdoesn’treallyneeddoing.Imean,onehasn’tgottogetupaladderandtakethingsdown.”
“No.SoIwentupthereandsatdownonthefloorandlookedthroughthebottomshelf.Mostofitwassermons.SermonsofsomebodyinoldtimeswrittenbyaMethodistminister,Ithink.Anyway,theyweren’tinteresting,therewasnothinginthem.SoIpulledallthosebooksoutonthefloor.AndthenIdidmakeadiscovery.Underneath,sometimeorother,somebodyhadmadeasortofgapinghole,andpushedallsortsofthingsinit,booksalltorntopiecesmoreorless.Therewasoneratherbigone.IthadabrownpapercoveronitandIjustpulleditouttosee.Afterall,oneneverknows,doesone?Andwhatdoyouthinkitwas?”
“I’venoidea.FirsteditionofRobinsonCrusoeorsomethingvaluablelikethat?”
“No.Itwasabirthdaybook.”
“Abirthdaybook.What’sthat?”
“Well,theyusedtohavethem.Goesbackalongtime.BacktotheParkinsons,Ithink.Probablybeforethat.Anyway,itwasratherbatteredandtorn.Notworthkeeping,andIdon’tsupposeanyonewouldhavebotheredaboutit.Butitdoesdatebackandonemightfindsomethinginit,Ithought.”
“Isee.Youmeanthesortofthingpeoplemighthaveslippedsomethinginto.”
“Yes.Butnobodyhasdonethat,ofcourse.Nothingsosimple.ButI’mstillgoingthroughitquitecarefully.Ihaven’tgonethroughitproperlyyet.Yousee,itmighthaveinterestingnamesinitandonemightfindoutsomething.”
“Isupposeso,”saidTommy,soundingsceptical.
“Well,that’sonething.That’stheonlythinginthebooklinethatIcameacross.Therewasnothingelseonthebottomshelf.Theotherthingtolookthrough,ofcourse,isthecupboards.”
“Whataboutfurniture?”saidTommy.“Lotsofthingslikesecretdrawersinfurniture,andallthat.”
“No,Tommy,you’renotlookingatthingsstraight.Imean,allthefurnitureinthehousenowisours.Wemovedintoanemptyhouseandbroughtourfurniturewithus.TheonlythingwefoundherefromreallyoldtimesisallthatmessoutintheplacecalledKK,olddecayedtoysandgardenseats.Imean,there’snoproperantiquefurnitureleftinthehouse.Whoeveritwaslivedherelasttookitawayorelsesentittobesold.There’sbeenlotsofpeople,Iexpect,sincetheParkinsons,sotherewouldn’tbeanythingleftoftheirshere.But,Ididfindsomething.Idon’tknow,itmaymeansomethinghelpful.”
“Whatwasthat?”
“Chinamenucards.”
“Chinamenucards?”
“Yes.Inthatoldcupboardwehaven’tbeenabletogetinto.Theoneoffthelarder.Youknow,they’dlostthekey.Well,Ifoundthekeyinanoldbox.OutinKK,asamatteroffact.IputsomeoilonitandImanagedtogetthecupboarddooropen.And,well,therewasnothinginit.Itwasjustadirtycupboardwithafewbrokenbitsofchinaleftinit.Ishouldthinkfromthelastpeoplewhowerehere.ButshoveduponthetopshelftherewasalittleheapoftheVictorianchinamenuspeopleusedtohaveatparties.Fascinating,thethingstheyate—reallythemostdeliciousmeals.I’llreadyousomeafterwe’vehaddinner.Itwasfascinating.Youknow,twosoups,clearandthick,andontopofthatthereweretwokindsoffishandthenthereweretwoentrées,Ithink,andthenyouhadasaladorsomethinglikethat.Andthenafterthatyouhadthejointandafterthat—I’mnotquitesurewhatcamenext.Ithinkasorbet—that’sicecream,isn’tit?Andactuallyafterthat—lobstersalad!Canyoubelieveit?”
“Hush,Tuppence,”saidTommy,“Idon’treallythinkIcanstandanymore.”
“Well,anywayIthoughtitmightbeinteresting.Itdatesback,youknow.Itdatesback,Ishouldthink,quitealongtime.”
“Andwhatdoyouhopetogetfromallthesediscoveries?”
“Well,theonlythingwithpossibilitiesisthebirthdaybook.InitIseethereisamentionofsomebodycalledWinifredMorrison.”
“Well?”
“Well,WinifredMorrison,Igather,wasthemaidennameofoldMrs.Griffin.That’stheoneIwenttoteawiththeotherday.She’soneoftheoldestinhabitants,youknow,andsheremembersorknowsaboutalotofthingsthathappenedbeforehertime.Well,Ithinkshemightrememberorhaveheardofsomeoftheothernamesinthebirthdaybook.Wemightgetsomethingfromthat.”
“Wemight,”saidTommystillsoundingdoubtful.“Istillthink—”
“Well,whatdoyoustillthink?”saidTuppence.
“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”saidTommy.“Let’sgotobedandsleep.Don’tyouthinkwe’dbettergivethisbusinessupaltogether?WhyshouldwewanttoknowwhokilledMaryJordan?”
“Don’tyouwantto?”
“No,Idon’t,”saidTommy.“Atleast—ohIgivein.You’vegotmeinvolvednow,Iadmit.”
“Haven’tyoufoundoutanything?”askedTuppence.
“Ihadn’ttimetoday.ButI’vegotafewmoresourcesofinformation.IputthatwomanItoldyouabout—youknow,theonewho’squitecleveraboutresearch—Iputherontoafewthings.”
“Ohwell,”saidTuppence,“we’llstillhopeforthebest.It’sallnonsense,butperhapsitisratherfun.”
“OnlyI’mnotsosureit’sgoingtobeasmuchfunasyouthink,”saidTommy.
“Ohwell.Nomatter,”saidTuppence,“we’llhavedoneourbest.”
“Well,don’tgoondoingyourbestallbyyourself,”saidTommy.“That’sexactlywhatworriesmesomuch—whenI’mawayfromyou.”
Six
MR.ROBINSON
“IwonderwhatTuppenceisdoingnow,”saidTommy,sighing.
“Excuseme,Ididn’tquitehearwhatyousaid.”
TommyturnedhisheadtolookatMissCollodonmoreclosely.MissCollodonwasthin,emaciated,hadgreyhairwhichwasslowlypassingthroughthestageofrecoveringfromaperoxiderinsedesignatedtomakeherlookyounger(whichithadnotdone).Shewasnowtryingvariousshadesofartisticgrey,cloudysmoke,steelblueandotherinterestingshadessuitableforaladybetweensixtyandsixty-five,devotedtothepursuitofresearch.Herfacerepresentedakindofasceticsuperiorityandasupremeconfidenceinherownachievements.
“Oh,itwasnothingreally,MissCollodon,”saidTommy.“Just—justsomethingIwasconsidering,youknow.Justthinkingof.”
Andwhatisit,Iwonder,thoughtThomas,beingcarefulthistimenottoutterthewordsaloud,thatshecanbedoingtoday.Somethingsilly,Ibet.Halfkillingherselfinthatextraordinary,obsoletechild’stoythat’llcometopiecescarryingherdownthehill,andshe’llprobablyendupwithabrokensomethingorother.Hips,itseemstobenowadays,thoughIdon’tseewhyhipsaremorevulnerablethananythingelse.Tuppence,hethought,wouldatthismomentbedoingsomethingsillyorfoolishor,ifnotthat,shewouldbedoingsomethingwhichmightnotbesillyorfoolishbutwouldbehighlydangerous.Yes,dangerous.ItwasalwaysdifficultkeepingTuppenceoutofdanger.Hismindrovedvaguelyovervariousincidentsinthepast.Wordsofaquotationcameintohismind,andhespokethemaloud:
“PosternofFate….Passnotbeneath,OCaravan,orpassnotsinging.HaveyouheardThatsilencewherethebirdsaredead,yetsomethingpipethlikeabird?”
MissCollodonrespondedimmediately,givingTommyquiteashockofsurprise.
“Flecker,”shesaid.“Flecker.Itgoeson:
‘Death’sCaravan…Disaster’sCavern,FortofFear.’”
Tommystaredather,thenrealizedthatMissCollodonhadthoughthewasbringingherapoeticproblemtoberesearched,fullinformationonwhereacertainquotationcamefromandwhothepoethadbeenwhohadutteredit.ThetroublewithMissCollodonwasthatherresearchcoveredsuchabroadfield.
“Iwasjustwonderingaboutmywife,”saidTommyapologetically.
“Oh,”saidMissCollodon.
ShelookedatTommywitharathernewexpressioninhereye.Maritaltroubleinthehome,shewasdeducing.Shewouldpresentlyprobablyofferhimtheaddressofamarriageadvicebureauwhereinhemightseekadjustmentinhismatrimonialaffairsandtroubles.
Tommysaidhurriedly,“HaveyouhadanysuccesswiththatenquiryIspoketoyouaboutthedaybeforeyesterday?”
“Ohyes.Notverymuchtroubleinthat.SomersetHouseisveryuseful,youknow,inallthosethings.Idon’tthink,youknow,thatthereislikelytobeanythingparticularthatyouwantthere,butI’vegotthenamesandaddressesofcertainbirths,marriagesanddeaths.”
“What,aretheyallMaryJordans?”
“Jordan,yes.AMary.AMariaandaPollyJordan.AlsoaMollieJordan.Idon’tknowifanyofthemarelikelytobewhatyouwant.CanIpassthistoyou?”
Shehandedhimasmalltypewrittensheet.
“Oh,thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.”
“Thereareseveraladdresses,too.Theonesyouaskedmefor.IhavenotbeenabletofindouttheaddressofMajorDalrymple.Peoplechangetheiraddressesconstantlynowadays.However,Ithinkanothertwodaysoughttogetthatinformationallright.ThisisDr.Heseltine’saddress.HeisatpresentlivingatSurbiton.”
“Thanksverymuch,”saidTommy.“Imightstartonhim,anyway.”
“Anymorequeries?”
“Yes.I’vegotalisthereofaboutsix.Someofthemmaynotbeinyourline.”
“Ohwell,”saidMissCollodon,withcompleteassurance,“Ihavetomakethingsmyline,youknow.Youcaneasilyfindoutfirstjustwhereyoucanfindout,ifthatisn’taratherfoolishwayofspeech.Butitdoesexplainthings,youknow.Iremember—oh,quitealongtimeago,whenIwasfirstdoingthiswork,IfoundhowusefulSelfridge’sadvicebureauwas.Youcouldaskthemthemostextraordinaryquestionsaboutthemostextraordinarythingsandtheyalwaysseemedtobeabletotellyousomethingaboutitorwhereyoucouldgettheinformationquickly.Butofcoursetheydon’tdothatsortofthingnowadays.Nowadays,youknow,mostenquiriesthataremadeare—well,youknow,ifyouwanttocommitsuicide,thingslikethat.Samaritans.Andlegalquestionsaboutwillsandalotofextraordinarythingsforauthors,ofcourse.Andjobsabroadandimmigrationproblems.Ohyes,Icoveraverywidefield.”
“I’msureyoudo,”saidTommy.
“Andhelpingalcoholics.Alotofsocietiestherearewhospecializeinthat.Someofthemaremuchbetterthanothers.Ihavequitealist—comprehensive—andsomemostreliable—”
“I’llrememberit,”Tommysaid,“ifIfindmyselfshapingthatwayanytime.ItdependshowfarIgettoday.”
“Oh,I’msure,Mr.Beresford,Idon’tseeanysignsofalcoholicdifficultiesinyou.”
“Norednose?”saidTommy.
“It’sworsewithwomen,”saidMissCollodon.“Moredifficult,youknow,togetthemoffit,asyoumightsay.Mendorelapse,butnotsonotably.Butreally,somewomen,theyseemquiteallright,quitehappydrinkinglemonadeinlargequantitiesandallthat,andthensomeevening,inthemiddleofaparty—well,it’sallthereagain.”
Inturn,shelookedatherwatch.
“Ohdear,Imustgoontomynextappointment.IhavetogettoUpperGrosvenorStreet.”
“Thankyouverymuch,”saidTommy,“forallyou’vedone.”
Heopenedthedoorpolitely,helpedMissCollodononwithhercoat,wentbackintotheroomandsaid,
“ImustremembertotellTuppencethiseveningthatourresearchessofarhaveledmetoimpressaresearchagentwiththeideathatmywifedrinksandourmarriageisbreakingupbecauseofit.Ohdear,whatnext!”
II
WhatnextwasanappointmentinaninexpensiverestaurantintheneighbourhoodofTottenhamCourtRoad.
“WellInever!”saidanelderlyman,leapingupfromhisseatwherehewassittingwaiting.“CarrotyTom,onmylife.Shouldn’thaveknownyou.”
“Possiblynot,”saidTommy.“Notmuchcarrotsleftaboutme.It’sgrey-hairedTom.”
“Ahwell,we’reallthat.How’syourhealth?”
“MuchthesameasIalwayswas.Cracking.Youknow.Decomposingbydegrees.”
“HowlongisitsinceI’veseenyou?Twoyears?Eightyears?Elevenyears?”
“Nowyou’regoingtoofar,”saidTommy.“WemetattheMalteseCatsdinnerlastautumn,don’tyouremember?”
“Ah,sowedid.Pitythatbrokeup,youknow.Ialwaysthoughtitwould.Nicepremises,butthefoodwasrotten.Well,whatareyoudoingthesedays,oldboy?Stillintheespionage-up-to-datedo?”
“No,”saidTommy,“I’mnothingtodowithespionage.”
“Dearme.Whatawasteofyouractivities.”
“Andwhataboutyou,MuttonChop?”
“Oh,I’mmuchtoooldtoservemycountryinthatway.”
“Noespionagegoingonnowadays?”
“Lotsofit,Iexpect.Butprobablytheyputthebrightboysontoit.Theoneswhocomeburstingoutofuniversitiesneedingajobbadly.Whereareyounow?IsentyouaChristmascardthisyear.Well,Ididn’tactuallypostittillJanuarybutanywayitcamebacktomewith‘Notknownatthisaddress.’”
“No.We’vegonetothecountrytolivenow.Downnearthesea.Hollowquay.”
“Hollowquay.Hollowquay?Iseemtoremembersomething.Somethinginyourlinegoingonthereonce,wasn’tthere?”
“Notinmytime,”saidTommy.“I’veonlyjustgottohearofitsincegoingtolivethere.Legendsofthepast.Atleastsixtyyearsago.”
“Somethingtodowithasubmarine,wasn’tit?Plansofasubmarinesoldtosomeoneorother.Iforgetwhoweweresellingtoatthattime.MighthavebeentheJapanese,mighthavebeentheRussians—oh,andlotsofothers.PeoplealwaysseemedtomeetenemyagentsinRegent’sParkorsomewherelikethat.Youknow,they’dmeetsomeonelikeathirdSecretaryfromanEmbassy.Notsomanybeautifulladyspiesaroundasthereusedtobeonceinfiction.”
“Iwantedtoaskyouafewthings,MuttonChop.”
“Oh?Askaway.I’vehadaveryuneventfullife.Margery—doyourememberMargery?”
“Yes,ofcourseIrememberMargery.Inearlygottoyourwedding.”
“Iknow.Butyoucouldn’tmakeitorsomething,ortookthewrongtrain,asfarasIremember.AtrainthatwasgoingtoScotlandinsteadofSouthall.Anyway,justaswellyoudidn’t.Nothingmuchcameofit.”
“Didn’tyougetmarried?”
“Ohyes,Igotmarried.Butsomehoworotheritdidn’ttakeverywell.No.Ayearandahalfanditwasdonewith.She’smarriedagain.Ihaven’t,butI’mdoingverynicely.IliveatLittlePollon.Quiteadecentgolfcoursethere.Mysisterliveswithme.She’sawidowwithanicebitofmoneyandwegetonwelltogether.She’sabitdeafsoshedoesn’thearwhatIsay,butitonlymeansshoutingabit.”
“Yousaidyou’dheardofHollowquay.Wasitreallysomethingtodowithspyingofsomekind?”
“Well,totellyouthetruth,oldboy,it’ssolongagothatIcan’tremembermuchaboutit.Itmadeabigstiratthetime.Youknow,splendidyoungnavalofficerabsolutelyabovesuspicionineveryway,ninetypercentBritish,ratedaboutahundredandfiveinreliability,butnothingofthekindreally.Inthepayof—well,Ican’tremembernowwhohewasinthepayof.Germany,Isuppose.Beforethe1914war.Yes,Ithinkthatwasit.”
“Andtherewasawomantoo,Ibelieve,associatedwithitall,”saidTommy.
“IseemtorememberhearingsomethingaboutaMaryJordan,Ithinkitwas.Mindyou,Iamnotclearaboutallthis.GotintothepapersandIthinkitwasawifeofhis—Imeanoftheabove-suspicionnavalofficer.ItwashiswifewhogotintouchwiththeRussiansand—no,no,that’ssomethingthathappenedsincethen.Onemixesthingsupso—theyallsoundalike.Wifethoughthewasn’tgettingenoughmoney,whichmeant,Isuppose,thatshewasn’tgettingenoughmoney.Andso—well,whyd’youwanttodigupallthisoldhistory?What’sitgottodowithyouafterallthistime?IknowyouhadsomethingtodooncewithsomeonewhowasontheLusitaniaorwentdownwiththeLusitaniaorsomethinglikethat,didn’tyou?Ifwegobackasfarasthat,Imean.That’swhatyouweremixedupinonce,oryourwifewasmixedupin.”
“Wewerebothmixedupinit,”saidTommy,“andit’ssuchaverylongtimeagothatIreallycan’trememberanythingaboutitnow.”
“Therewassomewomanassociatedwiththat,wasn’tthere?NamelikeJaneFish,orsomethinglikethat,orwasitJaneWhale?”
“JaneFinn,”saidTommy.
“Whereisshenow?”
“She’smarriedtoanAmerican.”
“Oh,Isee.Well,allverynice.Onealwaysseemstogettalkingaboutone’soldpalsandwhat’shappenedtothemall.Whenyoutalkaboutoldfriends,eithertheyaredead,whichsurprisesyouenormouslybecauseyoudidn’tthinktheywouldbe,orelsethey’renotdeadandthatsurprisesyouevenmore.It’saverydifficultworld.”
Tommysaidyesitwasaverydifficultworldandherewasthewaitercoming.Whatcouldtheyhavetoeat…Theconversationthereafterwasgastronomic
III
IntheafternoonTommyhadanotherinterviewarranged.Thistimewithasad,grizzledmansittinginanofficeandobviouslygrudgingthetimehewasgivingTommy.
“Well,Ireallycouldn’tsay.OfcourseIknowroughlywhatyou’retalkingabout—lotoftalkaboutitatthetime—causedabigpoliticalblowup—butIreallyhavenoinformationaboutthatsortofthing,youknow.No.Yousee,thesethings,theydon’tlast,dothey?Theysoonpassoutofone’smindoncethePressgetsholdofsomeotherjuicyscandal.”
Heopenedupslightlyonafewofhisowninterestingmomentsinlifewhensomethinghe’dneversuspectedcamesuddenlytolightorhissuspicionshadsuddenlybeenarousedbysomeverypeculiarevent.Hesaid:
“Well,I’vejustgotonethingmighthelp.Here’sanaddressforyouandI’vemadeanappointmenttoo.Nicechap.Knowseverything.He’sthetops,youknow,absolutelythetops.Oneofmydaughterswasagodchildofhis.That’swhyhe’sawfullynicetomeandwillalwaysdomeagoodturnifpossible.SoIaskedhimifhewouldseeyou.Isaidthereweresomethingsyouwantedthetopnewsabout,Isaidwhatagoodchapyouwereandvariousthingsandhesaidyes,he’dheardofyoualready.Knewsomethingaboutyou,andhesaid,Ofcoursecomealong.Threeforty-five,Ithink.Here’stheaddress.It’sanofficeintheCity,Ithink.Evermethim?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidTommy,lookingatthecardandtheaddress.“No.”
“Wellyouwouldn’tthinkheknewanything,tolookathim,Imean.Big,youknow,andyellow.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“bigandyellow.”
Itdidn’treallyconveymuchinformationtohismind.
“He’sthetops,”saidTommy’sgrizzledfriend,“absolutetops.Yougoalongthere.He’llbeabletotellyousomethinganyway.Goodluck,oldchap.”
IV
Tommy,havingsuccessfullygothimselftotheCityofficeinquestion,wasreceivedbyamanof35to40yearsofagewholookedathimwiththeeyeofonedeterminedtodotheworstwithoutdelay.Tommyfeltthathewassuspectedofmanythings,possiblycarryingabombinsomedeceptivecontainer,orpreparedtohijackorkidnapanyoneortoholdupwitharevolvertheentirestaff.ItmadeTommyextremelynervous.
“YouhaveanappointmentwithMr.Robinson?Atwhattime,didyousay?Ah,threeforty-five.”Heconsultedaledger.“Mr.ThomasBeresford,isthatright?”
“Yes,”saidTommy.
“Ah.Justsignyournamehere,please.”
Tommysignedhisnamewherehewastold
“Johnson.”
Anervous-lookingyoungmanofabouttwenty-threeseemedlikeanapparitionrisingoutofaglasspartitioneddesk.“Yes,sir?”
“TakeMr.BeresforduptothefourthfloortoMr.Robinson’soffice.”
“Yes,sir.”
HeledTommytoalift,thekindofliftthatalwaysseemedtohaveitsownideaofhowitshoulddealwiththosewhocameintoit.Thedoorsrolledopen.Tommypassedin,thedoorsverynearlypinchedhimindoingsoandjustmanagedtoslamthemselvesshutaboutaninchfromhisspine.
“Coldafternoon,”saidJohnson,showingafriendlyattitudetosomeonewhowasclearlybeingallowedtoapproachthehighoneinthehighest.
“Yes,”saidTommy,“italwaysseemstobecoldintheafternoons.”
“Somesayit’spollution,somesayit’sallthenaturalgasthey’retakingoutoftheNorthSea,”saidJohnson.
“Oh,Ihaven’theardthat,”saidTommy.
“Doesn’tseemlikelytome,”saidJohnson.
Theypassedthesecondfloorandthethirdfloorandfinallyarrivedatthefourthfloor.JohnsonledTommy,againescapingtheclosingdoorsbyamereinch,alongapassagetoadoor.Heknocked,wastoldtoenter,heldthedooropen,insinuatedTommyacrossthethreshold,andsaid:
“Mr.Beresford,sir.Byappointment.”
Hewentoutandshutthedoorbehindhim.Tommyadvanced.Theroomseemedtobemainlyfilledbyanenormousdesk.Behindthedesksataratherenormousman,amanofgreatweightandmanyinches.Hehad,asTommyhadbeenpreparedforbyhisfriend,averylargeandyellowface.WhatnationalityhewasTommyhadnoidea.Hemighthavebeenanything.Tommyhadafeelinghewasprobablyforeign.AGerman,perhaps?OranAustrian?PossiblyaJapanese.OrelsehemightbeverydecidedlyEnglish.
“Ah.Mr.Beresford.”
Mr.Robinsongotup,shookhands.
“I’msorryifIcometakingalotofyourtime,”saidTommy.
HehadafeelinghehadonceseenMr.RobinsonbeforeorhadhadMr.Robinsonpointedouttohim.Anywayontheoccasion,whateverithadbeen,hehadbeenrathershyaboutitbecauseobviouslyMr.Robinsonwassomeoneveryimportant,and,henowgathered(orratherfeltatonce)hewasstillveryimportant.
“There’ssomethingyouwanttoknowabout,Igather.Yourfriend,What’s-his-name,justgavemeabriefrésumé.”
“Idon’tsuppose—Imean,it’ssomethingperhapsIoughtn’ttobotheryouabout.Idon’tsupposeit’sanythingofanyimportance.Itwasjust—just—”
“Justanidea?”
“Partlymywife’sidea.”
“I’veheardaboutyourwife.I’veheardaboutyou,too.Letmesee,thelasttimewasMorNwasn’tit?OrNorM.Mm.Iremember.Rememberallthefactsandthings.YougotthatCommanderchap,didn’tyou?TheonewhowasintheEnglishNavysupposedlybutwasactuallyaveryimportantHun.IstillcallthemHunsoccasionally,youknow.OfcourseIknowwe’realldifferentnowwe’reintheCommonMarket.Allinthenurseryschooltogether,asyoumightsay.Iknow.Youdidagoodbitofworkthere.Verygoodbitindeed.Andsodidyourmissus.Myword.Allthosechildren’sbooks.Iremember.Goosey,GooseyGanderwasn’tit—theonethatgavetheshowaway?Wheredoyouwander?Upstairsanddownstairsandinmylady’schamber.”
“Fancyyourememberingthat,”saidTommy,withgreatrespect.
“Yes,Iknow.One’salwayssurprisedwhenonerememberssomething.Itjustcamebacktomeatthatminute.Sosilly,youknow,thatreallyyou’dneverhavesuspecteditofbeinganythingelse,wouldyou?”
“Yes,itwasagoodshow.”
“Now,what’sthematternow?Whatareyouupagainst?”
“Well,it’snothing,really,”saidTommy.“It’sjust—”
“Comeon,putitinyourownwords.Youneedn’tmakeathingofit.Justtellmethestory.Sitdown.Taketheweightoffyourfeet.Don’tyouknow—oryouwillknow,whenyou’resomeyearsolder—restingyourfeetisimportant.”
“I’moldenoughalready,Ishouldthink,”saidTommy.“Therecan’tbemuchaheadofmenowexceptacoffin,induecourse.”
“OhIwouldn’tsaythat.Itellyou,onceyougetaboveacertainageyoucangoonlivingpracticallyforever.Nowthen,what’sallthisabout?”
“Well,”saidTommy,“briefly,mywifeandIwentintoanewhouseandtherewasallthefussofgettingintoanewhouse—”
“Iknow,”saidMr.Robinson,“yes,Iknowthesortofthing.Electriciansalloverthefloor.Theypickholesandyoufallintothemand—”
“Thereweresomebookstherethepeoplemovingoutwantedtosell.Alotofchildren’sbooks,allsortsofthings.Youknow,Hentyandthingslikethat.”
“Iremember.IrememberHentyfrommyownyouth.”
“Andinonebookmywifewasreadingwefoundapassageunderlined.Theletterswereunderlinedanditmadeasentencewhenyouputittogether.And—thissoundsawfullysilly,whatI’mgoingtosaynext—”
“Well,that’shopeful,”saidMr.Robinson.“Ifathingsoundssilly,Ialwayswanttohearaboutit.”
“Itsaid,MaryJordandidnotdienaturally.Itmusthavebeenoneofus.”
“Very,veryinteresting,”saidMr.Robinson.“I’venevercomeacrossanythinglikethatbefore.Itsaidthat,didit?MaryJordandidnotdieanaturaldeath.Andwhowasitwhowroteit?Anyclueofthat?”
“Apparentlyaboyofschoolage.Parkinsonwasthefamily’sname.TheylivedinthishouseandhewasoneoftheParkinsons,wegathered.AlexanderParkinson.Atleast,anyway,he’sburiedthereinthechurchyard.”
“Parkinson,”saidMr.Robinson.“Waitabit.Letmethink.Parkinson—yes,youknowtherewasanamelikethatconnectedwiththings,butyoudon’talwaysrememberwhoorwhatandwhere.”
“Andwe’vebeenverykeentolearnwhoMaryJordanwas.”
“Becauseshedidn’tdieanaturaldeath.Yes,Isupposethatwouldberatheryourlineofcountry.Butitseemsveryodd.Whatdidyoufindoutabouther?”
“Absolutelynothing,”saidTommy.“Nobodyseemstorememberhertheremuch,orsayanythingabouther.Atleastsomebodydidsayshewaswhatwe’dcallanaupairgirlnowadaysoragovernessorsomethinglikethat.Theycouldn’tremember.AMamselleoraFrowline,theysaid.It’sallverydifficult,yousee.”
“Andshedied—whatdidshedieof?”
“Somebodybroughtafewfoxgloveleavesinwithsomespinachfromthegarden,byaccident,andthentheyateit.Mindyou,thatprobablywouldn’tkillyou.”
“No,”saidMr.Robinson.“Notenoughofit.ButifyouthenputastrongdoseofdigitalinalkaloidinthecoffeeandjustmadesurethatMaryJordangotitinhercoffee,orinacocktailearlier,then—then,asyousay,thefoxgloveleaveswouldbeblamedanditwouldallbetakentobeanaccident.ButAlexanderParker,orwhatevertheschoolboy’snamewas,wastoosharpforthat.Hehadotherideas,didhe?Anythingelse,Beresford?Whenwasthis?FirstWorldWar,SecondWorldWar,orbeforethat?”
“Before.RumourspasseddownthroughelderlyancestorssayshewasaGermanspy.”
“Irememberthatcase—madeabigsensation.AnyGermanworkinginEnglandbefore1914wasalwayssaidtobeaspy.TheEnglishofficerinvolvedwasonealwayssaidtobe‘abovesuspicion.’Ialwayslookveryhardatanyonewhoisabovesuspicion.It’sallalongtimeago,Idon’tthinkit’severbeenwrittenupinrecentyears.Imean,notinthewaythatthingsareoccasionallyforpublicenjoymentwhentheyreleaseabitofstufffromtherecords.”
“Yes,butit’sallrathersketchy.”
“Yes,itwouldbebynow.It’salwaysbeenassociated,ofcourse,withthesubmarinesecretsthatwerestolenaroundthen.Therewassomeaviationnewsaswell.Alotofthatsideofit,andthat’swhatcaughtthepublicinterest,asyoumightsay.Buttherearealotofthings,youknow.Therewasthepoliticalsidetoit,too.Alotofourprominentpoliticians.Youknow,thesortofchapspeoplesay,‘Well,hehasrealintegrity.’RealintegrityisjustasdangerousasbeingabovesuspicionintheServices.Realintegritymyfoot,”saidMr.Robinson.“Irememberitwiththislastwar.Somepeoplehaven’tgottheintegritytheyarecreditedwith.Onechapliveddownnearhere,youknow.Hehadacottageonthebeach,Ithink.Madealotofdisciples,youknow,praisingHitler.Sayingouronlychancewastogetinwithhim.Reallythefellowseemedsuchanobleman.Hadsomewonderfulideas.Wassoterriblykeentoabolishallpovertyanddifficultiesandinjustice—thingsofthatkind.Ohyes.BlewtheFascisttrumpetwithoutcallingitFascism.AndSpaintoo,youknow.WasinwithFrancoandallthatlottobeginwith.AnddearoldMussolini,naturally,spoutingaway.Yes,therearealwaysalotofsidelinestoitjustbeforewars.Thingsthatnevercameoutandnobodyeverreallyknewabout.”
“Youseemtoknoweverything,”saidTommy.“Ibegyourpardon.Perhapsthat’sratherrudeofme.Butitreallyisveryexcitingtocomeacrosssomeonewhodoesseemtoknowabouteverything.”
“Well,I’veoftenhadafingerinthepie,asyoumightsay.Youknow,comeintothingsonthesidelines,orinthebackground.Onehearsagooddeal.Onehearsagooddealfromone’soldcroniestoo,whowereinituptotheneckandwhoknewthelot.Iexpectyoubegintofindthat,don’tyou?”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“it’squitetrue.Imeetoldfriends,youknow,andthey’veseenotheroldfriendsandthere’requitealotofthingsthat,well,one’sfriendsknewandyouknew.Youdidn’tgettogetherjustthenbutnowyoudohearaboutthemandthey’reveryinterestingsometimes.”
“Yes,”saidMr.Robinson.“Iseewhereyou’regoing—whereyou’retending,youmightsay.It’sinterestingthatyoushouldcomeacrossthis.”
“Thetroubleis,”saidTommy,“thatIdon’treallyknow—Imean,perhapswe’rebeingrathersilly.Imean,weboughtthishousetolivein,thesortofhousewewanted.We’vedoneitupthewaywewantandwe’retryingtogetthegardeninsomekindofshape.ButImean,Idon’twanttogettiedupinthissortofstuffagain.It’sjustpurecuriosityonourpart.Somethingthathappenedlongagoandyoucan’thelpthinkingaboutitorwantingtoknowwhy.Butthere’snopointinit.It’snotgoingtodoanybodyanygood.”
“Iknow.Youjustwanttoknow.Well,that’sthewaythehumanbeingismade.That’swhatleadsustoexplorethings,togoandflytothemoon,tobotheraboutunderwaterdiscoveries,tofindnaturalgasintheNorthSea,tofindoxygensuppliedtousbytheseaandnotbythetreesandforests.Quitealotofthingsthey’realwaysfindingoutabout.Justthroughcuriosity.Isupposewithoutcuriosityamanwouldbeatortoise.Verycomfortablelife,atortoisehas.Goestosleepallthewinteranddoesn’teatanythingmorethangrassasfarasIknow,toliveallthesummer.Notaninterestinglifeperhaps,butaverypeacefulone.Ontheotherhand—”
“Ontheotherhandonemightsaymanismorelikeamongoose.”
“Good.You’reareaderofKipling.I’msoglad.Kipling’snotappreciatedasmuchasheshouldbenowadays.Hewasawonderfulchap.Awonderfulpersontoreadnowadays.Hisshortstories,amazinglygood,theyare.Idon’tthinkit’severbeenrealizedenough.”
“Idon’twanttomakeafoolofmyself,”saidTommy.“Idon’twanttomixmyselfupwithalotofthingswhichhavenothingtodowithme.Notanythingtodowithanybodynowadays,Ishouldsay.”
“Thatyouneverknow,”saidMr.Robinson.
“Imean,really,”saidTommy,whowasnowcompletelyswampedinacloudofguiltforhavingdisturbedaveryimportantman,“Imean,I’mnotjusttryingtofindoutthings.”
“Gottotryandfindoutthingsjusttosatisfyyourwife,Isuppose.Yes,I’veheardofher.I’veneverhadthepleasureofmeetingher,Idon’tthink.Ratherwonderfulperson,isn’tshe?”
“Ithinkso,”saidTommy.
“That’sgoodhearing.Ilikepeoplewhosticktogetherandenjoytheirmarriageandgoonenjoyingit.”
“Really,I’mlikethetortoise,Isuppose.Imean,thereweare.We’reoldandwe’retired,andalthoughwe’vegotverygoodhealthforourage,wedon’twanttobemixedupinanythingnowadays.We’renottryingtobuttintoanything.Wejust—”
“Iknow.Iknow,”saidMr.Robinson.“Don’tkeepapologizingforit.Youwanttoknow.Likethemongoose,youwanttoknow.AndMrs.Beresford,shewantstoknow.Moreover,IshouldsayfromallI’veheardofherandbeentoldofher,Ishouldsayshewillgettoknowsomehow.”
“Youthinkshe’smorelikelytodoitthanIam?”
“Well,Idon’tthinkperhapsyou’requiteaskeenonfindingoutthingsassheis,butIthinkyou’rejustaslikelytogetontoitbecauseIthinkyou’rerathergoodatfindingsources.It’snoteasytofindsourcesforsomethingaslongagoasthat.”
“That’swhyIfeelawfulabouthavingcomeanddisturbedyou.ButIwouldn’thavedoneitonmyown.ItwasonlyMuttonChop.Imean—”
“Iknowwhoyoumean.Hadmutton-chopwhiskersandwasratherpleasedwiththematonetime.That’swhyhewascalledthat.Anicechap.Donegoodworkinhistime.Yes.HesentyoutomebecauseheknewthatIaminterestedinanythinglikethat.Istartedquiteearly,youknow.Pokingabout,Imean,andfindingoutthings.”
“Andnow,”saidTommy,“nowyou’rethetops.”
“Nowwhotoldyouthat?”saidMr.Robinson.“Allnonsense.”
“Idon’tthinkitis,”saidTommy.
“Well,”saidMr.Robinson,“somegettothetopsandsomehavethetopsforceduponthem.Iwouldsaythelatterappliestome,moreorless.I’vehadafewthingsofsurpassinginterestforceduponme.”
“Thatbusinessconnectedwith—Frankfurt,wasn’tit?”
“Ah,you’veheardrumours,haveyou?Ahwell,don’tthinkaboutthemanymore.They’renotsupposedtobeknownmuch.Don’tthinkI’mgoingtorebuffyouforcominghereaskingmequestions.Iprobablycananswersomeofthethingsyouwanttoknow.IfIsaidtherewassomethingthathappenedyearsagothatmightresultinsomethingbeingknownthatwouldbe—possibly—interestingnowadays,sometimesthatwouldgiveoneabitofinformationaboutthingsthatmightbegoingonnowadays,thatmightbetrueenough.Iwouldn’tputitpastanyoneoranything.Idon’tknowwhatIcansuggesttoyou,though.It’saquestionofworryabout,listentopeople,findoutwhatyoucanaboutbygoneyears.Ifanythingcomesalongthatyouthinkmightbeinterestingtome,justgivemearingorsomething.We’llfindsomecodewords,youknow.Justtomakeourselvesfeelexcitedagain,feelasthoughwereallymattered.Crab-applejelly,howwouldthatbe?Youknow,yousayyourwife’smadesomejarsofcrab-applejellyandwouldIlikeapot.I’llknowwhatyoumean.”
“Youmeanthat—thatIwouldhavefoundoutsomethingaboutMaryJordan.Idon’tseethere’sanypointingoingonwiththat.Afterall,she’sdead.”
“Yes.She’sdead.But—well,yousee,sometimesonehasthewrongideasaboutpeoplebecauseofwhatyou’vebeentold.Orbecauseofwhat’sbeenwritten.”
“YoumeanwehavewrongideasaboutMaryJordan.Youmean,shewasn’timportantatall.”
“Ohyes,shecouldhavebeenveryimportant.”Mr.Robinsonlookedathiswatch.“Ihavetopushyouoffnow.There’sachapcomingin,intenminutes.Anawfulbore,buthe’shighupingovernmentcircles,andyouknowwhatlifeisnowadays.Government,government,you’vegottostanditeverywhere.Intheoffice,inthehome,inthesupermarkets,onthetelevision.Privatelife.That’swhatwewantmoreofnowadays.Nowthislittlefunandgamesthatyouandyourwifearehaving,you’reinprivatelifeandyoucanlookatitfromthebackgroundofprivatelife.Whoknows,youmightfindoutsomething.Somethingthatwouldbeinteresting.Yes.Youmayandyoumaynot.
“Ican’ttellyouanythingmoreaboutit.IknowsomeofthefactsthatprobablynobodyelsecantellyouandinduecourseImightbeabletotellthemtoyou.Butasthey’realldeadanddonewith,that’snotreallypractical.
“I’lltellyouonethingthatwillhelpyouperhapsinyourinvestigations.Youreadaboutthiscase,thetrialofCommanderwhatever-he-was—I’veforgottenhisnamenow—andhewastriedforespionage,didasentenceforitandrichlydeservedit.Hewasatraitortohiscountryandthat’sthat.ButMaryJordan—”
“Yes?”
“YouwanttoknowsomethingaboutMaryJordan.Well,I’lltellyouonethingthatmight,asIsay,helpyourpointofview.MaryJordanwas—well,youcancallitaspybutshewasn’taGermanspy.Shewasn’tanenemyspy.Listentothis,myboy.Ican’tkeepcallingyou‘myboy.’”
Mr.Robinsondroppedhisvoiceandleanedforwardoverhisdesk.
“Shewasoneofourlot.”
BOOKIII
One
MARYJORDAN
“Butthatalterseverything,”saidTuppence.
“Yes,”saidTommy.“Yes.Itwas—itwasquiteashock.”
“Whydidhetellyou?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTommy.“Ithought—well,twoorthreedifferentthings.”
“Didhe—what’shelike,Tommy?Youhaven’treallytoldme.”
“Well,he’syellow,”saidTommy.“Yellowandbigandfatandvery,veryordinary,butatthesametime,ifyouknowwhatImean,heisn’tordinaryatall.He’s—well,he’swhatmyfriendsaidhewas.He’soneofthetops.”
“Yousoundlikesomeonetalkingaboutpopsingers.”
“Well,onegetsusedtousingtheseterms.”
“Yes,butwhy?Surelythatwasrevealingsomethingthathewouldn’thavewantedtoreveal,you’dthink.”
“Itwasalongtimeago,”saidTommy.“It’sallover,yousee.Isupposenoneofitmattersnowadays.Imean,lookatallthethingsthey’rereleasingnow.Offtherecord.Youknow,nothushingupthingsanymore.Lettingitallcomeout,whatreallyhappened.Whatonepersonwroteandwhatanotherpersonsaidandwhatonerowwasaboutandhowsomethingelsewasallhushedupbecauseofsomethingyouneverheardabout.”
“Youmakemefeelhorriblyconfused,”saidTuppence,“whenyousaythingslikethat.Itmakeseverythingwrong,too,doesn’tit?”
“Howdoyoumean,makeseverythingwrong?”
“Well,Imean,thewaywe’vebeenlookingatit.Imean—whatdoImean?”
“Goon,”saidTommy.“Youmustknowwhatyoumean.”
“Well,whatIsaid.It’sallwrong.Imean,wefoundthisthinginTheBlackArrow,anditwasallclearenough.Somebodyhadwrittenitinthere,probablythisboyAlexander,anditmeantthatsomebody—oneofthem,hesaid,atleast,oneofus—Imeanheputitthatwaybutthat’swhathemeant—oneofthefamilyorsomebodyinthehouseorsomething,hadarrangedtobringaboutthedeathofMaryJordan,andwedidn’tknowwhoMaryJordanwas,whichwasverybaffling.”
“Goodnessknowsit’sbeenbaffling,”saidTommy.
“Well,ithasn’tbaffledyouasmuchasme.It’sbaffledmeagreatdeal.Ihaven’treallyfoundoutanythingabouther.Atleast—”
“WhatyoufoundoutaboutherwasthatshehadbeenapparentlyaGermanspy,isn’tthatwhatyoumean?Youfoundoutthat?”
“Yes,thatiswhatwasbelievedabouther,andIsupposeditwastrue.Onlynow—”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“onlynowweknowthatitwasn’ttrue.ShewastheoppositetoaGermanspy.”
“ShewasasortofEnglishspy.”
“Well,shemusthavebeenintheEnglishespionageorsecuritywhateveritwascalled.Andshecamehereinsomecapacitytofindoutsomething.Tofindoutsomethingabout—about—what’shisnamenow?IwishIcouldremembernamesbetter.ImeanthenavalofficerortheArmyofficerorwhateverhewas.Theonewhosoldthesecretofthesubmarineorsomethinglikethat.Yes,IsupposetherewasalittleclusterofGermanagentshere,ratherlikeinNorMalloveragain,allbusypreparingthings.”
“Itwouldseemso,yes.”
“Andshewassenthereinthatcase,presumably,tofindoutallaboutit.”
“Isee.”
“So‘oneofus’didn’tmeanwhatwethoughtitmeant.‘Oneofus’meant—well,ithadtobesomeonewhowasinthisneighbourhood.Andsomebodywhohadsomethingtodowiththishouse,orwasinthishouseforaspecialoccasion.Andso,whenshedied,herdeathwasn’tanaturalone,becausesomebodygotwisetowhatshewasdoing.AndAlexanderfoundoutaboutit.”
“Shewaspretendingtospy,perhaps,”saidTuppence,“forGermany.MakingfriendswithCommander—whoeveritwas.”
“CallhimCommanderX,”saidTommy,“ifyoucan’tremember.”
“Allright,allright.CommanderX.Shewasgettingfriendlywithhim.”
“Therewasalso,”saidTommy,“anenemyagentlivingdownhere.Theheadofabigorganization.Helivedinacottagesomewhere,downnearthequayIthinkitwas,andhewrotealotofpropaganda,andusedtosaythatreallyourbestplanwouldbetojoininwithGermanyandgettogetherwiththem—andthingslikethat.”
“Itisallsoconfusing,”saidTuppence.“Allthesethings—plans,andsecretpapersandplotsandespionage—havebeensoconfusing.Well,anyway,we’veprobablybeenlookinginallthewrongplaces.”
“Notreally,”saidTommy,“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Whydon’tyouthinkso?”
“Well,becauseifshe,MaryJordan,washeretofindoutsomething,andifshedidfindoutsomething,thenperhapswhenthey—ImeanCommanderXorotherpeople—theremusthavebeenotherpeopletooinit—whentheyfoundoutthatshe’dfoundoutsomething—”
“Nowdon’tgetmemuddledagain,”saidTuppence.“Ifyousaythingslikethat,it’sverymuddling.Yes.Goon.”
“Allright.Well,whentheyfoundoutthatshe’dfoundoutalotofthings,well,thentheyhadto—”
“Tosilenceher,”saidTuppence.
“YoumakeitsoundlikePhillipsOppenheimnow,”saidTommy.“Andhewasbefore1914,surely.”
“Well,anyway,theyhadtosilenceMarybeforeshecouldreportwhatshe’dfoundout.”
“Theremustbealittlemoretoitthanthat,”saidTommy.“Perhapsshe’dgotholdofsomethingimportant.Somekindofpapersorwrittendocument.Lettersthatmighthavebeensentorpassedtosomeone.”
“Yes.Iseewhatyoumean.We’vegottolookamongadifferentlotofpeople.Butifshewasoneoftheonestodiebecauseofamistakethathadbeenmadeaboutthevegetables,thenIdon’tseequitehowitcouldbewhatAlexandercalled‘oneofus.’Itpresumablywasn’toneofhisfamily.”
“Itcouldhavebeenlikethis,”saidTommy.“Itneedn’thavebeenactuallysomeoneinthehouse.It’sveryeasytopickwrongleaveslookingalike,bunch’emalluptogetherandtakethemintothekitchen;youwouldn’t,Ithink,makethemreally—Imean,notreally—toolethal.Justthepeopleatoneparticularmealwouldgetratherillafteritandthey’dsendforadoctorandthedoctorwouldgetthefoodanalysedandhe’drealizesomebody’dmadeamistakeovervegetables.Hewouldn’tthinkanyonehaddoneitonpurpose.”
“Buttheneverybodyatthatmealwouldhavedied,”saidTuppence.“Oreverybodywouldhavebeenillbutnotdied.”
“Notnecessarily,”saidTommy.“Supposetheywantedacertainperson—MaryJ.—todie,andtheyweregoingtogiveadoseofpoisontoher,oh,inacocktailbeforethelunchordinnerorwhateveritwasorincoffeeorsomethingafterthemeal—actualdigitalin,oraconiteorwhateveritisinfoxgloves—”
“Aconite’sinmonkshood,Ithink,”saidTuppence.
“Don’tbesoknowledgeable,”saidTommy.“Thepointiseveryonegetsamilddosebywhatisclearlyamistake,soeveryonegetsmildlyill—butonepersondies.Don’tyousee,ifmostpeopleweretakenillafterwhateveritwas—dinnerorlunchonedayanditwaslookedinto,andtheyfoundoutaboutthemistake,well,thingsdohappenlikethat.Youknow,peopleeatfungusinsteadofmushrooms,anddeadlynightshadeberrieschildreneatbymistakebecausetheberrieslooklikefruit.Justamistakeandpeopleareill,buttheydon’tusuallyalldie.Justoneofthemdoes,andtheonethatdiddiewouldbeassumedtohavebeenparticularlyallergictowhateveritwasandsoshehaddiedbuttheothershadn’t.Yousee,itwouldpassoffasreallyduetothemistakeandtheywouldn’thavelookedtoseeorevensuspectedtherewassomeotherwayinwhichithappened—”
“Shemighthavegotalittleillliketheothersandthentherealdosemighthavebeenputinherearlyteathenextmorning,”saidTuppence.
“I’msure,Tuppence,thatyou’velotsofideas.”
“Aboutthatpartofit,yes,”saidTuppence.“Butwhatabouttheotherthings?Imeanwhoandwhatandwhy?Whowasthe‘oneofus’—‘oneofthem’aswe’dbettersaynow—whohadtheopportunity?Someonestayingdownhere,friendsofotherpeopleperhaps?Peoplewhobroughtaletter,forgedperhaps,fromafriendsaying‘Dobekindtomyfriend,Mr.orMrs.MurrayWilson,orsomename,whoisdownhere.Sheissoanxioustoseeyourprettygarden,’orsomething.Allthatwouldbeeasyenough.”
“Yes,Ithinkitwould.”
“Inthatcase,”saidTuppence,“there’sperhapssomethingstillhereinthehousethatwouldexplainwhathappenedtometodayandyesterday,too.”
“Whathappenedtoyouyesterday,Tuppence?”
“ThewheelscameoffthatbeastlylittlecartandhorseIwasgoingdownthehillintheotherday,andsoIcameaterriblecropperrightdownbehindthemonkeypuzzleandintoit.AndIverynearly—well,Imighthavehadaseriousaccident.ThatsillyoldmanIsaacoughttohaveseenthatthethingwassafe.Hesaidhedidlookatit.HetoldmeitwasquiteallrightbeforeIstarted.”
“Anditwasn’t?”
“No.Hesaidafterwardsthathethoughtsomeonehadbeenplayingaboutwithit,tamperingwiththewheelsorsomething,sothattheycameoff.”
“Tuppence,”saidTommy,“doyouthinkthat’sthesecondorthirdthingthat’shappenedheretous?Youknowthatotherthingthatnearlycamedownonthetopofmeinthebookroom?”
“Youmeansomebodywantstogetridofus?Butthatwouldmean—”
“Thatwouldmean,”saidTommy,“thattheremustbesomething.Somethingthat’shere—inthehouse.”
TommylookedatTuppenceandTuppencelookedatTommy.Itwasthemomentforconsideration.Tuppenceopenedhermouththreetimesbutcheckedherselfeachtime,frowning,assheconsidered.ItwasTommywhospokeatlast.
“Whatdidhethink?WhatdidhesayaboutTruelove?OldIsaac,Imean.”
“Thatitwasonlytobeexpected,thatthethingwasprettyrottenanyway.”
“Buthesaidsomebodyhadbeenmonkeyingaboutwithit?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“verydefinitely.‘Ah,’hesaid,‘theseyoungstershavebeenintryin’itout,youknow.Enjoypullingwheelsoffthings,theydo,youngmonkeys.’NotthatI’veseenanyoneabout.ButthenIsupposethey’dbesurethatIdidn’tcatchthematit.They’dwaittillI’mawayfromhome,Iexpect.
“Iaskedhimifhethoughtitwasjust—justsomethingmischievous,”saidTuppence.
“Whatdidhesaytothat?”saidTommy
“Hedidn’treallyknowwhattosay.”
“Itcouldhavebeenmischief,Isuppose,”saidTommy.“Peopledodothosethings.”
“AreyoutryingtosayyouthinkthatitwasmeantinsomewaysothatIshouldgoonplayingthefoolwiththecartandthatthewheelwouldcomeoffandthethingwouldfalltopieces—oh,butthatisnonsense,Tommy.”
“Well,itsoundslikenonsense,”saidTommy,“butthingsaren’tnonsensesometimes.Itdependswhereandhowtheyhappenandwhy.”
“Idon’tseewhat‘why’therecouldbe.”
“Onemightmakeaguess—aboutthemostlikelything,”saidTommy.
“Nowwhatdoyoumeanbythemostlikely?”
“Imeanperhapspeoplewantustogoawayfromhere.”
“Whyshouldthey?Ifsomebodywantsthehouseforthemselves,theycouldmakeusanofferforit.”
“Yes,theycould.”
“Well,Iwondered—Nobodyelsehaswantedthishouseasfarasweknow.Imean,therewasnobodyelselookingatitwhenwewere.Itseemedtobegenerallyregardedasifithadcomeintothemarketrathercheapbutnotforanyotherreason,exceptthatitwasoutofdateandneededalotdoingtoit.”
“Ican’tbelievetheywantedtodoawaywithus,maybeit’sbecauseyou’vebeennosingabout,askingtoomanyquestions,copyingthingsoutofbooks.”
“YoumeanthatI’mstirringupthingsthatsomebodydoesn’twanttobestirredup?”
“Thatsortofthing,”saidTommy.“Imean,ifwesuddenlyweremeanttofeelthatwedidn’tlikelivinghere,andputthehouseupforsaleandwentaway,thatwouldbequiteallright.They’dbesatisfiedwiththat.Idon’tthinkthatthey—”
“Whodoyoumeanby‘they?’”
“I’venoidea,”saidTommy.“Wemustgetto‘they’later.Justthey.There’sWeandthere’sThey.Wemustkeepthemapartinourminds.”
“WhataboutIsaac?”
“Whatdoyoumean,whataboutIsaac?”
“Idon’tknow.Ijustwonderedifhewasmixedupinthis.”
“He’saveryoldman,he’sbeenherealongtimeandheknowsafewthings.Ifsomebodyslippedhimafivepoundnoteorsomething,doyouthinkhe’dtamperwithTruelove’swheels?”
“No,Idon’t,”saidTuppence.“Hehasn’tgotthebrainsto.”
“Hewouldn’tneedbrainsforit,”saidTommy.“He’donlyneedthebrainstotakethefivepoundnoteandtotakeoutafewscrewsorbreakoffabitofwoodhereorthereandjustmakeitsothat—well,itwouldcometogriefnexttimeyouwentdownthehillinit.”
“Ithinkwhatyouareimaginingisnonsense,”saidTuppence.
“Well,you’vebeenimaginingafewthingsthatarenonsensealready.”
“Yes,buttheyfittedin,”saidTuppence.“Theyfittedinwiththethingswe’veheard.”
“Well,”saidTommy,“asaresultofmyinvestigationsorresearches,whateveryouliketocallthem,itseemsthatwehaven’tlearntquitetherightthings.”
“YoumeanwhatIsaidjustnow,thatthisturnsthingsupsidedown.ImeannowweknowthatMaryJordanwasn’tanenemyagent,insteadshewasaBritishagent.Shewashereforapurpose.Perhapsshehadaccomplishedherpurpose.”
“Inthatcase,”saidTommy,“nowlet’sgetitallclear,withthisnewbitofknowledgeadded.Herpurposeherewastofindoutsomething.”
“PresumablytofindoutsomethingaboutCommanderX,”saidTuppence.“Youmustfindouthisname,itseemssoextraordinarilybarrenonlytobeabletosayCommanderXallthetime.”
“Allright,allright,butyouknowhowdifficultthesethingsare.”
“Andshedidfindthemout,andshereportedwhatshehadfoundout.Andperhapssomeoneopenedtheletter,”saidTuppence.
“Whatletter?”saidTommy.
“Thelettershewrotetowhoeverwasher‘contact.’”
“Yes.”
“Doyouthinkhewasherfatherorhergrandfatherorsomethinglikethat.”
“Ishouldn’tthinkso,”saidTommy.“Idon’tthinkthat’sthesortofwaythingswouldbedone.ShemightjusthavechosentotakethenameofJordan,ortheythoughtitwasquiteagoodnamebecauseitwasnotassociatedinanyway,whichitwouldn’tbeifshewaspartlyGerman,andhadperhapscomefromsomeotherworkthatshehadbeendoingforusbutnotforthem.”
“Forusandnotforthem,”agreedTuppence,“abroad.Andsoshecamehereaswhat?
“Oh,Idon’tknow,”saidTuppence,“weshallhavetostartalloveragainfindingoutaswhat,Isuppose…Anyway,shecamehereandshefoundoutsomethingandsheeitherpasseditontosomeoneordidn’t.Imean,shemightnothavewrittenaletter.ShemighthavegonetoLondonandreportedsomething.MetsomeoneinRegent’sPark,say.”
“That’srathertheotherwayabout,usually,isn’tit?”saidTommy.“Imeanyoumeetsomebodyfromwhateverembassyitisyou’reincollusionwithandyoumeetinRegent’sParkand—”
“Hidethingsinahollowtreesometimes.Doyouthinktheyreallydothat?Itsoundssounlikely.It’ssomuchmorelikepeoplewhoarehavingaloveaffairandputtinglovelettersin.”
“Idaresaywhatevertheyputintherewaswrittenasthoughtheywerelovelettersandreallyhadacode.”
“That’sasplendididea,”saidTuppence,“onlyIsupposethey—Ohdear,it’ssuchyearsago.Howdifficultitistogetanywhere.Themoreyouknow,Imean,thelessuseitistoyou.Butwe’renotgoingtostop,Tommy,arewe?”
“Idon’tsupposeweareforamoment,”saidTommy.Hesighed.
“Youwishwewere?”saidTuppence.
“Almost.Yes.FarasIcansee—”
“Well,”cutinTuppence,“Ican’tseeyoutakingyourselfoffthetrail.No,anditwouldbeverydifficulttogetmeoffthetrail.Imean,I’dgoonthinkingaboutitanditwouldworryme.IdaresayIshouldgooffmyfoodandeverything.”
“Thepointis,”saidTommy,“doyouthink—weknowinawayperhapswhatthisstartsfrom.Espionage.Espionagebytheenemywithcertainobjectsinview,someofwhichwereaccomplished.Perhapssomewhichweren’tquiteaccomplished.Butwedon’tknow—well—wedon’tknowwhowasmixedupinit.Fromtheenemypointofview.Imean,therewerepeoplehere,Ishouldthink,peopleperhapsamongsecurityforces.PeoplewhoweretraitorsbutwhosejobitwastoappeartobeloyalservantsoftheState.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.“I’llgoforthatone.Thatseemstobeverylikely.”
“AndMaryJordan’sjobwastogetintouchwiththem.”
“TogetintouchwithCommanderX?”
“Ishouldthinkso,yes.OrwithfriendsofCommanderXandtofindoutaboutthings.Butapparentlyitwasnecessaryforhertocomeheretogetit.”
“DoyoumeanthattheParkinsons—Isupposewe’rebackattheParkinsonsagainbeforeweknowwhereweare—wereinit?ThattheParkinsonswerepartoftheenemy?”
“Itseemsveryunlikely,”saidTommy.
“Well,then,Ican’tseewhatitallmeans.”
“Ithinkthehousemighthavesomethingtodowithit,”saidTommy.
“Thehouse?Well,otherpeoplecameandlivedhereafterwards,didn’tthey?”
“Yes,theydid.ButIdon’tsupposetheywerepeoplequitelike—well,quitelikeyou,Tuppence.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbyquitelikeme?”
“Well,wantingoldbooksandlookingthroughthemandfindingoutthings.Beingaregularmongoose,infact.TheyjustcameandlivedhereandIexpecttheupstairsroomsandthebookswereprobablyservants’roomsandnobodywentintothem.Theremaybesomethingthatwashiddeninthishouse.HiddenperhapsbyMaryJordan.Hiddeninaplacereadytodelivertosomeonewhowouldcomeforthem,ordeliverthembygoingherselftoLondonorsomewhereonsomeexcuse.Visittoadentist.Seeinganoldfriend.Quiteeasytodo.Shehadsomethingshehadacquired,orgottoknow,hiddeninthishouse.You’renotsayingit’sstillhiddeninthishouse?”
“No,”saidTommy,“Ishouldn’thavethoughtso.Butonedoesn’tknow.Somebodyisafraidwemayfinditorhavefounditandtheywanttogetusoutofthehouse,ortheywanttogetholdofwhateveritistheythinkwe’vefoundbutthatthey’veneverfound,thoughperhapsthey’velookedforitinpastyearsandthenthoughtithadbeenhiddensomewhereelseoutside.”
“Oh,Tommy,”saidTuppence,“thatmakesitallmuchmoreexciting,really,doesn’tit?”
“It’sonlywhatwethink,”saidTommy.
“Nowdon’tbesuchawetblanket,”saidTuppence.“I’mgoingtolookoutsideaswellasinside—”
“Whatareyougoingtodo,digupthekitchengarden?”
“No,”saidTuppence.“Cupboards,thecellar,thingslikethat.Whoknows?Oh,Tommy!”
“Oh,Tuppence!”saidTommy.“Justwhenwewerelookingforwardtoadelightful,peacefuloldage.”
“Nopeaceforthepensioners,”saidTuppencegaily.“That’sanideatoo.”
“What?”
“Imustgoandtalktosomeoldagepensionersattheirclub.Ihadn’tthoughtofthemuptonow.”
“Forgoodness’sake,lookafteryourself,”saidTommy.“IthinkI’dbetterstayathomeandkeepaneyeonyou.ButI’vegottodosomemoreresearchinLondontomorrow.”
“I’mgoingtodosomeresearchhere,”saidTuppence.
Two
RESEARCHBYTUPPENCE
“Ihope,”saidTuppence,“thatI’mnotinterruptingyou,comingalonglikethis?IthoughtI’dbetterringupfirstincaseyouwereout,youknow,orbusy.But,Imean,it’snothingparticularsoIcouldgoawayagainatonceifyouliked.Imean,myfeelingswouldn’tbehurtoranythinglikethat.”
“Oh,I’mdelightedtoseeyou,Mrs.Beresford,”saidMrs.Griffin.
ShemovedherselfthreeinchesalongherchairsoastosettleherbackmorecomfortablyandlookedwithwhatseemedtobedistinctpleasureintoTuppence’ssomewhatanxiousface.
“It’sagreatpleasure,youknow,whensomebodynewcomesandlivesinthisplace.We’resousedtoallourneighboursthatanewface,orifImaysaysoacoupleofnewfaces,isatreat.Anabsolutetreat!Ihopeindeedthatyou’llbothcometodinneroneday.Idon’tknowwhattimeyourhusbandgetsback.HegoestoLondon,doeshenot,mostdays?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.“That’sveryniceofyou.Ihopeyou’llcomeandseeourhousewhenit’smoreorlessfinished.I’malwaysthinkingit’sgoingtobefinishedbutitneveris.”
“Housesareratherlikethat,”saidMrs.Griffin.
Mrs.Griffin,asTuppenceknewverywellfromhervarioussourcesofinformationwhichconsistedofdailywomen,oldIsaac,Gwendainthepostofficeandsundryothers,wasninety-four.Theuprightpositionwhichsheenjoyedarrangingbecauseittooktherheumaticpainsoutofherback,togetherwithhererectcarriage,gavehertheairofsomeonemuchyounger.Inspiteofthewrinkledface,theheadofuprisingwhitehairsurmountedbyalacescarftiedroundherheadremindedTuppencefaintlyofacoupleofhergreat-auntsinpastdays.Sheworebifocalspectaclesandhadahearingaidwhichshesometimes,butveryseldomasfarasTuppencecouldsee,hadtouse.Andshelookedthoroughlyalertandperfectlycapableofreachingtheageofahundredorevenahundredandten.
“Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately?”enquiredMrs.Griffin.“Igatheryou’vegottheelectriciansoutofthehousenow.SoDorothytoldme.Mrs.Rogers,youknow.Sheusedtobemyhousemaidonceandshecomesnowandcleanstwiceaweek.”
“Yes,thankgoodness,”saidTuppence.“Iwasalwaysfallingintotheholestheymade.Ireallycame,”saidTuppence,“anditmaysoundrathersillybutit’ssomethingIjustwonderedabout—Iexpectyou’llthinkit’srathersillytoo.I’vebeenturningoutthings,youknow,alotofoldbookshelvesandthingslikethat.Weboughtsomebookswiththehouse,mostlychildren’sbooksyearsandyearsoldbutIfoundsomeoldfavouritesamongthem.”
“Ahyes,”saidMrs.Griffin,“Iquiteunderstandthatyoumustverymuchhaveenjoyedtheprospectofbeingabletoreadcertainoldfavouritesagain.ThePrisonerofZenda,perhaps.MygrandmotherusedtoreadThePrisonerofZenda,Ibelieve.Ireaditoncemyself.Reallyveryenjoyable.Romantic,youknow.Thefirstromanticbook,Iimagine,oneisallowedtoread.Youknow,novelreadingwasnotencouraged.Mymotherandmygrandmotherneverapprovedofreadinganythinglikeanovelinthemornings.Astorybookasitwascalled.Youknow,youcouldreadhistoryorsomethingserious,butnovelswereonlypleasurableandsotobereadintheafternoon.”
“Iknow,”saidTuppence.“Well,IfoundagoodmanybooksthatIlikedreadingagain.Mrs.Molesworth.”
“TheTapestryRoom?”saidMrs.Griffinwithimmediatecomprehension.
“Yes.TheTapestryRoomwasoneofmyfavourites.”
“Well,IalwayslikedFourWindsFarmbest,”saidMrs.Griffin.
“Yes,thatwastheretoo.Andseveralothers.Manydifferentkindsofauthors.Anyway,IgotdowntothelastshelfandIthinktheremusthavebeenanaccidentthere.Youknow,someonehadbangeditaboutagooddeal.Whentheyweremovingfurniture,Iexpect.TherewasasortofholeandIscoopedupalotofoldthingsoutofthat.Mostlytornbooksandamongittherewasthis.”
Sheproducedherparcelwrappedlooselyinbrownpaper.
“It’sabirthdaybook,”shesaid.“Anold-fashionedbirthdaybook.Andithadyournameinit.Yourname—Irememberyoutoldme—wasWinifredMorrison,wasn’tit?”
“Yes,mydear.Quiteright.”
“Anditwaswritteninthebirthdaybook.AndsoIwonderedwhetheritwouldamuseyouifIbroughtitalongforyoutosee.Itmighthavealotofotheroldfriendsofyoursinitanddifferentthingsornameswhichwouldamuseyou.”
“Well,thatwasveryniceofyou,mydear,andIshouldliketoseeitverymuch.Youknow,thesethingsfromthepast,onedoesfindveryamusingtoreadinone’soldage.Averykindthoughtofyours.”
“It’sratherfadedandtornandknockedabout,saidTuppence,producingheroffering.
“Well,well,”saidMrs.Griffin,“yes.Youknow,everyonehadabirthdaybook.Notsomuchaftermytimeasagirl.Iexpectthismaybeoneofthelastones.AllthegirlsattheschoolIwenttohadabirthdaybook.Youknow,youwroteyournameinyourfriend’sbirthdaybookandtheywrotetheirnameinyoursandsoon.”
ShetookthebookfromTuppence,openeditandbeganreadingdownthepages.
“Ohdear,ohdear,”shemurmured,“howittakesmeback.Yes.Yesindeed.HelenGilbert—yes,yesofcourse.AndDaisySherfield.Sherfield,yes.Ohyes,Irememberher.Shehadtohaveoneofthosetooththingsinhermouth.Abrace,Ithinktheycalledit.Andshewasalwaystakingitout.Shesaidshecouldn’tstandit.AndEdieCrone,MargaretDickson.Ahyes.Goodhandwritingmostofthemhad.Betterthangirlshavenowadays.Asformynephew’sletters,Ireallycan’treadthem.Theirhandwritingislikehieroglyphicsofsomekind.Onehastoguesswhatmostofthewordsare.MollieShort.Ahyes,shehadastammer—itdoesbringthingsback.”
“Idon’tsupposetherearemanyofthem,Imean—”Tuppencepaused,feelingthatshemightbeabouttosaysomethingtactless.
“You’rethinkingmostofthemaredead,Isuppose,dear.Well,you’requiteright.Mostofthemare.Butnotallofthem.No.I’vestillgotquitealotofpeopleliving,withwhomIwas,astheysay,girlstogether.Notlivinghere,becausemostgirlsthatoneknewmarriedandwentsomewhereelse.EithertheyhadhusbandswhowereintheServicesandtheywentabroad,ortheywenttosomeotherdifferenttownaltogether.TwoofmyoldestfriendsliveupinNorthumberland.Yes,yes,it’sveryinteresting.”
“Thereweren’t,Isuppose,anyParkinsonsleftthen?”saidTuppence.“Idon’tseethenameanywhere.”
“Ohno.ItwasaftertheParkinsons’time.There’ssomethingyouwanttofindoutabouttheParkinsons,isn’tthere?”
“Oh,yes,thereis,”saidTuppence.“It’spurecuriosity,youknow,nothingelse.But—well,somehowinlookingatthingsIgotinterestedintheboy,AlexanderParkinson,andthen,asIwaswalkingthroughthechurchyardtheotherday,Inoticedthathe’ddiedfairlyyoungandhisgravewasthereandthatmademethinkabouthimmore.”
“Hediedyoung,”saidMrs.Griffin.“Yes.Everyoneseemstothinkitwassadthatheshouldhavedoneso.Hewasaveryintelligentboyandtheyhopedfor—well,quiteabrilliantfutureforhim.Itwasn’treallyanyillness,somefoodhehadonapicnic,Ibelieve.SoMrs.Hendersontoldme.SheremembersalotabouttheParkinsons.”
“Mrs.Henderson?”Tuppencelookedup.
“Oh,youwouldn’tknowabouther.She’sinoneoftheseoldpeople’shomes,youknow.It’scalledMeadowside.It’sabout—oh,abouttwelvetofifteenmilesfromhere.Yououghttogoandseeher.She’dtellyoualotofthings,Iexpect,aboutthathouseyou’relivingin.Swallow’sNest,itwascalledthen,it’scalledsomethingelse,isn’titnow?”
“TheLaurels.”
“Mrs.HendersonisolderthanIam,althoughshewastheyoungestofquitealargefamily.Shewasagovernessatonetime.AndthenIthinkshewasakindofnurse-companionwithMrs.BeddingfieldwhohadSwallow’sNest,ImeanTheLaurels,then.Andshelikestalkingaboutoldtimesverymuch.Yououghttogoandseeher,Ithink.”
“Oh,shewouldn’tlike—”
“Oh,mydear,I’msureshewouldlike.Goandseeher.JusttellherthatIsuggestedit.SheremembersmeandmysisterRosemaryandIdogoandseeheroccasionally,butnotoflateyearsbecauseIhaven’tbeenabletogetabout.AndyoumightgoandseeMrs.Hendley,wholivesin—whatisitnow?—AppleTreeLodge,Ithinkitis.That’smainlyoldagepensioners.Notquitethesameclass,youknow,butit’sverywellrunandthere’salotofgossipgoingthere!I’msurethey’dallbequitepleasedwithvisits.Youknow,anythingtobreakthemonotony.”
Three
TOMMYANDTUPPENCECOMPARENOTES
“Youlooktired,Tuppence,”saidTommyasatthecloseofdinnertheywentintothesittingroomandTuppencedroppedintoachair,utteringseverallargesighsfollowedbyayawn.
“Tired?I’mdeadbeat,”saidTuppence.
“Whathaveyoubeendoing?Notthingsinthegarden,Ihope.”
“Ihavenotbeenoverworkingmyselfphysically,”saidTuppence,coldly.“I’vebeendoinglikeyou.Mentalresearch.”
“Alsoveryexhausting,Iagree,”saidTommy.“Where,particularly?Youdidn’tgetanawfullotoutofMrs.Griffinthedaybeforeyesterday,didyou?”
“Well,Ididgetagooddeal,Ithink.Ididn’tgetmuchoutofthefirstrecommendation.Atleast,IsupposeIdidinaway.”
Openingherhandbag,shetuggedatanotebookofrathertiresomesize,andfinallygotitout.
“Imadevariousnoteseachtimeaboutthings.Itooksomeofthechinamenusalong,foronething.”
“Oh.Andwhatdidthatproduce?”
“Well,it’snotnamesthatIwritedownsomuchasthethingstheysaytomeandtellme.Andtheywereverythrilledatthatchinamenubecauseitseemeditwasoneparticulardinnerthateveryonehadenjoyedverymuchandtheyhadhadawonderfulmeal—theyhadn’thadanythinglikeitbefore,andapparentlytheyhadlobstersaladforthefirsttime.They’dheardofitbeingservedafterthejointintherichestandmostfashionablehouses,butithadn’tcometheirway.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“thatwasn’tveryhelpful.”
“Well,yesitwas,inaway,becausetheysaidthey’dalwaysrememberthatevening.SoIsaidwhywouldtheyalwaysrememberthateveningandtheysaiditwasbecauseofthecensus.”
“What—acensus?”
“Yes.Youknowwhatacensusis,surely,Tommy?Why,wehadoneonlylastyear,orwasittheyearbeforelast?Youknow—havingtosay,ormakingeveryonesignorenterparticulars.Everyonewhosleptunderyourroofonacertainnight.Youknowthesortofthing.OnthenightofNovember15thwhodidyouhavesleepingunderyourroof?Andyouhavetoputitdown,ortheyhavetosigntheirnames.Iforgetwhich.Anyway,theywerehavingacensusthatdayandsoeveryonehadtosaywhowasundertheirroof,andofcoursealotofpeoplewereatthepartyandtheytalkedaboutit.Theysaiditwasveryunfairandaverystupidthingtohaveandthatanywaytheythoughtitwasreallyamostdisgracefulthingtogoonhavingnowadays,becauseyouhadtosayifyouhadchildrenandifyouweremarried,orifyouwerenotmarriedbutdidhavechildren,andthingslikethat.Youhadtoputdownalotofverydifficultparticularsandyoudidn’tthinkitwasnice.Notnowadays.Sotheywereveryupsetaboutit.Imean,theywereupset,notabouttheoldcensusbecausenobodymindedthen.Itwasjustathingthathappened.”
“Thecensusmightcomeinusefulifyou’vegottheexactdateofit,”saidTommy.
“Doyoumeanyoucouldcheckupaboutthecensus?”
“Ohyes.IfoneknowstherightpeopleIthinkonecouldcheckupfairlyeasily.”
“AndtheyrememberedMaryJordanbeingtalkedabout.Everyonesaidwhatanicegirlshehadseemedandhowfondeveryonewasofher.Andtheywouldneverhavebelieved—youknowhowpeoplesaythings.Thentheysaid,Well,shewashalfGermansoperhapspeopleoughttohavebeenmorecarefulinengagingher.”
II
Tuppenceputdownheremptycoffeecupandsettledbackinherchair.
“Anythinghopeful?”saidTommy.
“No,notreally,”saidTuppence,“butitmightbe.Anyway,theoldpeopletalkedaboutitandknewaboutit.Mostofthemhadhearditfromtheirelderlyrelationsorsomething.Storiesofwheretheyhadputthingsorfoundthings.TherewassomestoryaboutawillthatwashiddeninaChinesevase.SomethingaboutOxfordandCambridge,thoughIdon’tseehowanyonewouldknowaboutthingsbeinghiddeninOxfordorCambridge.Itseemsveryunlikely.”
“Perhapssomeonehadanephewundergraduate,”saidTommy,“whotooksomethingbackwithhimtoOxfordorCambridge.”
“Possible,Isuppose,butnotlikely.”
“DidanyoneactuallytalkaboutMaryJordan?”
“Onlyinthewayofhearsay—notofactuallyknowingdefinitelyaboutherbeingaGermanspy,onlyfromtheirgrandmothersorgreat-auntsorsistersormothers’cousinsorUncleJohn’snavalfriendwhoknewallaboutit.”
“DidtheytalkabouthowMarydied?”
“Theyconnectedherdeathwiththefoxgloveandspinachepisode.Everyonerecovered,theysaid,excepther.”
“Interesting,”saidTommy.“Samestorydifferentsetting.”
“Toomanyideasperhaps,”saidTuppence.“SomeonecalledBessiesaid,‘Well.ItwasonlymygrandmotherwhotalkedaboutthatandofcourseithadallbeenyearsbeforehertimeandIexpectshegotsomeofthedetailswrong.Sheusuallydid,Ibelieve.’Youknow,Tommy,witheveryonetalkingatonceit’sallmuddledup.Therewasallthetalkaboutspiesandpoisononpicnicsandeverything.Icouldn’tgetanyexactdatesbecauseofcoursenobodyeverknowstheexactdateofanythingyourgrandmothertellsyou.Ifshesays,‘IwasonlysixteenatthetimeandIwasterriblythrilled,’youprobablydon’tknownowhowoldyourgrandmotherreallywas.She’dprobablysayshewasninetynowbecausepeopleliketosaythey’reolderthantheiragewhentheygettoeighty,orif,ofcourse,she’sonlyaboutseventy,shesaysshe’sonlyfifty-two.”
“MaryJordan,”saidTommythoughtfully,ashequotedthewords,“didnotdienaturally.Hehadhissuspicions.Wonderifheevertalkedtoapolicemanaboutthem.”
“YoumeanAlexander?”
“Yes—Andperhapsbecauseofthathetalkedtoomuch.Hehadtodie.”
“AlotdependsonAlexander,doesn’tit?”
“WedoknowwhenAlexanderdied,becauseofhisgravehere.ButMaryJordan—westilldon’tknowwhenorwhy.”
“We’llfindoutintheend,”saidTommy.“Youmakeafewlistsofnamesyou’vegotanddatesandthings.You’llbesurprised.Surprisedwhatonecancheckupthroughanoddwordortwohereandthere.”
“Youseemtohavealotofusefulfriends,”saidTuppenceenviously.
“Sodoyou,”saidTommy.
“Well,Idon’treally,”saidTuppence.
“Yes,youdo,yousetpeopleinmotion,”saidTommy.“Yougoandseeoneoldladywithabirthdaybook.ThenextthingIknowyou’vebeenallthroughmassesofpeopleinanoldpensioners’homeorsomething,andyouknowallaboutthingsthathappenedatthetimeoftheirgreat-aunts,great-grandmothersandUncleJohnsandgodfathers,andperhapsanoldAdmiralatseawhotoldtalesaboutespionageandallthat.Oncewecanfigureafewdatesdownandgetonwithafewenquiries,wemight—whoknows?—getsomething.”
“Iwonderwhotheundergraduateswerewhowerementioned—OxfordandCambridge,theoneswhoweresaidtohavehiddensomething.”
“Theydon’tsoundverylikeespionage,”saidTommy.
“No,theydon’treally,”saidTuppence.
“Anddoctorsandoldclergymen,”saidTommy.“Onecould,Iexpect,checkuponthem,butIdon’tseeitwouldleadoneanywhere.It’salltoofaraway.We’renotnearenough.Wedon’tknow—Hasanybodytriedanythingmorefunnyonyou,Tuppence?”
“Doyoumeanhasanyoneattemptedmylifeinthelasttwodays?No,theyhaven’t.Nobody’sinvitedmetogoonapicnic,thebrakesofthecarareallright,there’sajarofweedkillerinthepottingshedbutitdoesn’tevenseemtobeopenedyet.”
“Isaackeepsittheretobehandyincaseyoucomeoutwithsomesandwichesoneday.”
“Oh,poorIsaac,”saidTuppence.“YouarenottosaythingsagainstIsaac.Heisbecomingoneofmybestfriends.NowIwonder—thatremindsme—”
“Whatdoesthatremindyouof?”
“Ican’tremember,”saidTuppence,blinkinghereyes.“ItremindedmeofsomethingwhenyousaidthataboutIsaac.”
“Ohdear,”saidTommyandsighed.
“Oneoldlady,”saidTuppence,“wassaidtohavealwaysputherthingsinhermittenseverynight.Earrings,Ithinkitwas.That’stheonewhothoughteveryonewaspoisoningher.Andsomebodyelserememberedsomeonewhoputthingsinamissionaryboxorsomething.Youknow,thechinathingforthewaifsandstrays,therewasalabelstuckontoit.Butitwasn’tforthewaifsandstraysatall,apparently.Sheusedtoputfivepoundnotesinitsothatshe’dalwayshaveanestegg,andwhenitgottoofullsheusedtotakeitawayandbuyanotherboxandbreakthefirstone.”
“Andspendthefivepounds,Isuppose,”saidTommy.
“Isupposethatwastheidea.MycousinEmlynusedtosay,”saidTuppence,obviouslyquoting,“nobody’drobthewaifsandstraysormissionaries,wouldthey?Ifanyonesmashedaboxlikethatsomebody’dnotice,wouldn’tthey?”
“Youhaven’tfoundanybooksofratherdull-lookingsermons,haveyou,inyourbooksearchinthoseroomsupstairs?”
“No.Why?”askedTuppence.
“Well,Ijustthoughtthat’dbeaverygoodplacetohidethingsin.Youknow,somethingreallyboringwrittenabouttheology.Anoldcrabbedbookwiththeinsidescoopedout.”
“Hasn’tbeenanythinglikethat,”saidTuppence.“Ishouldhavenoticeditiftherewas.”
“Wouldyouhavereadit?”
“Oh,ofcourseIwouldn’t,”saidTuppence.
“Thereyouarethen,”saidTommy.“Youwouldn’thavereadit,you’dhavejustthrownitaway,Iexpect.”
“TheCrownofSuccess.That’sonebookIremember,”saidTuppence.“Thereweretwocopiesofthat.Well,let’shopethatsuccesswillcrownourefforts.”
“Itseemstomeveryunlikely.WhokilledMaryJordan?That’sthebookwe’llhavetowriteoneday,Isuppose?”
“Ifweeverfindout,”saidTuppencegloomily.
Four
POSSIBILITYOFSURGERYONMATHILDE
“Whatareyougoingtodothisafternoon,Tuppence?Goonhelpingmewiththeselistsofnamesanddatesandthings?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidTuppence.“I’vehadallthat.Itreallyismostexhaustingwritingeverythingdown.EverynowandthenIdogetthingsabitwrong,don’tI?”
“Well,Iwouldn’tputitpastyou.Youhavemadeafewmistakes.”
“Iwishyouweren’tmoreaccuratethanIam,Tommy.Ifinditsoannoyingsometimes.”
“Whatareyougoingtodoinstead?”
“Iwouldn’tmindhavingagoodnap.Ohno,I’mnotgoingtoactuallyrelax,”saidTuppence.“IthinkI’mgoingtodisembowelMathilde.”
“Ibegyourpardon,Tuppence.”
“IsaidIwasgoingtodisembowelMathilde.”
“What’sthematterwithyou?Youseemverysetonviolence.”
“Mathilde—she’sinKK.”
“Whatdoyoumean,she’sinKK?”
“Oh,theplacewhereallthedumpsare.Youknow,she’stherockinghorse,theonethat’sgotaholeinherstomach.”
“Oh.And—you’regoingtoexamineherstomach,isthatit?”
“That’stheidea,”saidTuppence.“Wouldyouliketocomeandhelpme?”
“Notreally,”saidTommy.
“Wouldyoubekindenoughtocomeandhelpme?”suggestedTuppence.
“Putlikethat,”saidTommy,withadeepsigh,“Iwillforcemyselftoconsent.Anyway,itwon’tbeasbadasmakinglists.IsIsaacanywhereabout?”
“No.Ithinkit’shisafternoonoff.Anyway,wedon’twantIsaacabout.IthinkI’vegotalltheinformationIcanoutofhim.”
“Heknowsagooddeal,”saidTommythoughtfully.“Ifoundthatouttheotherday,hewastellingmealotofthingsaboutthepast.Thingshecan’trememberhimself.”
“Well,hemustbenearlyeighty,”saidTuppence.“I’mquitesureofthat.”
“Yes,Iknow,butthingsreallyfarback.”
“Peoplehavealwaysheardsomanythings,”saidTuppence.“Youneverknowifthey’rerightornotinwhatthey’veheard.Anyway,let’sgoanddisembowelMathilde.I’dbetterchangemyclothesfirstbecauseit’sexcessivelydustyandcobwebbyinKKandwehavetoburrowrightinsideher.
“YoumightgetIsaac,ifhe’sabout,toturnherupsidedown,thenwecouldgetatherstomachmoreeasily.”
“Youreallysoundasthoughinyourlastreincarnationyoumusthavebeenasurgeon.”
“Well,Isupposeitisalittlelikethat.WearenowgoingtoremoveforeignmatterwhichmightbedangeroustothepreservationofMathilde’slife,suchasisleftofit.WemighthaveherpaintedupandDeborah’stwinsperhapswouldliketorideonherwhentheynextcometostay.”
“Oh,ourgrandchildrenhavesomanytoysandpresentsalready.”
“Thatwon’tmatter,”saidTuppence.“Childrendon’tparticularlylikeexpensivepresents.They’llplaywithanoldbitofstringoraragdollorsomethingtheycallapetbearwhichisonlyabitofahearthrugjustmadeupintoabundlewithacoupleofblackboot-buttoneyesputonit.Childrenhavetheirownideasabouttoys.”
“Well,comeon,”saidTommy.“ForwardtoMathilde.Totheoperatingtheatre.”
ThereversalofMathildetoapositionsuitableforthenecessaryoperationtotakeplacewasnotaneasyjob.Mathildewasaveryfairweight.Inadditiontothat,shewasverywellstuddedwithvariousnailswhichwouldonoccasionsreversetheirposition,andwhichhadpointsstickingout.TuppencewipedbloodfromherhandandTommysworeashecaughthispulloverwhichimmediatelytoreitselfinasomewhatdisastrousfashion.
“Blowthisdamnedrockinghorse,”saidTommy.
“Oughttohavebeenputonabonfireyearsago,”saidTuppence.
ItwasatthatmomentthattheagedIsaacsuddenlyappearedandjoinedthem.
“Whatevernow!”hesaidwithsomesurprise.“Whateverbeyoutwodoingherenow?Whatdoyouwantwiththisoldbitofhorse-fleshhere?CanIhelpyouatall?Whatdoyouwanttodowithit—doyouwantittakenoutofhere?”
“Notnecessarily,”saidTuppence.“Wewanttoturnitupsidedownsothatwecangetattheholethereandpullthingsout.”
“Youmeanpullthingsoutfrominsideher,asyoumightsay?Who’sbeenputtingthatideaintoyourhead?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“that’swhatwedomeantodo.”
“Whatdoyouthinkyou’llfindthere?”
“Nothingbutrubbish,Iexpect,”saidTommy.“Butitwouldbenice,”hesaidinaratherdoubtfulvoice,“ifthingswereclearedupabit,youknow.Wemightwanttokeepotherthingsinhere.Youknow—games,perhaps,acroquetset.Somethinglikethat.”
“Thereusedtobeacrookeylawnonce.Longtimeago.ThatwasinMrs.Faulkner’stime.Yes.Downwheretherosegardenisnow.Mindyou,itwasn’tafull-sizeone.”
“Whenwasthat?”askedTommy.
“What,youmeanthecrookeylawn?Oh,wellbeforemytime,itwas.There’salwayspeopleaswantstotellyouthingsaboutwhatusedtohappen—thingsasusedtobehiddenandwhyandwhowantedtohidethem.Lotoftallstories,someofthemlies.Somemaybeaswastrue.”
“You’reveryclever,Isaac,”saidTuppence,“youalwaysseemtoknowabouteverything.Howdoyouknowaboutthecroquetlawn?”
“Oh,usedtobeaboxofcrookeythingsinhere.Beenthereforages.Shouldn’tthinkthere’smuchofitleftnow.”
TuppencerelinquishedMathildeandwentovertoacornerwheretherewasalongwoodenbox.Afterreleasingthelidwithsomedifficultyasithadstuckundertheravagesoftime,ityieldedafadedredball,ablueballandonemalletbentandwarped.Therestofitwasmainlycobwebs.
“MighthavebeeninMrs.Faulkner’stime,thatmight.Theydosay,youknow,assheplayedinthetournamentsinhertime,”saidIsaac.
“AtWimbledon?”saidTuppence,incredulous.
“Well,notexactlyatWimbledon,Idon’tthinkitwas.No.Thelocals,youknow.Theyusedtohavethemdownhere.PicturesI’veseendownatthephotographer’s—”
“Thephotographer’s?”
“Ah.Inthevillage,Durrance.YouknowDurrance,don’tyou?”
“Durrance?”saidTuppencevaguely.“Oh,yes,hesellsfilmsandthingslikethat,doesn’the?”
“That’sright.Mindyou,he’snottheoldDurrance,asmanagesitnow.It’shisgrandson,orhisgreat-grandson,Ishouldn’twonder.Hesellsmostlypostcards,youknow,andChristmascardsandbirthdaycardsandthingslikethat.Heusedtotakephotographsofpeople.Gotawholelottuckedaway.Somebodycomeintheotherday,youknow.Wantedapictureofhergreat-grandmother,shesaid.Shesaidshe’dhadonebutshe’dbrokenitorburntitorlostitorsomething,andshewonderediftherewasthenegativeleft.ButIdon’tthinkshefoundit.Butthere’salotofoldalbumsintherestuckawaysomewhere.”
“Albums,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.
“AnythingmoreIcando?”saidIsaac.
“Well,justgiveusabitofahandwithJane,orwhateverhernameis.”
“NotJane,it’sMathilde,andit’snotMatildaeither,whichitoughtbyrightstobe,Ishouldsay.IbelieveitwasalwayscalledMathilde,forsomereason.French,Iexpect.”
“FrenchorAmerican,”saidTommy,thoughtfully.“Mathilde.Louise.Thatsortofthing.”
“Quiteagoodplacetohavehiddenthings,don’tyouthink?”saidTuppence,placingherarmintothecavityinMathilde’sstomach.Shedrewoutadilapidatedindiarubberball,whichhadoncebeenredandyellowbutwhichnowhadgapingholesinit.
“Isupposethat’schildren,”saidTuppence.“Theyalwaysputthingsinlikethis.”
“Whenevertheyseeahole,”saidIsaac.“Buttherewasayounggentlemanonceasusedtoleavehislettersinit,soI’veheard.Sameasthoughitwasapostbox.”
“Letters?Whoweretheyfor?”
“Someyounglady,I’dthink.Butitwasbeforemytime,”saidIsaac,asusual.
“ThethingsthatalwayshappenedlongbeforeIsaac’stime,”saidTuppence,asIsaac,havingadjustedMathildeintoagoodposition,leftthemonthepretextofhavingtoshutuptheframes.
Tommyremovedhisjacket.
“It’sincredible,”saidTuppence,pantingalittleassheremovedascratchedanddirtyarmfromthegapingwoundinMathilde’sstomach,“thatanyonecouldputsomanythingsorwanttoputthem,inthisthing,andthatnobodyshouldeverhavecleaneditout.”
“Well,whyshouldanyonecleanitout?Whywouldanyonewanttocleanitout?”
“That’strue,”saidTuppence.“Wedo,though,don’twe?”
“Onlybecausewecan’tthinkofanythingbettertodo.Idon’tthinkanythingwillcomeofitthough.Ow!”
“What’sthematter?”saidTuppence.
“Oh,Iscratchedmyselfonsomething.”
Hedrewhisarmoutslightly,readjustedit,andfeltinsideoncemore.Aknittedscarfrewardedhim.Ithadclearlybeenthesustenanceofmothsatonetimeandpossiblyafterthathaddescendedtoanevenlowerlevelofsociallife.
“Disgusting,”saidTommy.
Tuppencepushedhimasideslightlyandfishedinwithherownarm,leaningoverMathildewhileshefeltaboutinside.
“Mindthenails,”saidTommy.
“What’sthis?”saidTuppence.
Shebroughtherfindoutintotheopenair.Itappearedtobethewheeloffabusorcartorsomechild’stoy.
“Ithink,”shesaid,“we’rewastingourtime.”
“I’msureweare,”saidTommy.
“Allthesame,wemightaswelldoitproperly,”saidTuppence.“Ohdear,I’vegotthreespiderswalkingupmyarm.It’llbeaworminaminuteandIhateworms.”
“Idon’tthinkthere’llbeanywormsinsideMathilde.Imean,wormslikegoingundergroundintheearth.Idon’tthinkthey’dcareforMathildeasaboardinghouse,doyou?”
“Ohwell,it’sgettingemptyatanyrate,Ithink,”saidTuppence.“Hullo,what’sthis?Dearme,itseemstobeaneedlebook.Whatafunnythingtofind.There’sstillsomeneedlesinitbutthey’reallrusted.”
“Somechildwhodidn’tliketodohersewing,Iexpect,”saidTommy.
“Yes,that’sagoodidea.”
“Itouchedsomethingthatfeltlikeabookjustnow,”saidTommy.
“Oh.Well,thatmightbehelpful.WhatpartofMathilde?”
“Ishouldthingtheappendixortheliver,”saidTommyinaprofessionaltone.“Onherright-handside.I’mregardingthisasanoperation!”headded.
“Allright,Surgeon.Betterpullitout,whateveritis.”
Theso-calledbook,barelyrecognizableassuch,wasofancientlineage.Itspageswerelooseandstained,anditsbindingwascomingtopieces.
“ItseemstobeamanualofFrench,”saidTommy.“Pourlesenfants.LePetitPrécepteur.”
“Isee,”saidTuppence.“I’vegotthesameideaasyouhad.Thechilddidn’twanttolearnherFrenchlesson;soshecameinhereanddeliberatelylostitbyputtingitintoMathilde.GoodoldMathilde.”
“IfMathildewasrightsideup,itmusthavebeenverydifficultputtingthingsthroughthisholeinherstomach.”
“Notforachild,”saidTuppence.“She’dbequitetherightheightandeverything.Imean,she’dkneelandcrawlunderneathit.Hullo,here’ssomethingwhichfeelsslippery.Feelsratherlikeananimal’sskin.”
“Howveryunpleasant,”saidTommy.“Doyouthinkit’sadeadrabbitorsomething?”
“Well,it’snotfurryoranything.Idon’tthinkit’sverynice.Ohdear,there’sanailagain.Well,itseemstobehungonanail.There’sasortofbitofstringorcord.Funnyithasn’trottedaway,isn’tit?”
Shedrewoutherfindcautiously.
“It’sapocketbook,”shesaid.“Yes.Yes,it’sbeenquitegoodleatheronce,Ithink.Quitegoodleather.”
“Let’sseewhat’sinsideit,ifthereisanythinginsideit,”saidTommy.
“There’ssomethinginsideit,”saidTuppence.
“Perhapsit’salotoffivepoundnotes,”sheaddedhopefully.
“Well,Idon’tsupposethey’dbeusablestill.Paperwouldrot,wouldn’tit?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTuppence.“Alotofqueerthingsdosurvive,youknow.Ithinkfivepoundnotesusedtobemadeofwonderfullygoodpaperonce,youknow.Sortofthinbutverydurable.”
“Ohwell,perhapsit’satwentypoundnote.Itwillhelpwiththehousekeeping.”
“What?Themoney’llbebeforeIsaac’stimetoo,Iexpect,orelsehe’dhavefoundit.Ahwell.Think!Itmightbeahundredpoundnote.Iwishitweregoldensovereigns.Sovereignswerealwaysinpurses.MyGreat-AuntMariahadagreatpursefullofsovereigns.Sheusedtoshowittousaschildren.Itwashernestegg,shesaid,incasetheFrenchcame.IthinkitwastheFrench.Anyway,itwasforextremitiesordanger.Lovelyfatgoldensovereigns.IusedtothinkitwaswonderfulandI’dthinkhowlovelyitwouldbe,youknow,onceonewasgrown-upandyou’dhaveapursefullofsovereigns.”
“Whowasgoingtogiveyouapursefullofsovereigns?”
“Ididn’tthinkofanyonegivingittome,”saidTuppence.“Ithoughtofitasthesortofthingthatbelongedtoyouasaright,onceyouwereagrown-upperson.Youknow,arealgrown-upwearingamantle—that’swhattheycalledthethings.Amantlewithasortoffurboarounditandabonnet.Youhadthisgreatfatpursejammedfullofsovereigns,andifyouhadafavouritegrandsonwhowasgoingbacktoschool,youalwaysgavehimasovereignasatip.”
“Whataboutthegirls,thegranddaughters?”
“Idon’tthinktheygotanysovereigns,”saidTuppence.“Butsometimessheusedtosendmehalfafivepoundnote.”
“Halfafivepoundnote?Thatwouldn’tbemuchgood.”
“Ohyes,itwas.Sheusedtotearthefivepoundnoteinhalf,sendmeonehalffirstandthentheotherhalfinanotherletterlater.Yousee,itwassupposedinthatwaythatnobody’dwanttostealit.”
“Ohdear,whatalotofprecautionseveryonedidtake.”
“Theydidrather,”saidTuppence.“Hullo,what’sthis?”
Shewasfumblingnowintheleathercase.
“Let’sgetoutofKKforaminute,”saidTommy,“andgetsomeair.”
TheygotoutsideKK.Intheairtheysawbetterwhattheirtrophywaslike.Itwasathickleatherwalletofgoodquality.Itwasstiffwithagebutnotinanywaydestroyed.
“IexpectitwaskeptfromdampinsideMathilde,”saidTuppence.“Oh,Tommy,doyouknowwhatIthinkthisis?”
“No.What?Itisn’tmoney,”saidTuppence,“butIthinkit’sletters.Idon’tknowwhetherwe’llbeabletoreadthemnow.They’reveryoldandfaded.”
VerycarefullyTommyarrangedthecrinkledyellowpaperoftheletters,pushingthemapartwhenhecould.Thewritingwasquitelargeandhadoncebeenwritteninaverydeepblue-blackink.
“Meetingplacechanged,”saidTommy.“KenGardensnearPeterPan.Wednesday25th,3:30p.m.Joanna.”
“Ireallybelieve,”saidTuppence,“wemighthavesomethingatlast.”
“Youmeanthatsomeonewho’dbegoingtoLondonwastoldtogoonacertaindayandmeetsomeoneinKensingtonGardensbringingperhapsthepapersortheplansorwhateveritwas.WhodoyouthinkgotthesethingsoutofMathildeorputthemintoMathilde?”
“Itcouldn’thavebeenachild,”saidTuppence.“Itmusthavebeensomeonewholivedinthehouseandsocouldmoveaboutwithoutbeingnoticed.Gotthingsfromthenavalspy,Isuppose,andtookthemtoLondon.”
Tuppencewrappeduptheoldleatherwalletinthescarfshe’dbeenwearingroundherneckandsheandTommyreturnedtothehouse.
“Theremaybeotherpapersinthere,”saidTuppence,“butmostofthemIthinkareperishedandwillmoreorlessfalltopiecesifyoutouchthem.Hullo,what’sthis?”
Onthehalltablearatherbulkypackagewaslying.Albertcameoutfromthediningroom.
“Itwasleftbyhand,madam,”hesaid.“Leftbyhandthismorningforyou.”
“Ah,Iwonderwhatitis,”saidTuppence.Shetookit.
Tommyandshewentintothesittingroomtogether.Tuppenceundidtheknotofthestringandtookoffthebrownpaperwrapping.
“It’sakindofalbum,”shesaid,“Ithink.Oh,there’sanotewithit.Ah,it’sfromMrs.Griffin.
“DearMrs.Beresford,Itwassokindofyoutobringmethebirthdaybooktheotherday.Ihavehadgreatpleasurelookingoveritandrememberingvariouspeoplefrompastdays.Onedoesforgetsosoon.Veryoftenoneonlyrememberssomebody’sChristiannameandnottheirsurname,sometimesit’stheotherwayabout.Icameacross,alittletimeago,thisoldalbum.Itdoesn’treallybelongtome.Ithinkitbelongedtomygrandmother,butithasagoodmanypicturesinitandamongthem,Ithink,thereareoneortwooftheParkinsons,becausemygrandmotherknewtheParkinsons.Ithoughtperhapsyouwouldliketoseeitasyouseemedtobesointerestedinthehistoryofyourhouseandwho
“Aphotoalbum,”saidTuppence.“Well,thatmightbefun.Comealong,let’shavealook.”
Theysatdownonthesofa.Thealbumwasverytypicalofbygonedays.MostoftheprintswerefadedbynowbuteverynowandthenTuppencemanagedtorecognizesurroundingsthatfittedthegardensoftheirownhouse.
“Look,there’sthemonkeypuzzle.Yes—andlook,there’sTruelovebehindit.Thatmustbeaveryoldphotograph,andafunnylittleboyhangingontoTruelove.Yes,andthere’sthewistariaandthere’sthepampasgrass.Isupposeitmusthavebeenateapartyorsomething.Yes,therearealotofpeoplesittingroundatableinthegarden.They’vegotnamesunderneaththemtoo.Mabel.Mabel’snobeauty.Andwho’sthat?”
“Charles,”saidTommy.“CharlesandEdmund.CharlesandEdmundseemtohavebeenplayingtennis.They’vegotratherqueertennisracquets.Andthere’sWilliam,whoeverhewas,andMajorCoates.”
“Andthere’s—ohTommy,there’sMary.”
“Yes.MaryJordan.Bothnamesthere,writtenunderthephotograph.”
“Shewaspretty.Verypretty,Ithink.Itisveryfadedandold,but—ohTommy,itreallyseemswonderfultoseeMaryJordan.”
“Iwonderwhotookthephotograph?”
“PerhapsthephotographerthatIsaacmentioned.Theoneinthevillagehere.Perhapshe’dhaveoldphotographstoo.Ithinkperhapsonedaywe’llgoandask.”
Tommyhadpushedasidethealbumbynowandwasopeningaletterwhichhadcomeinthemiddaypost.
“Anythinginteresting?”askedTuppence.“Therearethreelettershere.Twoarebills,Icansee.Thisone—yes,thisoneisratherdifferent.Iaskedyouifitwasinteresting,”saidTuppence
“Itmaybe,”saidTommy.“I’llhavetogotoLondontomorrowagain.”
“Todealwithyourusualcommittees?”
“Notexactly,”saidTommy.“I’mgoingtocallonsomeone.Actuallyitisn’tLondon,it’soutofLondon.SomewhereHarrowway,Igather.”
“Whatis?”saidTuppence.“Youhaven’ttoldmeyet.”
“I’mgoingtocallonsomeonecalledColonelPikeaway.”
“Whataname,”saidTuppence.
“Yes,itisrather,isn’tit?”
“HaveIhearditbefore?”saidTuppence.
“Imayhavementionedittoyouonce.Helivesinakindofpermanentatmosphereofsmoke.Haveyougotanycoughlozenges,Tuppence?”
“Coughlozenges!Well,Idon’tknow.Yes,IthinkIhave.I’vegotanoldboxofthemfromlastwinter.Butyouhaven’tgotacough—notthatI’venoticed,atanyrate.”
“No,butIshallhaveifI’mgoingtoseePikeaway.AsfarasIcanremember,youtaketwochokingbreathsandthengoonchoking.Youlookhopefullyatallthewindowswhicharetightlyshut,butPikeawaywouldnevertakeahintofthatkind.”
“Whydoyouthinkhewantstoseeyou?”
“Can’timagine,”saidTommy.“HementionsRobinson.”
“What—theyellowone?Theonewho’sgotafatyellowfaceandissomethingveryhush-hush?”
“That’stheone,saidTommy.
“Ohwell,”saidTuppence,“perhapswhatwe’remixedupinhereishush-hush.”
“Hardlycouldbeconsideringitalltookplace—whateveritwas,ifthereisanything—yearsandyearsago,beforeevenIsaaccanremember.”
“Newsinshaveoldshadows,”saidTuppence,“ifthat’sthesayingImean.Ihaven’tgotitquiteright.Newsinshaveoldshadows.OrisitOldsinsmakelongshadows?”
“Ishouldforgetit,”saidTommy.“Noneofthemsoundsright.”
“Ishallgoandseethatphotographermanthisafternoon,Ithink.Wanttocome?”
“No,”saidTommy.“IthinkIshallgodownandbathe.”
“Bathe?It’llbeawfullycold.”
“Nevermind.IfeelIneedsomethingcold,bracingandrefreshingtoremoveallthetasteofcobwebs,thevariousremainsofwhichseemtobeclingingroundmyearsandroundmyneckandsomeevenseemtohavegotbetweenmytoes.”
“Thisdoesseemaverydirtyjob,”saidTuppence.“Well,I’llgoandseeMr.DurrellorDurrance,ifthat’shisname.Therewasanotherletter,Tommy,whichyouhaven’topened.”
“Oh,Ididn’tseeit.Ahwell,thatmightbesomething.”
“Whoisitfrom?”
“Myresearcher,”saidTommy,inarathergrandvoice.“TheonewhohasbeenrunningaboutEngland,inandoutofSomersetHouselookingupdeaths,marriagesandbirths,consultingnewspaperfilesandcensusreturns.She’sverygood.”
“Goodandbeautiful?”
“Notbeautifulsothatyou’dnoticeit,”saidTommy.
“I’mgladofthat,”saidTuppence.“Youknow,Tommy,nowthatyou’regettingoninyearsyoumight—youmightgetsomeratherdangerousideasaboutabeautifulhelper.”
“Youdon’tappreciateafaithfulhusbandwhenyou’vegotone,”saidTommy.
“Allmyfriendstellmeyouneverknowwithhusbands,”saidTuppence.
“Youhavethewrongkindoffriends,”saidTommy.
Five
INTERVIEWWITHCOLONELPIKEAWAY
TommydrovethroughRegent’sPark,thenhepassedthroughvariousroadshe’dnotbeenthroughforyears.OncewhenheandTuppencehadhadaflatnearBelsizePark,herememberedwalksonHampsteadHeathandadogtheyhadhadwho’denjoyedthewalks.Adogwithaparticularlyself-willednature.WhencomingoutoftheflathehadalwayswishedtoturntotheleftontheroadthatwouldleadtoHampsteadHeath.TheeffortsofTuppenceorTommytomakehimturntotherightandgointoshoppingquarterswereusuallydefeated.James,aSealyhamofobstinatenature,hadallowedhisheavysausagelikebodytorestflatonthepavement,hewouldproduceatonguefromhismouthandgiveeverysemblanceofbeingadogtiredoutbybeinggiventhewrongkindofexercisebythosewhoownedhim.Peoplepassingbyusuallycouldnotrefrainfromcomment.
“Oh,lookatthatdearlittledogthere.Youknow,theonewiththewhitehair—looksratherlikeasausage,doesn’the?Andpanting,poorfellow.Thosepeopleofhis,theywon’tlethimgothewayhewantsto,helookstiredout,justtiredout.”
TommyhadtakentheleadfromTuppenceandhadpulledJamesfirmlyintheoppositedirectionfromtheonehewantedtogo.
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence,“can’tyoupickhimup,Tommy?”
“What,pickupJames?He’stoomuchofaweight.”
James,withaclevermanoeuvre,turnedhissausagebodysothathewasfacingoncemoreinthedirectionofhisexpectation.
“Look,poorlittledoggie,Iexpecthewantstogohome,don’tyou?”
Jamestuggedfirmlyonhislead.
“Oh,allright,”saidTuppence,“we’llshoplater.Comeon,we’llhavetoletJamesgowherehewantstogo.He’ssuchaheavydog,youcan’tmakehimdoanythingelse.”
Jameslookedupandwaggedhistail.“Iquiteagreewithyou,”thewagseemedtosay.“You’vegotthepointatlast.Comeon.HampsteadHeathitis.”Anditusuallyhadbeen.
Tommywondered.He’dgottheaddressoftheplacewherehewasgoing.ThelasttimehehadbeentoseeColonelPikeawayithadbeeninBloomsbury.Asmallpokyroomfullofsmoke.Here,whenhereachedtheaddress,itwasasmall,nondescripthousefrontingontheheathnotfarfromthebirthplaceofKeats.Itdidnotlookparticularlyartisticorinteresting.
Tommyrangabell.AnoldwomanwithacloseresemblancetowhatTommyimaginedawitchmightlooklike,withasharpnoseandasharpchinwhichalmostmeteachother,stoodthere,lookinghostile.
“CanIseeColonelPikeaway?”
“Don’tknowI’msure,”saidthewitch.“Whowouldyoubenow?”
“MynameisBeresford.”
“Oh,Isee.Yes.Hedidsaysomethingaboutthat.”
“CanIleavethecaroutside?”
“Yes,it’llbeallrightforabit.Don’tgetmanyofthewardenspokingaroundthisstreet.Noyellowlinesjustalonghere.Betterlockitup,sir.Youneverknow.”
Tommyattendedtotheserulesaslaiddown,andfollowedtheoldwomanintothehouse.
“Oneflightup,”shesaid,“notmore.”
Alreadyonthestairstherewasthestrongsmelloftobacco.Thewitch-womantappedatadoor,pokedherheadin,said,“Thismustbethegentlemanyouwantedtosee.Saysyou’reexpectinghim.”ShestoodasideandTommypassedintowhatherememberedbefore,anaromaofsmokewhichforcedhimalmostimmediatelytochokeandgulp.HedoubtedhewouldhaverememberedColonelPikeawayapartfromthesmokeandthecloudandsmellofnicotine.Averyoldmanlaybackinanarmchair—asomewhatraggedarmchairwithholesonthearmsofit.HelookedupthoughtfullyasTommyentered.
“Shutthedoor,Mrs.Copes,”hesaid,“don’twanttoletthecoldairin,dowe?”
Tommyratherthoughtthattheydid,butobviouslyitwashisnottoreasonwhy,hisbuttoinhaleandinduecoursedie,hepresumed.
“ThomasBeresford,”saidColonelPikeawaythoughtfully.“Well,well,howmanyyearsisitsinceIsawyou?”
Tommyhadnotmadeapropercomputation
“Longtimeago,”saidColonelPikeaway,“cameherewithwhat’s-his-name,didn’tyou?Ahwell,nevermind,onename’sasgoodasanother.Arosebyanyothernamewouldsmellassweet.Julietsaidthat,didn’tshe?SillythingssometimesShakespearemadethemsay.Ofcourse,hecouldn’thelpit,hewasapoet.NevercaredmuchforRomeoandJuliet,myself.Allthosesuicidesforlove’ssake.Plentyof’emabout,mindyou.Alwayshappening,evennowadays.Sitdown,myboy,sitdown.”
Tommywasslightlystartledatbeingcalled“myboy”again,butheavailedhimselfoftheinvitation.
“Youdon’tmind,sir,”hesaid,dispossessingtheonlypossible-seemingchairofalargepileofbooks.
“No,no,shove’emallonthefloor.Justtryingtolooksomethingup,Iwas.Well,well,I’mpleasedtoseeyou.Youlookabitolderthanyoudid,butyoulookquitehealthy.Everhadacoronary?”
“No,”saidTommy.
“Ah!Good.Toomanypeoplesufferingfromhearts,bloodpressure—allthosethings.Doingtoomuch.That’swhatitis.Runningaboutallovertheplace,tellingeveryonehowbusytheyareandtheworldcan’tgetonwithoutthem,andhowimportanttheyareandeverythingelse.Doyoufeelthesame?Iexpectyoudo.”
“No,”saidTommy,“Idon’tfeelveryimportant.Ifeel—well,IfeelthatIreallywouldenjoyrelaxingnowadays.”
“Well,it’sasplendidthought,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Thetroubleistherearesomanypeopleaboutwhowon’tletyourelax.Whattookyoutothisplaceofyourswhereyou’relivingnow?I’veforgottenthenameofit.Justtellmeagain,willyou?”
Tommyobligedwithhisaddress.
“Ah,yes,ahyes,Iputtherightthingontheenvelopethen.”
“Yes,Igotyourletter.”
“Iunderstandyou’vebeentoseeRobinson.He’sstillgoing.Justasfatasever,justasyellowasever,andjustasrichorricherthanever,Iexpect.Knowsallaboutittoo.Knowsaboutmoney,Imean.Whattookyouthere,boy?”
“Well,wehadboughtanewhouse,andafriendofmineadvisedmethatMr.RobinsonmightbeabletoclearupamysterythatmywifeandIfoundconnectedwithit,relatingtoalongtimeback.”
“Iremembernow.Idon’tbelieveIevermetherbutyou’vegotacleverwife,haven’tyou?Didsomesterlingworkinthe—whatisthething?Soundedlikethecatechism.NorM,thatwasit,wasn’tit?”
“Yes,”saidTommy.
“Andnowyou’reontothesamelineagain,areyou?Lookingintothings.Hadsuspicions,hadyou?”
“No,”saidTommy,“that’sentirelywrong.Weonlywenttherebecauseweweretiredoftheflatwewerelivinginandtheykeptputtinguptherent.”
“Nastytrick,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Theydothattoyounowadays,thelandlords.Neversatisfied.TalkaboutDaughtersoftheHorseLeech—sonsofthehorseleecharejustasbad.Allright,youwenttolivethere.Ilfautcultiversonjardin,”saidColonelPikeaway,witharathersuddenonslaughtontheFrenchlanguage.“TryingtorubupmyFrenchagain,”heexplained.“GottokeepinwiththeCommonMarketnowadays,haven’twe?Funnystuffgoingonthere,bytheway.Youknow,behindthings.Notwhatyouseeonthesurface.SoyouwenttoliveatSwallow’sNest.WhattookyoutoSwallow’sNest,I’dliketoknow?”
“Thehousewebought—well,it’scalledTheLaurelsnow,”saidTommy.
“Sillyname,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Verypopularatonetime,though.IrememberwhenIwasaboy,alltheneighbours,youknow,theyhadthosegreatVictoriandrivesuptothehouse.Alwaysgettinginloadsofgravelforputtingdownonitandlaurelsoneachside.Sometimestheywereglossygreenonesandsometimesthespeckledones.Supposedtobeveryshowy.Isupposesomeofthepeoplewho’velivedtherecalleditthatandthenamestuck.Isthatright?”
“Yes,Ithinkso,”saidTommy.“Notthelastpeople.IbelievethelastpeoplecalleditKatmandu,orsomenameabroadbecausetheylivedinacertainplacetheyliked.”
“Yes,yes.Swallow’sNestgoesbackalongtime.Yes,butone’sgottogobacksometimes.Infact,that’swhatIwasgoingtotalktoyouabout.Goingback.”
“Didyoueverknowit,sir?”
“What—Swallow’sNest,aliasTheLaurels?No,Ineverwentthere.Butitfiguredincertainthings.It’stiedupwithcertainperiodsinthepast.Peopleoveracertainperiod.Aperiodofgreatanxietytothiscountry.”
“Igatheryou’vecomeincontactwithsomeinformationpertainingtosomeonecalledMaryJordan.Orknownbythatname.Anyway,that’swhatMr.Robinsontoldus.”
“Wanttoseewhatshelookedlike?Goovertothemantelpiece.There’saphotographontheleftside.”
Tommygotup,wentacrosstothemantelpieceandpickedupthephotograph.Itrepresentedanold-worldtypeofaphotograph.Agirlwearingapicturehatandholdingupabunchofrosestowardsherhead.
“Looksdamnsillynow,doesn’tit?”saidColonelPikeaway.“Butshewasagood-lookinggirl,Ibelieve.Unluckythough.Shediedyoung.Ratheratragedy,thatwas.”
“Idon’tknowanythingabouther,”saidTommy.
“No,Idon’tsupposeso,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Nobodydoesnowadays.”
“TherewassomeidealocallythatshewasaGermanspy,”saidTommy.“Mr.Robinsontoldmethatwasn’tthecase.”
“No,itwasn’tthecase.Shebelongedtous.Andshedidgoodworkforus,too.Butsomebodygotwisetoher.”
“ThatwaswhenthereweresomepeoplecalledParkinsonlivingthere,”saidTommy.
“Maybe.Maybe.Idon’tknowallthedetails.Nobodydoesnowadays.Iwasn’tpersonallyinvolved,youknow.Allthishasbeenrakedupsince.Because,yousee,there’salwaystrouble.There’stroubleineverycountry.There’stroubleallovertheworldnowandnotforthefirsttime.No.Youcangobackahundredyearsandyou’llfindtrouble,andyoucangobackanotherhundredyearsandyou’llfindtrouble.GobacktotheCrusadesandyou’llfindeveryonedashingoutofthecountrygoingtodeliverJerusalem,oryou’llfindrisingsalloverthecountry.WatTylerandalltherestofthem.This,thatandtheother,there’salwaystrouble.”
“Doyoumeanthere’ssomespecialtroublenow?”
“Ofcoursethereis.Itellyou,there’salwaystrouble.”
“Whatsortoftrouble?”
“Oh,wedon’tknow,”saidColonelPikeaway.“TheyevencomeroundtoanoldmanlikemeandaskmewhatIcantellthem,orwhatIcanrememberaboutcertainpeopleinthepast.Well,Ican’trememberverymuchbutIknowaboutoneortwopeople.You’vegottolookintothepastsometimes.You’vegottoknowwhatwashappeningthen.Whatsecretspeoplehad,whatknowledgetheyhadthattheykepttothemselves,whattheyhidaway,whattheypretendedwashappeningandwhatwasreallyhappening.You’vedonegoodjobs,youandyourmissusatdifferenttimes.Doyouwanttogoonwithitnow?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTommy.“If—well,doyouthinkthereisanythingIcoulddo?I’mratheranoldmannow.”
“Well,youlooktomeasthoughyou’vegotbetterhealththanmanypeopleofyourage.Looktomeasthoughyou’vegotbetterhealththansomeoftheyoungeronestoo.Andasforyourwife,well,shewasalwaysgoodatnosingoutthings,wasn’tshe?Yes,goodasawell-traineddog.”
Tommycouldnotrepressasmile.
“Butwhatisthisallabout?”saidTommy.“I—ofcourseI’mquitewillingtodoanythingif—ifyouthoughtIcould,butIdon’tknow.Nobody’stoldmeanything.”
“Idon’tsupposetheywill,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Idon’tthinktheywantmetotellyouanything.Idon’tsupposethatRobinsontoldyoumuch.Hekeepshismouthshut,thatlargefatman.ButI’lltellyou,well,thebarefacts.Youknowwhattheworld’slike—well,thesamethingsalways.Violence,swindles,materialism,rebellionbytheyoung,loveofviolenceandagooddealofsadism,almostasbadasthedaysoftheHitlerYouth.Allthosethings.Well,whenyouwanttofindoutwhat’swrongnotonlywiththiscountrybutworldtroubleaswell,it’snoteasy.It’sagoodthing,theCommonMarket.It’swhatwealwaysneeded,alwayswanted.Butit’sgottobearealCommonMarket.That’sgottobeunderstoodveryclearly.It’sgottobeaunitedEurope.There’sgottobeaunionofcivilizedcountrieswithcivilizedideasandwithcivilizedbeliefsandprinciples.Thefirstthingis,whenthere’ssomethingwrongyou’vegottoknowwherethatsomethingisandthat’swherethatyellowwhaleofafellowstillknowshisoats.”
“YoumeanMr.Robinson?”
“Yes,ImeanMr.Robinson.Theywantedtogivehimapeerage,youknow,buthewouldn’thaveit.Andyouknowwhathemeans.”
“Isuppose,”saidTommy,“youmean—hestandsfor—money.”
“That’sright.Notmaterialism,butheknowsaboutmoney.Heknowswhereitcomesfrom,heknowswhereitgoes,heknowswhyitgoes,heknowswho’sbehindthings.Behindbanks,behindbigindustrialundertakings,andhehastoknowwhoisresponsibleforcertainthings,bigfortunesmadeoutofdrugs,drugpushers,drugsbeingsentallovertheworld,beingmarketed,aworshipofmoney.MoneynotjustforbuyingyourselfabighouseandtwoRolls-Royces,butmoneyformakingmoremoneyanddoingdown,doingawaywiththeoldbeliefs.Beliefsinhonesty,infairtrading.Youdon’twantequalityintheworld,youwantthestrongtohelptheweak.Youwanttherichtofinancethepoor.Youwantthehonestandthegoodtobelookeduptoandadmired.Finance!Thingsarecomingbacknowtofinanceallthetime.Whatfinanceisdoing,whereit’sgoing,whatit’ssupporting,howfarhiddenitis.Therearepeopleyouknew,peopleinthepastwhohadpowerandbrainsandtheirpowerandbrainsbroughtthemoneyandmeans,andsomeoftheiractivitiesweresecretbutwe’vegottofindoutaboutthem.Findoutwhotheirsecretspassedto,whothey’vebeenhandeddownto,whomayberunningthingsnow.Swallow’sNestwasatypeofheadquarters.AheadquartersforwhatIshouldcallevil.LaterinHollowquaytherewassomethingelse.D’yourememberJonathanKaneatall?”
“It’saname,”saidTommy.“Idon’trememberanythingpersonally.”
“Well,hewassaidtobewhatwasadmiredatonetime—whatcametobeknownlaterasafascist.ThatwasthetimebeforeweknewwhatHitlerwasgoingtobelikeandalltherestofthem.Thetimewhenwethoughtthatsomethinglikefascismmightbeasplendidideatoreformtheworldwith.ThischapJonathanKanehadfollowers.Alotoffollowers
“Somepeopledon’tknowwhatitisthey’vegotholdof,someofthemhavejustdestroyeditasrubbish.Butwe’vegottofindoutalittlemorethanwedobecausethingsarehappeningallthetime.Indifferentcountries,indifferentplaces,inwars,inVietnam,inguerrillawars,inJordan,inIsrael,evenintheuninvolvedcountries.InSwedenandSwitzerland—anywhere.Therearethesethingsandwewantcluestothem.Andthere’ssomeideathatsomeofthecluescouldbefoundinthepast.Well,youcan’tgobackintothepast,youcan’tgotoadoctorandsay,‘Hypnotizemeandletmeseewhathappenedin1914,’orin1918orearlierstillperhaps.In1890perhaps.Somethingwasbeingplanned,somethingwasnevercompletelydeveloped.Ideas.Justlookfarback.Theywerethinkingofflying,youknow,intheMiddleAges.Theyhadsomeideasaboutit.TheancientEgyptians,Ibelieve,hadcertainideas.Theywereneverdeveloped.Butoncetheideaspassedon,onceyoucometothetimewhentheygetintothehandsofsomeonewhohasthemeansandthekindofbrainthatcandevelopthem,anythingmayhappen—badorgood.Wehaveafeelinglatelythatsomeofthethingsthathavebeeninvented—germwarfare,forexample—aredifficulttoexplainexceptthroughtheprocessofsomesecretdevelopment,thoughttobeunimportantbutithasn’tbeenunimportant.Somebodyinwhosehandsit’sgothasmadesomeadaptationofitwhichcanproducevery,veryfrighteningresults.Thingsthatcanchangeacharacter,canperhapsturnagoodmanintoafiend,andusuallyforthesamereason.Formoney.Moneyandwhatmoneycanbuy,whatmoneycanget.Thepowerthatmoneycandevelop.Well,youngBeresford,whatdoyousaytoallthat?”
“Ithinkit’saveryfrighteningprospect,”saidTommy.
“That,yes.ButdoyouthinkI’mtalkingnonsense?Doyouthinkthisisjustanoldman’sfantasies?”
“No,sir,”saidTommy.“Ithinkyou’reamanwhoknowsthings.Youalwayshavebeenamanwhoknewthings.”
“H’m.That’swhytheywantedme,wasn’tit?Theycamehere,complainedaboutallthesmoke,saiditstifledthem,but—well,youknowthere’satime—atimewhentherewasthatFrankfurtringbusiness—well,wemanagedtostopthat.Wemanagedtostopitbygettingatwhowasbehindit.There’sasomebody,notjustonesomebody—severalsomebodieswhoareprobablybehindthis.Perhapswecanknowwhotheyare,butevenifnotwecanknowperhapswhatthethingsare.”
“Isee,”saidTommy.“Icanalmostunderstand.”
“Canyou?Don’tyouthinkthisisallrathernonsense?Ratherfantastic?”
“Idon’tthinkanything’stoofantastictobetrue,”saidTommy.“I’velearntthat,atleast,throughaprettylonglife.Themostamazingthingsaretrue,thingsyoucouldn’tbelievecouldbetrue.ButwhatIhavetomakeyouunderstandisthatIhavenoqualifications.Ihavenoscientificknowledge.Ihavebeenconcernedalwayswithsecurity.”
“But,”saidColonelPikeaway,“you’reamanwhohasalwaysbeenabletofindoutthings.You.You—andtheotherone.Yourwife.Itellyou,she’sgotanoseforthings.Shelikestofindoutthingsandyougoaboutandtakeherabout.Thesewomenarelikethat.Theycangetatsecrets.Ifyou’reyoungandbeautifulyoudoitlikeDelilah.Whenyou’reold—Icantellyou,Ihadanoldgreat-auntonceandtherewasnosecretthatshedidn’tnoseintoandfindoutthetruthabout.There’sthemoneyside.Robinson’sontothat.Heknowsaboutmoney.Heknowswherethemoneygoes,whyitgoes,whereitgoesto,andwhereitcomesfromandwhatit’sdoing.Alltherestofit.Heknowsaboutmoney.It’slikeadoctorfeelingyourpulse.Hecanfeelafinancier’spulse.Wheretheheadquartersofmoneyare.Who’susingit,whatforandwhy.I’mputtingyouontothisbecauseyou’reintherightplace.You’reintherightplacebyaccidentandyou’renotthereforthereasonanyonemightsupposeyouwere.Forthereyouare,anordinarycouple,elderly,retired,seekingforanicehousetoendyourdaysin,pokingaboutintothecornersofit,interestedintalking.Somesentenceonedaywilltellyousomething.That’sallIwantyoutodo.Lookabout.Findoutwhatlegendsorstoriesaretoldaboutthegoodolddaysorthebadolddays.”
“Anavalscandal,plansofasubmarineorsomething,that’stalkedaboutstill,”saidTommy.“Severalpeoplekeepmentioningit.Butnobodyseemstoknowanythingreallyaboutit.”
“Yes,well,that’sagoodstartingpoint.ItwasroundaboutthenJonathanKanelivedinthatpart,youknow.Hehadacottagedownneartheseaandheranhispropagandacampaignroundthere.Hehaddiscipleswhothoughthewaswonderful,JonathanKane.K-a-n-e.ButIwouldratherspellitadifferentway.I’dspellitC-a-i-n.Thatwoulddescribehimbetter.Hewassetondestructionandmethodsofdestruction.HeleftEngland.HewentthroughItalytocountriesratherfaraway,soit’ssaid.HowmuchisrumourIdon’tknow.HewenttoRussia.HewenttoIceland,hewenttotheAmericancontinent.Wherehewentandwhathedidandwhowentwithhimandlistenedtohim,wedon’tknow.Butwethinkthatheknewthings,simplethings;hewaspopularwithhisneighbours,helunchedwiththemandtheywithhim.Now,onethingI’vegottotellyou.Lookaboutyou.Ferretoutthings,butforgoodness’saketakecareofyourselves,bothofyou.Takecareofthat—what’s-her-name?Prudence?”
“NobodyevercalledherPrudence.Tuppence,”saidTommy.
“That’sright.TakecareofTuppenceandtellTuppencetotakecareofyou.Takecareofwhatyoueatandwhatyoudrinkandwhereyougoandwhoismakinguptoyouandbeingfriendlyandwhyshouldthey?Alittleinformationcomesalong.Somethingoddorqueer.Somestoryinthepastthatmightmeansomething.Someoneperhapswho’sadescendantorarelativeorsomeonewhoknewpeopleinthepast.”
“I’lldowhatIcan,”saidTommy.“Webothwill.ButIdon’tfeelthatwe’llbeabletodoit.We’retooold.Wedon’tknowenough.”
“Youcanhaveideas.”
“Yes.Tuppencehasideas.Shethinksthatsomethingmightbehiddeninourhouse.”
“Soitmight.Othershavehadthesameidea.Nobody’severfoundanythingsofar,butthentheyhaven’treallylookedwithanyassuranceatall.Varioushousesandvariousfamilies,theychange.Theygetsoldandsomebodyelsecomesandthensomebodyelseandsotheygoon.LestrangesandMortimersandParkinsons.NothingmuchintheParkinsonsexceptforoneoftheboys.”
“AlexanderParkinson?”
“Soyouknowabouthim.Howdidyoumanagethat?”
“HeleftamessageforsomeonetofindinoneofRobertLouisStevenson’sbooks.MaryJordandidnotdienaturally.Wefoundit.”
“Thefateofeverymanwehaveboundabouthisneck—somesayinglikethat,isn’tthere?Carryon,youtwo.PassthroughthePosternofFate.”
Six
POSTERNOFFATE
Mr.Durrance’sshopwashalfwayupthevillage.Itwasonacornersite,hadafewphotographsdisplayedinthewindow;acoupleofmarriagegroups,akickingbabyinanudistconditiononarug,oneortwobeardedyoungmentakenwiththeirgirls.Noneofthephotographswereverygood,someofthemalreadydisplayedsignsofage.Therewerealsopostcardsinlargenumbers;birthdaycardsandafewspecialshelvesarrangedinorderofrelationships.TomyHusband.TomyWife.Oneortwobathinggroups.Therewereafewpocketbooksandwalletsofratherpoorqualityandacertainamountofstationeryandenvelopesbearingfloraldesigns.BoxesofsmallnotepaperdecoratedwithflowersandlabelledForNotes.
Tuppencewanderedaboutalittle,pickingupvariousspecimensofthemerchandiseandwaitingwhilstadiscussionabouttheresultsobtainedfromacertaincamerawerecriticized,andadvicewasasked.
Anelderlywomanwithgreyhairandratherlacklustreeyesattendedtoagooddealofthemoreordinaryrequests.Arathertallyoungmanwithlongflaxenhairandabuddingbeardseemedtobetheprincipalattendant.HecamealongthecountertowardsTuppence,lookingatherquestioningly.
“CanIhelpyouinanyway?”
“Really,”saidTuppence,“Iwantedtoaskaboutalbums.Youknow,photographalbums.”
“Ah,thingstostickyourphotosin,youmean?Well,we’vegotoneortwoofthosebutyoudon’tgetsomuchofthemnowadays,Imean,peoplegoverylargelyfortransparencies,ofcourse.”
“Yes,Iunderstand,”saidTuppence,“butIcollectthem,youknow.Icollectoldalbums.Oneslikethis.”
Sheproduced,withtheairofaconjurer,thealbumshe’dbeensent.
“Ah,thatgoesbackalongtime,doesn’tit?”saidMr.Durrance.“Ah,wellnow,overfiftyyearsold,Ishouldsay.Ofcourse,theydiddoalotofthosethingsaroundthen,didn’tthey?Everyonehadanalbum.”
“Theyhadbirthdaybooks,too,”saidTuppence.
“Birthdaybooks—yes,Iremembersomethingaboutthem.Mygrandmotherhadabirthdaybook,Iremember.Lotsofpeoplehadtowritetheirnameinit.We’vegotbirthdaycardsherestill,butpeopledon’tbuythemmuchnowadays.It’smoreValentines,youknow,andHappyChristmases,ofcourse.”
“Idon’tknowwhetheryouhadanyoldalbums.Youknow,thesortofthingspeopledon’twantanymore,buttheyinterestmeasacollector.Ilikehavingdifferentspecimens.”
“Well,everyonecollectssomethingnowadays,that’strueenough,”saidDurrance.“You’dhardlybelieveit,thethingspeoplecollect.Idon’tthinkI’vegotanythingasoldasthisoneofyours,though.However,Icouldlookaround.”
Hewentbehindthecounterandpulledopenadraweragainstthewall.
“Lotofstuffinhere,”hesaid.“ImeanttoturnitoutsometimebutIdidn’tknowasthere’dreallybeanymarketforit.Alotofweddingshere,ofcourse.Butthen,Imean,weddingsdate.Peoplewantthemjustatthetimeoftheweddingbutnobodycomesbacktolookforweddingsinthepast.”
“Youmean,nobodycomesinandsays‘Mygrandmotherwasmarriedhere.Iwonderifyou’vegotanyphotographsofherwedding?’”
“Don’tthinkanyone’severaskedmethat,”saidDurrance.“Still,youneverknow.Theydoaskyouforqueerthingssometimes.Sometimes,youknow,someonecomesinandwantstoseewhetheryou’vekeptanegativeofababy.Youknowwhatmothersare.Theywantpicturesoftheirbabieswhentheywereyoung.Awfulpictures,mostofthemare,anyway.Nowandthenwe’veevenhadthepoliceround.Youknow,theywanttoidentifysomeone.Someonewhowashereasaboy,andtheywanttoseewhathelookslike—orratherwhathelookedlikethen,andwhetherhe’slikelytobethesameoneasonethey’relookingfornowandwhomthey’reafterbecausehe’swantedformurderorforswindles.Imustsaythatcheersthingsupsometimes,”saidDurrancewithahappysmile.
“Iseeyou’requitecrime-minded,”saidTuppence.
“Ohwell,youknow,you’rereadingaboutthingslikethateveryday,whythismanissupposedtohavekilledhiswifeaboutsixmonthsago,andallthat.Well,Imean,that’sinteresting,isn’tit?Because,Imean,somepeoplesaythatshe’sstillalive.Otherpeoplesaythatheburiedhersomewhereandnobody’sfoundher.Thingslikethat.Well,aphotographofhimmightcomeinuseful.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.
ShefeltthatthoughshewasgettingongoodtermswithMr.Durrancenothingwascomingofit.
“Idon’tsupposeyou’dhaveanyphotographsofsomeonecalled—IthinkhernamewasMaryJordan.Somenamelikethat.Butitwasalongtimeago.About—oh,Isupposesixtyyears.Ithinkshediedhere.”
“Well,it’dbewellbeforemytime,”saidMr.Durrance.“Fatherkeptagoodmanythings.Youknow,hewasoneofthose—hoarders,theycallthem.Neverwantedtothrowanythingaway.Anyonehe’dknownhe’dremember,especiallyiftherewasahistoryaboutit.MaryJordan.Iseemtoremembersomethingabouther.SomethingtodowiththeNavy,wasn’tit,andasubmarine?Andtheysaidshewasaspy,wasn’tshe?Shewashalfforeign.HadaRussianmotheroraGermanmother—mighthavebeenaJapanesemotherorsomethinglikethat.”
“Yes.Ijustwonderedifyouhadanypicturesofher.”
“Well,Idon’tthinkso.I’llhavealookaroundsometimewhenI’vegotalittletime.I’llletyouknowifanythingturnsup.Perhapsyou’reawriter,areyou?”hesaidhopefully.
“Well,”saidTuppence,“Idon’tmakeawhole-timejobofit,butIamthinkingofbringingoutarathersmallbook.Youknow,recallingthetimesofaboutanythingfromahundredyearsagodowntilltoday.Youknow,curiousthingsthathavehappenedincludingcrimesandadventures.And,ofcourse,oldphotographsareveryinterestingandwouldillustratethebookbeautifully.”
“Well,I’lldoeverythingIcantohelpyou,I’msure.Mustbequiteinteresting,whatyou’redoing.Quiteinterestingtodo,Imean.”
“ThereweresomepeoplecalledParkinson,”saidTuppence.“Ithinktheylivedinourhouseonce.”
“Ah,youcomefromthehouseuponthehill,don’tyou?TheLaurelsorKatmandu—Ican’trememberwhatitwascalledlast.Swallow’sNestitwascalledonce,wasn’tit?Can’tthinkwhy.”
“Isupposetherewerealotofswallowsnestingintheroof,”suggestedTuppence.“Therestillare.”
“Well,mayhavebeen,Isuppose.Butitseemsafunnynameforahouse.”
Tuppence,havingfeltthatshe’dopenedrelationssatisfactorily,thoughnothopingverymuchthatanyresultwouldcomeofit,boughtafewpostcardsandsomeflowerednotesinthewayofstationery,andwishedMr.Durrancegoodbye,gotbacktothegate,walkedupthedrive,thencheckedherselfonthewaytothehouseandwentupthesidepathroundittohaveonemorelookatKK.Shegotnearthedoor.Shestoppedsuddenly,thenwalkedon.Itlookedasthoughsomethinglikeabundleofclotheswaslyingnearthedoor.Somethingthey’dpulledoutofMathildeandnotthoughttolookat,Tuppencewondered.
Shequickenedherpace,almostrunning.Whenshegotnearthedoorshestoppedsuddenly.Itwasnotabundleofoldclothes.Theclotheswereoldenough,andsowasthebodythatworethem.Tuppencebentoverandthenstoodupagain,steadiedherselfwithahandonthedoor.
“Isaac!”shesaid.“Isaac.PooroldIsaac.Ibelieve—oh,Idobelievethathe’sdead.”
Somebodywascomingtowardsheronthepathfromthehouseasshecalledout,takingasteportwo.
“Oh,Albert,Albert.Somethingawful’shappened.Isaac,oldIsaac.He’slyingthereandhe’sdeadandIthink—Ithinksomebodyhaskilledhim.”
Seven
THEINQUEST
Themedicalevidencehadbeengiven.Twopassersbynotfarfromthegatehadgiventheirevidence.Thefamilyhadspoken,givingevidenceastothestateofhishealth,anypossiblepeoplewhohadhadreasonforenmitytowardshim(oneortwoyoungishadolescentboyswhohadbeforenowbeenwarnedoffbyhim)hadbeenaskedtoassistthepoliceandhadprotestedtheirinnocence.Oneortwoofhisemployershadspokenincludinghislatestemployer,Mrs.PrudenceBeresford,andherhusband,Mr.ThomasBeresford.Allhadbeensaidanddoneandaverdicthadbeenbroughtin:WilfulMurderbyapersonorpersonsunknown.
TuppencecameoutfromtheinquestandTommyputanarmroundherastheypassedthelittlegroupofpeoplewaitingoutside.
“Youdidverywell,Tuppence,”hesaid,astheyreturnedthroughthegardengatetowardsthehouse.“Verywellindeed.Muchbetterthansomeofthosepeople.Youwereveryclearandyoucouldbeheard.TheCoronerseemedtometobeverypleasedwithyou.”
“Idon’twantanyonetobeverypleasedwithme,”saidTuppence.“Idon’tlikeoldIsaacbeingcoshedontheheadandkilledlikethat.”
“Isupposesomeonemighthavehaditinforhim,”saidTommy.
“Whyshouldthey?”saidTuppence.
“Idon’tknow,”saidTommy.
“No,”saidTuppence,“andIdon’tknoweither.ButIjustwonderedifit’sanythingtodowithus.”
“Doyoumean—whatdoyoumean,Tuppence?”
“YouknowwhatImeanreally,”saidTuppence.“It’sthis—thisplace.Ourhouse.Ourlovelynewhouse.Andgardenandeverything.It’sasthough—isn’titjusttherightplaceforus?Wethoughtitwas,”saidTuppence.
“Well,Istilldo,”saidTommy.
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“Ithinkyou’vegotmorehopethanIhave.I’vegotanuneasyfeelingthatthere’ssomething—somethingwrongwithitallhere.Somethingleftoverfromthepast.”
“Don’tsayitagain,”saidTommy.
“Don’tsaywhatagain?”
“Oh,justthosetwowords.”
Tuppencedroppedhervoice.ShegotnearertoTommyandspokealmostintohisear.
“MaryJordan?”
“Well,yes.Thatwasinmymind.”
“Andinmymind,too,Iexpect.ButImean,whatcananythingthenhavetodowithnowadays?Whatcanthepastmatter?”saidTuppence.“Itoughtn’ttohaveanythingtodowith—now.”
“Thepastoughtn’ttohaveanythingtodowiththepresent—isthatwhatyoumean?Butitdoes,”saidTommy.“Itdoes,inqueerwaysthatonedoesn’tthinkof.Imeanthatonedoesn’tthinkwouldeverhappen.”
“Alotofthings,youmean,happenbecauseofwhattherewasinthepast?”
“Yes.It’sasortoflongchain.Thesortofthingyouhave,withgapsandthenwithbeadsonitfromtimetotime.”
“JaneFinnandallthat.LikeJaneFinninouradventureswhenwewereyoungbecausewewantedadventures.”
“Andwehadthem,”saidTommy.“SometimesIlookbackonitandwonderhowwegotoutofitalive.”
“Andthen—otherthings.Youknow,whenwewentintopartnership,andwepretendedtobedetectiveagents.”
“Ohthatwasfun,”saidTommy.“Doyouremember—”
“No,”saidTuppence,“I’mnotgoingtoremember.I’mnotanxioustogobacktothinkingofthepastexcept—well,exceptasastepping-stone,asyoumightsay.No.Well,anywaythatgaveuspractice,didn’tit?Andthenwehadthenextbit.”
“Ah,”saidTommy.“Mrs.Blenkensop,eh?”
Tuppencelaughed.
“Yes.Mrs.Blenkensop.I’llneverforgetwhenIcameintothatroomandsawyousittingthere.”
“Howyouhadthenerve,Tuppence,todowhatyoudid,movethatwardrobeorwhateveritwas,andlistenintomeandMr.What’s-his-name,talking.Andthen—”
“AndthenMrs.Blenkensop,”saidTuppence.Shelaughedtoo.“NorMandGooseyGooseyGander.”
“Butyoudon’t—”Tommyhesitated—“youdon’tbelievethatallthosewerewhatyoucallstepping-stonestothis?”
“Well,theyareinaway,”saidTuppence.“Imean,Idon’tsupposethatMr.Robinsonwouldhavesaidwhathedidtoyouifhehadn’thadalotofthosethingsinhismind.Meforoneofthem.”
“Verymuchyouforoneofthem.”
“Butnow,”saidTuppence,“thismakesitalldifferent.This,Imean.Isaac.Dead.Coshedonthehead.Justinsideourgardengate.”
“Youdon’tthinkthat’sconnectedwith—”
“Onecan’thelpthinkingitmightbe,”saidTuppence.“That’swhatImean.We’renotjustinvestigatingasortofdetectivemysteryanymore.Findingout,Imean,aboutthepastandwhysomebodydiedinthepastandthingslikethat.It’sbecomepersonal.Quitepersonal,Ithink.Imean,pooroldIsaacbeingdead.”
“Hewasaveryoldmanandpossiblythathadsomethingtodowithit.”
“Notafterlisteningtothemedicalevidencethismorning.Someonewantedtokillhim.Whatfor?”
“Whydidn’ttheywanttokillusifitwasanythingtodowithus,”saidTommy.
“Well,perhapsthey’lltrythattoo.Perhaps,youknow,hecouldhavetoldussomething.Perhapshewasgoingtotellussomething.Perhapsheeventhreatenedsomebodyelsethathewasgoingtotalktous,saysomethingheknewaboutthegirloroneoftheParkinsons.Or—orallthisspyingbusinessinthe1914war.Thesecretsthatweresold.Andthen,yousee,hehadtobesilenced.Butifwehadn’tcometolivehereandaskquestionsandwantedtofindout,itwouldn’thavehappened.”
“Don’tgetsoworkedup.”
“Iamworkedup.AndI’mnotdoinganythingforfunanymore.Thisisn’tfun.We’redoingsomethingdifferentnow,Tommy.We’rehuntingdownakiller.Butwho?Ofcoursewedon’tknowyetbutwecanfindout.That’snotthepast,that’sNow.That’ssomethingthathappened—what—onlydaysago,sixdaysago.That’sthepresent.It’shereandit’sconnectedwithusandit’sconnectedwiththishouse.Andwe’vegottofindoutandwe’regoingtofindout.Idon’tknowhowbutwe’vegottogoafterallthecluesandfollowupthings.Ifeellikeadogwithmynosetotheground,followingatrail.I’llhavetofollowithere,andyou’vegottobeahuntingdog.Goroundtodifferentplaces.Thewayyou’redoingnow.Findingoutaboutthings.Gettingyour—whateveryoucallit—researchdone.Theremustbepeoplewhoknowthings,notoftheirownknowledge,butwhatpeoplehavetoldthem.Storiesthey’veheard.Rumours.Gossip.”
“But,Tuppence,youcan’treallybelievethere’sanychanceofour—”
“OhyesIdo,”saidTuppence.“Idon’tknowhoworinwhatway,butIbelievethatwhenyou’vegotareal,convincingidea,somethingthatyouknowisblackandbadandevil,andhittingoldIsaacontheheadwasblackandevil…”Shestopped.
“Wecouldchangethenameofthehouseagain,”saidTommy.
“Whatdoyoumean?CallitSwallow’sNestandnotTheLaurels?”
Aflightofbirdspassedovertheirheads.Tuppenceturnedherheadandlookedbacktowardsthegardengate.“Swallow’sNestwasonceitsname.What’stherestofthatquotation?Theoneyourresearcherquoted.PosternofDeath,wasn’tit?”
“No,PosternofFate.”
“Fate.That’slikeacommentonwhathashappenedtoIsaac.PosternofFate—ourGardenGate—”
“Don’tworrysomuch,Tuppence.”
“Idon’tknowwhy,”saidTuppence.“It’sjustasortofideathatcameintomymind.”
Tommygaveherapuzzledlookandshookhishead.
“Swallow’sNestisanicename,really,”saidTuppence.“Oritcouldbe.Perhapsitwillsomeday.”
“Youhavethemostextraordinaryideas,Tuppence.”
“Yetsomethingsingethlikeabird.Thatwashowitended.Perhapsallthiswillendthatway.”
Justbeforetheyreachedthehouse,TommyandTuppencesawawomanstandingonthedoorstep.
“Iwonderwhothatis,”saidTommy.
“SomeoneI’veseenbefore,”saidTuppence.“Idon’trememberwhoatthemoment.Oh.Ithinkit’soneofoldIsaac’sfamily.Youknowtheyalllivedtogetherinonecottage.Aboutthreeorfourboysandthiswomanandanotherone,agirl.Imaybewrong,ofcourse.”
Thewomanonthedoorstephadturnedandcametowardsthem.
“Mrs.Beresford,isn’tit?”shesaid,lookingatTuppence.
“Yes,”saidTuppence.
“And—Idon’texpectyouknowme.I’mIsaac’sdaughter-in-law,youknow.Marriedtohisson,Stephen,Iwas.Stephen—hegotkilledinanaccident.Oneofthemlorries.Thebigonesthatgoalong.ItwasononeoftheMroads,theM1Ithinkitwas.M1ortheM5.No,theM5wasbeforethat.TheM4itcouldbe.Anyway,thereitwas.Fiveorsixyearsagoitwas.Iwantedto—Iwantedjusttospeaktoyou.Youand—youandyourhusband—”ShelookedatTommy.“Yousentflowers,didn’tyou,tothefuneral?Isaacworkedinthegardenhereforyou,didn’the?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence.“Hedidworkforushere.Itwassuchaterriblethingtohavehappened.”
“Icametothankyou.Verylovelyflowerstheywas,too.Goodones.Classyones.Agreatbunchofthem.”
“Wethoughtwe’dliketodoit,”saidTuppence,“becauseIsaachadbeenveryhelpfultous.He’dhelpedusalot,youknow,withgettingintothehouse.Tellingusaboutthings,becausewedon’tknowmuchaboutthehouse.Wherethingswerekept,andeverything.Andhegavemealotofknowledgeaboutplantingthings,too,andallthatsortofthing.”
“Yes,heknewhisstuff,asyoumightsay.Hewasn’tmuchofaworkerbecausehewasold,youknow,andhedidn’tlikestooping.Gotlumbagoalot,sohecouldn’tdoasmuchashe’dhavelikedtodo.”
“Hewasveryniceandveryhelpful,”saidTuppencefirmly.“Andheknewalotaboutthingshere,andthepeople,andtoldusalot.”
“Ah.Heknewalot,hedid.Alotofhisfamily,youknow,workedbeforehim.Theylivedroundaboutandthey’dknownagooddealofwhatwentoninyearsgoneby.Notoftheirownknowledge,asyoumightsaybut—well,justhearingwhatwenton.Well,ma’am,Iwon’tkeepyou.IjustcameuptohaveafewwordsandsayhowmuchobligedIwas.”
“That’sveryniceofyou,”saidTuppence.“Thankyouverymuch.”
“You’llhavetogetsomeoneelsetodoabitofworkinthegarden,Iexpect.”
“Iexpectso,”saidTuppence.“We’renotverygoodatitourselves.Doyou—perhapsyou—”shehesitated,feelingperhapsshewassayingthewrongthingatthewrongmoment—“perhapsyouknowofsomeonewhowouldliketocomeandworkforus.”
“Well,Ican’tsayIdooffhand,butI’llkeepitinmind.Youneverknow.I’llsendalongHenry—that’smysecondboy,youknow—I’llsendhimalongandletyouknowifIhearofanyone.Well,gooddayfornow.”
“WhatwasIsaac’sname?Ican’tremember,”saidTommy,astheywentintothehouse.“Imean,hissurname.”
“Oh,IsaacBodlicott,Ithink.”
“Sothat’saMrs.Bodlicott,isit?”
“Yes.ThoughIthinkshe’sgotseveralsons,boysandagirlandtheyalllivetogether.Youknow,inthatcottagehalfwayuptheMarshtonRoad.Doyouthinksheknowswhokilledhim?”saidTuppence.
“Ishouldn’tthinkso,”saidTommy.“Shedidn’tlookasthoughshedid.”
“Idon’tknowhowyou’dlook,”saidTuppence.“It’sratherdifficulttosay,isn’tit?”
“Ithinkshejustcametothankyoufortheflowers.Idon’tthinkshehadthelookofsomeonewhowas—youknow—revengeful.Ithinkshe’dhavementioneditifso.”
“Might.Mightnot,”saidTuppence.
Shewentintothehouselookingratherthoughtful.
Eight
REMINISCENCESABOUTANUNCLE
ThefollowingmorningTuppencewasinterruptedinherremarkstoanelectricianwhohadcometoadjustportionsofhisworkwhichwerenotconsideredsatisfactory.
“Boyatthedoor,”saidAlbert.“Wantstospeaktoyou,madam.”
“Oh.What’shisname?”
“Didn’taskhim,he’swaitingthereoutside.”
Tuppenceseizedhergardenhat,shoveditonherheadandcamedownthestairs
Outsidethedooraboyofabouttwelveorthirteenwasstanding.Hewasrathernervous,shufflinghisfeet.
“Hopeit’sallrighttocomealong,”hesaid.
“Letmesee,”saidTuppence,“you’reHenryBodlicott,aren’tyou?”
“That’sright.Thatwasmy—oh,Isupposehewasbywayofbeinganuncle,theoneImeanwhoseinquestwasonyesterday.Neverbeentoaninquestbefore,Ihaven’t.”
Tuppencestoppedherselfonthebrinkofsaying“Didyouenjoyit?”Henryhadthelookofsomeonewhowasabouttodescribeatreat.
“Itwasquiteatragedy,wasn’tit?”saidTuppence.“Verysad.”
“Ohwell,hewasanoldone,”saidHenry.“Couldn’thaveexpectedtolastmuchlongerIdon’tthink,youknow.Usedtocoughsomethingterribleintheautumn.Keptusallawakeinthehouse.Ijustcomealongtoaskifthere’sanythingasyouwantdonehere.Iunderstood—asamatteroffactMomtoldme—asyouhadsomelettucesoughttobethinnedoutnowandIwonderifyou’dlikemetodoitforyou.IknowjustwheretheyarebecauseIusedtocomeupsometimesandtalktooldIzzywhenhewasatwork.Icoulddoitnowifyouliked.”
“Oh,that’sveryniceofyou,”saidTuppence.“Comeoutandshowme.”
Theymovedintothegardentogetherandwentuptothespotdesignated.
“That’sit,yousee.They’vebeenshovedinabittightandyou’vegottothin’emoutabitandput’emoverthereinstead,yousee,whenyou’vemadepropergaps.”
“Idon’treallyknowanythingaboutlettuces,”Tuppenceadmitted.“Iknowalittleaboutflowers.Peas,BrusselssproutsandlettucesandothervegetablesI’mnotverygoodat.Youdon’twantajobworkinginthegarden,Isuppose,doyou?”
“Ohno,I’mstillatschool,Iam.ItakesthepapersroundandIdoabitoffruitpickinginthesummer,youknow.”
“Isee,”saidTuppence.“Well,ifyouhearofanyoneandyouletmeknow,I’llbeveryglad.”
“Yes,Iwilldothat.Well,solong,mum.”
“Justshowmewhatyou’redoingtothelettuces.I’dliketoknow.”
Shestoodby,watchingthemanipulationsofHenryBodlicott.
“Nowthat’sallright.Yes,niceones,these,aren’tthey?Webb’sWonderful,aren’tthey?Theykeepalongtime.”
“WefinishedtheTomThumbs,”saidTuppence.
“That’sright.Thosearethelittleearlyones,aren’tthey?Verycrispandgood.”
“Well,thankyouverymuch,”saidTuppence.
Sheturnedawayandstartedtowalktowardsthehouse.Shenotedshe’dlostherscarfandturnedback.HenryBodlicott,juststartingforhome,stoppedandcameacrosstoher.
“Justthescarf,”saidTuppence.“Isit—oh,thereitisonthatbush.”
Hehandedittoher,thenstoodlookingather,shufflinghisfeet.HelookedsoveryworriedandillateasethatTuppencewonderedwhatwasthematterwithhim.
“Isthereanything?”shesaid.
Henryshuffledhisfeet,lookedather,shuffledhisfeetagain,pickedhisnoseandrubbedhisleftearandthenmovedhisfeetinakindoftattoo.
“JustsomethingI—Iwonderedifyou—Imean—ifyouwouldn’tmindmeaskingyou—”
“Well?”saidTuppence.Shestoppedandlookedathimenquiringly.
Henrygotveryredinthefaceandcontinuedtoshufflehisfeet.
“Well,Ididn’tliketo—Idon’tliketoask,butIjustwondered—Imean,peoplehavebeensaying—theysaidthings…Imean,Ihearthemsay….”
“Yes?”saidTuppence,wonderingwhathadupsetHenry,whathecouldhaveheardconcerningthelivesofMr.andMrs.Beresford,thenewtenantsofTheLaurels.“Yes,you’veheardwhat?”
“Oh,justas—ashowit’syouistheladywhatcaughtspiesorsomethinginthelastwar.Youdidit,andthegentlemantoo.YouwereinitandyoufoundsomeonewhowasaGermanspypretendingtobesomethingelse.Andyoufoundhimoutandyouhadalotofadventuresandintheenditwasallclearedup.Imean,youwere—Idon’tknowwhattocallit—IsupposeyouwereoneofourSecretServicepeopleandyoudidthatandtheysaidasyou’dbeenwonderful.Ofcourse,sometimeagonowbutyouwasallmixedupwithsomething—somethingaboutnurseryrhymestoo.”
“That’sright,”saidTuppence.“GooseyGooseyGanderwastheoneinquestion.”
“GooseyGooseyGander!Irememberthat.Gosh,yearsago,itwas.Whitherwillyouwander?”
“That’sright,”saidTuppence.“Upstairs,downstairs,inmylady’schamber.Therehefoundanoldmanwhowouldn’tsayhisprayersandhetookhimbytheleftlegandthrewhimdownthestairs.Atleast,Ithinkthat’srightbutitmaybeadifferentnurseryrhymeI’vetackedontoit.”
“Well,Inever,”saidHenry.“Well,Imean,it’sratherwonderfultohaveyoulivingherejustlikeanyoneelse,isn’tit?ButIdon’tknowwhythenurseryrhymeswereinit.”
“Ohtherewasakindofcode,acypher,”saidTuppence.
“Youmeanithadtobesortofreadandallthat?”saidHenry.
“Somethingofthekind,”saidTuppence.“Anyway,itwasallfoundout.”
“Wellnow,isn’tthatwonderful,”saidHenry.“Youdon’tmindifItellmyfriend,doyou?Mychum.Clarence,hisnameis.Sillyname,Iknow.Wealllaughathimforit.Buthe’sagoodchap,heisandhe’llbeeversothrilledtoknowaswe’vegotyoureallylivingamongstus.”
HelookedatTuppencewiththeadmirationofanaffectionatespaniel.
“Wonderful!”hesaidagain.
“Oh,itwasalongtimeago,”saidTuppence.“Inthe1940s.”
“Wasitfun,orwereyoueversofrightened?”
“Bitsofboth,”saidTuppence.“Mostly,Ithink,Iwasfrightened.”
“Ohwell,Iexpectasyouwouldbe,too.Yes,butit’soddasyoushouldcomehereandgetmixedupinthesamesortofthing.Itwasanavalgentleman,wasn’tit?ImeanascalledhimselfanEnglishcommanderintheNavy,buthewasn’treally.HewasaGerman.Atleast,that’swhatClarencesaid.”
“Somethinglikethat,”saidTuppence.
“Soperhapsthat’swhyyoucomehere.Because,youknow,wehadsomethinghereonce—wellitwasavery,verylongtimeago—butitwasthesamething,asyoumightsay.Hewasasubmarineofficer.Hesoldplansofsubmarines.Mindyou,it’sonlystoriesasI’veheardpeoplesay.”
“Isee,”saidTuppence.“Yes.No,it’snotthereasonwecamehere.Wejustcameherebecauseit’sanicehousetolivein.I’veheardthesesamerumoursgoingaboutonlyIdon’tknowexactlywhathappened.”
“Well,I’lltryandtellyousometime.Ofcourse,onedoesn’talwaysknowwhat’srightornotbutthingsaren’talwaysknownproperly.”
“HowdidyourfriendClarencemanagetoknowsomuchaboutit?”
“Well,heheardfromMick,youknow.Heusedtoliveashorttimeupbywheretheblacksmithusedtobe.He’sbeengonealongtime,butheheardalotfromdifferentpeople.Andouruncle,oldIsaac,heknewagooddealaboutit.Heusedtotellusthingssometimes.”
“Sohedidknowagooddealaboutitall?”saidTuppence.
“Ohyes.That’swhyIwondered,youknow,whenhewascoshedtheotherdayifthatcouldbethereason.Thathemighthaveknownabittoomuchand—hetolditalltoyou.Sotheydidhimin.That’swhattheydonowadays.Theydopeoplein,youknow,iftheyknowtoomuchofanythingthat’sgoingtoinvolvethemwiththepoliceoranything.”
“YouthinkyourUncleIsaac—youthinkheknewagooddealaboutit?”
“Well,Ithinkthingsgottoldhim,youknow.Heheardalothereandthere.Didn’toftentalkofitbutsometimeshewould.Ofanevening,youknow,aftersmokingapipeorhearingmeandClarrietalkandmyotherfriend,TomGillingham.Heusedtowanttoknow,too,andUncleIzzywouldtellusthis,thatandtheother.Ofcoursewedidn’tknowifhewasmakingitupornot.ButIthinkhe’dfoundthingsandknewwheresomethingswere.Andhesaidifsomepeopleknewwheretheyweretheremightbesomethinginteresting.”
“Didhe?”saidTuppence.“Well,Ithinkthat’sveryinterestingtousalso.Youmusttryandremembersomeofthethingshesaidorsuggestedsometimebecause,well,itmightleadtofindingoutwhokilledhim.Becausehewaskilled.Itwasn’tanaccident,wasit?”
“Wethoughtatfirstitmusthavebeenanaccident.Youknow,hehadabitofaheartorsomethingandheusedtofalldownnowandagainorgetgiddyorhaveturns.Butitseems—Iwenttotheinquest,youknow—asthoughhe’dbeendoneindeliberate.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“Ithinkhewasdoneindeliberate.”
“Andyoudon’tknowwhy?”saidHenry
TuppencelookedatHenry.ItseemedtoherasthoughsheandHenrywereforthemomenttwopolicedogsonthesamescent.
“Ithinkitwasdeliberate,andIthinkthatyou,becausehewasyourrelation,andItoo,wouldliketoknowwhoitwaswhodidsuchacruelandwickedthing.Butperhapsyoudoknoworhavesomeideaalready,Henry.”
“Idon’thaveaproperidea,Idon’t,”saidHenry.“OnejusthearsthingsandIknowpeoplethatUncleIzzysays—said—nowandthenhadgotitinforhimforsomereasonandhesaidthatwasbecauseheknewabittoomuchaboutthemandaboutwhattheyknewandaboutsomethingthathappened.Butit’salwayssomeonewho’sbeendeadsomanyyearsagothatonecan’treallyrememberitorgetatitproperly.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“Ithinkyou’llhavetohelpus,Henry.”
“Youmeanyou’llletmesortofbeinitwithyou?Imean,doingabitoffindingoutanytime?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“ifyoucanholdyourtongueaboutwhatyoufindout.Imean,tellme,butdon’tgotalkingtoallyourfriendsaboutitbecausethatwaythingswouldgetaround.”
“Isee.AndthentheymighttellthecoshersandgoforyouandMr.Beresford,mightn’tthey?”
“Theymight,”saidTuppence,“andI’drathertheydidn’t.”
“Well,that’snatural,”saidHenry.“Well,seehere,ifIcomeacrossanythingorhearanythingI’llcomeupandoffertodoabitofworkhere.How’sthat?ThenIcantellyouwhatIknowandnobody’dhearusand—butIdon’tknowanythingrightatthemoment.ButI’vegotfriends.”Hedrewhimselfupsuddenlyandputonanairclearlyadoptedfromsomethinghe’dseenontelevision.“Iknowthings.Peopledon’tknowasIknowthings.Theydon’tthinkI’velistenedandtheydon’tthinkI’dremember,butIknowsometimes—youknow,they’llsaysomethingandthenthey’llsaywhoelseknowsaboutitandthenthey’ll—well,youknow,ifyoukeepquietyougettohearalot.AndIexpectit’sallveryimportant,isn’tit?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“Ithinkit’simportant.Butwehavetobeverycareful,Henry.Youunderstandthat?”
“Oh,Ido.OfcourseI’llbecareful.Carefulasyouknowhow.Heknewalotaboutthisplace,youknow,”wentonHenry.“MyUncleIsaacdid.”
“Aboutthishouse,youmean,orthisgarden?”
“That’sright.Heknewsomeofthestoriesaboutit,youknow.Wherepeoplewereseengoingandwhattheydidwiththingsmaybe,andwheretheymetpeople.Wheretherewerehidingplacesandthings.Heusedtotalksometimes,hedid.OfcourseMom,shedidn’tlistenmuch.She’djustthinkitwasallsilly.Johnny—that’smyolderbrother—hethinksit’sallnonsenseandhedidn’tlisten.ButIlistenedandClarenceisinterestedinthatsortofthing.Youknow,helikedthosekindoffilmsandallthat.Hesaidtome,‘Chuck,it’sjustlikeafilm.’Sowetalkedaboutittogether.”
“DidyoueverhearanyonetalkedaboutwhosenamewasMaryJordan?”
“Ahyes,ofcourse.ShewastheGermangirlwhowasaspy,wasn’tshe?Gotnavalsecretsoutofnavalofficers,didn’tshe?”
“Somethingofthatkind,Ibelieve,”saidTuppence,feelingitsafertosticktothatversion,thoughinhermindapologizingtotheghostofMaryJordan.
“Iexpectshewasverylovely,wasn’tshe?Verybeautiful?”
“Well,Idon’tknow,”saidTuppence,“because,Imean,sheprobablydiedwhenIwasaboutthreeyearsold.”
“Yes,ofcourse,itwouldbeso,wouldn’tit?Oh,onehearshertalkedaboutsometimes.”
II
“Youseemveryexcitedandoutofbreath,Tuppence,”saidTommyashiswife,dressedinhergardenclothes,cameinthroughthesidedoor,pantingalittleasshecame.
“Well,”saidTuppence,“Iaminaway.”
“Notbeenoverdoingitinthegarden?”
“No.ActuallyIhaven’tbeendoinganythingatall.I’vejustbeenstandingbythelettucestalking,orbeingtalkedto—whicheverwayyouputit—”
“Who’sbeentalkingtoyou?”
“Aboy,”saidTuppence.“Aboy.”
“Offeringtohelpinthegarden?”
“Notexactly,”saidTuppence.“Thatwouldbeverynicetoo,ofcourse.No.Actually,hewasexpressingadmiration.”
“Ofthegarden?”
“No,”saidTuppence,“ofme.”
“Ofyou?”
“Don’tlooksurprised,”saidTuppence,“andoh,don’tsoundsurprisedeither.Still,Iadmitthesebonnesbouchescomeinsometimeswhenyouleastexpectthem.”
“Oh.Whatistheadmirationof—yourbeautyoryourgardenoverall?”
“Mypast,”saidTuppence.
“Yourpast!”
“Yes.HewasfairlythrilledtothinkIhadbeenthelady,asheputit,whohadunmaskedaGermanspyinthelastwar.Afalsenavalcommander,retired,whowasnothingofthekind.”
“Goodgracious,”saidTommy.“NorMagain.Dearme,shan’tweeverbeabletolivethatdown?”
“Well,I’mnotverysureIwanttoliveitdown,”saidTuppence.“Imean,whyshouldwe?Ifwe’dbeenacelebratedactressoractorwe’dquiteliketoberemindedofit.”
“Iseethepoint,”saidTommy.
“AndIthinkitmightbeveryusefulwithwhatwe’retryingtodohere.”
“Ifhe’saboy,howolddidyousayhewas?”
“Oh,Ishouldthinkabouttenortwelve.Lookstenbuthe’stwelve,Ithink.AndhehasafriendcalledClarence.”
“What’sthatgottodowithit?”
“Well,nothingatthemoment,”saidTuppence,“butheandClarencearealliesandwouldlike,Ithink,toattachthemselvestoourservice.Tofindoutthingsortotellusthings.”
“Ifthey’retenortwelve,howcantheytellusthingsorrememberthingswewanttoknow?”saidTommy.“Whatsortofthingsdidhesay?”
“Mostofhissentenceswereshort,”saidTuppence,“andconsistedofmainly‘well,youknow,’or‘yousee,itwaslikethis,’or‘yes,andthenyouknow.’Anyway,‘youknow’wasalwaysacomponentpartofeverythinghesaid.”
“Andtheywereallthingsyoudidn’tknow.”
“Well,theywereattemptsatexplainingthingshe’dheardabout.”
“Heardaboutfromwhom?”
“Well,notfirsthandknowledge,asyou’dsay,andIwouldn’tsaysecondhandknowledge.Ithinkitmightgouptothirdhand,fourthhand,fifthhand,sixthhandknowledge.ItconsistedalsoofwhatClarencehadheardandwhatClarence’sfriend,Algernon,hadheard.WhatAlgernonsaidJimmyhadheard—”
“Stop,”saidTommy,“that’senough.Andwhathadtheyheard?”
“That’smoredifficult,”saidTuppence,“butIthinkonecangetroundtoit.They’dheardcertainplacesmentionedorstoriestoldandtheywerevery,veryanxioustopartakeofthejoysofwhatwehadclearlycometodohere.”
“Whichis?”
“Todiscoversomethingimportant.Somethingthat’swellknowntobehiddenhere.”
“Ah,”saidTommy.“Hidden.Hiddenhow,whereandwhen?”
“Differentstoriesaboutallthosethree,”saidTuppence,“butit’sexciting,youmustadmit,Tommy.”
Tommysaidthoughtfullythatperhapsitwas.
“IttiesinwitholdIsaac,”saidTuppence.“IthinkIsaacmusthaveknownquitealotofthingswhichhecouldhavetoldus.”
“AndyouthinkthatClarenceand—what’sthisone’snameagain?”
“I’llrememberitinaminute,”saidTuppence.“Igotsoconfusedwithalltheotherpeoplehe’dheardthingsfrom.TheoneswiththegrandnameslikeAlgernonandtheoneswiththeordinarynameslikeJimmyandJohnnyandMike.
“Chuck,”saidTuppencesuddenly.
“Chuckwhat?”askedTommy.
“No.Ididn’tmeanitthatway.Ithinkthat’shisname.Theboy,Imean.Chuck.”
“Itseemsaveryoddname.”
“HisrealnameisHenrybutIexpecthisfriendscallhimChuck.”
“LikeChuckgoestheweasel.”
“Popgoestheweasel,youmean.”
“Well,Iknowthat’scorrect.ButChuckgoestheweaselsoundsmuchthesame.”
“OhTommy,whatIreallywanttosaytoyouisthatwe’vegottogoonwiththis,speciallynow.Doyoufeelthesame?”
“Yes,”saidTommy.
“Well,Ithoughtperhapsyoudid.Notthatyou’vesaidanything.Butwe’vegottogoonwithitandI’lltellyouwhy.MainlybecauseofIsaac.Isaac.Somebodykilledhim.Theykilledhimbecauseheknewsomething.Heknewsomethingthatmighthavebeendangeroustosomebody.Andwe’vegottofindoutwhothepersonwasitwouldbedangerousto.”
“Youdon’tthink,”saidTommy,“thatit’sjust—oh,oneofthosethings.Youknow,hooliganismorwhatevertheycallit.Youknow,peoplegooutandwanttodopeopleinanddon’tcarewhothepeopleare,buttheypreferthemtobeelderlyandnottobeabletoputupanykindofaresistance.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“inawayIdomeanthat.But—Idon’tthinkitwasthat.Ithinkthereissomething,Idon’tknowifhiddenistherightword,there’ssomethinghere.Somethingthatthrowslightonsomethingthathappenedinthepast,somethingthatsomeonelefthereorputhereorgavetosomeonetokeepherewhohassincediedorputitsomewhere.Butsomethingthatsomeonedoesn’twantdiscovered.Isaacknewitandtheymusthavebeenafraidhe’dtellusbecauseword’sevidentlygoingroundnowaboutus.Youknow,thatwe’refamousantiespionagepeopleorwhateveryoucallit.We’vegotareputationforthatsortofthing.Andit’stiedupinaway,yousee,withMaryJordanandalltherestofit.”
“MaryJordan,”saidTommy,“didnotdieanaturaldeath.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“andoldIsaacwaskilled.We’vegottofindoutwhokilledhimandwhy.Otherwise—”
“You’vegottobecareful,”saidTommy,“you’vegottobecarefulofyourself,Tuppence.IfanyonekilledIsaacbecausehethoughthewasgoingtotalkaboutthingsinthepastthathe’dheardabout,someonemaybeonlytoopleasedtowaitinadarkcornerforyouonenightanddothesamething.Theywouldn’tthinkthere’dbeanyworryaboutit,they’djustthinkpeoplewouldsay:‘Ohanotherofthosethings.’”
“Whenoldladiesarehitontheheadanddonein,”saidTuppence.“Yes,quiteso.That’stheunfortunateresultofhavinggreyhairandwalkingwithaslightarthriticlimp.OfcourseImustbefairgameforanyone.Ishalllookaftermyself.DoyouthinkIoughttocarryasmallpistolaboutwithme?”
“No,”saidTommy,“certainlynot.”
“Why?DoyouthinkI’dmakesomemistakewithit?”
“Well,Ithinkyoumighttripovertherootofatree.Youknowyou’realwaysfallingdown.Andthenyoumightshootyourselfinsteadofjustusingthepistolforprotection.”
“Oh,youdon’treallythinkI’ddoanythingstupidlikethat,doyou?”saidTuppence.
“Yes,Ido,”saidTommy.“I’msureyou’requitecapableofit.”
“Icouldcarryaflickknife,”saidTuppence.
“Ishouldn’tcarryanythingatall,”saidTommy.“Ishouldjustgoaboutlookinginnocentandtalkingaboutgardening.Say,perhaps,we’renotsurewelikethehouseandwehaveplansforgoingtoliveelsewhere.That’swhatIsuggest.”
“Who’veIgottosaythatto?”
“Oh,almostanyone,”saidTommy.“It’llgetround.”
“Thingsalwaysgetround,”saidTuppence.“Quiteaplacehereforthingsgettinground.Areyougoingtosaythesamethings,Tommy?”
“Well,roughly.Say,perhaps,thatwedon’tlikethehouseasmuchaswethoughtwedid.”
“Butyouwanttogoon,too,don’tyou?”saidTuppence.
“Yes,”saidTommy.“I’membroiledallright.”
“Haveyouthoughthowtosetaboutit?”
“GoondoingwhatI’mdoingatpresent.Whataboutyou,Tuppence?Haveyougotanyplans?”
“Notquiteyet,”saidTuppence.“I’vegotafewideas.Icangetabitmoreoutof—whatdidIsayhisnamewas?”
“FirstHenry—thenClarence.”
Nine
JUNIORBRIGADE
HavingseenTommydepartforLondon,Tuppencewaswanderingvaguelyroundthehousetryingtosingleoutsomeparticularactivitywhichmightyieldsuccessfulresults.However,herbraindidnotseemtobefullofbrightideasthismorning.
Withthegeneralfeelingofonereturningtothebeginning,sheclimbeduptothebookroomandwalkedrounditvaguely,lookingatthetitlesofvariousvolumes.Children’sbooks,lotsofchildren’sbooks,butreallyonecouldn’tgoanyfartherthanthat,couldone?Shehadgoneasfarasanyonecouldalready.Bynowshewasalmostcertainthatshehadlookedateverysinglebookinthisparticularroom;AlexanderParkinsonhadnotrevealedanymoreofhissecrets.
Shewasstandingthererunningherfingersthroughherhair,frowningandkickingatabottomshelfoftheologicalworkswhosebindingswerenearlyallofthemscalingawayfromthebooks,whenAlbertcameup.
“Someoneaswantstoseeyoudownstairs,madam.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbysomeone?”saidTuppence.“AnyoneIknow?”
“Idunno.Shouldn’tthinkso.Boystheyare,mainly.Boysandagirlortwoallinahump.’Specttheywantasubscriptionforsomethingorother.”
“Oh.Theydidn’tgiveanynamesorsayanything?”
“Oh,oneofthemdid.SaidhewasClarenceandyou’dknowallabouthim.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence.“Clarence.”Sheconsideredforamoment.
Wasthisthefruitfromyesterday?Anyway,itcoulddonoharmtofollowitup
“Istheotherboyheretoo?TheoneIwastalkingtoyesterdayinthegarden?”
“Don’tknow.Theyalllookmuchalike.Dirty,youknow,andalltherestofit.”
“Ohwell,”saidTuppence,“I’llcomedown.”
Whenshehadreachedthegroundfloorsheturnedenquiringlytoherguide.
Albertsaid,“Oh,Ididn’tletthemcomeintothehouse.Wouldn’tbesafe,Ithink.Neverknowwhatyoumightlose,thesedays.They’reoutinthegarden.Theysaidtotellyoutheywasbythegoldmine.”
“Theywasbythewhat?”askedTuppence.
“Thegoldmine.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence.
“Whatwaywouldthatbe?”
Tuppencepointed.
“Pasttherosegarden,andthenrightbythedahliawalk.IthinkIknow.There’sasortofwaterthingthere.Idon’tknowifit’sabrookoracanalorhasoncebeenapondthathashadgoldfishinit.Anyway,givememygumbootsandI’dbettertakemymackintoshaswellincasesomeonepushesmeintoit.”
“IshouldputitonifIwasyou,ma’am,it’sgoingtorainpresently.”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence.“Rain,rain.Alwaysrain.”
Shewentoutandcamefairlyquicklytowhatseemedtobeaconsiderabledeputationwaitingforher.Therewere,shethought,abouttenortwelveofassortedages,mainlyboysflankedbytwolong-hairedgirls,alllookingratherexcited.OneofthemsaidinashrillvoiceasTuppenceapproached:
“Hereshecomes!Heresheis.Nowthen,who’sgoingtospeak?Goon,George,you’dbettertalk.You’retheoneasalwaystalks.”
“Well,you’renotgoingtonow.I’mgoingtotalk,”saidClarence.
“Youshutup,Clarrie.Youknowyourvoiceisweak.Itmakesyoucoughifyoutalk.”
“Nowlookhere,thisismyshow.I—”
“Goodmorning,all,”saidTuppence,breakingin.“You’vecometoseemeaboutsomething,haveyou?Whatisit?”
“Gotsomethingforyou,wehave,”saidClarence.“Information.That’swhatyou’reafter,isn’tit?”
“Itdepends,”saidTuppence.“Whatkindofinformation?”
“Oh,notinformationaboutnowadays.Alllongago.”
“Historicalinformation,”saidoneofthegirls,whoappearedtobetheintellectualchiefofthegroup.“Mostinterestingifyou’redoingresearchintothepast.”
“Isee,”saidTuppence,concealingthefactthatshedidnotsee.“What’sthisplacehere?”
“It’sagoldmine.”
“Oh,”saidTuppence.“Anygoldinit?”
Shelookedabouther.
“Well,really,it’sagoldfishpool,”explainedoneoftheboys.“Usedtobegoldfishinitonce,youknow.Specialoneswithlotsoftails,fromJapanorsomewhere.Oh,wonderfulitusedtobe.ThatwasinoldMrs.Forrester’stime.That’s—oh,that’stenyearsago.”
“Twenty-fouryearsago,”saidoneofthegirls.
“Sixtyyearsago,”saidaverysmallvoice,“everybitofsixtyyearsago.Lotsofgoldfishtherewere.Eversomany.Saidtobevaluable,theywas.Theyusedtodiesometimes.Sometimestheyateeachother,sometimestheywerejustlyingontop,floatingabout,youknow.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“whatdoyouwanttotellmeaboutthem?Therearenogoldfishtoseeherenow.”
“No.It’sinformation,”saidtheintellectualgirl.
Alargeoutbreakofvoicesoccurred.Tuppencewavedherhand.
“Notallatonce,”shesaid.“Oneortwospeakatatime.What’sallthisabout?”
“Somethingperhapsyououghttoknowaboutwherethingswashiddenonce.Hiddenonceandsaidtobeveryimportant.”
“Andhowdoyouknowaboutthem?”saidTuppence.
Thisprovokedachorusofreplies.Itwasnotveryeasytoheareveryoneatonce.
“ItwasJanie.”
“ItwasJanie’sUncleBen,”saidonevoice.
“No,itwasn’t.ItwasHarry,itwas…Yes,itwasHarry.Harry’scousinTom…Muchyoungerthanthat.ItwashisgrandmothertoldhimandhisgrandmotherhadbeentoldbyJosh.Yes.Idon’tknowwhoJoshwas.IthinkJoshwasherhusband…No,hewasn’therhusband,hewasheruncle.”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence.
Shelookedoverthegesticulatingcrowdandpickedoutachoice.
“Clarence,”shesaid.“You’reClarence,aren’tyou?Yourfriendtoldmeaboutyou.You,wellwhatdoyouknowandwhat’sitallabout?”
“Well,ifyouwanttofindoutyou’vegottogotothePPC.”
“Gotothewhat?”saidTuppence.
“ThePPC.”
“What’sthePPC?”
“Don’tyouknow?Hasn’tanyonetoldyou?PPCisthePensioners’PalaceClub.”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence,“thatsoundsverygrand.”
“Itisn’tgrandatall,”saidoneboyofaboutnine.“Itisn’tgrandabit.It’sonlyoldagepensionerssayingthingsandgettingtogether.Packoflies,somepeoplesaytheytellaboutthingstheyknew.Youknow,knewinthelastwarandknewafterit.Oh,allsortsofthingstheysay.”
“WhereisthisPPC?”askedTuppence.
“Oh,it’salongattheendofthevillage.HalfwaytoMortonCross,itis.Ifyou’reapensioneryougetaticketforitandyougothereandyouhavebingoandyouhaveallsortsofthingsthere.It’squitefun,itis.Oh,someofthemareveryold.Someofthemaredeafandblindandeverythingelse.Buttheyall—well,theylikegettingtogether,youknow.”
“Well,Ishouldliketopayavisittoit,”saidTuppence.“Certainly.Isthereanyparticulartimeonegoesthere?”
“Well,anytimeyoulike,Isuppose,buttheafternoonwouldbeagoodtime,youknow.Yes.That’swhentheycansaythey’vegotafriendcoming—ifthey’vegotafriendcomingtheygetextrathingsfortea,youknow.Biscuitssometimes,withsugaron.Andcrispssometimes.Thingslikethat.Whatdidyousay,Fred?”
Fredtookastepforward.HegaveasomewhatpompousbowtoTuppence.
“Ishallbeveryhappy,”hesaid,“toescortyou.Shallwesayabouthalfpastthreethisafternoon?”
“Ah,beyourself,”saidClarence.“Don’tgotalkinglikethat.”
“Ishallbeverypleasedtocome,”saidTuppence.Shelookedatthewater.“Ican’thelpbeingrathersorrythattherearen’tanygoldfishanymore.”
“Yououghttohaveseentheoneswithfivetails.Wonderful,theywas.Somebody’sdogfellinhereonce.Mrs.Faggett’s,itwas.”
Hewascontradicted.“Noitwasn’t.Itwassomebodyelse,hernamewasFollyo,notFagot—”
“ItwasFoliattanditwasspeltwithaplainf.Notacapitalletter.”
“Ah,don’tbesilly.Itwassomeonequitedifferent.ItwasthatMissFrench,thatwas.Twosmallffsshespeltitwith.”
“Didthedogdrown?”askedTuppence.
“No,hedidn’tdrown.Hewasonlyapuppy,yousee,andhismotherwasupsetandshewentalongandshepulledatMissFrench’sdress.MissIsabelwasintheorchardpickingapplesandthemotherdogpulledatherdressandMissIsabelshecomealongandshesawthepuppydrowningandshejumpedrightintothishereandpulleditout.Wetthrough,shewas,andthedressshewaswearingwasneverfitforwearingagain.”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence,“whatalotofthingsseemtohavegoneonhere.Allright,”shesaid,“I’llbereadythisafternoon.PerhapstwoorthreeofyouwouldcomeformeandtakemetothisPensioners’PalaceClub.”
“Whatthree?Who’sgoingtocome?”
Uproarhappenedimmediately.
“I’mcoming…No,I’mnot…No,Bettyis…No,Bettyshan’tcome.Bettywenttheotherday.Imean,shewenttothecinemapartytheotherday.Shecan’tgoagain.”
“Well,settleitbetweenyou,”saidTuppence,“andcomehereathalfpastthree.”
“Ihopeyou’llfinditinteresting,”saidClarence.
“Itwillbeofhistoricalinterest,”saidtheintellectualgirlfirmly.
“Oh,shutup,Janet!”saidClarence.HeturnedtoTuppence.“She’salwayslikethat,”hesaid,“Janetis.Shegoestogrammarschool,that’swhy.Sheboastsaboutit,see?Acomprehensivewasn’tgoodenoughforherandherparentsmadeafussandnowshe’satgrammarschool.That’swhyshegoesonlikethisallthetime.”
II
Tuppencewondered,asshefinishedherlunch,whethertheeventsofthemorningwouldproduceanysequel.WouldanybodyreallycometoescortherthisafternoonandtakehertothePPC?WasthereanysuchthingreallyasthePPCorwasitanicknameofsomekindthatthechildrenhadinvented?Anyway,itmightbefun,Tuppencethought,tositwaitingincasesomeonecame.
However,thedeputationwaspunctualtotheminute.Athalfpastthreethebellrang,Tuppencerosefromherseatbythefire,clappedahatuponherhead—anindia-rubberhatbecauseshethoughtitwouldprobablyrain—andAlbertappearedtoescorthertothefrontdoor.”
“Notgoingtoletyougowithjustanyone,”hebreathedintoherear.
“Lookhere,Albert,”whisperedTuppence,“istherereallysuchaplaceasthePPChere?”
“Ithoughtthathadsomethingtodowithvisitingcards,”saidAlbert,whowasalwayspronetoshowhiscompleteknowledgeofsocialcustoms.“Youknow,whatyouleaveonpeoplewhenyou’regoingawayorwhenyou’rearriving,I’mnotsurewhich.”
“Ithinkit’ssomethingtodowithpensioners.”
“Ohyes,they’vegotasortofaplace.Yes.Builtjusttwoorthreeyearsago,Ithinkitwas.Youknow,it’sjustdownafteryoupasstherectoryandthenyouturnrightandyouseeit.It’sratheranuglybuilding,butit’snicefortheoldfolkandanywholikecangomeetingthere.Theyhavegamesandthings,andthere’salotofladiesgoesandhelpswiththings.Getsupconcertsand—sortof—well,ratherlike,youknow,Women’sInstitute.Onlyit’sspeciallyfortheelderlypeople.They’reallvery,veryold,andmostofthemdeaf.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“yes.Itsoundedratherlikethat.”
Thefrontdooropened.Janet,byreasonofherintellectualsuperiority,stoodtherefirst.BehindherwasClarence,andbehindhimwasatallboywithasquintwhoappearedtoanswertothenameofBert.
“Goodafternoon,Mrs.Beresford,”saidJanet.“Everybodyissopleasedthatyouarecoming.Ithinkperhapsyou’dbettertakeanumbrella,theweatherforecastwasnotverygoodtoday.”
“I’vegottogothatwayanyway,”saidAlbert,“soI’llcomewithyouashortpartofit.”
Certainly,Tuppencethought,Albertwasalwaysveryprotective.Perhapsjustaswell,butshedidnotthinkthateitherJanet,BertorClarencewaslikelytobeadangertoher.Thewalktookabouttwentyminutes.Whentheredbuildingwasreachedtheywentthroughthegate,uptothedoorandwerereceivedbyastoutwomanofaboutseventy.
“Ah,sowe’vegotvisitors.I’msopleasedyoucouldcome,mydear,sopleased.”ShepattedTuppenceupontheshoulder.“Yes,Janet,thankyouverymuch.Yes.Thisway.Yes.Noneofyouneedwaitunlessyoulike,youknow.”
“OhIthinktheboyswillbeverydisappointediftheydidn’twaittohearalittleaboutwhatallthisisabout,”saidJanet.
“Well,Ithink,youknow,therearenotsoverymanyofushere.PerhapsitwouldbebetterforMrs.Beresford,notsoworryingifthereweren’ttoomanyofus.Iwonder,Janet,ifyouwouldjustgointothekitchenandtellMolliethatwearequitereadyforteatobebroughtinnow.”
Tuppencehadnotreallycomefortea,butshecouldhardlysayso.Teaappearedratherrapidly.Itwasexcessivelyweak,itwasservedwithsomebiscuitsandsomesandwicheswitharathernastytypeofpasteinbetweenthemwithanextrafishytaste.Thentheysataroundandseemedslightlyataloss.
AnoldmanwithabeardwholookedtoTuppenceasthoughhewasaboutahundredcameandsatfirmlybyher.
“I’dbesthaveawordwithyoufirst,Ithink,mylady,”hesaid,elevatingTuppencetothepeerage.“SeeingasI’mabouttheoldesthereandhaveheardmoreofthestoriesoftheolddaysthananyoneelse.Alotofhistoryaboutthisplace,youknow.Oh,alotofthingshashappenedhere,notthatwecangointoeverythingatonce,canwe?Butwe’veall—oh,we’veallheardsomethingaboutthethingsthatwenton.”
“Igather,”saidTuppence,hastilyrushinginbeforeshecouldbeintroducedtosometopicinwhichshehadnointerestwhatever,“Iunderstandthatquitealotofinterestingthingswentonhere,notsomuchinthelastwar,butinthewarbeforethat,orevenearlier.Notthatanyofyourmemorieswouldgobackasfarasthat.Butonewondersperhapsifyoucouldhaveheardthings,youknow,fromyourelderlyrelations.”
“Ah,that’sright,”saidtheoldman,“that’sright.Heardalot,Idid,frommyUncleLen.Yes,ah,hewasagreatchap,wasUncleLen.Heknewaboutalotofthings.Heknewwhatwenton.Itwaslikewhatwentondowninthehouseonthequaybeforethelastwar.Yes,abadshow,that.Whatyoucalloneofthosefakists—”
“Fascists,”saidoneoftheelderlyladies,aratherprimonewithgreyhairandalacefichurathertheworseforwearroundherneck.
“Well,fascistifyouliketosayitthatway,whatdoesitmatter?Ahyes,oneofthosehewas.Yes.SamesortofthingasthatchapinItaly.Mussoliniorsomething,wasn’tit?Anyway,somesortoffishynamelikethat.Musselsorcockles.Ohyes,hedidalotofharmhere.Hadmeetings,youknow.Allsortsofthingslikethat.SomeonecalledMosleystarteditall.”
“ButinthefirstwartherewasagirlcalledMaryJordan,wasn’tthere?”saidTuppence,wonderingifthiswasawisethingtosayornot.
“Ahyes.Saidtobequiteagoodlooker,youknow.Yes.Gotholdofsecretsoutofthesailorsandthesoldiers.”
Averyoldladypipedupinathinvoice.
“He’snotintheNavyandhe’snotintheArmy,Buthe’sjustthemanforme.NotintheNavy,notintheArmy,he’sintheRoyalAr-till-er-rie!”
Theoldmantookuphispersonalchantwhenshehadgotthusfar:
“It’salongwaytoTipperary,It’salongwaytogo,It’salongwaytoTipperaryAndtherestofitIdon’tknow.”
“Nowthat’senough,Benny,that’squiteenough,”saidafirm-lookingwomanwhoseemedtobeeitherhiswifeorhisdaughter.
Anotheroldladysanginaquaveringvoice:
“Allthenicegirlsloveasailor,Allthenicegirlsloveatar,Allthenicegirlsloveasailor,Andyouknowwhatsailorsare.”
“Oh,shutup,Maudie,we’retiredofthatone.Nowlettheladyhearsomething,”saidUncleBen.“Lettheladyhearsomething.She’scometohearsomething.Shewantstohearwherethatthingtherewasallthefussaboutwashidden,don’tyou?Andallaboutit.”
“Thatsoundsveryinteresting,”saidTuppence,cheeringup.“Somethingwashidden?”
“Ahyes,longbeforemytimeitwasbutIheardallaboutit.Yes.Before1914.Wordwashandeddown,youknow,fromonetoanother.Nobodyknewexactlywhatitwasandwhytherewasallthisexcitement.”
“Somethingtodowiththeboatraceithad,”saidanoldlady.“Youknow,OxfordandCambridge.Iwastakenonce.IwastakentoseetheboatraceinLondonunderthebridgesandeverything.Oh,itwasawonderfulday.Oxfordwonbyalength.”
“Alotofnonsenseyou’realltalking,”saidagrim-lookingwomanwithiron-greyhair.“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutit,youdon’t.IknowmorethanmostofyoualthoughithappenedalongtimebeforeIwasborn.ItwasmyGreat-AuntMathildawhotoldmeandsheweretoldbyherAuntyLou.Andthatwasagoodfortyyearsbeforethem.Greattalkaboutit,itwas,andpeoplewentaroundlookingforit.Somepeoplethoughtasitwasagoldmine,youknow.Yes,agoldingotbroughtbackfromAustralia.Somewherelikethat.”
“Damnsilly,”saidanoldman,whowassmokingapipewithanairofgeneraldislikeofhisfellowmembers.“Mixeditupwithgoldfish,theydid.Wasasignorantasthat.”
“Itwasworthalotofmoney,whateveritwas,oritwouldn’thavebeenhidden,”saidsomeoneelse.“Yes,lotsofpeoplecomedownfromthegovernment,andyes,policetoo.Theylookedaroundbuttheycouldn’tfindanything.”
“Ahwell,theydidn’thavetherightclues.Thereareclues,youknow,ifyouknowwheretolookforthem.”Anotheroldladynoddedherheadwisely.“There’salwaysclues.”
“Howinteresting,”saidTuppence.“Where?Wherearetheseclues,Imean?Inthevillageorsomewhereoutsideitor—”
Thiswasaratherunfortunateremarkasitbroughtdownatleastsixdifferentreplies,allutteredatonce.
“Onthemoor,beyondTowerWest,”onewassaying.
“Ohno,it’spastLittleKenny,itwas.Yes,quitenearLittleKenny.”
“No,itwasthecave.Thecavebytheseafront.OverasfarasBaldy’sHead.Youknow,wheretheredrocksare.That’sit.There’sanoldsmugglers’tunnel.Wonderful,itmustbe.Somepeoplesayasit’stherestill.”
“IsawastoryonceofanoldSpanishmainorsomething.RightbacktothetimeoftheArmada,itwas.ASpanishboataswentdownthere.Fullofdoubloons.”
Ten
ATTACKONTUPPENCE
“Goodgracious!”saidTommy,ashereturnedthatevening.“Youlookterriblytired,Tuppence.Whathaveyoubeendoing?Youlookwornout.”
“Iamwornout,”saidTuppence.“Idon’tknowthatIshalleverrecoveragain.Ohdear.”
“Whathaveyoubeendoing?Notclimbingupandfindingmorebooksoranything?”
“No,no,”saidTuppence,“Idon’twanttolookatbooksagain.I’moffbooks.”
“Well,whatisit?Whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“DoyouknowwhataPPCis?”
“No,”saidTommy,“atleast,well,yes.It’ssomething—”Hepaused.
“Yes,Albertknows,”saidTuppence,“butit’snotthatkindofone.Nowthen,I’lljusttellyouinaminute,butyou’dbetterhavesomethingfirst.Acocktailorawhiskyorsomething.AndI’llhavesomethingtoo.”
ShemoreorlessputTommywisetotheeventsoftheafternoon.Tommysaid“goodgracious”againandadded:“Thethingsyougetyourselfinto,Tuppence.Wasanyofitinteresting?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTuppence.“Whensixpeoplearetalkingatonce,andmostofthemcan’ttalkproperlyandtheyallsaydifferentthings—yousee,youdon’treallyknowwhatthey’resaying.Butyes,IthinkI’vegotafewideasfordealingwiththings.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well,thereisalotoflegend,Ithink,goingonaboutsomethingthatwasoncehiddenhereandwasasecretconnectedwiththe1914war,orevenbeforeit.”
“Well,weknowthatalready,don’twe?”saidTommy.“Imean,we’vebeenbriefedtoknowthat.”
“Yes.Well,thereareafewoldtalesstillgoingaroundthevillagehere.AndeverybodyhasgotideasaboutitputintotheirheadsbytheirAuntMariasortheirUncleBensandit’sbeenputintotheirAuntMariasbytheirUncleStephensorAuntyRuthorGrandmotherSomethingelse.It’sbeenhandeddownforyearsandyears.Well,oneofthethingsmightbetherightone,ofcourse.”
“What,lostamongalltheothers?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“likeaneedleinthehaystack?
“I’mgoingtoselectafewwhatIcalllikelypossibilities.Peoplewhomighttellonesomethingthattheyreallydidhear.Ishallhavetoisolatethemfromeverybodyelse,atanyrateforashortperiodoftime,andgetthemtotellmeexactlywhattheirAuntAgathaorAuntBettyoroldUncleJamestoldthem.ThenIshallhavetogoontothenextoneandpossiblyoneofthemmightgivemeafurtherinkling.Theremustbesomething,youknow,somewhere.”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“Ithinkthere’ssomething,butwedon’tknowwhatitis.”
“Well,that’swhatwe’retryingtodo,isn’tit?”
“Yes,butImeanyou’vegottohavesomeideawhatathingactuallyisbeforeyougolookingforit.”
“Idon’tthinkit’sgoldingotsonaSpanishArmadaship,”saidTuppence,“andIdon’tthinkit’sanythinghiddeninthesmugglers’cave.”
“MightbesomesuperbrandyfromFrance,”saidTommyhopefully.
“Itmight,”saidTuppence,“butthatwouldn’tbereallywhatwe’relookingfor,wouldit?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTommy.“IthinkitmightbewhatI’mlookingforsoonerorlater.Anyway,it’ssomethingIshouldenjoyfinding.Ofcourseitmightbeasortofletterorsomething.Asexyletterthatyoucouldblackmailsomeoneabout,aboutsixtyyearsago.ButIdon’tthinkitwouldcutmuchicenowadays,doyou?”
“No,Idon’t.Butwe’vegottogetsomeideasoonerorlater.Doyouthinkwe’llevergetanywhere,Tommy?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTommy.“Igotalittlebitofhelptoday.”
“Oh.Whatabout?”
“Oh,aboutthecensus.”
“Thewhat?”
“Thecensus.Thereseemstohavebeenacensusinoneparticularyear—I’vegottheyearwrittendown—andtherewereagoodmanypeoplestayinginthishousewiththeParkinsons.”
“Howonearthdidyoufindallthatout?”
“Oh,byvariousmethodsofresearchbymyMissCollodon.”
“I’mgettingjealousofMissCollodon.”
“Well,youneedn’tbe.She’sveryfierceandsheticksmeoffagooddeal,andsheisnoravishingbeauty.”
“Well,that’sjustaswell,”saidTuppence.“Butwhathasthecensusgottodowithit?”
“Well,whenAlexandersaiditmustbeoneofusitcouldhavemeant,yousee,someonewhowasinthehouseatthattimeandthereforeyouhadtoenteruptheirnamesonthecensusregister.Anyonewhospentthenightunderyourroof,andIthinkprobablytherearerecordsofthesethingsinthecensusfiles.Andifyouknowtherightpeople—Idon’tmeanIknowthemnow,butIcangettoknowthemthroughpeopleIdoknow—thenIthinkIcouldperhapsgetashortlist.”
“Well,Iadmit,”saidTuppence,“youhaveideasallright.Forgoodness’sakelet’shavesomethingtoeatandperhapsIshallfeelbetterandnotsofaintfromtryingtolistentosixteenveryuglyvoicesallatonce.”
II
Albertproducedaverypassablemeal.Hiscookingwaserratic.Ithaditsmomentsofbrilliancewhichtonightwasexemplifiedbywhathecalledcheesepudding,andTuppenceandTommypreferredtocallcheesesoufflé.Albertreprovedthemslightlyforthewrongnomenclature
“Cheesesouffléisdifferent,”hesaid,“gotmorebeatenupwhiteofegginitthanthishas.”
“Nevermind,”saidTuppence,“it’sverygoodwhetherit’scheesepuddingorcheesesoufflé.”
BothTommyandTuppencewereentirelyabsorbedwiththeeatingoffoodanddidnotcompareanymorenotesastotheirprocedure.When,however,theyhadbothdrunktwocupsofstrongcoffee,Tuppenceleanedbackinherchair,utteredadeepsighandsaid:
“NowIfeelalmostmyselfagain.Youdidn’tdomuchwashingbeforedinner,didyou,Tommy?”
“Icouldn’tbebotheredtowaitandwash,”saidTommy.“Besides,Ineverknowwithyou.Youmighthavemademegoupstairstothebookroomandstandonadustyladderandpokeaboutontheshelves.”
“Iwouldn’tbesounkind,”saidTuppence.“Nowwaitaminute.Let’sseewhereweare.”
“Whereweareorwhereyouare?”
“Well,whereIam,really,”saidTuppence.“Afterall,that’stheonlythingIknowabout,isn’tit?YouknowwhereyouareandIknowwhereIam.Perhaps,thatis.”
“Maybeabitofperhapsaboutit,”saidTommy.
“Passmeovermybag,willyou,unlessI’veleftitinthediningroom?”
“Youusuallydobutyouhaven’tthistime.It’sunderthefootofyourchair.No—theotherside.”
Tuppencepickedupherhandbag.
“Verynicepresent,thiswas,”shesaid.“Realcrocodile,Ithink.Bitdifficulttostuffthingsinsometimes.”
“Andapparentlytotakethemoutagain,”saidTommy.
Tuppencewaswrestling.
“Expensivebagsarealwaysverydifficultforgettingthingsoutof,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Thosebasketworkonesarethemostcomfortable.Theybulgetoanyextentandyoucanstirthemuplikeyoustirupapudding.Ah!IthinkI’vegotit.”
“Whatisit?Itlookslikeawashingbill.”
“Oh,it’salittlenotebook.Yes,Iusedtowritewashingthingsinit,youknow,whatIhadtocomplainabout—tornpillowcaseorsomethinglikethat.ButIthoughtitwouldcomeinuseful,yousee,becauseonlythreeorfourpagesofithadbeenused.Iputdownhere,yousee,thingswe’veheard.Agreatmanyofthemdon’tseemtohaveanypointbutthereitis.Iaddedcensus,bytheway,whenyoufirstmentionedit.Ididn’tknowwhatitmeantatthattimeorwhatyoumeantbyit.ButanywayIdidaddit.”
“Fine,”saidTommy.
“AndIputdownMrs.HendersonandsomeonecalledDodo.”
“WhowasMrs.Henderson?”
“Well,Idon’tsupposeyou’llrememberandIneedn’tgobacktoitnowbutthoseweretwoofthenamesIputdownthatMrs.What’s-her-name,youknow,theoldone,Mrs.Griffinmentioned.Andthentherewasamessageoranotice.SomethingaboutOxfordandCambridge.AndI’vecomeacrossanotherthinginoneoftheoldbooks.”
“Whatabout—OxfordandCambridge?Doyoumeananundergraduate?”
“I’mnotsurewhethertherewasanundergraduateornot,Ithinkreallyitwasabetontheboatrace.”
“Muchmorelikely,”saidTommy.“Notawfullyapttobeusefultous.”
“Well,oneneverknows.Sothere’sMrs.Hendersonandthere’ssomebodywholivesinahousecalledAppleTreeLodgeandthere’ssomethingIfoundonadirtybitofpapershovedintooneofthebooksupstairs.Idon’tknowifitwasCatrionaorwhetheritwasinabookcalledShadowoftheThrone.”
“That’sabouttheFrenchRevolution.IreaditwhenIwasaboy,”saidTommy.
“Well,Idon’tseehowthatcomesin.Atanyrate,Iputitdown.”
“Well,whatisit?”
“Itseemstobethreepencilwords.Grin,g-r-i-n,thenhen,h-e-nandthenLo,capitalL-o.”
“Letmeguess,”saidTommy.“Cheshirecat—that’sagrin—Henny-Penny,that’sanotherfairystory,isn’tit,forthehen,andLo—”
“Ah,”saidTuppence,“Lodoesyouin,doesit?”
“Loandbehold,”saidTommy,“butitdoesn’tseemtomakesense.”
Tuppencespokerapidly.“Mrs.Henley,AppleTreeLodge—Ihaven’tdoneheryet,she’sinMeadowside.”Tuppencerecitedquickly:“Now,wherearewe?Mrs.Griffin,OxfordandCambridge,betonaboatrace,census,Cheshirecat,Henny-Penny,thestorywheretheHenwenttotheDovrefell—HansAndersenorsomethinglikethat—andLo.IsupposeLomeanswhentheygotthere.GottotheDovrefell,Imean.
“Idon’tthinkthere’smuchelse,”saidTuppence.“There’stheOxfordandCambridgeboatraceorthebet.”
“Ishouldthinktheoddsareonourbeingrathersilly.ButIthinkifwegoonbeingsillylongenough,somegemofgreatpricemightcomeoutofit,concealedamongtherubbish,asyoumightsay.Justaswefoundonesignificantbookonthebookshelvesupstairs.”
“OxfordandCambridge,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Thatmakesmethinkofsomething.Itmakesmeremembersomething.Nowwhatcoulditbe?”
“Mathilde?”
“No,itwasn’tMathilde,but—”
“Truelove,”suggestedTommy.Hegrinnedfromeartoear.“Truelove.WherecanImytruelovefind?”
“Stopgrinning,youape,”saidTuppence.“You’vegotthatlastthingonyourbrain.Grin-hen-lo.Doesn’tmakesense.Andyet—Ihaveakindoffeeling—Oh!”
“What’stheOhabout?”
“Oh!Tommy,I’vegotanidea.Ofcourse.”
“What’sofcourse?”
“Lo,”saidTuppence.“Lo.Griniswhatmademethinkofit.YougrinninglikeaCheshirecat.Grin.HenandthenLo.Ofcourse.Thatmustbeitsomehow.”
“Whatonearthareyoutalkingabout?”
“OxfordandCambridgeboatrace.”
“WhydoesgrinhenLomakeyouthinkofOxfordandCambridgeboatrace?”
“I’llgiveyouthreeguesses,”saidTuppence.
“Well,IgiveupatoncebecauseIdon’tthinkitcouldpossiblymakesense.”
“Itdoesreally.”
“What,theboatrace?”
“No,nothingtodowiththeboatrace.Thecolour.Colours,Imean.”
“Whatdoyoumean,Tuppence?”
“GrinhenLo.We’vebeenreadingitthewrongwayround.It’smeanttobereadtheotherwayround.”
“Whatdoyoumean?Ol,thenn-e-h—itdoesn’tmakesense.Youcouldn’tgoonn-i-r-g.Nirgorsomewordlikethat.”
“No.Justtakethethreewords.Alittlebit,youknow,likewhatAlexanderdidinthebook—thefirstbookthatwelookedat.Readthosethreewordstheotherwayround.Lo-hen-grin.”
Tommyscowled.
“Stillhaven’tgotit?”saidTuppence.“Lohengrin,ofcourse.Theswan.Theopera.Youknow,Lohengrin,Wagner.”
“Well,there’snothingtodowithaswan.”
“Yes,thereis.Thosetwopiecesofchinawefound.Stoolsforthegarden.Youremember?Onewasadarkblueandonewasalightblue,andoldIsaacsaidtous,atleastIthinkitwasIsaac,hesaid,‘That’sOxford,yousee,andthat’sCambridge.’”
“Well,wesmashedtheOxfordone,didn’twe?”
“Yes.ButtheCambridgeoneisstillthere.Thelightblueone.Don’tyousee?Lohengrin.Somethingwashiddeninoneofthosetwoswans.Tommy,thenextthingwehavetodoistogoandlookattheCambridgeone.Thelightblueone,it’sstillinKK.Shallwegonow?”
“What—ateleveno’clockatnight—no.”
“We’llgotomorrow.Youhaven’tgottogotoLondontomorrow?”
“No.”
“Well,we’llgotomorrowandwe’llsee.”
III
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redoingaboutthegarden,”saidAlbert.“Ididaspellonceinagardenforashorttime,butI’mnotupinvegetablesverymuch.There’saboyherethatwantstoseeyou,bytheway,madam.”
“Oh,aboy,”saidTuppence.“Doyoumeanthered-hairedone?”
“No.Imeantheotherone,theonewithalotofmessyyellowhairhalfdownhisback.Gotratherasillyname.Likeahotel.Youknow,theRoyalClarence.That’shisname.Clarence.”
“Clarence,butnotRoyalClarence.”
“Notlikely,”saidAlbert.“He’swaitinginthefrontdoor.Hesays,madam,ashemightbeabletoassistyouinsomeway.”
“Isee.IgatherheusedtoassistoldIsaacoccasionally.”
ShefoundClarencesittingonadecayedbasketchairontheverandaorloggia,whicheveryoulikedtocallit.Heappearedtobemakingalatebreakfastoffpotatocrispsandheldabarofchocolateinhislefthand.
“Morning,missus,”saidClarence.“CometoseeifIcouldbeanyhelp.”
“Well,”saidTuppence,“ofcoursewedowanthelpinthegarden.IbelieveyouusedtohelpIsaacatonetime.”
“Ahwell,nowandagainIdid.NotthatIknowverymuch.Don’tsaythatIsaacknewmuchneither.Lotoftalkwithhim,lotoftalkingsayingwhatawonderfultimeheusedtohave.Whatawonderfultimeitwasforthepeoplewhoemployedhim.Yes,heusedtosayhewastheheadgardenertoMr.Bolingo.Youknow,aslivesfartheralongtheriver.Greatbighouse.Yes,it’sturnedintoaschoolnow.Headgardenerthere,hesaidheusedtobe.Butmygrandmothersaysthereisn’tawordoftruthinthat.”
“Well,nevermind,”saidTuppence.“Actually,Iwantedtoturnafewmorethingsoutofthatlittlegreenhouseplace.”
“Whatd’youmeantheshed,theglassshed?KK,isn’tit?”
“Quiteright,”saidTuppence.“Fancyyourknowingthepropernameofit.”
“Ohwell,itwasalwaysusedtobecalledthat.Everybodysaysso.Theysayit’sJapanese.Idon’tknowifthat’strue.”
“Comeon,”saidTuppence.“Let’sgothere.”
AprocessionformedconsistingofTommy,Tuppence,Hannibal,thedog,withAlbertabandoningthewashingupofbreakfastforsomethingmoreinterestingbringinguptherear.Hannibaldisplayedagreatdealofpleasureafterattendingtoalltheusefulsmellsintheneighbourhood.HerejoinedthematthedoorofKKandsniffedinaninterestedmanner.
“Hullo,Hannibal,”saidTuppence,“areyougoingtohelpus?Youtellussomething.”
“Whatkindofadogishe?”askedClarence.“Somebodysaidasheisthekindofdogtheyusedtokeepforrats.Isthatso?”
“Yes,that’squitetrue,”saidTommy.“He’saManchesterTerrier,anoldEnglishBlackandTan.”
Hannibal,knowinghewasbeingtalkedabout,turnedhishead,waggledhisbody,beathistailwithagooddealofexuberance.Hethensatdownandlookedproudofhimself.
“Hebites,doesn’the?”saidClarence.“Everyonesaysso.”
“He’saverygoodguarddog,”saidTuppence.“Helooksafterme.”
“That’squiteright.WhenI’mawayhelooksafteryou,”saidTommy.
“Thepostmansaidhenearlygotbittenfourdaysage.”
“Dogsareratherlikethatwithpostmen,”saidTuppence.“DoyouknowwherethekeyofKKis?”
“Ido,”saidClarence.“Hangingupintheshed.Youknow,theshedwheretheflowerpotsare.”
Hewentoffandreturnedshortlywiththeoncerustybutnowmoreorlessoiledkey.
“Beenoilingthiskey,Isaacmusthave,”hesaid.
“Yes,itwouldn’tturnveryeasilybefore,”saidTuppence.
Thedoorwasopened.
TheCambridgechinastoolwiththeswanwreathedrounditwaslookingratherhandsome.ObviouslyIsaachadpolisheditupandwashedit,withtheideaoftransferringittotheverandawhentheweatherwassuitableforsittingout.
“Oughttobeadarkblueonetoo,”saidClarence.“IsaacusedtosayOxfordandCambridge.”
“Isthattrue?”
“Yes.DarkblueOxfordandpaleblueCambridge.Oh,andOxfordwastheonethatsmashed,wasit?”
“Yes.Ratherliketheboatrace,isn’tit?”
“Bytheway,something’shappenedtothatrockinghorse,hasn’tit?There’salotofmessaboutinKK.”
“Yes.”
“FunnynamelikeMatilda,hasn’tshe?”
“Yes.Shehadtohaveanoperation,”saidTuppence.
Clarenceseemedtothinkthisveryamusing.Helaughedheartily.
“MyGreat-AuntEdithhadtohaveanoperation,”hesaid.“Tookoutpartofherinsidebutshegotwell.”
Hesoundedslightlydisappointed.
“Isupposethere’snorealwayofgettinginsidethesethings,”saidTuppence.
“Well,Isupposeyoucansmashthemlikethedarkblueonewassmashed.”
“Yes.There’snootherway,isthere?FunnythosesortofS-kindofslitsaroundthetop.Why,youcouldpostthingsinthere,couldn’tyou,likeapostbox.”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“onecould.It’saninterestingidea.Veryinteresting,Clarence,”hesaidkindly.
Clarencelookedpleased.
“Youcanunscrew’em,youknow,”hesaid.
“Unscrewthem,canyou?”saidTuppence.“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Isaac.I’veseen’imdoitoften.Youturnthemupsidedownandthenyoubegintoswingthetopround.It’sstiffsometimes.Youpouralittleoilroundallthecracksandwhenit’ssoakedinabityoucanturnitround.”
“Oh.”
“Theeasiestwayistoputitupsidedown.”
“Everythingherealwaysseemstohavetobeturnedupsidedown,”saidTuppence.“WehadtodothattoMathildebeforewecouldoperate.”
ForthemomentCambridgeseemedtobeentirelyobstreperous,whenquitesuddenlythechinabegantorevolveandveryshortlyafterwardstheymanagedtounscrewitcompletelyandliftitoff.
“Lotofrubbishinhere,Ishouldthink,”saidClarence.
Hannibalcametoassist.Hewasadogwholikedhelpinginanythingthatwasgoingon.Nothing,hethought,wascompleteunlesshetookahandorapawinit.Butwithhimitwasusuallyanoseintheinvestigation.Hestuckhisnosedown,growledgently,retiredaninchortwoandsatdown.
“Doesn’tlikeitmuch,doeshe?”saidTuppence,andlookeddownintothesomewhatunpleasantmassinside.
“Ow!”saidClarence.
“What’sthematter?”
“Scratchedmyself.There’ssomethinghangingdownfromanailonthesidehere.Idon’tknowifit’sanailorwhatitis.It’ssomething.Ow!”
“Wuff,wuff!”saidHannibal,joiningin.
“There’ssomethinghungonanailjustinside.Yes,I’vegotit.No,it’sslipping.Yes,hereIam.I’vegotit.”
Clarenceliftedoutadarktarpaulinpackage.
HannibalcameandsatatTuppence’sfeet.Hegrowled.
“What’sthematter,Hannibal?”saidTuppence.
Hannibalgrowledagain.Tuppencebentdownandsmoothedthetopofhisheadandears.
“What’sthematter,Hannibal?”saidTuppence.“DidyouwantOxfordtowinandnowCambridgehavewon,yousee.Doyouremember,”saidTuppencetoTommy,“howwelethimwatchtheboatraceonceontelevision?”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“hegotveryangrytowardstheendandstartedbarkingsothatwecouldn’thearanythingatall.”
“Well,wecouldstillseethings,”saidTuppence,“thatwassomething.Butifyouremember,hedidn’tlikeCambridgewinning.”
“Obviously,”saidTommy,“hestudiedattheOxfordDogs’University.”
HanniballeftTuppenceandcametoTommyandwaggedhistailappreciatively.
“Helikesyoursayingthat,”saidTuppence,“itmustbetrue.Imyself,”sheadded,“thinkhehasbeeneducatedattheDogs’OpenUniversity.”
“Whatwerehisprincipalstudiesthere?”askedTommy,laughing.
“Bonedisposal.”
“Youknowwhathe’slike.”
“Yes,Iknow,”saidTuppence.“Veryunwisely,youknow,Albertgavehimthewholeboneofalegofmuttononce.FirstofallIfoundhiminthedrawingroomputtingitunderacushion,thenIforcedhimoutthroughthegardendoorandshutit.AndIlookedoutofthewindowandhewentintotheflowerbedwhereI’dgotgladioli,andburieditverycarefullythere.He’sverytidywithhisbones,youknow.Henevertriestoeatthem.Healwaysputsthemawayforarainyday.”
“Doesheeverdigthemupagain?”askedClarence,assistingonthispointofdoglore.
“Ithinkso,”saidTuppence.“Sometimeswhenthey’revery,veryoldandwouldhavebeenbetteriftheyhadbeenleftburied.”
“Ourdogdoesn’tlikedogbiscuits,”saidClarence.
“Heleavesthemontheplate,Isuppose,”saidTuppence,“andeatsthemeatfirst.”
“Helikesspongecake,though,ourdogdoes,”saidClarence.
HannibalsniffedatthetrophyjustdisinterredfromtheinsideofCambridge.Hewheeledroundsuddenlythenandbarked.
“Seeifthere’sanyoneoutside,”saidTuppence.“Itmightbeagardener.Somebodytoldmetheotherday,Mrs.Herring,Ithinkitwas,thatsheknewofanelderlymanwho’dbeenaverygoodgardenerinhistimeandwhodidjobbing.”
Tommyopenedthedoorandwentoutside.Hannibalaccompaniedhim.
“Nobodyhere,”saidTommy.
Hannibalbarked.Firsthegrowledagain,thenhebarkedandbarkedmoreloudly
“Hethinksthere’ssomeoneorsomethinginthatgreatclumpofpampasgrass,”saidTommy.“Perhapssomeoneisunburyingoneofhisbonesthere.Perhapsthere’sarabbitthere.Hannibal’sverystupidaboutrabbits.Heneedsanawfullotofencouragementbeforehe’llchasearabbit.Heseemstohaveakindlyfeelingaboutthem.Hegoesafterpigeonsandlargebirds.Fortunatelyhenevercatchesthem.”
Hannibalwasnowsniffingroundthepampasgrass,firstgrowling,afterwhichhebegantobarkloudly.AtintervalsheturnedhisheadtowardsTommy.
“Iexpectthere’sacatinthere,”saidTommy.“Youknowwhathe’slikewhenhethinksacatisaround.There’sthebigblackcatthatcomesroundhereandthelittleone.TheonethatwecalltheKitty-cat.”
“That’stheonethat’salwaysgettingintothehouse,”saidTuppence.“Itseemstogetthroughthesmallestchinks.Oh,dostop,Hannibal.Comeback.”
Hannibalheardandturnedhishead.Hewasexpressingaveryhighdegreeoffierceness.HegaveTuppencealook,wentbackalittleway,thenturnedhisattentiononcemoretotheclumpofpampasgrassandbeganbarkingfuriously.
“There’ssomethingworrieshim,”saidTommy.“Comeon,Hannibal.”
Hannibalshookhimself,shookhishead,lookedatTommy,lookedatTuppenceandmadeaprancingattackonthepampasgrass,barkingloudly.
Therewasasuddensound.Twosharpexplosions.
“GoodLord,somebodymustbeshootingrabbits,”exclaimedTuppence.
“Getback.GetbackinsideKK,Tuppence,”saidTommy.
Somethingflewpasthisear.Hannibal,nowfullyalerted,wasracingroundandroundthepampasgrass.Tommyranafterhim.
“He’schasingsomeonenow,”hesaid.“He’schasingsomeonedownthehill.He’srunninglikemad.”
“Whowasit—whatwasit?”saidTuppence.
“Youallright,Tuppence?”
“No,I’mnotquiteallright,”saidTuppence.“Something—something,Ithink,hitmehere,justbelowtheshoulder.Wasit—whatwasit?”
“Itwassomeoneshootingatus.Someonewhowashiddeninsidethatpampasgrass.”
“Someonewhowaswatchingwhatweweredoing,”saidTuppence.“Doyouthinkthat’sit,perhaps?”
“Iexpectit’sthemIrish,”saidClarencehopefully.“TheIRA.Youknow.They’vebeentryingtoblowthisplaceup.”
“Idon’tthinkit’sofanypoliticalsignificance,”saidTuppence.
“Comeintothehouse,”saidTommy.“Comequickly.Comeon,Clarence,you’dbettercometoo.”
“Youdon’tthinkyourdogwillbiteme?”saidClarenceuncertainly.
“No,”saidTommy.“Ithinkheisbusyforthemoment.”
TheyhadjustturnedthecornerintothegardendoorwhenHannibalreappearedsuddenly.Hecameracingupthehillveryoutofbreath.HespoketoTommyinthewayadogdoesspeak.Hecameuptohim,shookhimself,putapawonTommy’strouserlegandtriedtopullhiminthedirectionfromwhichhehadjustcome.
“Hewantsmetogowithhimafterwhoeverthemanwas,”saidTommy.
“Well,you’renotto,”saidTuppence.“Ifthere’sanyonetherewitharifleorapistolorsomethingthatshoots,I’mnotgoingtohaveyoushot.Notatyourage.Whowouldlookaftermeifanythinghappenedtoyou?Comeon,let’sgetindoors.”
Theywentintothehousequickly.Tommywentoutintothehallandspokeonthetelephone.
“Whatareyoudoing?”saidTuppence.
“Telephoningthepolice,”saidTommy.“Can’tletanythinglikethispass.Theymaygetontosomeoneifwe’reintime.”
“Ithink,”saidTuppence,“thatIwantsomethingputonmyshoulder.Thisbloodisruiningmybestjumper.”
“Nevermindyourjumper,”saidTommy.
Albertappearedatthatmomentwithacompleteserviceoffirstaid.
“WellInever,”saidAlbert.“Youmeansomedirtyguyhasshotatthemissus?Whatever’shappeningnextinthiscountry?”
“Youdon’tthinkyououghttogotothehospital,doyou?”
“No,Idon’t,”saidTuppence.“I’mquiteallrightbutIwantanoutsizeBand-Aidorsomethingtostickonhere.Putonsomethinglikefriar’sbalsamfirst.”
“I’vegotsomeiodine.”
“Idon’twantiodine.Itstings.Besides,theysaynowinhospitalsthatitisn’ttherightthingtoputon.”
“Ithoughtfriar’sbalsamwassomethingyoubreathedinoutofaninhaler,”saidAlberthopefully.
“That’soneuse,”saidTuppence,“butit’sverygoodtoputonslightscratchesorscarsorifchildrencutthemselvesoranythinglikethat.Haveyougotthethingallright?”
“Whatthing,whatdoyoumean,Tuppence?”
“ThethingwejustgotoutoftheCambridgeLohengrin.That’swhatImean.Thethingthatwashangingonanail.Perhapsit’ssomethingimportant,youknow.Theysawus.Andsoiftheytriedtokillus—andtriedtogetwhateveritwas—thatreallywouldbesomething!”
Eleven
HANNIBALTAKESACTION
Tommysatwiththepoliceinspectorinhisoffice.Thepoliceofficer,InspectorNorris,wasnoddinghisheadgently.
“Ihopewithanyluckwemaygetresults,Mr.Beresford,”hesaid.“Dr.Crossfield,yousay,isattendingtoyourwife.”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“itisn’tserious,Igather.Itwasjustgrazingbyabulletanditbledagooddeal,butshe’sgoingtobeallright,Ithink.There’snothingreallydangerous,Dr.Crossfieldsaid.”
“She’snotveryyoung,though,Isuppose,”saidInspectorNorris.
“She’soverseventy,”saidTommy.“We’rebothofusgettingon,youknow.”
“Yes,yes.Quiteso,”saidInspectorNorris.“I’veheardagooddealaboutherlocally,youknow,sinceyoucameheretolive.Peoplehavetakentoherinabigway.We’veheardabouthervariousactivities.Andaboutyours.”
“Oh,dear,”saidTommy.
“Can’tlivedownyourrecord,youknow,whateveritis.Goodorbad,”saidInspectorNorrisinakindlyvoice.“Youcan’tlivedownarecordifyou’reacriminalandyoucan’tlivedownyourrecordifyou’vebeenaheroeither.OfonethingIcanassureyou.We’lldoallwecantoclearthingsup.Youcan’tdescribewhoeveritwas,Isuppose?”
“No,”saidTommy.“WhenIsawhimhewasrunningwithourdogafterhim.Ishouldsayhewasnotveryold.Heraneasily,Imean.”
“Difficultage’roundaboutfourteen,fifteenonwards.”
“Itwassomeoneolderthanthat,”saidTommy.
“Nothadanytelephonecallsorletters,demandsformoneyoranythinglikethat?”saidtheInspector.“Askingyoutogetoutofyourhouse,maybe?”
“No,”saidTommy,“nothinglikethat.”
“Andyou’vebeenhere—howlong?”
Tommytoldhim.
“Hmmm.Notverylong.YougotoLondon,Igather,mostdaysoftheweek.”
“Yes,”saidTommy.“Ifyouwantparticulars—”
“No,”saidInspectorNorris,“no.No,Idon’tneedanyparticulars.TheonlythingIshouldsuggestisthat—well,youdon’tgoawaytoooften.IfyoucanmanagetostayathomeandlookafterMrs.Beresfordyourself….”
“Ithoughtofdoingthatanyway,”saidTommy.“IthinkthisisagoodexcuseformynotturningupalwaysatthevariousappointmentsI’vegotinLondon.”
“Well,we’lldoallwecantokeepaneyeonthings,andifwecouldgetholdofthiswhoeveritis….”
“Doyoufeel—perhapsIoughtn’ttoaskthis—”saidTommy—“doyoufeelyouknowwhoitis?Doyouknowhisnameorhisreasons?”
“Well,weknowagoodmanythingsaboutsomeofthechapsaroundhere.Morethantheythinkweknowveryoften.Sometimeswedon’tmakeitapparenthowmuchwedoknowbecausethat’sthebestwaytogetatthemintheend.Youfindoutthenwhothey’remixedupwith,who’spayingthemforsomeofthethingstheydo,orwhethertheythoughtofitthemselvesoutoftheirownheads.ButIthink—well,Ithinksomehowthatthisisn’toneofourlocals,asyoumightsay.”
“Whydoyouthinkthat?”askedTommy.
“Ah.Well,onehearsthings,youknow.Onegetsinformationfromvariousheadquarterselsewhere.”
TommyandtheInspectorlookedateachother.Foraboutfiveminutesneitherofthemspoke.Theywerejustlooking.
“Well,”saidTommy,“I—Isee.Yes.PerhapsIsee.”
“IfImaysayonething,”saidInspectorNorris.
“Yes?”saidTommy,lookingratherdoubtful.
“Thisgardenofyours.Youwantabitofhelpinit,Iunderstand.”
“Ourgardenerwaskilled,asyouprobablyknow.”
“Yes,Iknowallaboutthat.OldIsaacBodlicott,wasn’tit?Fineoldchap.Toldtallstoriesnowandthenaboutthewonderfulthingshe’ddoneinhistime.Buthewasawell-knowncharacterandafellowyoucouldtrust,too.”
“Ican’timaginewhyhewaskilledorwhokilledhim,”saidTommy.“Nobodyseemstohavehadanyideaortohavefoundout.”
“Youmeanwehaven’tfoundout.Well,thesethingstakealittletime,youknow.Itdoesn’tcomeoutatthetimetheinquest’son,andtheCoronersumsupandsays‘Murderbysomepersonunknown.’That’sonlythebeginningsometimes.Well,whatIwasgoingtosaywasit’slikelysomeonemaycomeandaskyouwhetheryou’dlikeachaptocomeanddoabitofjobbinggardeningforyou.He’llcomealongandsaythathecouldcometwoorthreedaysaweek.Perhapsmore.He’lltellyou,forreference,thatheworkedforsomeyearsforMr.Solomon.You’llrememberthatname,willyou?”
“Mr.Solomon,”saidTommy.
ThereseemedtobesomethinglikeatwinkleforamomentinInspectorNorris’seye.
“Yes,he’sdead,ofcourse.Mr.Solomon,Imean.Buthedidlivehereandhedidemployseveraldifferentjobbinggardeners.I’mnotquitesurewhatnamethischapwillgiveyou.We’llsayIdon’tquiterememberit.Itmightbeoneofseveral—it’slikelytobeCrispin,Ithink.Betweenthirtyandfiftyorso,andheworkedforMr.Solomon.Ifanyonecomesalongandsayshecandosomejobbinggardeningforyouanddoesn’tmentionMr.Solomon,inthatcase,Iwouldn’taccepthim.That’sjustawordofwarning.”
“Isee,”saidTommy.“Yes,Isee.Atleast,IhopeIseethepoint.”
“That’sthepoint,”saidInspectorNorris.“You’requickontheuptake,Mr.Beresford.Well,Isupposeyou’vehadtobequiteofteninyouractivities.Nothingmoreyouwanttoknowthatwecouldtellyou?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidTommy.“Iwouldn’tknowwhattoask.”
“Weshallbemakingenquiries,notnecessarilyroundhere,youknow.ImaybeinLondonorotherpartslookinground.Weallhelptolookround.Well,you’dknowthat,wouldn’tyou?”
“IwanttotryandkeepTuppence—keepmywifefromgettingherselftoomixedupinthingsbecause—butit’sdifficult.”
“Womenarealwaysdifficult,”saidInspectorNorris.
TommyrepeatedthatremarklaterashesatbyTuppence’sbedsideandwatchedhereatinggrapes.
“Doyoureallyeatallthepipsofgrapes?”
“Usually,”saidTuppence.“Ittakessomuchtimegettingthemout,doesn’tit?Idon’tthinktheyhurtyou.”
“Well,iftheyhaven’thurtyoubynow,andyou’vebeendoingitallyourlife,Ishouldn’tthinktheywould,”saidTommy.
“Whatdidthepolicesay?”
“Exactlywhatwethoughttheywouldsay.”
“Dotheyknowwhoit’slikelytohavebeen?”
“Theysaytheydon’tthinkit’slocal.”
“Whodidyousee?InspectorWatsonhisnameis,isn’tit?”
“No.ThiswasanInspectorNorris.”
“Oh,that’soneIdon’tknow.Whatelsedidhesay?”
“Hesaidwomenwerealwaysverydifficulttorestrain.”
“Really!”saidTuppence.“Didheknowyouwerecomingbacktotellmethat?”
“Possiblynot,”saidTommy.Hegotup.“ImustputinatelephonecallortwotoLondon.I’mnotgoingupforadayortwo.”
“Youcangoupallright.I’mquitesafehere!There’sAlbertlookingaftermeandalltherestofit.Dr.Crossfieldhasbeenterriblykindandratherlikeasortofbroodyhenwatchingoverme.”
“I’llhavetogoouttogetthingsforAlbert.Anythingyouwant?”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,“youmightbringmebackamelon.I’mfeelingveryinclinedtofruit.Nothingbutfruit.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.
II
TommyrangupaLondonnumber.
“ColonelPikeaway?”
“Yes.Hullo.Ah,it’syou,ThomasBeresford,isit?”
“Ah,yourecognizedmyvoice.Iwantedtotellyouthat—”
“SomethingaboutTuppence.I’vehearditall,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Noneedtotalk.Staywhereyouareforthenextdayortwooraweek.Don’tcomeuptoLondon.Reportanythingthathappens.”
“Theremaybesomethingswhichweoughttobringtoyou.”
“Well,hangontothemforthemoment.TellTuppencetoinventaplacetohidethemuntilthen.”
“She’sgoodatthatsortofthing.Likeourdog.Hehidesbonesinthegarden.”
“Ihearhechasedthemanwhoshotatyouboth,andsawhimofftheplace—”
“Youseemtoknowallaboutit.”
“Wealwaysknowthingshere,”saidColonelPikeaway.
“Ourdogmanagedtogetasnapathimandcamebackwithasampleofhistrousersinhismouth.”
Twelve
OXFORD,CAMBRIDGEANDLOHENGRIN
“Goodman,”saidColonelPikeaway,puffingoutsmoke.“SorrytosendforyousourgentlybutIthoughtI’dbetterseeyou.”
“AsIexpectyouknow,”saidTommy,“we’vebeenhavingsomethingalittleunexpectedlately.”
“Ah!WhyshouldyouthinkIknow?”
“Becauseyoualwaysknoweverythinghere.”
ColonelPikeawaylaughed.
“Hah!Quotingmetomyself,aren’tyou?Yes,that’swhatIsay.Weknoweverything.That’swhatwe’reherefor.Didshehaveaverynarrowescape?Yourwife,I’mtalkingabout,asyouknow.”
“Shedidn’thaveanarrowescape,buttheremighthavebeensomethingserious.Iexpectyouknowmostofthedetails,ordoyouwantmetotellyou?”
“Youcanrunoveritquicklyifyoulike.There’sabitIdidn’thear,”saidColonelPikeaway,“thebitaboutLohengrin.Grin-hen-lo.She’ssharp,youknow,yourwifeis.Shesawthepointofthat.Itseemsidiotic,butthereitwas.”
“I’vebroughtyoutheresultstoday,”saidTommy.“WehidthemintheflourbinuntilIcouldgetuptoseeyou.Ididn’tliketosendthembypost.”
“No.Quiteright—”
“Inakindoftin—nottinbutabettermetalthanthat—boxandhanginginLohengrin.PaleblueLohengrin.Cambridge,Victorianchinaoutdoorgardenstool.”
“Rememberthemmyselfintheolddays.Hadanauntinthecountrywhousedtohaveapair.”
“Itwasverywellpreserved,sewnupintarpaulin.Insideitareletters.Theyaresomewhatperishedandthat,butIexpectwithexperttreatment—”
“Yes,wecanmanagethatsortofthingallright.”
“Heretheyarethen,”saidTommy,“andI’vegotalistforyouofthingsthatwe’venoteddown,TuppenceandI.Thingsthathavebeenmentionedortoldus.”
“Names?”
“Yes.Threeorfour.TheOxfordandCambridgeclueandthementionofOxfordandCambridgegraduatesstayingthere—Idon’tthinktherewasanythinginthat,becausereallyitreferredsimplytotheLohengrinporcelainstools,Isuppose.”
“Yes—yes—yes,thereareoneortwootherthingsherethatarequiteinteresting.”
“Afterwewerefiredat,”saidTommy,“Ireporteditatoncetothepolice.”
“Quiteright.”
“ThenIwasaskedtogodowntothepolicestationthenextdayandIsawInspectorNorristhere.Ihaven’tcomeincontactwithhimbefore.Ithinkhemustberatheranewofficer.”
“Yes.Probablyonaspecialassignment,”saidColonelPikeaway.Hepuffedoutmoresmoke.
Tommycoughed.
“Iexpectyouknowallabouthim.”
“Iknowabouthim,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Weknoweverythinghere.He’sallright.He’sinchargeofthisenquiry.Localpeoplewillperhapsbeabletospotwhoitwaswho’sbeenfollowingyouabout,findingoutthingsaboutyou.Youdon’tthink,doyou,Beresford,thatitwouldbewellifyoulefttheplaceforawhileandbroughtyourwifealong?”
“Idon’tthinkIcoulddothat,”saidTommy.
“Youmeanshewouldn’tcome?”saidColonelPikeaway.
“Again,”saidTommy,“ifImaymentionit,youseemtoknoweverything.Idon’tthinkyoucoulddrawTuppenceaway.Mindyou,she’snotbadlyhurt,she’snotillandshe’sgotafeelingnowthat—well,thatwe’reontosomething.Wedon’tknowwhatitisandwedon’tknowwhatweshallfindordo.”
“Nosearound,”saidColonelPikeaway,“that’sallyoucandoinacaseofthiskind.”Hetappedanailonthemetalbox.“Thislittleboxisgoingtotellussomething,though,andit’sgoingtotellussomethingwe’vealwayswantedtoknow.Whowasinvolvedagreatmanyyearsagoinsettingthingsgoinganddoingalotofdirtyworkbehindthescenes.”
“Butsurely—”
“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.You’regoingtosaywhoeveritwasisnowdead.That’strue.Butittellsusneverthelesswhatwasgoingon,howitwassetinmotion,whohelped,whoinspireditandwhohasinheritedorcarriedonwithsomethingofthesamebusinesseversince.Peoplewhodon’tseemtoamounttomuchbutpossiblytheyamounttomorethanwe’veeverthought.Andpeoplewho’vebeenintouchwiththesamegroup,asonecallsit—onecallsanythingagroupnowadays—thesamegroupwhichmayhavedifferentpeopleinitnowbutwhohavethesameideas,thesameloveofviolenceandevilandthesamepeopletocommunicatewithelsewhereandothergroups.Somegroupsareallrightbutsomegroupsareworsebecausetheyaregroups.It’sakindoftechnique,youknow.We’vetaughtittoourselvesinthelast,oh,sayfiftytoahundredyears.Taughtthatifpeoplecoheretogetherandmakeatightlittlemobofthemselves,it’samazingwhattheyareabletoaccomplishandwhattheyareabletoinspireotherpeopletoaccomplishforthem.”
“MayIaskyousomething?”
“Anyonecanalwaysask,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Weknoweverythingherebutwedon’talwaystell,Ihavetowarnyouofthat.”
“DoesthenameofSolomonmeananythingtoyou?”
“Ah,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Mr.Solomon.Andwheredidyougetthatnamefrom?”
“ItwasmentionedbyInspectorNorris.”
“Isee.Well,ifyou’regoingbywhatNorrissaid,you’regoingright.Icantellyouthat.Youwon’tseeSolomonpersonally,Idon’tmindtellingyou.He’sdead.”
“Oh,”saidTommy,“Isee.”
“Atleastyoudon’tquitesee,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Weusehisnamesometimes.It’suseful,youknow,tohaveanameyoucanuse.Thenameofarealperson,apersonwhoisn’tthereanylongerbutalthoughdeadisstillhighlyregardedintheneighbourhood.It’ssheerchanceyouevercametoliveinTheLaurelsatallandwe’vegothopesthatitmayleadtoapieceofluckforus.ButIdon’twantittobeacauseofdisastertoyouortoyourmissus.Suspecteveryoneandeverything.It’sthebestway.”
“Ionlytrusttwopeoplethere,”saidTommy.“One’sAlbert,who’sworkedforusforyears—”
“Yes,IrememberAlbert.Red-hairedboy,wasn’the?”
“Notaboyanylonger—”
“Who’stheotherone?”
“MydogHannibal.”
“Hm.Yes—youmayhavesomethingthere.Whowasit—Dr.Wattswhowroteahymnbeginning,‘Dogsdelighttobarkandbite,Itistheirnatureto.’—Whatishe,anAlsatian?”
“No,he’saManchesterTerrier.”
“Ah,anoldEnglishBlackandTan,notasbigasaDobermannpinscherbutthekindofdogthatknowshisstuff.”
Thirteen
VISITFROMMISSMULLINS
Tuppence,walkingalongthegardenpath,wasaccostedbyAlbertcomingdownataquickpacefromthehouse.
“Ladywaitingtoseeyou,”hesaid.
“Lady?Oh,whoisit?”
“MissMullins,shesayssheis.Recommendedbyoneoftheladiesinthevillagetocallonyou.”
“Oh,ofcourse,”saidTuppence.“Aboutthegarden,isn’tit?”
“Yes,shesaidsomethingaboutthegarden.”
“Ithinkyou’dbetterbringherouthere,”saidTuppence.
“Yes,madam,”saidAlbert,fallingintohisroleofexperiencedbutler.
Hewentbacktothehouseandreturnedafewmomentslaterbringingwithhimatallmasculine-lookingwomanintweedtrousersandaFairIslepullover.
“Chillywindthismorning,”shesaid.
Hervoicewasdeepandslightlyhoarse.
“I’mIrisMullins.Mrs.GriffinsuggestedIshouldcomealongandseeyou.Wantingsomehelpinthegarden.Isthatit?”
“Goodmorning,”saidTuppence,shakinghands.“I’mverypleasedtoseeyou.Yes,wedowantsomehelpinthegarden.”
“Onlyjustmovedin,haven’tyou?”
“Well,itfeelsalmostlikeyears,”saidTuppence,“becausewe’veonlyjustgotalltheworkmenout.”
“Ahyes,”saidMissMullins,givingadeephoarsechuckle.“Knowwhatitistohaveworkmeninthehouse.Butyou’requiterighttocomeinyourselfandnotleaveittothem.Nothinggetsfinisheduntiltheowner’smovedinandeventhenyouusuallyhavetogetthembackagaintofinishsomethingthey’veforgottenabout.Nicegardenyou’vegotherebutit’sbeenletgoabit,hasn’tit?”
“Yes,I’mafraidthelastpeoplewholivedheredidn’tcaremuchabouthowthegardenlooked.”
“PeoplecalledJonesorsomethinglikethat,weren’tthey?Don’tthinkIactuallyknowthem.Mostofmytimehere,youknow,I’velivedontheotherside,themoorside,ofthetown.TwohousesthereIgotoregularly.One,twodaysaweekandtheotherone,oneday.Actually,onedayisn’tenough,nottokeepitright.YouhadoldIsaacworkinghere,didn’tyou?Niceoldboy.Sadhehadtogethimselfdoneinbysomeofthisviolentguerrillamaterialthat’salwaysgoingaboutbashingsomeone.Theinquestwasaboutaweekago,wasn’tit?Iheartheyhaven’tfoundoutwhodidityet.Goaboutinlittlegroupstheydo,andmugpeople.Nastylot.Veryoftentheyoungertheyare,thenastiertheyare.That’sanicemagnoliayou’vegotthere.Soulangeana,isn’tit?Muchthebesttohave.Peoplealwayswantthemoreexotickindsbutit’sbettertosticktooldfriendswhenit’smagnoliasinmyopinion.”
“It’sreallybeenmorethevegetablesthatwe’rethinkingabout.”
“Yes,youwanttobuildupagoodworkingkitchengarden,don’tyou?Theredoesn’tseemtohavebeenmuchattentionpaidbefore.Peoplelosetheirspiritandthinkit’sbetterreallytobuytheirvegetables,andnottryandgrowthem.”
“I’dalwayswanttogrownewpotatoesandpeas,”saidTuppence,“andIthinkFrenchbeanstoo,becauseyouthencanhavethemallyoung.”
“That’sright.Youmightaswelladdrunnerbeans.Mostgardenersaresoproudoftheirrunnerbeansthattheylikethemafootandahalfinlength.Theythinkthat’safinebean.Alwaystakesaprizeatalocalshow.Butyou’requiteright,youknow.Youngvegetablesarethethingsthatyoureallyenjoyeating.”
Albertappearedsuddenly.
“Mrs.Redcliffeonthetelephone,madam,”hesaid.“Wantedtoknowifyoucouldlunchtomorrow.”
“TellherI’mverysorry,”saidTuppence.“I’mafraidwemayhavetogotoLondontomorrow.Oh—waitaminute,Albert.JustwaitwhileIwriteawordortwo.”
Shepulledoutasmallpadfromherbag,wroteafewwordsonitandhandedittoAlbert.
“TellMr.Beresford,”shesaid.“TellhimMissMullinsishereandwe’reinthegarden.Iforgottodowhatheaskedmetodo,givehimthenameandaddressofthepersonheiswritingto.I’vewrittenithere—”
“Certainly,madam,”saidAlbert,anddisappeared.
Tuppencereturnedtothevegetableconversation.
“Iexpectyou’reverybusy,”shesaid,“asyouareworkingthreedaysalready.”
“Yes,andasIsaidit’srathertheothersideofthetown.Ilivetheothersideoftown.I’vegotasmallcottagethere.”
AtthatmomentTommyarrivedfromthehouse.Hannibalwaswithhim,runningroundinlargecircles.HannibalreachedTuppencefirst.Hestoppedstillforamoment,spreadouthispaws,andthenrushedatMissMullinswithafiercearrayofbarking.Shetookasteportwobackinsomealarm.
“Thisisourterribledog,”saidTuppence.“Hedoesn’treallybite,youknow.Atleastveryseldom.It’susuallyonlythepostmanhelikestobite.”
“Alldogsbitepostmen,ortryto,”saidMissMullins.
“He’saverygoodguarddog,”saidTuppence.“He’saManchesterTerrier,youknow,andtheyaregoodguarddogs.Heprotectsthehouseinawonderfulway.Hewon’tletanyonenearitorcomeinsideandhelooksaftermeverycarefully.Heevidentlyregardsmeashisprincipalchargeinlife.”
“Ohwell,ofcourseIsupposeit’sagoodthingnowadays.”
“Iknow.Therearesomanyrobberiesabout,”saidTuppence.“Lotsofourfriends,youknow,havehadburglars.Someevenwhocomeininbroaddaylightinthemostextraordinaryway.Theysetupladdersandtakewindowsashesoutorpretendtobewindowcleaners—oh,uptoallkindsoftricks.Soit’sagoodthingtoletitbeknownthatthere’safiercedoginthehouse,Ithink.”
“Ithinkperhapsyou’requiteright.”
“Hereismyhusband,”saidTuppence.“ThisisMissMullins,Tommy.Mrs.Griffinverykindlytoldherthatwewantedsomeonewhocouldpossiblydosomegardeningforus.”
“Wouldthisbetooheavyworkforyouperhaps,MissMullins?”
“Ofcoursenot,”saidMissMullinsinherdeepvoice.“Oh,Icandigwithanyone.You’vegottodigtherightway.It’snotonlytrenchingthesweetpeas,it’severythingneedsdigging,needsmanuring.Theground’sgottobeprepared.Makesallthedifference.”
Hannibalcontinuedtobark.
“Ithink,Tommy,”saidTuppence,“you’dreallybettertakeHannibalbacktothehouse.Heseemstobeinratheraprotectivemoodthismorning.”
“Allright,”saidTommy.
“Won’tyoucomebacktothehouse,”saidTuppencetoMissMullins,“andhavesomethingtodrink?It’sratherahotmorningandIthinkitwouldbeagoodthing,don’tyou?Andwecandiscussplanstogetherperhaps.”
HannibalwasshutintothekitchenandMissMullinsacceptedaglassofsherry.Afewsuggestionsweremade,thenMissMullinslookedatherwatchandsaidshemusthurryback.
“Ihaveanappointment,”sheexplained.“Imustn’tbelate.”Shebadethemasomewhathurriedfarewellanddeparted.
“Sheseemsallright,”saidTuppence.
“Iknow,”saidTommy—“Butonecan’teverbesure—”
“Onecouldaskquestions?”saidTuppencedoubtfully.
“Youmustbetiredgoingallroundthegarden.Wemustleaveourexpeditionthisafternoonforanotherday—youhavebeenorderedtorest.”
Fourteen
GARDENCAMPAIGN
“Youunderstand,Albert,”saidTommy.
HeandAlbertweretogetherinthepantrywhereAlbertwaswashinguptheteatrayhehadjustbroughtdownfromTuppence’sbedroom.
“Yes,sir,”saidAlbert.“Iunderstand.”
“Youknow,Ithinkyouwillgetabitofawarning—fromHannibal.”
“He’sagooddoginsomeways,”saidAlbert.“Doesn’ttaketoeveryone,ofcourse.”
“No,”saidTommy,“that’snothisjobinlife.Notoneofthosedogswhowelcomeintheburglarsandwagtheirtailsatthewrongperson.Hannibalknowsafewthings.ButIhavemadeitquitecleartoyou,haven’tI?”
“Yes.Idon’tknowwhatIamtodoifthemissus—well,amItodowhatthemissussaysortellherwhatyousaidor—”
“Ithinkyou’llhavetouseacertainamountofdiplomacy,”saidTommy.“I’mmakingherstayinbedtoday.I’mleavingherinyourchargemoreorless.”
Alberthadjustopenedthefrontdoortoayoungishmaninatweedsuit.
AlbertlookedupdoubtfullyatTommy.Thevisitorsteppedinsideandadvancedonestep,afriendlysmileonhisface.
“Mr.Beresford?I’veheardyouwantabitofhelpinyourgarden—justmovedinherelately,haven’tyou?Inoticedcomingupthedrivethatitwasgettingratherovergrown.Ididsomeworklocallyacoupleofyearsago—foraMr.Solomon—youmayhaveheardofhim.”
“Mr.Solomon,yes,someonedidmentionhim.”
“Myname’sCrispin,AngusCrispin.Perhapswemighttakealookatwhatwantsdoing.”
II
“Abouttimesomeonedidsomethingaboutthegarden,”saidMr.Crispin,asTommyledhimonatouroftheflowerbedsandthevegetablegarden.
“That’swheretheyusedtogrowthespinachalongthiskitchengardenpathhere.Behinditweresomeframes.Theyusedtogrowmelonstoo.”
“Youseemtobeverywellawareofallthis.”
“Well,oneheardalotyouknowofwhathadbeeneverywhereintheolddays.OldladiestellyouabouttheflowerbedsandAlexanderParkinsontoldalotofhispalsaboutthefoxgloveleaves.”
“Hemusthavebeenaratherremarkableboy.”
“Well,hehadideasandhewasverykeenoncrime.HemadeakindofcodemessageoutinoneofStevenson’sbooks:TheBlackArrow.”
“Ratheragoodone,that,isn’tit?Ireaditmyselfaboutfiveyearsago.BeforethatI’dnevergotfurtherthanKidnapped.WhenIwasworkingfor—”Hehesitated
“Mr.Solomon?”suggestedTommy.
“Yes,yes,that’sthename.Iheardthings.HeardthingsfromoldIsaac.Igather,unlessI’veheardthewrongrumours,IgatherthatoldIsaacmusthavebeen,oh,gettingonforahundredanddidsomeworkforyouhere.”
“Yes,”saidTommy.“Forhisagehewasratherwonderful,really.Heknewalotofthingsheusedtotellus,too.Thingshecouldn’thaverememberedhimself.”
“No,buthelikedthegossipoftheolddays.He’sgotrelationsherestill,youknow,whohavelistenedtohistalesandcheckeduponhisstories.Iexpectyou’veheardagoodmanythingsyourself.”
“Sofar,”saidTommy,“everythingseemstoworkoutinlistsofnames.Namesfromthepastbutnames,naturally,thatdon’tmeananythingtome.Theycan’t.”
“Allhearsay?”
“Mostly.Mywifehaslistenedtoalotofitandmadesomelists.Idon’tknowwhetheranyofthemmeananything.I’vegotonelistmyself.Itonlycameintomyhandsyesterday,asamatteroffact.”
“Oh.What’syourlist?”
“Census,”saidTommy.“Youknow,therewasacensuson—I’vegotthedatewrittendownsoI’llgiveittoyou—andthepeoplewhowereenteredupthatdaybecausetheyspentthenighthere.Therewasabigparty.Adinnerparty.”
“Soyouknowonacertaindate—andperhapsquiteaninterestingdate—whowashere?”
“Yes,”saidTommy.
“Itmightbevaluable.Itmightbequitesignificant.You’veonlyjustmovedinhere,haven’tyou?”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“butit’spossiblewemightjustwanttomoveoutofhere.”
“Don’tyoulikeit?It’sanicehouse,andthisgarden—well,thisgardencouldbemadeverybeautifulindeed.You’vegotsomefineshrubs—wantsabitofclearingout,superfluoustreesandbushes,floweringshrubsthathaven’tfloweredlatelyandmayneverfloweragainbythelookofthem.Yes,Idon’tknowwhyyou’dwanttogoandmove.”
“Theassociationswiththepastaren’tterriblypleasanthere,”saidTommy.
“Thepast,”saidMr.Crispin.“Howdoesthepasttieupwiththepresent?”
“Onethinksitdoesn’tmatter,it’sallbehindus.Butthere’salwayssomebodyleft,youknow.Idon’tmeanwalkingaboutbutsomebodywhocomesalivewhenpeopletellyouaboutherorhimoritorthem.Youreallywouldbepreparedtodoabitof—”
“Bitofjobbinggardeningforyou?Yes,Iwould.Itwouldinterestme.It’srathera—well,it’sratherahobbyofmine,gardening.”
“TherewasaMissMullinswhocameyesterday.”
“Mullins?Mullins?Issheagardener?”
“Igathersomethinginthatline.ItwasaMrs—aMrs.Griffin,Ithinkitwas—whomentionedhertomywifeandwhosentheralongtoseeus.”
“Didyoufixupwithherornot?”
“Notdefinitely,”saidTommy.“Asamatteroffactwe’vegotaratherenthusiasticguarddoghere.AManchesterTerrier.”
“Yes,theycanbeveryenthusiasticatguarding.Isupposehethinksyourwifeishisbusinessandhepracticallyneverletshergoanywherealone.He’salwaysthere.”
“Quiteright,”saidTommy,“andhe’spreparedtotearanyonelimbfromlimbwholaysafingeronher.”
“Nicedogs.Veryaffectionate,veryloyal,veryself-willed,verysharpteeth.I’dbetterlookoutforhim,Isuppose.”
“He’sallrightatthemoment.He’supinthehouse.”
“MissMullins,”saidCrispinthoughtfully.“Yes.Yes,that’sinteresting.”
“Whyisitinteresting?”
“Oh,Ithinkit’sbecause—well,Iwouldn’tknowherbythatname,ofcourse.Isshebetweenfiftyandsixty?”
“Yes.Verytweedyandcountrified.”
“Yes.Gotsomecountryconnections,too.Isaaccouldhavetoldyousomethingabouther,Iexpect.Iheardshe’dcomebacktolivehere.Notsoverylongago,either.Thingstieup,youknow.”
“IexpectyouknowthingsaboutthisplacethatIdon’t,”saidTommy.
“Ishouldn’tthinkso.Isaaccouldhavetoldyoualot,though.Heknewthings.Oldstories,asyousay,buthehadamemory.Andtheytalkeditover.Yes,intheseclubsforoldpeople,theytalkthingsover.Tallstories—someofthemnottrue,someofthembasedonfact.Yes,it’sallveryinteresting.And—Isupposeheknewtoomuch.”
“It’sashameaboutIsaac,”saidTommy.“I’dliketogetevenwithwhoeverdidhimin.Hewasaniceoldboyandhewasgoodtousanddidasmuchashecouldtohelpushere.Comeon,anyway,let’sgoonlooking’round.”
Fifteen
HANNIBALSEESACTIVESERVICEWITHMR.CRISPIN
AlberttappedonthebedroomdoorandinanswertoTuppence’s“Comein”advancedhisheadroundthesideofit.
“Theladyascametheothermorning,”hesaid.“MissMullins.She’shere.Wantstospeaktoyouforaminuteortwo.Suggestionsaboutthegarden,Iunderstand.IsaidasyouwasinbedandIwasn’tsureifyouwerereceiving.”
“Thewordsyouuse,Albert,”saidTuppence.“Allright.Iamreceiving.”
“Iwasjustgoingtobringyourmorningcoffeeup.”
“Well,youcanbringthatupandanothercup.That’sall.There’llbeenoughfortwo,won’tthere?”
“Ohyes,madam.”
“Verywell,then.Bringitup,putitonthetableoverthere,andthenbringMissMullinsup.”
“WhataboutHannibal?”saidAlbert.“ShallItakehimdownandshuthimupinthekitchen?”
“Hedoesn’tlikebeingshutupinthekitchen.No.Justpushhimintothebathroomandshutthedoorofitwhenyou’vedoneso.”
Hannibal,resentingtheinsultwhichwasbeingputuponhim,allowedwithabadgraceAlbert’spushinghimintothebathroomandadjustmenttothedoor.Hegaveseveralloudfiercebarks.
“Shutup!”Tuppenceshoutedtohim.“Shutup!”
Hannibalconsentedtoshutupasfarasbarkingwent.Helaydownwithhispawsinfrontofhimandhisnosepressedtothecrackunderthedoorandutteredlong,noncooperativegrowls.
“Oh,Mrs.Beresford,”criedMissMullins,“I’mafraidIamintruding,butIreallythoughtyou’dliketolookatthisbookIhaveongardening.Suggestionsforplantingatthistimeofyear.Someveryrareandinterestingshrubsandtheydoquitewellinthisparticularsoilalthoughsomepeoplesaytheywon’t…Ohdear—ohno,oh,it’sverykindofyou.Yes,Iwouldlikeacupofcoffee.Pleaseletmepouritoutforyou,it’ssodifficultwhenyou’reinbed.Iwonder,perhaps—”MissMullinslookedatAlbert,whoobliginglydrewupachair.
“Thatbeallrightforyou,miss?”hedemanded.
“Ohyes,veryniceindeed.Dearme,isthatanotherbelldownstairs?”
“Milk,Iexpect,”saidAlbert.“Ormightbethegrocer.It’shismorning.Excuseme,won’tyou.”
Hewentoutoftheroom,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.Hannibalgaveanothergrowl.
“That’smydog,”saidTuppence,“he’sveryannoyedatnotbeingallowedtojointhepartybuthemakessomuchnoise.”
“Doyoutakesugar,Mrs.Beresford?”
“Onelump,”saidTuppence.
MissMullinspouredoutacupofcoffee.Tuppencesaid,“Otherwiseblack.”
MissMullinsputdownthecoffeebesideTuppenceandwenttopouroutacupforherself.
Suddenlyshestumbled,clutchedatanoccasionaltable,andwentdownonherkneeswithanexclamationofdismay.
“Haveyouhurtyourself?”demandedTuppence.
“No,ohno,butI’vebrokenyourvase.Icaughtmyfootinsomething—soclumsy—andyourbeautifulvaseissmashed.DearMrs.Beresford,whatwillyouthinkofme?Iassureyouitwasanaccident.”
“Ofcourseitwas,”saidTuppencekindly.“Letmesee.Well,itlooksasifitcouldbeworse.It’sbrokenintwo,whichmeansweshallbeabletoglueittogether.Idaresaythejoinwillhardlyshow.”
“Ishallstillfeelawfulaboutit,”declaredMissMullins.“IknowyoumustperhapsbefeelingillandIoughtn’ttohavecometoday,butIdidsowanttotellyou—”
Hannibalbegantobarkagain.
“Oh,thepoorweedoggie,”saidMissMullins,“shallIlethimout?”
“Betternot,”saidTuppence.“He’snotveryreliablesometimes.”
“Ohdear,isthatanotherbelldownstairs?”
“No,”saidTuppence.“Albert’llanswerit.Hecanalwaysbringupamessageifnecessary.”
Itwas,however,Tommywhoansweredthetelephone.
“Hullo,”hesaid.“Yes?Oh,Isee.Who?Isee—yes.Oh.Anenemy,definiteenemy.Yes,that’sallright.We’vetakenthecountermeasuresallright.Yes.Thankyouverymuch.”
Hedroppedthereceiverback,andlookedatMr.Crispin.
“Wordsofwarning?”saidMr.Crispin.
“Yes,”saidTommy.
HecontinuedtolookatMr.Crispin.
“Difficulttoknow,isn’tit?Imean,who’syourenemyandwho’syourfriend.”
“Sometimeswhenyouknowit’stoolate.PosternofFate,Disaster’sCavern,”saidTommy.
Mr.Crispinlookedathiminsomesurprise.
“Sorry,”saidTommy.“Forsomereasonorotherwe’vegotinthehabitofrecitingpoetryinthishouse.”
“Flecker,isn’tit?‘GatesofBaghdad’orisitthe‘GatesofDamascus?’”
“Comeup,willyou?”saidTommy.“Tuppenceisonlyresting,she’snotsufferingfromanypeculiardiseaseoranything.Notevenasneezingcoldinthehead.”
“I’vetakenupcoffee,”saidAlbert,reappearingsuddenly,“andanextracupforMissMullinswot’suptherenowwithagardeningbookorsomething.”
“Isee,”saidTommy.“Yes.Yes,it’sallgoingverywell.Where’sHannibal?”
“Shuthiminthebathroom.”
“Didyoulatchthedoorverytight,becausehewon’tlikethat,youknow?”
“No,sir,I’vedonejustwhatyousaid.”
Tommywentupstairs.Mr.Crispincamejustbehindhim.Tommygavealittletaponthebedroomdoorandthenwentin.FromthebathroomdoorHannibalgaveonemoreoutspokenbarkofdefiance,thenheleaptatthedoorfromtheinside,thelatchgave,heshotoutintotheroom.HegaveonequickglanceatMr.Crispin,thencameforwardandlungedwithallhismight,growlingfuriously,atMissMullins.
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence,“ohdear.”
“Goodboy,Hannibal,”saidTommy,“goodboy.Don’tyouthinkso?”
HeturnedhisheadtoMr.Crispin.
“Knowshisenemies,doesn’the—andyourenemies.”
“Ohdear,”saidTuppence.“HasHannibalbittenyou?”
“Averynastynip,”saidMissMullins,risingtoherfeetandscowlingatHannibal.
“Hissecondone,isn’tit?”saidTommy.“Chasedyououtofourpampasgrass,didn’the?”
“Heknowswhat’swhat,”saidMr.Crispin.“Doesn’the,Dodo,mydear?LongtimesinceI’veseenyou,Dodo,isn’tit?”
MissMullinsgotup,shotaglanceatTuppence,atTommyandatMr.Crispin.
“Mullins,”saidMr.Crispin.“SorryI’mnotuptodate.IsthatamarriednameorareyounowknownasMissMullins?”
“IamIrisMullins,asIalwayswas.”
“Ah,IthoughtyouwereDodo.YouusedtobeDodotome.Well,dear,Ithink—nicetohaveseenyou,butIthinkwe’dbettergetoutofherequickly.Drinkyourcoffee.Iexpectthat’sallright.Mrs.Beresford?I’mverypleasedtomeetyou.IfImightadviseyou,Ishouldn’tdrinkyourcoffee.”
“Ohdear,letmetakethecupaway.”
MissMullinspressedforward.InamomentCrispinstoodbetweenherandTuppence.
“No,Dododear,Iwouldn’tdothat,”hesaid.“I’dratherhavechargeofitmyself.Thecupbelongstothehouse,youknow,andofcourseitwouldbenicetohaveananalysisofexactlywhat’sinitjustnow.Possiblyyoubroughtalittledosewithyou,didyou?Quiteeasytoputalittledoseintothecupasyou’rehandingittotheinvalidorthesupposedinvalid.”
“IassureyouIdidnosuchthing.Oh,docallyourdogoff.”
Hannibalshowedeverydesiretopursueherdownthestaircase.
“Hewantstoseeyouoffthepremises,”saidTommy.“He’sratherparticularaboutthat.Helikesbitingpeoplewhoaregoingoutthroughthefrontdoor.Ah,Albert,thereyouare.Ithoughtyou’dbejustoutsidetheotherdoor.Didyouseewhathappened,byanychance?”
Albertputhisheadroundthedressingroomdooracrosstheroom.
“Isawallright.Iwatchedherthroughthecrackofthehinge.Yes.Putsomethinginthemissus’scup,shedid.Veryneat.Goodasaconjuror,butshediditallright.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”saidMissMullins.“I—ohdear,ohdear,Imustgo.I’vegotanappointment.It’sveryimportant.”
Sheshotoutoftheroomanddownthestairs.Hannibalgaveoneglanceandwentafterher.Mr.Crispinshowednosignofanimosity,buthetoolefthurriedlyinpursuit.
“Ihopeshe’sagoodrunner,”saidTuppence,“becauseifsheisn’tHannibalwillcatchupwithher.Myword,he’sagoodguarddog,isn’the?”
“Tuppence,thatwasMr.Crispin,sentusbyMr.Solomon.Cameataverygoodmoment,didn’the?Ithinkhe’sbeenwaitinghistimetoseewhatmightbegoingtohappen.Don’tbreakthatcupanddon’tpouranyofthatcoffeeawayuntilwe’vegotabottleorsomethingtoputitin.It’sgoingtobeanalysedandwe’regoingtofindoutwhat’sinit.Putyourbestdressinggownon,Tuppence,andcomedowntothesittingroomandwe’llhavesomedrinkstherebeforelunch.”
II
“Andnow,Isuppose,”saidTuppence,“weshallneverknowwhatanyofitmeansorwhatitisallabout.”
Sheshookherheadindeepdespondency.Risingfromherchair,shewenttowardsthefireplace.
“Areyoutryingtoputalogon?”saidTommy.“Letme.You’vebeentoldnottomoveaboutmuch.”
“Myarm’squiteallrightnow,”saidTuppence.“AnyonewouldthinkI’dbrokenitorsomething.Itwasonlyanastyscrapeorgraze.”
“Youhavemoretoboastaboutthanthat,”saidTommy.“Itwasdefinitelyabulletwound.Youhavebeenwoundedinwar.”
“Waritseemstohavebeenallright,”saidTuppence.“Really!”
“Nevermind,”saidTommy,“wedealtwiththeMullinsverywell,Ithink.”
“Hannibal,”saidTuppence,“wasaverygooddogthere,wasn’the?”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“hetoldus.Toldusverydefinitely.Hejustleaptforthatpampasgrass.Hisnosetoldhim,Isuppose.He’sgotawonderfulnose.”
“Ican’tsaymynosewarnedme,”saidTuppence.“Ijustthoughtshewasratherananswertoprayer,turningup.AndIquiteforgotwewereonlysupposedtotakesomeonewhohadworkedforMr.Solomon.DidMr.Crispintellyouanythingmore?Isupposehisnameisn’treallyCrispin.”
“Possiblynot,”saidTommy.
“Didhecometodosomesleuthingtoo?Toomanyofushere,Ishouldsay.”
“No,”saidTommy,“notexactlyasleuth.Ithinkhewassentforsecuritypurposes.Tolookafteryou.”
“Tolookafterme,”saidTuppence,“andyou,Ishouldsay.Whereishenow?”
“DealingwithMissMullins,Iexpect.”
“Yes,well,it’sextraordinaryhowhungrytheseexcitementsmakeone.Quitepeckish,asonemightsay.Doyouknow,there’snothingIcanimagineI’dliketoeatmorethananicehotcrabwithasaucemadeofcreamwithjustatouchofcurrypowder.”
“You’rewellagain,”saidTommy.“I’mdelightedtohearyoufeelinglikethataboutfood.”
“I’veneverbeenill,”saidTuppence.“I’vebeenwounded.That’squitedifferent.”
“Well,”saidTommy,“anywayyoumusthaverealizedasIdidthatwhenHanniballetgoalloutandtoldyouanenemywascloseathandinthepampasgrass,youmusthaverealizedthatMissMullinswasthepersonwho,dressedasaman,hidthereandshotatyou—”
“Butthen,”saidTuppence,“wethoughtthatshe’dhaveanothergo.Iwasimmuredwithmywoundinbedandwemadeourarrangements.Isn’tthatright,Tommy?”
“Quiteright,”saidTommy,“quiteright.Ithoughtprobablyshewouldn’tleaveittoolongtocometotheconclusionthatoneofherbulletshadtakeneffectandthatyou’dbelaidupinbed.”
“Soshecamealongfulloffemininesolicitude,”saidTuppence.
“Andourarrangementwasverygood,Ithought,”saidTommy.“TherewasAlbertonpermanentguard,watchingeverystepshetook,everysinglethingshedid—”
“Andalso,”saidTuppence,“bringingmeuponatrayacupofcoffeeandaddinganothercupforthevisitor.”
“DidyouseeMullins—orDodo,asCrispincalledher—putanythinginyourcupofcoffee?”
“No,”saidTuppence,“ImustadmitthatIdidn’t.Yousee,sheseemedtocatchherfootinsomethingandsheknockedoverthatlittletablewithournicevaseonit,madeagreatdealofapology,andmyeyeofcoursewasonthebrokenvaseandwhetheritwastoobadtomend.SoIdidn’tseeher.”
“Albertdid,”saidTommy.“Sawitthroughthehingewherehe’denlargeditacracksothathecouldlookthrough.”
“AndthenitwasaverygoodideatoputHannibalinconfinementinthebathroombutleavingthedooronlyhalflatchedbecause,asweknow,Hannibalisverygoodatopeningdoors.Notofcourseifthey’recompletelylatched,butiftheyonlylooklatchedorfeellatchedhetakesonegreatspringandcomesinlikea—oh,likeaBengaltiger.”
“Yes,”saidTommy,“thatisquiteagooddescription.”
“AndnowIsupposeMr.Crispinorwhateverhisnameishasfinishedmakinghisenquiries,althoughhowhethinksMissMullinscanbeconnectedwithMaryJordan,orwithadangerousfigurelikeJonathanKanewhoonlyexistsinthepast—”
“Idon’tthinkheonlyexistsinthepast.Ithinktheremaybeaneweditionofhim,arebirth,asyoumightsay.Therearealotofyoungmembers,loversofviolence,violenceatanyprice,themerrymuggerssocietyifthere’sanythingcalledthat,andthesuper-fascistsregrettingthesplendiddaysofHitlerandhismerrygroup.”
“I’vejustbeenreadingCountHannibal,”saidTuppence.“StanleyWeyman.Oneofhisbest.ItwasamongtheAlexanderbooksupstairs.”
“Whataboutit?”
“Well,Iwasthinkingthatnowadaysit’sreallystilllikethat.Andprobablyalwayshasbeen.AllthepoorchildrenwhowentofftotheChildren’sCrusadesofullofjoyandpleasureandvanity,poorlittlesouls.Thinkingthey’dbeenappointedbytheLordtodeliverJerusalem,thattheseaswouldpartinfrontofthemsothattheycouldwalkacross,asMosesdidintheBible.Andnowalltheseprettygirlsandyoungmenwhoappearincourtsthewholetime,becausethey’vesmasheddownsomewretchedoldagepensionerorelderlypersonwhohadjustgotalittlemoneyorsomethinginthebank.AndtherewasSt.Bartholomew’sMassacre.Yousee,allthesethingsdohappenagain.Eventhenewfascistswerementionedtheotherdayinconnectionwithaperfectlyrespectableuniversity.Ahwell,Isupposenobodywilleverreallytellusanything.DoyoureallythinkthatMr.Crispinwillfindoutsomethingmoreaboutahidingplacethatnobody’syetdiscovered?Cisterns.Youknow,bankrobberies.Theyoftenhidthingsincisterns.Verydampplace,Ishouldhavethought,tohidesomething.Doyouthinkwhenhe’sfinishedmakinghisenquiriesorwhateveritis,he’llcomebackhereandcontinuelookingafterme—andyou,Tommy?”
“Idon’tneedhimtolookafterme,”saidTommy.
“Oh,that’sjustarrogance,”saidTuppence.
“Ithinkhe’llcometosaygoodbye,”saidTommy.
“Ohyes,becausehe’sgotverynicemanners,hasn’the?”
“He’llwanttomakesurethatyou’requiteallrightagain.”
“I’monlywoundedandthedoctor’sseentothat.”
“He’sreallyverykeenongardening,”saidTommy.“Irealizethat.HereallydidworkforafriendofhiswhohappenedtobeMr.Solomon,whohasbeendeadforsomeyears,butIsupposeitmakesagoodcover,that,becausehecansayheworkedforhimandpeoplewillknowheworkedforhim.Sohe’llappeartobequitebonafide.”
“Yes,Isupposeonehastothinkofallthosethings,”saidTuppence.
ThefrontdoorbellrangandHannibaldashedfromtheroom,tiger-style,tokillanyintruderwhomightbewishingtoenterthesacredprecinctswhichheguarded.Tommycamebackwithanenvelope
“Addressedtousboth,”hesaid.“ShallIopenit?”
“Goahead,”saidTuppence.
Heopenedit.
“Well,”hesaid,“thisraisespossibilitiesforthefuture.”
“Whatisit?”
“It’saninvitationfromMr.Robinson.Toyouandtome.Todinewithhimonadatetheweekafternextwhenhehopesyou’llbefullyrecoveredandyourselfagain.Inhiscountryhouse.SomewhereinSussex,Ithink.”
“Doyouthinkhe’lltellusanythingthen?”saidTuppence.
“Ithinkhemight,”saidTommy.
“ShallItakemylistwithme?”saidTuppence.“Iknowitbyheartnow.”
Shereadrapidly.
“BlackArrow,AlexanderParkinson,OxfordandCambridgeporcelainVictorianseats,Grin-hen-lo,KK,Mathilde’sstomach,CainandAbel,Truelove….”
“Enough,”saidTommy.“Itsoundsmad.”
“Well,itismad,allofit.Thinkthere’llbeanyoneelseatMr.Robinson’s?”
“PossiblyColonelPikeaway.”
“Inthatcase,”saidTuppence,“I’dbettertakeacoughlozengewithme,hadn’tI?Anyway,IdowanttoseeMr.Robinson.Ican’tbelievehe’sasfatandyellowasyousayheis—Oh!—but,Tommy,isn’tittheweekafternextthatDeborahisbringingthechildrentostaywithus?”
“No,”saidTommy,“it’sthisnextweekendaseveris.”
“Thankgoodness,sothat’sallright,”saidTuppence.
Sixteen
THEBIRDSFLYSOUTH
“Wasthatthecar?”
Tuppencecameoutofthefrontdoorpeeringcuriouslyalongthecurveofthedrive,eagerlyawaitingthearrivalofherdaughterDeborahandthethreechildren.
Albertemergedfromthesidedoor.
“Theywon’tbehereyet.No,thatwasthegrocer,madam.Youwouldn’tbelieveit—eggshavegoneup,again.NevervoteforthisGovernmentagain,Iwon’t.I’llgivetheLiberalsago.”
“ShallIcomeandseetotherhubarbandstrawberryfoolfortonight?”
“I’veseentothat,madam.I’vewatchedyouoftenandIknowjusthowyoudoit.”
“You’llbeacordonbleuchefbythetimeyou’vefinished,Albert,”saidTuppence.“It’sJanet’sfavouritesweet.”
“Yes,andImadeatreacletart—MasterAndrewlovestreacletart.”
“Theroomsareallready?”
“Yes.Mrs.Shackleburycameingoodtimethismorning.IputtheGuerlainSandalwoodSoapinMissDeborah’sbathroom.It’sherfavourite,Iknow.”
Tuppencebreathedasighofreliefattheknowledgethatallwasinorderforthearrivalofherfamily.
TherewasthesoundofamotorhornandafewminuteslaterthecarcameupthedrivewithTommyatthewheelandamomentlatertheguestsweredecantedonthedoorstep—daughterDeborahstillaveryhandsomewoman,nearlyforty,andAndrew,fifteen,Janet,eleven,andRosalie,seven.
“Hullo,Grandma,”shoutedAndrew.
“Where’sHannibal?”calledJanet.
“Iwantmytea,”saidRosalie,showingadispositiontoburstintotears.
Greetingswereexchanged.Albertdealtwiththedisembarkationofallthefamilytreasuresincludingabudgerigar,abowlofgoldfishandahamsterinahutch.
“Sothisisthenewhome,”saidDeborah,embracinghermother.“Ilikeit—Ilikeitverymuch.”
“Canwegoroundthegarden?”askedJanet.
“Aftertea,”saidTommy.
“Iwantmytea,”reiteratedRosaliewithanexpressiononherfaceof:Firstthingsfirst.
Theywentintothediningroomwhereteawassetoutandmetwithgeneralsatisfaction.
“What’sallthisI’vebeenhearingaboutyou,Mum?”demandedDeborah,whentheyhadfinishedteaandrepairedtotheopenair—thechildrenracingroundtoexplorethepossiblepleasuresofthegardeninthejointcompanyofThomasandHannibalwhohadrushedouttotakepartintherejoicings.
Deborah,whoalwaystookasternlinewithhermother,whomsheconsideredinneedofcarefulguardianship,demanded,“Whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“Oh.We’vesettledinquitecomfortablybynow,”saidTuppence.
Deborahlookedunconvinced.
“You’vebeendoingthings.Shehas,hasn’tshe,Dad?”
TommywasreturningwithRosalieridinghimpiggyback,JanetsurveyingthenewterritoryandAndrewlookingaroundwithanairoftakingafullgrown-upview.
“Youhavebeendoingthings.”Deborahreturnedtotheattack.“You’vebeenplayingatbeingMrs.Blenkensopalloveragain.Thetroublewithyouis,there’snoholdingyou—NorM—alloveragain.Derekheardsomethingandwroteandtoldme.”Shenoddedasshementionedherbrother’sname.
“Derek—whatcouldheknow?”demandedTuppence.
“Derekalwaysgetstoknowthings.”
“Youtoo,Dad.”Deborahturnedonherfather.“You’vebeenmixingyourselfupinthings,too.Ithoughtyou’dcomehere,bothofyou,toretire,andtakelifequietly—andenjoyyourselves.”
“Thatwastheidea,”saidTommy,“butFatethoughtotherwise.”
“PosternofFate,”saidTuppence.“Disaster’sCavern,FortofFear—”
“Flecker,”saidAndrew,withconsciouserudition.Hewasaddictedtopoetryandhopedonedaytobeapoethimself.Hecarriedonwithafullquotation:
“FourgreatgateshastheCityofDamascus…PosternofFate—theDesertGate..Passnotbeneath,OCaravan—orpassnotsinging.Haveyouheardthatsilencewherethebirdsaredead,yetsomethingpipethlikeabird?”
Withsingularlyappositecooperationbirdsflewsuddenlyfromtheroofofthehouseovertheirheads.
“Whatareallthosebirds,Grannie?”askedJanet.
“Swallowsflyingsouth,”saidTuppence.
“Won’ttheyevercomebackagain?”
“Yes,they’llcomebacknextsummer.”
“AndpassthroughthePosternofFate!”saidAndrewwithintensesatisfaction.
“ThishousewascalledSwallow’sNestonce,”saidTuppence.
“Butyouaren’tgoingonlivinghere,areyou?”saidDeborah.“Dadwroteandsaidyou’relookingoutforanotherhouse.”
“Why?”askedJanet—theRosaDartleofthefamily.“Ilikethisone.”
“I’llgiveyouafewreasons,”saidTommy,pluckingasheetofpaperfromhispocketandreadingaloud:
“BlackArrowAlexanderParkinsonOxfordandCambridgeVictorianchinagardenstoolsGrin-hen-loKKMathilde’sstomachCainandAbelGallantTruelove”
“Shutup,Tommy—that’smylist.It’snothingtodowithyou,”saidTuppence.
“Butwhatdoesitmean?”askedJanet,continuingherquiz.
“Itsoundslikealistofcluesfromadetectivestory,”saidAndrew,whoinhislesspoeticalmomentswasaddictedtothatformofliterature.
“Itisalistofclues.It’sthereasonwhywearelookingforanotherhouse,”saidTommy.
“ButIlikeithere,”saidJanet,“it’slovely.”
“It’sanicehouse,”saidRosalie.“Chocolatebiscuits,”sheadded,withmemoriesofrecentlyeatentea.
“Ilikeit,”saidAndrew,speakingasanautocraticCzarofRussiamightspeak.
“Whydon’tyoulikeit,Grandma?”askedJanet.
“Idolikeit,”saidTuppencewithasuddenunexpectedenthusiasm.“Iwanttolivehere—togoonlivinghere.”
“PosternofFate,”saidAndrew.“It’sanexcitingname.”
“ItusedtobecalledSwallow’sNest,”saidTuppence.“Wecouldcallitthatagain—”
“Allthoseclues,”saidAndrew.“Youcouldmakeastoryoutofthem—evenabook—”
“Toomanynames,toocomplicated,”saidDeborah.“Who’dreadabooklikethat?”
“You’dbesurprised,”saidTommy,“whatpeoplewillread—andenjoy!”
TommyandTuppencelookedateachother
“Couldn’tIgetsomepainttomorrow?”askedAndrew.“OrAlbertcouldgetsomeandhe’dhelpme.We’dpaintthenewnameonthegate.”
“Andthentheswallowswouldknowtheycouldcomebacknextsummer,”saidJanet.
Shelookedathermother.
“Notatallabadidea,”saidDeborah
“LaReineleveult,”saidTommyandbowedtohisdaughter,whoalwaysconsideredthatgivingtheRoyalassentinthefamilywasherperquisite.
Seventeen
LASTWORDS:DINNERWITHMR.ROBINSON
“Whatalovelymeal,”saidTuppence.Shelookedroundattheassembledcompany.
Theyhadpassedfromthediningtableandwerenowassembledinthelibraryroundthecoffeetable.
Mr.Robinson,asyellowandevenlargerthanTuppencehadvisualizedhim,wassmilingbehindabigandbeautifulGeorgeIIcoffee-pot—nexttohimwasMr.Crispin,now,itseemed,answeringtothenameofHorsham.ColonelPikeawaysatnexttoTommy,whohad,ratherdoubtfully,offeredhimoneofhisowncigarettes.
ColonelPikeaway,withanexpressionofsurprise,said:“Ineversmokeafterdinner.”
MissCollodon,whomTuppencehadfoundratheralarming,said,“Indeed,ColonelPikeaway?Howvery,veryinteresting.”SheturnedherheadtowardsTuppence.“Whataverywell-behaveddogyouhavegot,Mrs.Beresford!”
Hannibal,whowaslyingunderthetablewithhisheadrestingonTuppence’sfoot,lookedoutwithhismisleadingbestangelicexpressionandmovedhistailgently.
“Iunderstoodhewasaveryfiercedog,”saidMr.Robinson,castinganamusedglanceatTuppence.
“Youshouldseehiminaction,”saidMr.Crispin—aliasHorsham.
“Hehaspartymannerswhenheisaskedouttodinner,”explainedTuppence.“Helovesit,feelshe’sreallyaprestigedoggoingintohighsociety.”SheturnedtoMr.Robinson.“Itwasreallyvery,veryniceofyoutosendhimaninvitationandtohaveaplatefulofliverreadyforhim.Helovesliver.”
“Alldogsloveliver,”saidMr.Robinson.“Iunderstand—”helookedatCrispin-Horsham—“thatifIweretopayavisittoMr.andMrs.BeresfordattheirownhomeImightbetorntopieces.”
“Hannibaltakeshisdutiesveryseriously,”saidMr.Crispin.“He’sawell-bredguarddogandneverforgetsit.”
“Youunderstandhisfeelings,ofcourse,asasecurityofficer,”saidMr.Robinson.
Hiseyestwinkled.
“Youandyourhusbandhavedoneaveryremarkablepieceofwork,Mrs.Beresford,”saidMr.Robinson.“Weareindebtedtoyou.ColonelPikeawaytellsmethatyouweretheinitiatorintheaffair.”
“Itjusthappened,”saidTuppence,embarrassed.“Igot—well—curious.Iwantedtofindout—aboutcertainthings—”
“Yes,Igatheredthat.Andnow,perhapsyoufeelanequallynaturalcuriosityastowhatallthishasbeenabout?”
Tuppencebecameevenmoreembarrassed,andherremarksbecameslightlyincoherent.
“Oh—ohofcourse—Imean—Idounderstandthatallthisisquitesecret—Imeanallveryhush-hush—andthatwecan’taskquestions—becauseyoucouldn’ttellusthings.Idounderstandthatperfectly.”
“Onthecontrary,itisIwhowanttoaskyouaquestion.IfyouwillansweritbygivingmetheinformationIshallbeenormouslypleased.”
Tuppencestaredathimwithwide-openeyes.
“Ican’timagine—”Shebrokeoff.
“Youhavealist—orsoyourhusbandtellsme.Hedidn’ttellmewhatthatlistwas.Quiterightly.Thatlistisyoursecretproperty.ButI,too,knowwhatitistosuffercuriosity.”
Againhiseyestwinkled.TuppencewassuddenlyawarethatshelikedMr.Robinsonverymuch.
Shewassilentforamomentortwo,thenshecoughedandfumbledinhereveningbag.
“It’sterriblysilly,”shesaid.“Infactit’srathermorethansilly.It’smad.”
Mr.Robinsonrespondedunexpectedly:“‘Mad,mad,allthewholeworldismad.’SoHansSachssaid,sittingunderhiseldertreeinDieMeistersinger—myfavouriteopera.Howrighthewas!”
Hetookthesheetoffoolscapshehandedtohim.
“Readitaloudifyoulike,”saidTuppence.“Idon’treallymind.”
Mr.Robinsonglancedatit,thenhandedittoCrispin.“Angus,youhaveaclearervoicethanIhave.”
Mr.Crispintookthesheetandreadinanagreeabletenorwithgoodenunciation:
“BlackArrowAlexanderParkinsonMaryJordandidnotdienaturallyOxfordandCambridgeporcelainVictorianseatsGrin-Hen-LoKKMathilde’sstomachCainandAbelTruelove”
Hestopped,lookedathishost,whoturnedhisheadtowardsTuppence.
“Mydear,”saidMr.Robinson.“Letmecongratulateyou—youmusthaveamostunusualmind.Toarrivefromthislistofcluesatyourfinaldiscoveriesisreallymostremarkable.”
“Tommywashardatittoo,”saidTuppence.
“Naggedintoitbyyou,”saidTommy.
“Verygoodresearchhedid,”saidColonelPikeawayappreciatively.
“Thecensusdategavemeaverygoodpointer.”
“Youareagiftedpair,”saidMr.Robinson.HelookedatTuppenceagainandsmiled.“Iamstillassumingthatthoughyouhavedisplayednoindiscreetcuriosity,youreallywanttoknowwhatallthishasbeenabout?”
“Oh,”exclaimedTuppence.“Areyoureallygoingtotellussomething?Howwonderful!”
“Someofitbegins,asyousurmised,withtheParkinsons,”saidMr.Robinson.“Thatistosay,inthedistantpast.Myowngreat-grandmotherwasaParkinson.SomethingsIlearntfromher—
“ThegirlknownasMaryJordanwasinourservice.ShehadconnectionsintheNavy—hermotherwasAustrianandsosheherselfspokeGermanfluently.
“Asyoumayknow,andasyourhusbandcertainlyknowsalready,therearecertaindocumentswhichwillshortlybereleasedforpublication.
“Thepresenttrendofpoliticalthinkingisthathush-hush,necessaryasitisatcertaintimes,shouldnotbepreservedindefinitely.Therearethingsintherecordsthatshouldbemadeknownasadefinitepartofourcountry’spasthistory.
“Threeorfourvolumesareduetobepublishedwithinthenextcoupleofyearsauthenticatedbydocumentaryevidence
“WhatwentonintheneighbourhoodofSwallow’sNest(thatwasthenameofyourpresenthouseatthattime)willcertainlybeincluded.
“Therewereleakages—asalwaysthereareleakagesintimesofwar,orprecedingaprobableoutbreakofwar.
“Therewerepoliticianswhohadprestigeandwhowerethoughtofveryhighly.Therewereoneortwoleadingjournalistswhohadenormousinfluenceanduseditunwisely.ThereweremenevenbeforetheFirstWorldWarwhowereintriguingagainsttheirowncountry.AfterthatwartherewereyoungmenwhograduatedfromuniversitiesandwhowereferventbelieversandoftenactivemembersoftheCommunistPartywithoutanyoneknowingofthatfact.Andevenmoredangerous,FascismwascomingintofavourwithafullprogressiveprogrammeofeventualunionwithHitler,posingasaLoverofPeaceandtherebybringingaboutaquickendtothewar.
“Andsoon.AContinuousBehindtheScenesPicture.Ithashappenedbeforeinhistory.Doubtlessitwillalwayshappen:aFifthColumnthatisbothactiveanddangerous,runbythosewhobelievedinit—aswellasthosewhosoughtfinancialgain,thosewhoaimedateventualpowerbeingplacedintheirhandsinthefuture.Someofthiswillmakeinterestingreading.Howoftenhasthesamephrasebeenutteredinallgoodfaith:OldB.?Atraitor?Nonsense.Lastmanintheworld!Absolutelytrustworthy!
“Thecompleteconfidencetrick.Theold,oldstory.Alwaysonthesamelines.
“Inthecommercialworld,intheServices,inpoliticallife.Alwaysamanwithanhonestface—afellowyoucan’thelplikingandtrusting.Beyondsuspicion.‘Thelastmanintheworld.’Etc.,etc.,etc.Someonewho’sanaturalforthejob,likethemanwhocansellyouagoldbrickoutsidetheRitz.
“Yourpresentvillage,Mrs.Beresford,becametheheadquartersofacertaingroupjustbeforetheFirstWorldWar.Itwassuchaniceold-worldvillage—nicepeoplehadalwayslivedthere—allpatriotic,doingdifferentkindsofwarwork.Agoodnavalharbour—agood-lookingyoungNavalcommander—cameofagoodfamily,fatherhadbeenanadmiral.Agooddoctorpractisingthere—muchlovedbyallhispatients—theyenjoyedconfidingtheirtroublestohim.Justingeneralpractice—hardlyanyoneknewthathehadhadaspecialtraininginchemicalwarfare—inpoisongases.
“Andlater,beforetheSecondWorldWar,Mr.Kane—speltwithaK—livedinaprettythatchedcottagebytheharbourandhadaparticularpoliticalcreed—notFascist—ohno!JustPeacebeforeEverythingtosavetheworld—acreedrapidlygainingafollowingontheContinentandinnumerousothercountriesabroad.
“Noneofthatiswhatyoureallywanttoknow,Mrs.Beresford—butyou’vegottorealizethebackgroundfirst,averycarefullycontrivedone.That’swhereMaryJordanwassenttofindout,ifshecould,justwhatwasgoingon.
“Shewasbornbeforemytime.IadmiredtheworkshehaddoneforuswhenIheardthestoryofit—andIwouldhavelikedtohaveknownher—sheobviouslyhadcharacterandpersonality.
“MarywasherownChristiannamethoughshewasalwaysknownasMolly.Shedidgoodwork.Itwasatragedysheshoulddiesoyoung.”
Tuppencehadbeenlookinguptothewallatapicturewhichforsomereasonlookedfamiliar.Itwasameresketchofaboy’shead.
“Isthat—surely—”
“Yes,”saidMr.Robinson.“That’stheboyAlexanderParkinson.Hewasonlyeleventhen.Hewasagrandsonofagreat-auntofmine.That’showMollywenttotheParkinsons’intheroleofanurserygoverness.Itseemedagoodsafeobservationpost.Onewouldn’teverhavethought—”hebrokeoff,“whatwouldcomeofit.”
“Itwasn’t—oneoftheParkinsons?”askedTuppence.
“Ohno,mydear.IunderstandthattheParkinsonswerenotinvolvedinanyway.Buttherewereothers—guestsandfriends—stayinginthehousethatnight.ItwasyourThomaswhofoundoutthattheeveninginquestionwasthedateofacensusreturn.Thenamesofeveryonesleepingunderthatroofhadtobeenteredaswellastheusualoccupants.Oneofthosenameslinkedupinasignificantmanner.ThedaughterofthelocaldoctoraboutwhomIhavejusttoldyoucamedowntovisitherfatherassheoftendidandaskedtheParkinsonstoputherupthatnightasshehadbroughttwofriendswithher.Thosefriendswereallright—butlaterherfatherwasfoundtobeheavilyinvolvedinallthatwasgoingoninthatpartoftheworld.Sheherself,itseemed,hadhelpedtheParkinsonsingardenworksomeweeksearlierandwasresponsibleforfoxglovesandspinachbeingplantedincloseproximity.Itwasshewhohadtakenthemixtureofleavestothekitchenonthefatalday.Theillnessofalltheparticipantsofthemealpassedoffasoneofthoseunfortunatemistakesthathappensometimes.Thedoctorexplainedhehadknownsuchathinghappenbefore.HisevidenceattheinquestresultedinaverdictofMisadventure.Thefactthatacocktailglasshadbeensweptoffatableandsmashedbyaccidentthatsamenightattractednoattention.
“Perhaps,Mrs.Beresford,youwouldbeinterestedtoknowthathistorymighthaverepeateditself.Youwereshotatfromaclumpofpampasgrass,andlatertheladycallingherselfMissMullinstriedtoaddpoisontoyourcoffeecup.Iunderstandsheisactuallyagranddaughterorgreat-nieceoftheoriginalcriminaldoctor,andbeforetheSecondWorldWarshewasadiscipleofJonathanKane.That’showCrispinknewofher,ofcourse.Andyourdogdefinitelydisapprovedofherandtookpromptaction.IndeedwenowknowthatitwasshewhocoshedoldIsaac.
“Wenowhavetoconsideranevenmoresinistercharacter.Thegenialkindlydoctorwasidolizedbyeveryoneintheplace,butitseemsmostprobableontheevidencethatitwasthedoctorwhowasresponsibleforMaryJordan’sdeath,thoughatthetimenoonewouldhavebelievedit.Hehadwidescientificinterests,andexpertknowledgeofpoisonsanddidpioneeringworkinbacteriology.Ithastakensixtyyearsbeforethefactshavebecomeknown.OnlyAlexanderParkinson,aschoolboyatthetime,beganhavingideas.”
“MaryJordandidnotdienaturally,”quotedTuppencesoftly.“Itmusthavebeenoneofus.”Sheasked:“WasitthedoctorwhofoundoutwhatMarywasdoing?”
“No.Thedoctorhadnotsuspected.Butsomebodyhad.Uptillthenshehadbeencompletelysuccessful.TheNavalcommanderhadworkedwithherasplanned.Theinformationshepassedtohimwasgenuineandhedidn’trealizethatitwasmainlystuffthatdidn’tmatter—thoughithadbeenmadetosoundimportant.So-calledNavalplansandsecretswhichhepassedtoher,shedulydeliveredonherdaysoffinLondon,obeyinginstructionsastowhenandwhere.QueenMary’sGardeninRegent’sParkwasone,Ibelieve—andthePeterPanstatueinKensingtonGardenswasanother.Welearnedagooddealfromthesemeetingsandtheminorofficialsincertainembassiesconcerned.
“Butallthat’sinthepast,Mrs.Beresford,long,longinthepast.”
ColonelPikeawaycoughedandsuddenlytookover.“Buthistoryrepeatsitself,Mrs.Beresford.Everyonelearnsthatsoonerorlater.AnucleusrecentlyreformedinHollowquay.Peoplewhoknewaboutitsetthingsupagain.Perhapsthat’swhyMissMullinsreturned.Certainhidingplaceswereusedagain.Secretmeetingstookplace.Oncemoremoneybecamesignificant—whereitcamefrom,whereitwentto.Mr.Robinsonherewascalledin.AndthenouroldfriendBeresfordcamealongandstartedgivingmesomeveryinterestinginformation.Itfittedinwithwhatwehadalreadysuspected.Backgroundscenery,beingsetupinanticipation.Afuturebeingpreparedtobecontrolledandrunbyoneparticularpoliticalfigureinthiscountry.Amanwithacertainreputationandmakingmoreconvertsandfollowerseveryday.TheConfidenceTrickinactiononceagain.ManofGreatIntegrity—LoverofPeace.NotFascism—ohno!JustsomethingthatlookslikeFascism.Peaceforall—andfinancialrewardstothosewhocooperate.”
“Doyoumeanit’sstillgoingon?”Tuppence’seyesopenedwide.
“Well,weknowmoreorlessallwewantandneedtoknownow.Andthat’spartlybecauseofwhatyoutwohavecontributed—theoperationofasurgicalnatureonarockinghorsewasparticularlyinformative—”
“Mathilde!”exclaimedTuppence.“Iamglad!Icanhardlybelieveit.Mathilde’sstomach!”
“Wonderfulthings,horses,”saidColonelPikeaway.“Neverknowwhattheywilldo,orwon’tdo.EversincethewoodenhorseofTroy.”
“EvenTruelovehelped,Ihope,”saidTuppence.“But,Imean,ifit’sallgoingonstill.Withchildrenabout—”
“Itisn’t,”saidMr.Crispin.“Youdon’tneedtoworry.ThatareaofEnglandispurified—thewasps’nestclearedup.It’ssuitableforprivatelivingagain.We’vereasontobelievethey’veshiftedoperationstotheneighbourhoodofBurySt.Edmunds.Andwe’llbekeepinganeyeonyou,soyouneedn’tworryatall.”
Tuppencegaveasighofrelief.“Thankyoufortellingme.Yousee,mydaughterDeborahcomestostayfromtimetotimeandbringsherthreechildren—”
“Youneedn’tworry,”saidMr.Robinson.“Bytheway,aftertheNandMbusiness,didn’tyouadoptthechildthatfiguredinthecase—theonethathadthenurseryrhymebooks,GooseyGanderandalltherestofit?”
“Betty?”saidTuppence.“Yes.She’sdoneverywellatuniversityandshe’sgoneoffnowtoAfricatodoresearchonhowpeoplelive—thatsortofthing.Alotofyoungpeopleareverykeenonthat.She’sadarling—andveryhappy.”
Mr.Robinsonclearedhisthroatandrosetohisfeet.“Iwanttoproposeatoast.ToMr.andMrs.ThomasBeresfordinacknowledgementoftheservicetheyhaverenderedtotheircountry.”
Itwasdrunkenthusiastically.
“AndifImay,Iwillproposeafurthertoast,”saidMr.Robinson.“ToHannibal.”
“There,Hannibal,”saidTuppence,strokinghishead.“You’vehadyourhealthdrunk.Almostasgoodasbeingknightedorhavingamedal.IwasreadingStanleyWeyman’sCountHannibalonlytheotherday.”
“Readitasaboy,Iremember,”saidMr.Robinson.“‘WhotouchesmybrothertouchesTavanne,’ifI’vegotitright.Pikeaway,don’tyouthink?Hannibal,mayIbepermittedtotapyouontheshoulder?”
Hannibaltookasteptowardshim,receivedatapontheshoulderandgentlywaggedhistail.
“IherebycreateyouaCountofthisRealm.”
“CountHannibal.Isn’tthatlovely?”saidTuppence.“Whataprouddogyououghttobe!”
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
www.AgathaChristie.com
THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSetandOtherStories
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderDogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?TOMMYANDTUPPENCE?POSTERNOFFATE?.Copyright?1973AgathaChristieLimited.Allrightsreserved.
POSTERNOFFATE?1973.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
Formoreinformationabouteducationaluse,teachersshouldvisitwww.HarperAcademic.com.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWTRADEPAPERBACKPUBLISHED2012.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207434-8
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-200669-1
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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