The Secret Adversary_ A Tommy & Tuppence

TheSecretAdversary
ATommyandTuppenceMystery
Dedication
Toallthosewholeadmonotonouslivesinthehopethattheymayexperienceatsecond-handthedelightsanddangersofadventure.
Contents
TitlePage
Dedication
TommyandTuppence:AnIntroduction
Prologue
1TheYoungAdventurers,Ltd.
2Mr.Whittington’sOffer
3ASetback
4WhoisJaneFinn?
5Mr.JuliusP.Hersheimmer
6APlanofCampaign
7TheHouseinSoho
8TheAdventuresofTommy
9TuppenceEntersDomesticService
10EnterSirJamesPeelEdgerton
11JuliusTellsaStory
12AFriendinNeed
13TheVigil
14AConsultation
15TuppenceReceivesaProposal
16FurtherAdventuresofTommy
17Annette
18TheTelegram
19JaneFinn
20TooLate
21TommyMakesaDiscovery
22InDowningStreet
23ARaceAgainstTime
24JuliusTakesaHand
25Jane’sStory
26Mr.Brown
27ASupperPartyattheSavoy
28AndAfter
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
TommyandTuppence:AnIntroduction
byJohnCurran
“Tommy,oldthing.”
“Tuppence,oldbean.”
ThisexchangefromTheSecretAdversary(1922)introducesAgathaChristiereaderstothedetectiveteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford.Thislight-heartedbantersetsthetonenotjustforthisbookbutalsoforthefuturenovelsandshortstoriesintheseries;althoughcallingitaseriesissomewhatmisleadingas,unlikeHerculePoirotandMissMarpleandtheirextensivecasebooks,thereareonlyfiveTommyandTuppencetitles.TheystretchoverChristie’sentirewritinglife,withtwotitlesinbothherfirstandlastdecadeandonefrommid-career.TheSecretAdversarywashersecondpublishednovel;whilethelastnovelsheeverwrote,PosternofFate(1973),wasalsoaTommyandTuppence.InbetweentherewastheshortstorycollectionPartnersinCrime(1929)andthespystoryNorM?(1941),followedbyalonggapbeforethesinistermurder-mysteryBythePrickingofMyThumbs(1968).
Husband-and-wifedetectiveteamsarerelativelyrareincrimefiction.DashiellHammettcreatedNickandNoraCharlesinTheThinMan(1934),theironlyadventuredespitethehalf-dozenfilmswithWilliamPowellandMyrnaLoythatfeaturedthem.PamandJerryNorth,thecreationofhusband-and-wifeteamRichardandFrancesLockridge,detectedtheirwaythroughtwenty-sixnovels.Andalthoughmanyotherdetectivecharactershavemarriagepartners—InspectorFrench,GideonFell,InspectorAlleyn—theyarenotusuallyactiveinvestigativepartners.ButTommyandTuppenceBeresfordareuniqueinmeeting,marrying,andbecomingparentsandgrandparentsoverthefiftyyearsoftheircrime-solvingcareer.
UnlikeChristie’sotherdetectivecreationsTommyandTuppenceBeresfordagegraduallythroughtheseries,althoughitmustbeadmittedthatmathematicallythechronologydoesnotbearclosescrutiny.WhenwefirstmeettheminTheSecretAdversarytheyaredemobbedservicepersonnelfromWorldWarI;theyareamarriedcouplerunningadetectiveagencyinPartnersinCrime,attheendofwhichTuppenceannouncesherpregnancy.WhiletheirchildrenareinvolvedinWorldWarII,Mr.andMrs.BeresfordcontributetothewareffortbychasingspiesinNorM?andtheyaregrandparentsinvestigatingamysteriousdisappearancefromaretirementhomeinBythePrickingofMyThumbs.IntheirfinaladventuretheelderlyTommyandTuppencediscoverthesecrethistoryoftheirnewhomeinPosternofFate.
InmanywaysTuppencewasthemodelformanyofthefemaleprotagoniststhatChristiecreatedthroughouthercareer:AnneBeddingfeldinTheManintheBrownSuit(1924),LadyEileen(Bundle)BrentinTheSecretofChimneys(1925)andTheSevenDialsMystery(1929),EmilyTrefusisinTheSittafordMystery(1931),LadyFrancesDerwentinWhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?(1934),andVictoriaJonesinTheyCametoBaghdad(1951).AllofthesefemalesdisplaycharacteristicssimilartoTuppence:indefatigablecuriosity,quick-wittedcourage,unquestioningloyalty,andasenseofhumor;butTuppenceisuniqueinalsobeingawifeand,later,amotherandgrandmother.Unlikemanyfemale“sidekicks”Tuppenceisverymuchanequalpartnerandnotsimplyahelplessfemalewaitingforthebraverandmoreintelligentmaletorescueherfromtheclutchesoftheevilmastermind.ItisTuppencewhotakestheinitiativeattheverybeginningofTheSecretAdversaryindraftingthenewspaperadvertisementanditisherbrainwavetoamendittoreadintriguingly“Nounreasonableofferrefused.”Hersangfroidtakesthemthroughtheirinitialmysteriousinterviewandhersubsequentdomesticpositionisasignificanttestofhernerve.ThroughoutTheSecretAdversaryTuppencesharesthedangerequallywithTommy.
InChapterOneofTheSecretAdversaryTuppenceisdescribedashaving“noclaimtobeauty,buttherewascharacterandcharmintheelfinlinesofherlittleface,withitsdeterminedchinandlarge,wide-apartgreyeyesthatlookedmistilyoutfromunderstraightblackbrows.”Tommy’sfaceis“pleasantlyugly—nondescriptyetunmistakablythefaceofagentlemanandasportsman.”Moresurprisinglyheisdescribedashaving“ashockofexquisitelyslicked-backredhair.”WiththesedescriptionsChristiecarefullyavoidedtheclichésofthebroadshoulders,taperingwaist,chiseledjawline,anddevil-may-caresuntannedface(forthehero)andthesylph-likefigure,goldentresses,exquisitebeauty,andall-knowinginnocence(fortheheroine),whichwerethecommonattributesoffictionalcharactersatthetime.
WecanbelieveinTommyandTuppencebecausetheyseemso“ordinary.”InChapterTwenty-twoofTheSecretAdversarythePrimeMinisterandtheenigmaticMr.Carterdiscussthecaseandthetwoleadingprotagonists.Mr.Cartergivesthefollowingsuccinctsummaryofthepairanditstandsasanaccuratepictureofthemboth.“Outwardly,[Tommyis]anordinary,clean-limbed,ratherblock-headedyoungEnglishman.Slowinhismentalprocesses.Ontheotherhand,it’squiteimpossibletoleadhimastraythroughhisimagination.Hehasn’tgotany—sohe’sdifficulttodeceive.Heworriesthingsoutslowly,andoncehe’sgotholdofanythinghedoesn’tletgo.Thelittlelady’squitedifferent.Moreintuitionandlesscommonsense.Theymakeaprettypairworkingtogether.Paceandstamina.”
TheotherseriescharacterthatmakeshisfirstappearanceinTheSecretAdversaryisAlbert,ahumbleliftboyintheRitzHotelwhenwefirstmakehisacquaintance.Tuppence,byjudiciousexaggerationofherinvolvementinaffairsnefarious,befriendshimandheprovestobeaninvaluableallyinthecourseoftheadventure.WhennextwemeethiminPartnersinCrimeheisinstalledastheofficeboyinthedetectiveagencyandthereafterhebecomesapermanentpartoftheBeresfordhousehold,appearinginallthenovelsincludingPosternofFate.ItisnotuntilNorM?,however,thatwelearnthathissurnameisBattandbythenhehasalsoacquiredawife,althoughherpartisanoff-stageone.HiscontributionduringNorM?issomewhatincidental,butinBythePrickingofMyThumbsheisfirmlyinstalledintheBeresfordhouseholdascook/butler/factotum.
WhenshesignedtheagreementforTheMysteriousAffairatStyles,AgathaChristiewascontractedtoproduceafurtherfivetitlesforTheBodleyHead.InOctober1920shewrotetoherthenpublisher,JohnLaneatTheBodleyHead,inquiringabouttheprogressofherfirstbookandinthecourseofherlettershementionedthat“I’venearlyfinishedasecondonebythistime.”SothisletterputsthecompositionofTheSecretAdversarythreeyearsearlierthanitspublicationandthis,inturn,agreeswiththedialogueinChapterOnewhereTommytalksofbeingdemobbedfor“tenlongwearymonths”;ifheleftthearmyattheendof1918tenmonthslaterwouldbringhimclosetotheendof1919.
Christiediscussestheearlygenesisofthebookinherautobiography.Shedescribeshow,ratherlikeTommyinChapterOneofthefinishednovel,sheoverheardaconversationinateashop,aconversationaboutsomeonecalledJaneFish.Shecontinues,“That,Ithought,wouldmakeratheragoodbeginningtoastory—anameoverheardatateashop—anunusualname,sothatwhoeverhearditrememberedit.AnamelikeJaneFish,orperhapsJaneFinnwouldbeevenbetter.IsettledforJaneFinnandstartedwritingstraightaway.IcalleditTheJoyfulVenturefirst—thenTheYoungAdventurers—andfinallyitbecameTheSecretAdversary.”Themoniker“TheYoungAdventurers”resurfacesinthenewspaperadvertisementinChapterOneandcapturesthespiritofthebookanditstwoprotagonistsperfectly.ChristiegoesontoexplainthatJohnLanedidnotlikeTheSecretAdversaryasitwassodifferenttoherfirstbook.Hesofearedlowersalesthatforawhilehewasnotevengoingtopublishit.Butherelentedandshegottheprincelysumof￡50fortheserialrights.
TheplotofTheSecretAdversaryhasitsoriginssomefouryearsearlierduringanactualhistoricalfact,thesinkingoftheLusitaniainMay1915.TheshiphadleftNewYorkthepreviousweekwithalmosttwothousandpassengers(160ofthemU.S.citizens)andwashitbyaGermantorpedooffthecoastofIreland.Twelvehundredpassengersdrowned,amongthem120Americans.DespiteGermanclaimsthatitwascarryingarms,theworldwasoutragedbythesinkingofapassengershipandthisangryindignationhastenedtheentryoftheUnitedStatesintothewar.(Ironically,recentmaritimeinvestigationshavedisclosedthepresenceofammunitiononboard.)AtthetimeofthepublicationofTheSecretAdversarythisinfamoustragedywouldhavebeenstillfreshinthepublicconsciousnessandtheshortopeningsceneonboardtheill-fatedshipseizesthereader’sattention.Thisseeminglyinsignificanteventsetsinmotionaseriesofeventsintowhichourheroandheroinearedrawnbeforetheyrealizewhatishappening.
Themainstory,setsomeyearslater,beginswiththechancemeetingofMissPrudenceCowleyandMr.ThomasBeresfordoutsidethelong-goneDoverStreettubestation.Inrenewingtheirearlieracquaintancewelearnthattheyhavebothbeenrecentlydemobbedfromthearmedservicesandareatlooseends.TheyretiretoaLyonsCornerHouseteashop(afamouschainalsolonggone)andupdateeachotherontheirlifehistories.WelearnthattheykneweachotherinchildhoodandhadbecomereacquaintedduringthewarwhenTommywasinjuredandhadbeenapatientinthesamehospitalwhereTuppenceworked.
TuppenceisMissPrudenceCowley,thedaughterofArchdeaconCowley(whomakesabriefappearanceatthecloseofTheSecretAdversary)andthefifthofsevenchildren.Theoriginofhernickname,Tuppence,isunclear,eventoherself.ShelefthomeinSuffolk—notexactlyreluctantly—tohelpthewareffortandworkedinvariouslowlypositionsinahospital.Beforeherdemobilizationshealsoworkedasadriverandinanoffice.Tommy’slifestoryisevenbriefer.Apartfromhavingarichunclewhowas,atonestage,anxioustoadopthim,littleisknownofhisparents,whoarebothdead.Herosetotherankoflieutenantinthearmyandwaswoundedseveraltimes.Bothofthemareunemployedandalmostpenniless.ThisalsoishistoricalfactwhenthereturnofthousandsofservicepersonnelfromWorldWarIcausedmassunemploymentandbecameamajorsocialandeconomicproblem.
Apartfromthesmoothstorytellingtheotherattractivefeatureofthebookisthebanterofthetwomainprotagonists.Theopeningexchangesetsthetoneandthiscontinuesthroughoutmostofthebook,eveninthetightcornersinwhichtheyfindthemselves.Tuppence’sinsouciantconversationwithMr.Whittington—“YouheardmesayyesterdaythatIproposedtolivebymywits.ItseemstomethatIhavenowprovedthatIhavesomewitstoliveby!”—ismatchedbyTommy’sdevil-may-careattitude—“‘Let’shopethejudgehasn’tputhisblackcapon,’saidTommyfrivolously”—duringhislaterincarceration.Later,Tuppence’scaptureofthemindandheartofAlbert—“‘AmericanDetectiveForce,’shehissed.Albertfellforit.‘Lord!’hemurmuredecstatically”—isamasterpieceofpsychologyandacting.
TheelementsthatcompriseTheSecretAdversaryareverymuchoftheperiod—afearlessdetective(or,inthiscase,twofearlessdetectives)battlingamysteriousmastermindbentonworlddomination,dastardlykidnappingsanddaringrescues,falsetelegramsandforgednotes,disguiseandimpersonation.Alsothrownintothemixareamillionaire,astrangenursinghome,acoupleofautomaticallysuspiciousforeigners(i.e.anyonefromoutsideBritain),andanunexplaineddeath.FromthesesomewhatclichédingredientsChristieconstructsahighlyreadablestorycompletewithoriginalandunexpecteddevelopmentsandasurpriseChristie-esquerevelationinthefinalchapter.ThemysteriousMr.Brownplaysthesamepartthroughoutthisthrillerastheunidentifiedmurdererdoesinherwhodunits—Mr./Mrs./MissXwaitingtobeunmaskedinthefinalchapter.ShealsoconcealstheidentityofthisdangerousmastermindasartfullyasshedidofherfirstkillerinTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.
Someelementsofthebook’splotsurfaceinlaterChristiestories:Tommy’sinfiltrationofthemeetinginthehouseinSohoforeshadowsasimilarscene,sevenyearslater,inTheSevenDialsMystery;thesinisternursinghomereappearsinthelaterTommyandTuppencestory“TheCaseoftheMissingLady,”aswellasthemuchlaterWhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?;vitallyimportantpapersarealsoafeatureintheplayBlackCoffeeandtheshortstory“TheIncredibleTheft.”Also,theoverallpointofcharacterspretendingtobeotherthantheyarewillbeaconstantfeatureofChristie’sfictionforthenextfiftyyears.Theothersurpriseforevenwell-informedChristiereadersisthecasualmentioninChapterFiveofoneInspectorJapp,normallythepartner-in-crimeofHerculePoirot.HehadalreadyappearedinTheMysteriousAffairatStylesandwouldcontinuetobeagrudgingadmirerofthelittleBelgianformanyyears,andcases,tocome.
PublishedinJanuary1922intheUnitedKingdomandsomemonthslaterintheUnitedStates,TheSecretAdversaryreceivedpromisingpress.TheLondonTimesfoundit“refreshinglyoriginal,theidentityofthearch-criminaliscleverlyconcealedtotheveryend”whiletheDailyNewsthoughtit“aningeniousandexcitingyarn…eminentlyreadable.”TheSaturdayReviewconsideredit“anexcitingstoryofadventure,fullofhair-breadthescapes,andmanydisappointmentsif[readers]trytoguesstheriddlebeforetheauthorisreadytogivethemtheclue.Anexcellentstory.”TheDailyChroniclesummeditupinamannerthatpropheticallyforeshadowedmanyreviewstocome:“It’sanexcellentyarnandthereaderwillfinditasimpossibleaswedidtoputitasideuntilthemysteryhadbeenfaithfullyfathomed.”
TheseverdictswereencouragingbecauseTheSecretAdversarywasacompletechangeofstyleandpacefromChristie’sfirstbook.ThisfirstdecadeofherwritingcareerfoundChristiesearchingforaformulathatsuitedhertalents.Althoughthewhodunitwasthetypeofbookwithwhichshewastofindfameandfortuneshewroteonlyfourofthembetween1920and1929:TheMysteriousAffairatStyles,TheMurderontheLinks,TheMurderofRogerAckroyd,andTheMysteryoftheBlueTrain.Sheinterspersedeachofthesewiththrillers,whichemphasizedphysicalratherthencerebralactivity—TheSecretAdversary,TheManintheBrownSuit,TheBigFour,andTheSevenDialsMystery—andshort-storycollections—PoirotInvestigates,PartnersinCrime,andtheepisodicnovelTheBigFour,culledfromearliershortstories.
Theshort-storymarketatthetimewasenormousandlucrative,withamassoffictionmagazinescrowdingthebookstalls.Theregularappearanceofashortstoryoraseriesofshortstorieskeptanauthor’snameinthepublicconsciousnessand,moreimportantforthewriter,representedasourceofimmediateincome.Manycrimewritersappearedregularlyinthepagesofthemultitudeofmagazinesavailable—ConanDoyleandSherlockHolmes,ChestertonandFatherBrown,BaileyandMr.Fortune,HornungandRaffles—andinmanycasestheappearanceofanewstorybyafavoritewriterwasasellingpoint,withthenameandtitleemblazonedonthecover.DuringthisdecadeChristiewroteanenormous
ThesecondTommyandTuppencebook,PartnersinCrime,waspublishedin1929.Nowhappilymarried,theBeresfordsattherequestofMr.CarterfromTheSecretAdversarysetupadetectiveagencyandcallthemselves,withcustomarymodesty,Blunt’sBrilliantDetectives.Infact,theagencyisacoverforthedisseminationofvitalcovertinformationasthepreviousowner,Mr.TheodoreBlunt,wasaspy.BytakingoverhisbusinessTommyandTuppencearetokeeptheireyesandearsopenandkeepMr.Carterinformed.Althoughthissubplotsurfacesfromtimetotimeinthecourseoftheindividualcasesthatmakeupthebook,itisneveramajor,orindeedaconvincing,reasonfortheiradventures.Mostofthecasesundertakenbythepairarecleverandentertainingbutasanaddedbonustheytackleeachcaseinthemannerofa(then)well-knowndetective.
AlthoughthecollectionwaspublishedintheUnitedKingdominSeptember1929theindividualstorieshadappeareduptosixyearspreviously,mainlyinTheSketch,thesamemagazineinwhichoneHerculePoirotfirstmadehisshort-storyappearance.Withtheexceptionof“TheUnbreakableAlibi,”whichappearedin1928,alloftheotherstoriesappearedin1923–24;inotherwords,intheyearfollowingtheappearanceofTheSecretAdversary.Collectingthemnecessitatedsomerewritingandrearrangementbeforethebookwasissued.Soforexamplewhen,inChapterOne,Tuppencesays“TommyandTuppenceweremarried…Andsixyearslatertheywerestilllivingtogether,”thistimeframetallieswiththepublicationofthebookandnotwiththeappearanceoftheoriginalshortstory.
AmajorfeatureofPartnersinCrimeistheparody/pasticheelement.ThisideaispromotedbyTommywho,inanefforttoemulatethegreatdetectivesoffiction,investsinacollectionofdetectivestoriesanddecidestosolveeachcaseinthemannerofoneofhisheroes.Thus“TheAffairofthePinkPearl”issolvedinthemannerofR.AustinFreeman’sDr.Thorndyke,apioneerinthefieldofscientificinvestigation.“TheCaseoftheMissingLady”isaSherlockHomescaseandindeedmorethanonecaseforthesleuthofBakerStreetinvolvedasearchforamissingperson.Althoughitismuchlighterintoneitisdifficult,whenreading“TheCaseoftheMissingLady,”nottothinkofHolmes’verysimilarlytitledinvestigationof“TheDisappearanceofLadyFrancesCarfax.”SomeofthecharacterspastichedareforgottenbymodernaudiencesbutmostcrimefanswillfondlyrememberEdgarWallacewhoisrecalledin“TheCrackler”;FatherBrownin“TheManintheMist”(oneofthemostaccuratepastichesinthebook);andRogerSheringham,thecreationofAnthonyBerkeley,in“TheClergyman’sDaughter.”ThepersistentInspectorFrench,breakerofalibis,andthecreationofIrishmanFreemanWillsCrofts,isrecalledin“TheUnbreakableAlibi”;andBaronessOrczy’sOldManintheCorner,whosemodusoperandiwastostudytheaccountofacrimeandtosolveitwithoutleavinghisABCteashop,iscleverlycapturedin“TheSunningdaleMystery.”Andinacleverpieceofgentleself-mockerythelaststoryofthecollectionfeaturesdetectioninthestyleofthegreatHerculePoirotin“TheManWhoWasNo.16,”aslyreferencetoTheBigFour!
NorM?waspublishedin1941andwasacompletechangeofpaceforbothChristieandTommyandTuppence.ItissetunequivocallyinWorldWarIIandwaswrittenduringtheearlydaysofthewar.ChristiealternatedthewritingofthiswiththewritingoftheverytraditionalwhodunitTheBodyintheLibraryandexplainsinherautobiography,“Ihaddecidedtowritetwobooksatoncesinceoneofthedifficultiesofwritingabookisthatitsuddenlygoesstaleonyou.”Itappearsthatthecompositionoftwototallycontrastingbookshelpedtokeepeachofthemfresh.
TheBeresfordsareatsomethingofalooseendbecauseboththeirchildrenareinvolvedinwarworkandcommunicationbetweenthemisguarded.WhenTommy(andTommyonly)isaskedtoundertakeamissionattherequestofaMr.Grant,actuallyanallyoftheiroldfriendMr.Carter,heagrees.AveryunimpressedTuppencetakesmattersintoherownhandsandwhenTommyarrivesathissupposedlysecretdestinationitistofindheralreadyinstalled,completewithanewpersona.Thesetting,aseasideboardinghouse,isverytraditionalChristieterritoryanddespitethestrongpresenceofspies,secretagents,codes,andcovertsubversivesthequestiontobeansweredisnotsomuchWhodunit?but“WhoIstheSpyMastermind,”althoughwithcustomaryChristieingenuityshemanagestoincludeamurdermysteryatthesametime,andofferscleverandunexpectedanswerstoeachproblem.
Afteragapofmorethantwenty-fiveyearsBythePrickingofMyThumbswasthenext-to-lastadventureforthepair.WhenwemeetTommyandTuppenceinthebook’sopeningchaptertheyareamiddle-agedcouplechattingoverbreakfast.PerhapsbecauseChristieherselfwasnowinherlateseventies,mostofthecharactersinthebookaresimilarlyelderly.AletterfromTommy’sauntspursthemontovisitherinherretirementhomeandthereTuppencemeetstheelderlyMrs.Lancasterwithwhomshehasapeculiarand,inretrospect,sinisterconversationconcerningthedeathsofsomeotherresidents.WhenonasubsequentvisittheydiscoverthatMrs.Lancasterisnolongeraresident,havingbeenremovedbymysteriousrelatives,theirsuspicionsarearousedandTuppencedecidestoinvestigate.
TheconversationwithMrs.Lancasteralsocontainsanextraordinarysequence,onethatisrepeatedalmostexactlyintwootherunconnectedChristietitles.InChapterTwoofBythePrickingofMyThumbs,ChapterTenofSleepingMurder(1976),andChapterFourofThePaleHorse(1961)wereadofanelderlyladywithwhitehairdrinkingaglassofmilkandholdingaconversationaboutadeadchildbehindthefireplace.Thephrase“Is/Wasityourpoorchild”appearsinallthreeexamplesalthoughitisonlyinBythePrickingofMyThumbsthattheincidenthasanyrelevancetotheplot;infact,“WasItYourPoorChild?”isthenameofthechapter.Inbothothercasesthescenetakesplaceinapsychiatricinstitutionratherthanaretirementhome.Tomaketheconversationevenmorebizarreeachcasealsomentionsaparticulartimeofday(differentineachcase).Thepuzzleofwhy
Likemanyofthebooksofherlateryearstheplot,andmuchofthedialogue,ofBythePrickingofMyThumbsisrepetitious,anddespitestrongopeningandclosingscenesthesuspicionremainsthatruthlesseditingwouldhavehelped.Butasthededication,to“themanyreadersinthisandothercountrieswhoaskaboutTommyandTuppence,”remindsusitisgoodtomeettheBeresfordsagain,afteragapofaquarter-century,butstillwith“spiritunquenched.”
PosternofFatewasnotonlythelastTommyandTuppencebookbutalsothelastbookthatAgathaChristiewrote.Bynowshewaseighty-threeyearsoldandinpoorhealth,anditisarguablethatherpublishersshouldnothaveaskedforanotherbook.Butwritingher“ChristieforChristmas”waswhatshehaddoneformorethanfiftyyearsandeightybooks,soitwasinevitablethatshewouldbeginwritinganewbookassoonasthepreviousonehadappearedinthestores.Infact,herNotebookscontaindetailednotesforthebookthatwasplannedtofollowPosternofFatebut,sadly,itwasnottobe.
PosternofFate,likemanyofthelatter-dayChristies,beginspromisingly:TommyandTuppencemoveintoanewhousewhereTuppence,whileshelvingbooks,uncoversacodedmessagehiddeninRobertLouisStevenson’sTreasureIsland,amessagethatsuggestsamurderhadbeencommittedtheremanyyearsago.“MaryJordandidnotdienaturally…itwasoneofus.”SuchasetupistypicalChristiecountrybutthisintriguingopeningisthemostinterestingaspectofthebookand,despiteasubsequentmurderandtheattemptedmurderofTuppence,thebulkofthebookisaseriesofnostalgicconversations.Itis,inreality,ajourneyintothepastbothforthewriterandthereader.ManyelementsfromChristie’shappychildhoodinherfamilyhome,Ashfield,appearinbarelydisguisedform—thebookssheread,herrockinghorse,themonkey-puzzletreeinthegarden,thegreenhouse—butthearch-plotterofyesteryearislittleinevidence.WefinallygettomeettheBeresfordgrandchildrenbutthechronologyofthethreegenerationswillnotstandclosescrutiny.ArapiddeclineinAgathaChristie’shealthmeantthatintheyearsthatfollowedPosternofFatebooksandstorieswrittenmanyyearsearlierduringherglorydays—Poirot’sEarlyCase(1974),Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase(1975),andSleepingMurder(1976)—wouldappeartodelightherworldwideaudience.
AlthoughthenameofAgathaChristieisinextricablylinkedtothewhodunit,TheSecretAdversary,inmanywaysanatypicalstory,wasthefirstofherbookstobeadaptedforthescreen.In1928aGermansilentfilmofthebookwasreleasedasDieAbentueurGmbH.ItishighlyunlikelythatAgathaChristieeversawthisfilmherself(or,infact,evenknewofit)asprintsofithavesurfacedonlyinthelasttwentyyears.DespitethefactthatthefilmisGermanitstarredanEnglishactressandanItalianactor,EveGreyandCarloAldini,astheintrepidinvestigatorsandis,despiteitsobviousrestrictions,betterthanyoumightsuppose.Forthemostpartitfollowstheplotofthenovelalthoughasthefilmprogressestherelationshipbetweenthetwobecomeslesscertain.ButasanearlyexampleoftheinternationalinterestinChristie’sworkitremainsafascinatingpieceofcinemahistory.
AfterthisscreenoutingtheTommyandTuppenceserieslanguishedformanyyearsuntilBritishTVadaptedtheshort-storycollectionPartnersinCrimein1983andprecededtheserieswithatwo-hourversionofTheSecretAdversary.ThislavishandfaithfuladaptationstarstheperfectlycastJamesWarwickandFrancescaAnnisintheleadrolesandalsofeaturesGeorgeBakerintheroleofMr.Whittington.ThisactorwaslatertoachievefameasRuthRendell’sInspectorWexfordbuthadearlierappearedasNgaioMarsh’sInspectorAlleyn;healsoappearedintheJoanHicksonversionofAtBertram’sHotel(1987)andwasthefirstNevilleStrangeintheoriginalWestEndproductionofTowardsZeroin1956.ThetelevisionmoviealsostarsHonorBlackmanasaglamorousandsinisterRitaVandemeyerandAlecMcCowanasasleekPeelEdgerton.Theten-parttelevisionseriesthatfollowed,calledAgathaChristie’sPartnersinCrime,faithfullyadaptedmostofthestoriesfromthecollection,althoughomitting,forthemostpart,thereferencestothepasticheelement.Theonlystoriesnottoappearwere“TheAdventureoftheSinisterStranger,”“Blindman’sBuff,”and“TheManWhoWasNo.16.”TheserieswasbroadcastonBritishTVbetweenOctober1983andJanuary1984.
WhilethisTVseriesisquitewellknownnotallChristiereadersknowthattherewasalsoaBBCradioseriesbasedonPartnersinCrimebroadcastbetweenAprilandJuly1953.ItstarredRichardAttenboroughandhisreal-lifewife,SheilaSim,thenalsoappearingintheWestEndinChristie’sTheMousetrap.Althoughnocopyoftheseriesisknowntoexist,theavailabledetailswouldseemtoindicateadaptationsofallthestories,althoughwithsomechangesoftitle.
Overall,inChristie’soutputtheadventuresofTommyandTuppencearenotassignificantaseithertheMarpleorthePoirotseries.TheBeresfordcasesdonotdisplaytheintricateplots,thedazzlingsleightsofhand,orthesometimesshockingdenouementsthatdistinguishChristie’sdetectivefiction.Itisdoubtfulthatanyofthefivebookswouldstillbeavailabletodayifitweren’tforthecareerofthefamousBelgianofthelittlegreycellsortheelderlyinhabitantofSt.MaryMead.Butasthepair’soriginaltitle,TheYoungAdventurers,suggests,theirexploitsarenottobetakentooseriouslybutenjoyedforwhattheyare—light-heartedromps.For,asthededicationofTheSecretAdversaryputsit,“Thosewholeadmonotonouslivesinthehopethattheymayexperienceatsecond-handthedelightsanddangersofadventure.”
Prologue
Itwas2p.m.ontheafternoonofMay7th,1915.TheLusitaniahadbeenstruckbytwotorpedoesinsuccessionandwassinkingrapidly,whiletheboatswerebeinglaunchedwithallpossiblespeed.Thewomenandchildrenwerebeinglinedupawaitingtheirturn.Somestillclungdesperatelytohusbandsandfathers;othersclutchedtheirchildrencloselytotheirbreasts.Onegirlstoodalone,slightlyapartfromtherest.Shewasquiteyoung,notmorethaneighteen.Shedidnotseemafraid,andhergravesteadfasteyeslookedstraightahead.
“Ibegyourpardon.”
Aman’svoicebesidehermadeherstartandturn.Shehadnoticedthespeakermorethanonceamongstthefirst-classpassengers.Therehadbeenahintofmysteryabouthimwhichhadappealedtoherimagination.Hespoketonoone.Ifanyonespoketohimhewasquicktorebufftheoverture.Alsohehadanervouswayoflookingoverhisshoulderwithaswift,suspiciousglance.
Shenoticednowthathewasgreatlyagitated.Therewerebeadsofperspirationonhisbrow.Hewasevidentlyinastateofovermasteringfear.Andyethedidnotstrikeherasthekindofmanwhowouldbeafraidtomeetdeath!
“Yes?”Hergraveeyesmethisinquiringly.
Hestoodlookingatherwithakindofdesperateirresolution.
“Itmustbe!”hemutteredtohimself.“Yes—itistheonlyway.”Thenaloudhesaidabruptly:“YouareanAmerican?”
“Yes.”
“Apatrioticone?”
Thegirlflushed.
“Iguessyou’venorighttoasksuchathing!OfcourseIam!”
“Don’tbeoffended.Youwouldn’tbeifyouknewhowmuchtherewasatstake.ButI’vegottotrustsomeone—anditmustbeawoman.”
“Why?”
“Becauseof‘womenandchildrenfirst.’”Helookedroundandloweredhisvoice.“I’mcarryingpapers—vitallyimportantpapers.TheymaymakeallthedifferencetotheAlliesinthewar.Youunderstand?Thesepapershavegottobesaved!They’vemorechancewithyouthanwithme.Willyoutakethem?”
Thegirlheldoutherhand.
“Wait—Imustwarnyou.Theremaybearisk—ifI’vebeenfollowed.Idon’tthinkIhave,butoneneverknows.Ifso,therewillbedanger.Haveyouthenervetogothroughwithit?”
Thegirlsmiled.
“I’llgothroughwithitallright.AndI’mrealproudtobechosen!WhatamItodowiththemafterwards?”
“Watchthenewspapers!I’lladvertiseinthepersonalcolumnofTheTimes,beginning‘Shipmate.’Attheendofthreedaysifthere’snothing—well,you’llknowI’mdownandout.ThentakethepackettotheAmericanEmbassy,anddeliveritintotheAmbassador’sownhands.Isthatclear?”
“Quiteclear.”
“Thenbeready—I’mgoingtosaygood-bye.”Hetookherhandinhis.“Good-bye.Goodlucktoyou,”hesaidinaloudertone.
Herhandclosedontheoilskinpacketthathadlaininhispalm.
TheLusitaniasettledwithamoredecidedlisttostarboard.Inanswertoaquickcommand,thegirlwentforwardtotakeherplaceintheboat.
One
THEYOUNGADVENTURES,LTD.
“Tommy,oldthing!”
“Tuppence,oldbean!”
Thetwoyoungpeoplegreetedeachotheraffectionately,andmomentarilyblockedtheDoverStreetTubeexitindoingso.Theadjective“old”wasmisleading.Theirunitedageswouldcertainlynothavetotalledforty-five.
“Notseenyouforsimplycenturies,”continuedtheyoungman.“Whereareyouoffto?Comeandchewabunwithme.We’regettingabitunpopularhere—blockingthegangwayasitwere.Let’sgetoutofit.”
Thegirlassenting,theystartedwalkingdownDoverStreettowardsPiccadilly.
“Nowthen,”saidTommy,“whereshallwego?”
TheveryfaintanxietywhichunderlayhistonedidnotescapetheastuteearsofMissPrudenceCowley,knowntoherintimatefriendsforsomemysteriousreasonas“Tuppence.”Shepouncedatonce.
“Tommy,you’restony!”
“Notabitofit,”declaredTommyunconvincingly.“Rollingincash.”
“Youalwayswereashockingliar,”saidTuppenceseverely,“thoughyoudidoncepersuadeSisterGreenbankthatthedoctorhadorderedyoubeerasatonic,butforgottentowriteitonthechart.Doyouremember?”
Tommychuckled.
“IshouldthinkIdid!Wasn’ttheoldcatinaragewhenshefoundout?Notthatshewasabadsortreally,oldMotherGreenbank!Goodoldhospital—demobbedlikeeverythingelse,Isuppose?”
Tuppencesighed.
“Yes.Youtoo?”
Tommynodded.
“Twomonthsago.”
“Gratuity?”hintedTuppence.
“Spent.”
“Oh,Tommy!”
“No,oldthing,notinriotousdissipation.Nosuchluck!Thecostofliving—ordinaryplain,orgardenlivingnowadaysis,Iassureyou,ifyoudonotknow—”
“Mydearchild,”interruptedTuppence,“thereisnothingIdonotknowaboutthecostofliving.HereweareatLyons’,andwewilleachofuspayforourown.That’sthat!”AndTuppenceledthewayupstairs.
Theplacewasfull,andtheywanderedaboutlookingforatable,catchingoddsandendsofconversationastheydidso.
“And—doyouknow,shesatdownandcriedwhenItoldhershecouldn’thavetheflatafterall.”“Itwassimplyabargain,mydear!JustliketheoneMabelLewisbroughtfromParis—”
“Funnyscrapsonedoesoverhear,”murmuredTommy.“IpassedtwoJohnniesinthestreettodaytalkingaboutsomeonecalledJaneFinn.Didyoueverhearsuchaname?”
Butatthatmomenttwoelderlyladiesroseandcollectedparcels,andTuppencedeftlyensconcedherselfinoneofthevacantseats.
Tommyorderedteaandbuns.Tuppenceorderedteaandbutteredtoast.
“Andmindtheteacomesinseparateteapots,”sheaddedseverely.
Tommysatdownoppositeher.Hisbaredheadrevealedashockofexquisitelyslicked-backredhair.Hisfacewaspleasantlyugly—nondescript,yetunmistakablythefaceofagentlemanandasportsman.Hisbrownsuitwaswellcut,butperilouslyneartheendofitstether.
Theywereanessentiallymodern-lookingcoupleastheysatthere.Tuppencehadnoclaimtobeauty,buttherewascharacterandcharmintheelfinlinesofherlittleface,withitsdeterminedchinandlarge,wide-apartgreyeyesthatlookedmistilyoutfromunderstraight,blackbrows.Sheworeasmallbrightgreentoqueoverherblackbobbedhair,andherextremelyshortandrathershabbyskirtrevealedapairofuncommonlydaintyankles.Herappearancepresentedavaliantattemptatsmartness.
Theteacameatlast,andTuppence,rousingherselffromafitofmeditation,poureditout.
“Nowthen,”saidTommy,takingalargebiteofbun,“lets’sgetuptodate.Remember,Ihaven’tseenyousincethattimeinhospitalin1916.”
“Verywell.”Tuppencehelpedherselfliberallytobutteredtoast.“AbridgedbiographyofMissPrudenceCowley,fifthdaughterofArchdeaconCowleyofLittleMissendell,Suffolk.MissCowleyleftthedelights(anddrudgeries)ofherhomelifeearlyinthewarandcameuptoLondon,wheresheenteredanofficers’hospital.Firstmonth:Washedupsixhundredandforty-eightplateseveryday.Secondmonth:Promotedtodryingaforesaidplates.Thirdmonth:Promotedtopeelingpotatoes.Fourthmonth:Promotedtocuttingbreadandbutter.Fifthmonth:Promotedoneflooruptodutiesofwardmaidwithmopandpail.Sixthmonth:Promotedtowaitingattable.Seventhmonth:PleasingappearanceandnicemannerssostrikingthatampromotedtowaitingontheSisters!Eighthmonth:Slightcheckincareer.SisterBondateSisterWesthaven’segg!Grandrow!Wardmaidclearlytoblame!Inattentioninsuchimportantmatterscannotbetoohighlycensured.Mopandpailagain!Howarethemightyfallen!Ninthmonth:Promotedtosweepingoutwards,whereIfoundafriendofmychildhoodinLieutenantThomasBeresford(bow,Tommy!),whomIhadnotseenforfivelongyears.Themeetingwasaffecting!Tenthmonth:Reprovedbymatronforvisitingthepicturesincompanywithoneofthepatients,namely:theaforementionedLieutenantThomasBeresford.Eleventhandtwelfthmonths:Parlourmaiddutiesresumedwithentiresuccess.Attheendoftheyearlefthospitalinablazeofglory.Afterthat,thetalentedMissCowleydrovesuccessivelyatradedeliveryvan,amotorlorryandageneral.Thelastwasthepleasantest.Hewasquiteayounggeneral!”
“Whatblighterwasthat?”inquiredTommy.“PerfectlysickeningthewaythosebrasshatsdrovefromtheWarOfficetotheSavoy,andfromtheSavoytotheWarOffice!”
“I’veforgottenhisnamenow,”confessedTuppence.“Toresume,thatwasinawaytheapexofmycareer.InextenteredaGovernmentoffice.Wehadseveralveryenjoyableteaparties.Ihadintendedtobecomealandgirl,apostwoman,andabusconductressbywayofroundingoffmycareer—buttheArmisticeintervened!Iclungtotheofficewiththetruelimpettouchformanylongmonths,but,alas,Iwascombedoutatlast.SincethenI’vebeenlookingforajob.Nowthen—yourturn.”
“There’snotsomuchpromotioninmine,”saidTommyregretfully,“andagreatdeallessvariety.IwentouttoFranceagain,asyouknow.ThentheysentmetoMesopotamia,andIgotwoundedforthesecondtime,andwentintohospitaloutthere.ThenIgotstuckinEgypttilltheArmisticehappened,kickedmyheelstheresometimelonger,and,asItoldyou,finallygotdemobbed.And,fortenlong,wearymonthsI’vebeenjobhunting!Therearen’tanyjobs!And,iftherewere,theywouldn’tgive’emtome.WhatgoodamI?WhatdoIknowaboutbusiness?Nothing.”
Tuppencenoddedgloomily.
“Whataboutthecolonies?”shesuggested.
Tommyshookhishead.
“Ishouldn’tlikethecolonies—andI’mperfectlycertaintheywouldn’tlikeme!”
“Richrelations?”
AgainTommyshookhishead.
“Oh,Tommy,notevenagreat-aunt?”
“I’vegotanoldunclewho’smoreorlessrolling,buthe’snogood.”
“Whynot?”
“Wantedtoadoptmeonce.Irefused.”
“IthinkIrememberhearingaboutit,”saidTuppenceslowly.“Yourefusedbecauseofyourmother—”
Tommyflushed.
“Yes,itwouldhavebeenabitroughonthemater.Asyouknow,Iwasallshehad.Oldboyhatedher—wantedtogetmeawayfromher.Justabitofspite.”
“Yourmother’sdead,isn’tshe?”saidTuppencegently.
Tommynodded.
Tuppence’slargegreyeyeslookedmisty.
“You’reagoodsort,Tommy.Ialwaysknewit.”
“Rot!”saidTommyhastily.“Well,that’smyposition.I’mjustaboutdesperate.”
“SoamI!I’vehungoutaslongasIcould.I’vetoutedround.I’veansweredadvertisements.I’vetriedeverymortalblessedthing.I’vescrewedandsavedandpinched!Butit’snogood.Ishallhavetogohome!”
“Don’tyouwantto?”
“OfcourseIdon’twantto!What’sthegoodofbeingsentimental?Father’sadear—I’mawfullyfondofhim—butyou’venoideahowIworryhim!HehasthatdelightfulearlyVictorianviewthatshortskirtsandsmokingareimmoral.YoucanimaginewhatathorninthefleshIamtohim!Hejustheavedasighofreliefwhenthewartookmeoff.Yousee,therearesevenofusathome.It’sawful!Allhouseworkandmothers’meetings!Ihavealwaysbeenthechangeling.Idon’twanttogoback,but—oh,Tommy,whatelseistheretodo?”
Tommyshookhisheadsadly.Therewasasilence,andthenTuppenceburstout:
“Money,money,money!Ithinkaboutmoneymorning,noonandnight!Idaresayit’smercenaryofme,butthereitis!”
“Samehere,”agreedTommywithfeeling.
“I’vethoughtovereveryimaginablewayofgettingittoo,”continuedTuppence.“Thereareonlythree!Tobeleftit,tomarryit,ortomakeit.Firstisruledout.Ihaven’tgotanyrichelderlyrelatives.AnyrelativesIhaveareinhomesfordecayedgentlewomen!Ialwayshelpoldladiesovercrossings,andpickupparcelsforoldgentlemen,incasetheyshouldturnouttobeeccentricmillionaires.Butnotoneofthemhaseveraskedmemyname—andquitealotneversaid‘Thankyou.’”
Therewasapause.
“Ofcourse,”resumedTuppence,“marriageismybestchance.ImadeupmymindtomarrymoneywhenIwasquiteyoung.Anythinkinggirlwould!I’mnotsentimental,youknow.”Shepaused.“Comenow,youcan’tsayI’msentimental,”sheaddedsharply.
“Certainlynot,”agreedTommyhastily.“Noonewouldeverthinkofsentimentinconnexionwithyou.”
“That’snotverypolite,”repliedTuppence.“ButIdaresayyoumeanitallright.Well,thereitis!I’mreadyandwilling—butInevermeetanyrichmen!AlltheboysIknowareaboutashardupasIam.”
“Whataboutthegeneral?”inquiredTommy.
“Ifancyhekeepsabicycleshopintimeofpeace,”explainedTuppence.“No,thereitis!Nowyoucouldmarryarichgirl.”
“I’mlikeyou.Idon’tknowany.”
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.Youcanalwaysgettoknowone.Now,ifIseeamaninafurcoatcomeoutoftheRitzIcan’trushuptohimandsay:‘Lookhere,you’rerich.I’dliketoknowyou.’”
“DoyousuggestthatIshoulddothattoasimilarlygarbedfemale?”
“Don’tbesilly.Youtreadonherfoot,orpickupherhandkerchief,orsomethinglikethat.Ifshethinksyouwanttoknowhershe’sflattered,andwillmanageitforyousomehow.”
“Youoverratemymanlycharms,”murmuredTommy.
“Ontheotherhand,”proceededTuppence,“mymillionairewouldprobablyrunforhislife!No—marriageisfraughtwithdifficulties.Remains—tomakemoney!”
“We’vetriedthat,andfailed,”Tommyremindedher.
“We’vetriedalltheorthodoxways,yes.Butsupposewetrytheunorthodox.Tommy,let’sbeadventurers!”
“Certainly,”repliedTommycheerfully.“Howdowebegin?”
“That’sthedifficulty.Ifwecouldmakeourselvesknown,peoplemighthireustocommitcrimesforthem.”
“Delightful,”commentedTommy.“Especiallycomingfromaclergyman’sdaughter!”
“Themoralguilt,”Tuppencepointedout,“wouldbetheirs—notmine.Youmustadmitthatthere’sadifferencebetweenstealingadiamondnecklaceforyourselfandbeinghiredtostealit?”
“Therewouldn’tbetheleastdifferenceifyouwerecaught!”
“Perhapsnot.ButIshouldn’tbecaught.I’msoclever.”
“Modestyalwayswasyourbesettingsin,”remarkedTommy.
“Don’trag.Lookhere,Tommy,shallwereally?Shallweformabusinesspartnership?”
“Formacompanyforthestealingofdiamondnecklaces?”
“Thatwasonlyanillustration.Let’shavea—whatdoyoucallitinbookkeeping?”
“Don’tknow.Neverdidany.”
“Ihave—butIalwaysgotmixedup,andusedtoputcreditentriesonthedebitside,andviceversa—sotheyfiredmeout.Oh,Iknow—ajointventure!Itstruckmeassucharomanticphrasetocomeacrossinthemiddleofmustyoldfigures.It’sgotanElizabethanflavouraboutit—makesonethinkofgalleonsanddoubloons.Ajointventure!”
“TradingunderthenameoftheYoungAdventurers,Ltd.?Isthatyouridea,Tuppence?”
“It’sallverywelltolaugh,butIfeeltheremightbesomethinginit.”
“Howdoyouproposetogetintouchwithyourwould-beemployers?”
“Advertisement,”repliedTuppencepromptly.“Haveyougotabitofpaperandapencil?Menusuallyseemtohave.Justlikewehavehairpinsandpowderpuffs.”
Tommyhandedoverarathershabbygreennotebook,andTuppencebeganwritingbusily.
“Shallwebegin:‘Youngofficer,twicewoundedinthewar—’”
“Certainlynot.”
“Oh,verywell,mydearboy.ButIcanassureyouthatthatsortofthingmighttouchtheheartofanelderlyspinster,andshemightadoptyou,andthentherewouldbenoneedforyoutobeayoungadventureratall.”
“Idon’twanttobeadopted.”
“Iforgotyouhadaprejudiceagainstit.Iwasonlyraggingyou!Thepapersarefulluptothebrimwiththattypeofthing.Nowlisten—how’sthis?‘Twoyoungadventurersforhire.Willingtodoanything,goanywhere.Paymustbegood.’(Wemightaswellmakethatclearfromthestart.)Thenwemightadd:‘Noreasonableofferrefused’—likeflatsandfurniture.”
“Ishouldthinkanyofferwegetinanswertothatwouldbeaprettyunreasonableone!”
“Tommy!You’reagenius!That’seversomuchmorechic.‘Nounreasonableofferrefused—ifpayisgood.’How’sthat?”
“Ishouldn’tmentionpayagain.Itlooksrathereager.”
“Itcouldn’tlookaseagerasIfeel!Butperhapsyouareright.NowI’llreaditstraightthrough.‘Twoyoungadventurersforhire.Willingtodoanything,goanywhere.Paymustbegood.Nounreasonableofferrefused.’Howwouldthatstrikeyouifyoureadit?”
“Itwouldstrikemeaseitherbeingahoax,orelsewrittenbyalunatic.”
“It’snothalfsoinsaneasathingIreadthismorningbeginning‘Petunia’andsigned‘BestBoy.’”ShetoreouttheleafandhandedittoTommy.“Thereyouare.TheTimes,Ithink.ReplytoBoxso-and-so.Iexpectitwillbeaboutfiveshillings.Here’shalfacrownformyshare.”
Tommywasholdingthepaperthoughtfully.Hisfaceburnedadeeperred.
“Shallwereallytryit?”hesaidatlast.“Shallwe,Tuppence?Justforthefunofthething?”
“Tommy,you’reasport!Iknewyouwouldbe!Let’sdrinktosuccess.”Shepouredsomecolddregsofteaintothetwocups.
“Here’stoourjointventure,andmayitprosper!”
“TheYoungAdventurers,Ltd.!”respondedTommy.
Theyputdownthecupsandlaughedratheruncertainly.Tuppencerose.
“Imustreturntomypalatialsuiteatthehostel.”
“PerhapsitistimeIstrolledroundtotheRitz,”agreedTommywithagrin.“Whereshallwemeet?Andwhen?”
“Twelveo’clocktomorrow.PiccadillyTubestation.Willthatsuityou?”
“Mytimeismyown,”repliedMr.Beresfordmagnificently.
“Solong,then.”
“Good-bye,oldthing.”
Thetwoyoungpeoplewentoffinoppositedirections.Tuppence’shostelwassituatedinwhatwascharitablycalledSouthernBelgravia.Forreasonsofeconomyshedidnottakeabus.
ShewashalfwayacrossSt.James’sPark,whenaman’svoicebehindhermadeherstart.
“Excuseme,”itsaid.“ButmayIspeaktoyouforamoment?”
Two
MR.WHITTINGTON’SOFFER
Tuppenceturnedsharply,butthewordshoveringonthetipofhertongueremainedunspokenfortheman’sappearanceandmannerdidnotbearoutherfirstandmostnaturalassumption.Shehesitated.Asifhereadherthoughts,themansaidquickly:
“IcanassureyouImeannodisrespect.”
Tuppencebelievedhim.Althoughshedislikedanddistrustedhiminstinctively,shewasinclinedtoacquithimoftheparticularmotivewhichshehadatfirstattributedtohim.Shelookedhimupanddown.Hewasabigman,clean-shaven,withaheavyjowl.Hiseyesweresmallandcunning,andshiftedtheirglanceunderherdirectgaze.
“Well,whatisit?”sheasked.
Themansmiled.
“IhappenedtooverhearpartofyourconversationwiththeyounggentlemaninLyons’.”
“Well—whatofit?”
“Nothing—exceptthatIthinkImaybeofsomeusetoyou.”
AnotherinferenceforceditselfintoTuppence’smind.
“Youfollowedmehere?”
“Itookthatliberty.”
“Andinwhatwaydoyouthinkyoucouldbeofusetome?”
Themantookacardfromhispocketandhandedittoherwithabow.
Tuppencetookitandscrutinizeditcarefully.Itboretheinscription“Mr.EdwardWhittington.”Belowthenamewerethewords“EsthoniaGlasswareCo.,”andtheaddressofacityoffice.Mr.Whittingtonspokeagain:
“Ifyouwillcalluponmetomorrowmorningateleveno’clock,Iwilllaythedetailsofmypropositionbeforeyou.”
“Ateleveno’clock?”saidTuppencedoubtfully.
“Ateleveno’clock.”
Tuppencemadeuphermind.
“Verywell.I’llbethere.”
“Thankyou.Goodevening.”
Heraisedhishatwithaflourish,andwalkedaway.Tuppenceremainedforsomeminutesgazingafterhim.Thenshegaveacuriousmovementofhershoulders,ratherasaterriershakeshimself.
“Theadventureshavebegun,”shemurmuredtoherself.“Whatdoeshewantmetodo,Iwonder?There’ssomethingaboutyou,Mr.Whittington,thatIdon’tlikeatall.But,ontheotherhand,I’mnottheleastbitafraidofyou.AndasI’vesaidbefore,andshalldoubtlesssayagain,littleTuppencecanlookafterherself,thankyou!”
Andwithashort,sharpnodofherheadshewalkedbrisklyonward.Asaresultoffurthermeditations,however,sheturnedasidefromthedirectrouteandenteredapostoffice.Theresheponderedforsomemoments,atelegraphforminherhand.Thethoughtofapossiblefiveshillingsspentunnecessarilyspurredhertoaction,andshedecidedtoriskthewasteofninepence.
Disdainingthespikypenandthick,blacktreaclewhichabeneficentGovernmenthadprovided,TuppencedrewoutTommy’spencilwhichshehadretainedandwroterapidly:“Don’tputinadvertisement.Willexplaintomorrow.”SheaddressedittoTommyathisclub,fromwhichinoneshortmonthhewouldhavetoresign,unlessakindlyfortunepermittedhimtorenewhissubscription.
“Itmaycatchhim,”shemurmured.“Anywayit’sworthtrying.”
Afterhandingitoverthecountershesetoutbrisklyforhome,stoppingatabaker’stobuythree-pennyworthofnewbuns.
Later,inhertinycubicleatthetopofthehouseshemunchedbunsandreflectedonthefuture.WhatwastheEsthoniaGlasswareCo.,andwhatearthlyneedcouldithaveforherservices?ApleasurablethrillofexcitementmadeTuppencetingle.Atanyrate,thecountryvicaragehadretreatedintothebackgroundagain.Themorrowheldpossibilities.
ItwasalongtimebeforeTuppencewenttosleepthatnight,and,whenatlengthshedid,shedreamedthatMr.WhittingtonhadsethertowashingupapileofEsthoniaGlassware,whichboreanunaccountableresemblancetohospitalplates!
ItwantedsomefiveminutestoelevenwhenTuppencereachedtheblockofbuildingsinwhichtheofficesoftheEsthoniaGlasswareCo.weresituated.Toarrivebeforethetimewouldlookovereager.SoTuppencedecidedtowalktotheendofthestreetandbackagain.Shedidso.Onthestrokeofelevensheplungedintotherecessesofthebuilding.TheEsthoniaGlasswareCo.wasonthetopfloor.Therewasalift,butTuppencechosetowalkup.
Slightlyoutofbreath,shecametoahaltoutsidethegroundglassdoorwiththelegendpaintedacrossit:“EsthoniaGlasswareCo.”
Tuppenceknocked.Inresponsetoavoicefromwithin,sheturnedthehandleandwalkedintoasmall,ratherdirtyoffice.
Amiddle-agedclerkgotdownfromahighstoolatadesknearthewindowandcametowardsherinquiringly.
“IhaveanappointmentwithMr.Whittington,”saidTuppence.
“Willyoucomethisway,please.”Hecrossedtoapartitiondoorwith“Private”onit,knocked,thenopenedthedoorandstoodasidetoletherpassin.
Mr.Whittingtonwasseatedbehindalargedeskcoveredwithpapers.Tuppencefeltherpreviousjudgmentconfirmed.TherewassomethingwrongaboutMr.Whittington.Thecombinationofhissleekprosperityandhisshiftyeyewasnotattractive.
Helookedupandnodded.
“Soyou’veturnedupallright?That’sgood.Sitdown,willyou?”
Tuppencesatdownonthechairfacinghim.Shelookedparticularlysmallanddemurethismorning.ShesattheremeeklywithdowncasteyeswhilstMr.Whittingtonsortedandrustledamongsthispapers.Finallyhepushedthemaway,andleanedoverthedesk.
“Now,mydearyounglady,letuscometobusiness.”Hislargefacebroadenedintoasmile.“Youwantwork?Well,Ihaveworktoofferyou.Whatshouldyousaynowto￡100down,andallexpensespaid?”Mr.Whittingtonleanedbackinhischair,andthrusthisthumbsintothearmholesofhiswaistcoat.
Tuppenceeyedhimwarily.
“Andthenatureofthework?”shedemanded.
“Nominal—purelynominal.Apleasanttrip,thatisall.”
“Whereto?”
Mr.Whittingtonsmiledagain.
“Paris.”
“Oh!”saidTuppencethoughtfully.Toherselfshesaid:“Ofcourse,iffatherheardthathewouldhaveafit!ButsomehowIdon’tseeMr.Whittingtoninther?leofthegaydeceiver.”
“Yes,”continuedWhittington.“Whatcouldbemoredelightful?Toputtheclockbackafewyears—averyfew,Iamsure—andre-enteroneofthosecharmingpensionnatsdejeunesfilleswithwhichParisabounds—”
Tuppenceinterruptedhim.
“Apensionnat?”
“Exactly.MadameColombier’sintheAvenuedeNeuilly.”
Tuppenceknewthenamewell.Nothingcouldhavebeenmoreselect.ShehadhadseveralAmericanfriendsthere.Shewasmorethaneverpuzzled.
“YouwantmetogotoMadameColombier’s?Forhowlong?”
“Thatdepends.Possiblythreemonths.”
“Andthatisall?Therearenootherconditions?”
“Nonewhatever.Youwould,ofcourse,gointhecharacterofmyward,andyouwouldholdnocommunicationwithyourfriends.Ishouldhavetorequestabsolutesecrecyforthetimebeing.Bytheway,youareEnglish,areyounot?”
“Yes.”
“YetyouspeakwithaslightAmericanaccent?”
“MygreatpalinhospitalwasalittleAmericangirl.IdaresayIpickeditupfromher.Icansoongetoutofitagain.”
“Onthecontrary,itmightbesimplerforyoutopassasanAmerican.DetailsaboutyourpastlifeinEnglandmightbemoredifficulttosustain.Yes,Ithinkthatwouldbedecidedlybetter.Then—”
“Onemoment,Mr.Whittington!Youseemtobetakingmyconsentforgranted.”
Whittingtonlookedsurprised.
“Surelyyouarenotthinkingofrefusing?IcanassureyouthatMadameColombier’sisamosthigh-classandorthodoxestablishment.Andthetermsaremostliberal.”
“Exactly,”saidTuppence.“That’sjustit.Thetermsarealmosttooliberal,Mr.Whittington.IcannotseeanywayinwhichIcanbeworththatamountofmoneytoyou.”
“No?”saidWhittingtonsoftly.“Well,Iwilltellyou.Icoulddoubtlessobtainsomeoneelseforverymuchless.WhatIamwillingtopayforisayoungladywithsufficientintelligenceandpresenceofmindtosustainherpartwell,andalsoonewhowillhavesufficientdiscretionnottoasktoomanyquestions.”
Tuppencesmiledalittle.ShefeltthatWhittingtonhadscored.
“There’sanotherthing.SofartherehasbeennomentionofMr.Beresford.Wheredoeshecomein?”
“Mr.Beresford?”
“Mypartner,”saidTuppencewithdignity.“Yousawustogetheryesterday.”
“Ah,yes.ButI’mafraidweshan’trequirehisservices.”
“Thenit’soff!”Tuppencerose.“It’sbothorneither.Sorry—butthat’showitis.Goodmorning,Mr.Whittington.”
“Waitaminute.Letusseeifsomethingcan’tbemanaged.Sitdownagain,Miss—”Hepausedinterrogatively.
Tuppence’sconsciencegaveherapassingtwingeassherememberedthearchdeacon.Sheseizedhurriedlyonthefirstnamethatcameintoherhead.
“JaneFinn,”shesaidhastily;andthenpausedopenmouthedattheeffectofthosetwosimplewords.
AllthegenialityhadfadedoutofWhittington’sface.Itwaspurplewithrage,andtheveinsstoodoutontheforehead.Andbehinditalltherelurkedasortofincredulousdismay.Heleanedforwardandhissedsavagely:
“Sothat’syourlittlegame,isit?”
Tuppence,thoughutterlytakenaback,neverthelesskeptherhead.Shehadnotthefaintestcomprehensionofhismeaning,butshewasnaturallyquick-witted,andfeltitimperativeto“keepherendup”asshephrasedit.
Whittingtonwenton:
“Beenplayingwithme,haveyou,allthetime,likeacatandmouse?KnewallthetimewhatIwantedyoufor,butkeptupthecomedy.Isthatit,eh?”Hewascoolingdown.Theredcolourwasebbingoutofhisface.Heeyedherkeenly.“Who’sbeenblabbing?Rita?”
Tuppenceshookherhead.Shewasdoubtfulastohowlongshecouldsustainthisillusion,butsherealizedtheimportanceofnotdragginganunknownRitaintoit.
“No,”sherepliedwithperfecttruth.“Ritaknowsnothingaboutme.”
Hiseyesstillboredintoherlikegimlets.
“Howmuchdoyouknow?”heshotout.
“Verylittleindeed,”answeredTuppence,andwaspleasedtonotethatWhittington’suneasinesswasaugmentedinsteadofallayed.Tohaveboastedthatsheknewalotmighthaveraiseddoubtsinhismind.
“Anyway,”snarledWhittington,“youknewenoughtocomeinhereandplumpoutthatname.”
“Itmightbemyownname,”Tuppencepointedout.
“It’slikely,isn’tit,thattherewouldbetwogirlswithanamelikethat?”
“OrImightjusthavehituponitbychance,”continuedTuppence,intoxicatedwiththesuccessoftruthfulness.
Mr.Whittingtonbroughthisfistdownuponthedeskwithabang.
“Quitfooling!Howmuchdoyouknow?Andhowmuchdoyouwant?”
ThelastfivewordstookTuppence’sfancymightily,especiallyafterameagrebreakfastandasupperofbunsthenightbefore.Herpresentpartwasoftheadventuressratherthantheadventurousorder,butshedidnotdenyitspossibilities.Shesatupandsmiledwiththeairofonewhohasthesituationthoroughlywellinhand.
“MydearMr.Whittington,”shesaid,“letusbyallmeanslayourcardsuponthetable.Andpraydonotbesoangry.YouheardmesayyesterdaythatIproposedtolivebymywits.ItseemstomethatIhavenowprovedIhavesomewitstoliveby!IadmitIhaveknowledgeofacertainname,butperhapsmyknowledgeendsthere.”
“Yes—andperhapsitdoesn’t,”snarledWhittington.
“Youinsistonmisjudgingme,”saidTuppence,andsighedgently.
“AsIsaidoncebefore,”saidWhittingtonangrily,“quitfooling,andcometothepoint.Youcan’tplaytheinnocentwithme.Youknowagreatdealmorethanyou’rewillingtoadmit.”
Tuppencepausedamomenttoadmireherowningenuity,andthensaidsoftly:
“Ishouldn’tliketocontradictyou,Mr.Whittington.”
“Sowecometotheusualquestion—howmuch?”
Tuppencewasinadilemma.SofarshehadfooledWhittingtonwithcompletesuccess,buttomentionapalpablyimpossiblesummightawakenhissuspicions.Anideaflashedacrossherbrain.
“Supposewesayalittlesomethingdown,andafullerdiscussionofthematterlater?”
Whittingtongaveheranuglyglance.
“Blackmail,eh?”
Tuppencesmiledsweetly.
“Ohno!Shallwesaypaymentofservicesinadvance?”
Whittingtongrunted.
“Yousee,”explainedTuppencesweetly,“I’mnotsoveryfondofmoney!”
“You’reaboutthelimit,that’swhatyouare,”growledWhittington,withasortofunwillingadmiration.“Youtookmeinallright.Thoughtyouwerequiteameeklittlekidwithjustenoughbrainsformypurpose.”
“Life,”moralizedTuppence,“isfullofsurprises.”
“Allthesame,”continuedWhittington,“someone’sbeentalking.Yousayitisn’tRita.Wasit—?Oh,comein?”
Theclerkfollowedhisdiscreetknockintotheroom,andlaidapaperathismaster’selbow.
“Telephonemessagejustcomeforyou,sir.”
Whittingtonsnatcheditupandreadit.Afrowngatheredonhisbrow.
“That’lldo,Brown.Youcango.”
Theclerkwithdrew,closingthedoorbehindhim.WhittingtonturnedtoTuppence.
“Cometomorrowatthesametime.I’mbusynow.Here’sfiftytogoonwith.”
Herapidlysortedoutsomenotes,andpushedthemacrossthetabletoTuppence,thenstoodup,obviouslyimpatientforhertogo.
Thegirlcountedthenotesinabusinesslikemanner,securedtheminherhandbag,androse.
“Goodmorning,Mr.Whittington,”shesaidpolitely.“Atleastaurevoir,Ishouldsay.”
“Exactly.Aurevoir!”Whittingtonlookedalmostgenialagain,areversionthatarousedinTuppenceafaintmisgiving.“Aurevoir,mycleverandcharmingyounglady.”
Tuppencespedlightlydownthestairs.Awildelationpossessedher.Aneighbouringclockshowedthetimetobefiveminutestotwelve.
“Let’sgiveTommyasurprise!”murmuredTuppence,andhailedataxi.
ThecabdrewupoutsidetheTubestation.Tommywasjustwithintheentrance.HiseyesopenedtotheirfullestextentashehurriedforwardtoassistTuppencetoalight.Shesmiledathimaffectionately,andremarkedinaslightlyaffectedvoice:
“Paythething,willyou,oldbean?I’vegotnothingsmallerthanafive-poundnote!”
Three
ASETBACK
Themomentwasnotquitesotriumphantasitoughttohavebeen.Tobeginwith,theresourcesofTommy’spocketsweresomewhatlimited.Intheendthefarewasmanaged,theladyrecollectingaplebeiantwopence,andthedriver,stillholdingthevariedassortmentofcoinsinhishand,wasprevailedupontomoveon,whichhedidafteronelasthoarsedemandastowhatthegentlemanthoughthewasgivinghim?
“Ithinkyou’vegivenhimtoomuch,Tommy,”saidTuppenceinnocently.“Ifancyhewantstogivesomeofitback.”
Itwaspossiblythisremarkwhichinducedthedrivertomoveaway.
“Well,”saidMr.Beresford,atlengthabletorelievehisfeelings,“whatthe—dickens,didyouwanttotakeataxifor?”
“IwasafraidImightbelateandkeepyouwaiting,”saidTuppencegently.
“Afraid—you—might—be—late!Oh,Lord,Igiveitup!”saidMr.Beresford.
“Andreallyandtruly,”continuedTuppence,openinghereyesverywide,“Ihaven’tgotanythingsmallerthanafive-poundnote.”
“Youdidthatpartofitverywell,oldbean,butallthesamethefellowwasn’ttakenin—notforamoment!”
“No,”saidTuppencethoughtfully,“hedidn’tbelieveit.That’sthecuriouspartaboutspeakingthetruth.Noonedoesbelieveit.Ifoundthatoutthismorning.Nowlet’sgotolunch.HowabouttheSavoy?”
Tommygrinned.
“HowabouttheRitz?”
“Onsecondthoughts,IpreferthePiccadilly.It’snearer.Weshan’thavetotakeanothertaxi.Comealong.”
“Isthisanewbrandofhumour?Orisyourbrainreallyunhinged?”inquiredTommy.
“Yourlastsuppositionisthecorrectone.Ihavecomeintomoney,andtheshockhasbeentoomuchforme!Forthatparticularformofmentaltroubleaneminentphysicianrecommendsunlimitedhorsd’oeuvre,lobsteràl’américaine,chickenNewberg,andpêcheMelba!Let’sgoandgetthem!”
“Tuppence,oldgirl,whathasreallycomeoveryou?”
“Oh,unbelievingone!”Tuppencewrenchedopenherbag.“Lookhere,andhere,andhere!”
“Mydeargirl,don’twavepoundnotesaloftlikethat!”
“They’renotpoundnotes.They’refivetimesbetter,andthisone’stentimesbetter!”
Tommygroaned.
“Imusthavebeendrinkingunawares!AmIdreaming,Tuppence,ordoIreallybeholdalargequantityoffive-poundnotesbeingwavedaboutinadangerousfashion?”
“Evenso,OKing!Now,willyoucomeandhavelunch?”
“I’llcomeanywhere.Butwhathaveyoubeendoing?Holdingupabank?”
“Allingoodtime.WhatanawfulplacePiccadillyCircusis.There’sahugebusbearingdownonus.Itwouldbetooterribleiftheykilledthefive-poundnotes!”
“Grillroom?”inquiredTommy,astheyreachedtheoppositepavementinsafety
“Theother’smoreexpensive,”demurredTuppence.
“That’smerewickedwantonextravagance.Comeonbelow.”
“AreyousureIcangetallthethingsIwantthere?”
“Thatextremelyunwholesomemenuyouwereoutliningjustnow?Ofcourseyoucan—orasmuchasisgoodforyou,anyway.”
“Andnowtellme,”saidTommy,unabletorestrainhispent-upcuriosityanylonger,astheysatinstatesurroundedbythemanyhorsd’oeuvreofTuppence’sdreams.
MissCowleytoldhim.
“Andthecuriouspartofitis,”sheended,“thatIreallydidinventthenameofJaneFinn!Ididn’twanttogivemyownbecauseofpoorfather—incaseIshouldgetmixedupinanythingshady.”
“Perhapsthat’sso,”saidTommyslowly.“Butyoudidn’tinventit.”
“What?”
“No.Itoldittoyou.Don’tyouremember,IsaidyesterdayI’doverheardtwopeopletalkingaboutafemalecalledJaneFinn?That’swhatbroughtthenameintoyourmindsopat.”
“Soyoudid.Iremembernow.Howextraordinary—”Tuppencetailedoffintosilence.Suddenlysherousedherself.“Tommy!”
“Yes?”
“Whatweretheylike,thetwomenyoupassed?”
Tommyfrownedinaneffortatremembrance.
“Onewasabigfatsortofchap.Clean-shaven.Ithink—anddark.”
“That’shim,”criedTuppence,inanungrammaticalsqueal.“That’sWhittington!Whatwastheothermanlike?”
“Ican’tremember.Ididn’tnoticehimparticularly.Itwasreallytheoutlandishnamethatcaughtmyattention.”
“Andpeoplesaythatcoincidencesdon’thappen!”TuppencetackledherpêcheMelbahappily.
ButTommyhadbecomeserious.
“Lookhere,Tuppence,oldgirl,whatisthisgoingtoleadto?”
“Moremoney,”repliedhiscompanion.
“Iknowthat.You’veonlygotoneideainyourhead.WhatImeanis,whataboutthenextstep?Howareyougoingtokeepthegameup?”
“Oh!”Tuppencelaiddownherspoon.“You’reright,Tommy,itisabitofaposer.”
“Afterall,youknow,youcan’tbluffhimforever.You’resuretoslipupsoonerorlater.And,anyway,I’mnotatallsurethatitisn’tactionable—blackmail,youknow.”
“Nonsense.Blackmailissayingyou’lltellunlessyouaregivenmoney.Now,there’snothingIcouldtell,becauseIdon’treallyknowanything.”
“H’m,”saidTommydoubtfully.“Well,anyway,whatarewegoingtodo?Whittingtonwasinahurrytogetridofyouthismorning,butnexttimehe’llwanttoknowsomethingmorebeforehepartswithhismoney.He’llwanttoknowhowmuchyouknow,andwhereyougotyourinformationfrom,andalotofotherthingsthatyoucan’tcopewith.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
Tuppencefrownedseverely.
“Wemustthink.OrdersomeTurkishcoffee,Tommy.Stimulatingtothebrain.Oh,dear,whatalotIhaveeaten!”
“Youhavemaderatherahogofyourself!SohaveIforthatmatter,butIflattermyselfthatmychoiceofdisheswasmorejudiciousthanyours.Twocoffees.”(Thiswastothewaiter.)“OneTurkish,oneFrench.”
Tuppencesippedhercoffeewithadeeplyreflectiveair,andsnubbedTommywhenhespoketoher.
“Bequiet.I’mthinking.”
“ShadesofPelmanism!”saidTommy,andrelapsedintosilence.
“There!”saidTuppenceatlast.“I’vegotaplan.Obviouslywhatwe’vegottodoisfindoutmoreaboutitall.”
Tommyapplauded.
“Don’tjeer.WecanonlyfindoutthroughWhittington.Wemustdiscoverwherehelives,whathedoes—sleuthhim,infact!NowIcan’tdoit,becauseheknowsme,butheonlysawyouforaminuteortwoinLyons’.He’snotlikelytorecognizeyou.Afterall,oneyoungmanismuchlikeanother.”
“Irepudiatethatremarkutterly.I’msuremypleasingfeaturesanddistinguishedappearancewouldsinglemeoutfromanycrowd.”
“Myplanisthis,”Tuppencewentoncalmly.“I’llgoalonetomorrow.I’llputhimoffagainlikeIdidtoday.Itdoesn’tmatterifIdon’tgetanymoremoneyatonce.Fiftypoundsoughttolastusafewdays.”
“Orevenlonger!”
“You’llhangaboutoutside.WhenIcomeoutIshan’tspeaktoyouincasehe’swatching.ButI’lltakeupmystandsomewherenear,andwhenhecomesoutofthebuildingI’lldropahandkerchieforsomething,andoffyougo!”
“OffIgowhere?”
“Followhim,ofcourse,silly!Whatdoyouthinkoftheidea?”
“Sortofthingonereadsaboutinbooks.Isomehowfeelthatinreallifeonewillfeelabitofanassstandinginthestreetforhourswithnothingtodo.PeoplewillwonderwhatI’mupto.”
“Notinthecity.Everyone’sinsuchahurry.Probablynoonewillevennoticeyouatall.”
“That’sthesecondtimeyou’vemadethatsortofremark.Nevermind,Iforgiveyou.Anyway,itwillberatheralark.Whatareyoudoingthisafternoon?”
“Well,”saidTuppencemeditatively.“Ihadthoughtofhats!Orperhapssilkstockings!Orperhaps—”
“Holdhard,”admonishedTommy.“There’salimittofiftypounds!Butlet’sdodinnerandashowtonightatallevents.”
“Rather.”
Thedaypassedpleasantly.Theeveningevenmoreso.Twoofthefive-poundnoteswerenowirretrievablydead.
Theymetbyarrangementthefollowingmorning,andproceededcitywards.TommyremainedontheoppositesideoftheroadwhileTuppenceplungedintothebuilding.
Tommystrolledslowlydowntotheendofthestreet,thenbackagain.Justashecameabreastofthebuildings,Tuppencedartedacrosstheroad.
“Tommy!”
“Yes.What’sup?”
“Theplaceisshut.Ican’tmakeanyonehear.”
“That’sodd.”
“Isn’tit?Comeupwithme,andlet’stryagain.”
Tommyfollowedher.Astheypassedthethirdfloorlandingayoungclerkcameoutofanoffice.Hehesitatedamoment,thenaddressedhimselftoTuppence.
“WereyouwantingtheEsthoniaGlassware?”
“Yes,please.”
“It’scloseddown.Sinceyesterdayafternoon.Companybeingwoundup,theysay.NotthatI’veeverheardofitmyself.Butanywaytheofficeistolet.”
“Th—thankyou,”falteredTuppence.“Isupposeyoudon’tknowMr.Whittington’saddress?”
“AfraidIdon’t.Theyleftrathersuddenly.”
“Thankyouverymuch,”saidTommy.“Comeon,Tuppence.”
Theydescendedtothestreetagainwheretheygazedatoneanotherblankly.
“That’stornit,”saidTommyatlength.
“AndIneversuspectedit,”wailedTuppence.
“Cheerup,oldthing,itcan’tbehelped.”
“Can’tit,though!”Tuppence’slittlechinshotoutdefiantly.“Doyouthinkthisistheend?Ifso,you’rewrong.It’sjustthebeginning!”
“Thebeginningofwhat?”
“Ofouradventure!Tommy,don’tyousee,iftheyarescaredenoughtorunawaylikethis,itshowsthattheremustbealotinthisJaneFinnbusiness!Well,we’llgettothebottomofit.We’llrunthemdown!We’llbesleuthsinearnest!”
“Yes,butthere’snoonelefttosleuth.”
“No,that’swhywe’llhavetostartalloveragain.Lendmethatbitofpencil.Thanks.Waitaminute—don’tinterrupt.There!”Tuppencehandedbackthepencil,andsurveyedthepieceofpaperonwhichshehadwrittenwithasatisfiedeye.
“What’sthat?”
“Advertisement.”
“You’renotgoingtoputthatthinginafterall?”
“No,it’sadifferentone.”Shehandedhimtheslipofpaper.
Tommyreadthewordsonitaloud:
“Wanted,anyinformationrespectingJaneFinn.ApplyY.A.”
Four
WHOISJANEFINN?
Thenextdaypassedslowly.Itwasnecessarytocurtailexpenditure.Carefullyhusbanded,fortypoundswilllastalongtime.Luckilytheweatherwasfine,and“walkingischeap,”dictatedTuppence.Anoutlyingpicturehouseprovidedthemwithrecreationfortheevening.
ThedayofdisillusionmenthadbeenaWednesday.OnThursdaytheadvertisementhaddulyappeared.OnFridaylettersmightbeexpectedtoarriveatTommy’srooms.
Hehadbeenboundbyanhonourablepromisenottoopenanysuchlettersiftheydidarrive,buttorepairtotheNationalGallery,wherehiscolleaguewouldmeethimatteno’clock.
Tuppencewasfirstattherendezvous.Sheensconcedherselfonaredvelvetseat,andgazedattheTurnerswithunseeingeyesuntilshesawthefamiliarfigureentertheroom.
“Well?”
“Well,”returnedMr.Beresfordprovokingly.“Whichisyourfavouritepicture?”
“Don’tbeawretch.Aren’tthereanyanswers?”
Tommyshookhisheadwithadeepandsomewhatoveractedmelancholy.
“Ididn’twanttodisappointyou,oldthing,bytellingyourightoff.It’stoobad.Goodmoneywasted.”Hesighed.“Still,thereitis.Theadvertisementhasappeared,and—thereareonlytwoanswers!”
“Tommy,youdevil!”almostscreamedTuppence.“Givethemtome.Howcouldyoubesomean!”
“Yourluggage,Tuppence,yourluggage!They’reveryparticularattheNationalGallery.Governmentshow,youknow.Anddoremember,asIhavepointedouttoyoubefore,thatasaclergyman’sdaughter—”
“Ioughttobeonthestage!”finishedTuppencewithasnap.
“ThatisnotwhatIintendedtosay.ButifyouaresurethatyouhaveenjoyedtothefullthereactionofjoyafterdespairwithwhichIhavekindlyprovidedyoufreeofcharge,letusgetdowntoourmail,asthesayinggoes.”
Tuppencesnatchedthetwopreciousenvelopesfromhimunceremoniously,andscrutinizedthemcarefully.
“Thickpaper,thisone.Itlooksrich.We’llkeepittothelastandopentheotherfirst.”
“Rightyouare.One,two,three,go!”
Tuppence’slittlethumbrippedopentheenvelope,andsheextractedthecontents.
DearSir,
Referringtoyouradvertisementinthismorning’spaper,Imaybeabletobeofsomeusetoyou.Perhapsyoucouldcallandseemeattheaboveaddressateleveno’clocktomorrowmorning.Yourstruly,A.Carter“27CarshaltonTerrace,”saidTuppence,referringtotheaddress.“That’sGloucesterRoadway.PlentyoftimetogetthereifweTube.”
“Thefollowing,”saidTommy,“istheplanofcampaign.Itismyturntoassumetheoffensive.UsheredintothepresenceofMr.Carter,heandIwisheachothergoodmorningasiscustomary.Hethensays:‘Pleasetakeaseat,Mr.—er?’TowhichIreplypromptlyandsignificantly:‘EdwardWhittington!’whereuponMr.Carterturnspurpleinthefaceandgaspsout:‘Howmuch?’Pocketingtheusualfeeoffiftypounds,Irejoinyouintheroadoutside,andweproceedtothenextaddressandrepeattheperformance.”
“Don’tbeabsurd,Tommy.Nowfortheotherletter.Oh,thisisfromtheRitz!”
“Ahundredpoundsinsteadoffifty!”
“I’llreadit:
“DearSir,
“Reyouradvertisement,Ishouldbegladifyouwouldcallroundsomewhereaboutlunchtime.“Yourstruly,“JuliusP.Hersheimmer.”
“Ha!”saidTommy.“DoIsmellaBoche?OronlyanAmericanmillionaireofunfortunateancestry?Atalleventswe’llcallatlunchtime.It’sagoodtime—frequentlyleadstofreefoodfortwo.”
Tuppencenoddedassent.
“NowforCarter.We’llhavetohurry.”
CarshaltonTerraceprovedtobeanunimpeachablerowofwhatTuppencecalled“ladylike-lookinghouses.”TheyrangthebellatNo.27,andaneatmaidansweredthedoor.ShelookedsorespectablethatTuppence’sheartsank.UponTommy’srequestforMr.Carter,sheshowedthemintoasmallstudyonthegroundfloor,wheresheleftthem.Hardlyaminuteelapsed,however,beforethedooropened,andatallmanwithaleanhawklikefaceandatiredmannerenteredtheroom.
“Mr.Y.A.?”hesaid,andsmiled.Hissmilewasdistinctlyattractive.“Dositdown,bothofyou.”
Theyobeyed.HehimselftookachairoppositetoTuppenceandsmiledatherencouragingly.Therewassomethinginthequalityofhissmilethatmadethegirl’susualreadinessdeserther.
Ashedidnotseeminclinedtoopentheconversation,Tuppencewasforcedtobegin.
“Wewantedtoknow—thatis,wouldyoubesokindastotellusanythingyouknowaboutJaneFinn?”
“JaneFinn?Ah!”Mr.Carterappearedtoreflect.“Well,thequestionis,whatdoyouknowabouther?”
Tuppencedrewherselfup.
“Idon’tseethatthat’sgotanythingtodowithit.”
“No?Butithas,youknow,reallyithas.”Hesmiledagaininhistiredway,andcontinuedreflectively.“Sothatbringsusdowntoitagain.WhatdoyouknowaboutJaneFinn?”
“Comenow,”hecontinued,asTuppenceremainedsilent.“Youmustknowsomethingtohaveadvertisedasyoudid?”Heleanedforwardalittle,hiswearyvoiceheldahintofpersuasiveness.“Supposeyoutellme….”
TherewassomethingverymagneticaboutMr.Carter’spersonality.Tuppenceseemedtoshakeherselffreeofitwithaneffort,asshesaid:
“Wecouldn’tdothat,couldwe,Tommy?”
Buttohersurprise,hercompaniondidnotbackherup.HiseyeswerefixedonMr.Carter,andhistonewhenhespokeheldanunusualnoteofdeference.
“Idaresaythelittleweknowwon’tbeanygoodtoyou,sir.Butsuchasitis,you’rewelcometoit.”
“Tommy!”criedoutTuppenceinsurprise.
Mr.Carterslewedroundinhischair.Hiseyesaskedaquestion.
Tommynodded.
“Yes,sir,Irecognizedyouatonce.SawyouinFrancewhenIwaswiththeIntelligence.Assoonasyoucameintotheroom,Iknew—”
Mr.Carterhelduphishand.
“Nonames,please.I’mknownasMr.Carterhere.It’smycousin’shouse,bytheway.She’swillingtolendittomesometimeswhenit’sacaseofworkingonstrictlyunofficiallines.Well,now,”—helookedfromonetotheother—“who’sgoingtotellmethestory?”
“Fireahead,Tuppence,”directedTommy.“It’syouryarn.”
“Yes,littlelady,outwithit.”
AndobedientlyTuppencedidoutwithit,tellingthewholestoryfromtheformingoftheYoungAdventurers,Ltd.,downwards.
Mr.Carterlistenedinsilencewitharesumptionofhistiredmanner.Nowandthenhepassedhishandacrosshislipsasthoughtohideasmile.Whenshehadfinishedhenoddedgravely.
“Notmuch.Butsuggestive.Quitesuggestive.Ifyou’llexcusemesayingso,you’reacuriousyoungcouple.Idon’tknow—youmightsucceedwhereothershavefailed…Ibelieveinluck,youknow—alwayshave….”
Hepausedamomentandthenwenton.
“Well,howaboutit?You’reoutforadventure.Howwouldyouliketoworkforme?Allquiteunofficial,youknow.Expensespaid,andamoderatescrew?”
Tuppencegazedathim,herlipsparted,hereyesgrowingwiderandwider.“Whatshouldwehavetodo?”shebreathed
Mr.Cartersmiled.
“Justgoonwithwhatyou’redoingnow.FindJaneFinn.”
“Yes,but—whoisJaneFinn?”
Mr.Carternoddedgravely.
“Yes,you’reentitledtoknowthat,Ithink.”
Heleanedbackinhischair,crossedhislegs,broughtthetipsofhisfingerstogether,andbeganinalowmonotone:
“Secretdiplomacy(which,bytheway,isnearlyalwaysbadpolicy!)doesnotconcernyou.Itwillbesufficienttosaythatintheearlydaysof1915acertaindocumentcameintobeing.Itwasthedraftofasecretagreement—treaty—callitwhatyoulike.Itwasdrawnupreadyforsignaturebythevariousrepresentatives,anddrawnupinAmerica—atthattimeaneutralcountry.ItwasdispatchedtoEnglandbyaspecialmessengerselectedforthatpurpose,ayoungfellowcalledDanvers.Itwashopedthatthewholeaffairhadbeenkeptsosecretthatnothingwouldhaveleakedout.Thatkindofhopeisusuallydisappointed.Somebodyalwaystalks!
“DanverssailedforEnglandontheLusitania.Hecarriedthepreciouspapersinanoilskinpacketwhichheworenexthisskin.ItwasonthatparticularvoyagethattheLusitaniawastorpedoedandsunk.Danverswasamongthelistofthosemissing.Eventuallyhisbodywaswashedashore,andidentifiedbeyondanypossibledoubt.Buttheoilskinpacketwasmissing!
“Thequestionwas,haditbeentakenfromhim,orhadhehimselfpasseditonintoanother’skeeping?Therewereafewincidentsthatstrengthenedthepossibilityofthelattertheory.Afterthetorpedostrucktheship,inthefewmomentsduringthelaunchingoftheboats,DanverswasseenspeakingtoayoungAmericangirl.Nooneactuallysawhim
“Butifso,wherewasthegirl,andwhathadshedonewiththepapers?BylateradvicefromAmericaitseemedlikelythatDanvershadbeencloselyshadowedonthewayover.Wasthisgirlinleaguewithhisenemies?Orhadshe,inherturn,beenshadowedandeithertrickedorforcedintohandingoverthepreciouspacket?
“Wesettoworktotraceherout.Itprovedunexpectedlydifficult.HernamewasJaneFinn,anditdulyappearedamongthelistofthesurvivors,butthegirlherselfseemedtohavevanishedcompletely.Inquiriesintoherantecedentsdidlittletohelpus.Shewasanorphan,andhadbeenwhatweshouldcalloverhereapupilteacherinasmallschooloutWest.HerpassporthadbeenmadeoutforParis,whereshewasgoingtojointhestaffofahospital.Shehadofferedherservicesvoluntarily,andaftersomecorrespondencetheyhadbeenaccepted.HavingseenhernameinthelistofthesavedfromtheLusitania,thestaffofthehospitalwerenaturallyverysurprisedathernotarrivingtotakeupherbillet,andatnothearingfromherinanyway.
“Well,everyeffortwasmadetotracetheyounglady—butallinvain.WetrackedheracrossIreland,butnothingcouldbeheardofheraftershesetfootinEngland.Nousewasmadeofthedrafttreaty—asmightveryeasilyhavebeendone—andwethereforecametotheconclusionthatDanvershad,afterall,destroyedit.Thewarenteredonanotherphase,thediplomaticaspectchangedaccordingly,andthetreatywasneverredrafted.Rumoursastoitsexistencewereemphaticallydenied.ThedisappearanceofJaneFinnwasforgottenandthewholeaffairwaslostinoblivion.”
Mr.Carterpaused,andTuppencebrokeinimpatiently:
“Butwhyhasitallcroppedupagain?Thewar’sover.”
AhintofalertnesscameintoMr.Carter’smanner.
“Becauseitseemedthatthepaperswerenotdestroyedafterall,andthattheymightberesurrectedtodaywithanewanddeadlysignificance.”
Tuppencestared.Mr.Carternodded.
“Yes,fiveyearsago,thatdrafttreatywasaweaponinourhands;todayitisaweaponagainstus.Itwasagiganticblunder.Ifitstermsweremadepublic,itwouldmeandisaster…Itmightpossiblybringaboutanotherwar—notwithGermanythistime!Thatisanextremepossibility,andIdonotbelieveinitslikelihoodmyself,butthatdocumentundoubtedlyimplicatesanumberofourstatesmenwhomwecannotaffordtohavediscreditedinanywayatthepresentmoment.AsapartycryforLabouritwouldbeirresistible,andaLabourGovernmentatthisjuncturewould,inmyopinion,beagravedisabilityforBritishtrade,butthatisamerenothingtotherealdanger.”
Hepaused,andthensaidquietly:
“YoumayperhapshaveheardorreadthatthereisBolshevistinfluenceatworkbehindthepresentlabourunrest?”
Tuppencenodded.
“Thatisthetruth,BolshevistgoldispouringintothiscountryforthespecificpurposeofprocuringaRevolution.Andthereisacertainman,amanwhoserealnameisunknowntous,whoisworkinginthedarkforhisownends.TheBolshevistsarebehindthelabourunrest—butthismanisbehindtheBolshevists.Whoishe?Wedonotknow.Heisalwaysspokenofbytheunassumingtitleof‘Mr.Brown.’Butonethingiscertain,heisthemastercriminalofthisage.Hecontrolsamarvellousorganization.Mostofthepeacepropagandaduringthewarwasoriginatedandfinancedbyhim.Hisspiesareeverywhere.”
“AnaturalizedGerman?”askedTommy.
“Onthecontrary,IhaveeveryreasontobelieveheisanEnglishman.Hewaspro-German,ashewouldhavebeenpro-Boer.Whatheseekstoattainwedonotknow—probablysupremepowerforhimself,ofakinduniqueinhistory.Wehavenoclueastohisrealpersonality.Itisreportedthatevenhisownfollowersareignorantofit.Wherewehavecomeacrosshistracks,hehasalwaysplayedasecondarypart.Somebodyelseassumesthechiefr?le.Butafterwardswealwaysfindthattherehadbeensomenonentity,aservantoraclerk,whohadremainedinthebackgroundunnoticed,andthattheelusiveMr.Brownhasescapedusoncemore.”
“Oh!”Tuppencejumped.“Iwonder—”
“Yes?”
“IrememberinMr.Whittington’soffice.Theclerk—hecalledhimBrown.Youdon’tthink—”
Carternoddedthoughtfully.
“Verylikely.Acuriouspointisthatthenameisusuallymentioned.Anidiosyncracyofgenius.Canyoudescribehimatall?”
“Ireallydidn’tnotice.Hewasquiteordinary—justlikeanyoneelse.”
Mr.Cartersighedinhistiredmanner.
“ThatistheinvariabledescriptionofMr.Brown!BroughtatelephonemessagetothemanWhittington,didhe?Noticeatelephoneintheouteroffice?”
Tuppencethought.
“No,Idon’tthinkIdid.”
“Exactly.That‘message’wasMr.Brown’swayofgivinganordertohissubordinate.Heoverheardthewholeconversationofcourse.WasitafterthatthatWhittingtonhandedyouoverthemoney,andtoldyoutocomethefollowingday?”
Tuppencenodded.
“Yes,undoubtedlythehandofMr.Brown!”Mr.Carterpaused.“Well,thereitis,youseewhatyouarepittingyourselfagainst?Possiblythefinestcriminalbrainoftheage.Idon’tquitelikeit,youknow.You’resuchyoungthings,bothofyou.Ishouldn’tlikeanythingtohappentoyou.”
“Itwon’t,”Tuppenceassuredhimpositively.
“I’lllookafterher,sir,”saidTommy.
“AndI’lllookafteryou,”retortedTuppence,resentingthemanlyassertion.
“Well,then,lookaftereachother,”saidMr.Carter,smiling.“Nowlet’sgetbacktobusiness.There’ssomethingmysteriousaboutthisdrafttreatythatwehaven’tfathomedyet.We’vebeenthreatenedwithit—inplainandunmistakableterms.TheRevolutionaryelementsasgoodasdeclaredthatit’sintheirhands,andthattheyintendtoproduceitatagivenmoment.Ontheotherhand,theyareclearlyatfaultaboutmanyofitsprovisions.TheGovernmentconsideritasmerebluffontheirpart,and,rightlyorwrongly,havestucktothepolicyofabsolutedenial.I’mnotsosure.Therehavebeenhints,indiscreetallusions,thatseemtoindicatethatthemenaceisarealone.Thepositionismuchasthoughtheyhadgotholdofanincriminatingdocument,butcouldn’treaditbecauseitwasincipher—butweknowthatthedrafttreatywasn’tincipher—couldn’tbeinthenatureofthings—sothatwon’twash.Butthere’ssomething.Ofcourse,JaneFinnmaybedeadforallweknow—butIdon’tthinkso.Thecuriousthingisthatthey’retryingtogetinformationaboutthegirlfromus.”
“What?”
“Yes.Oneortwolittlethingshavecroppedup.Andyourstory,littlelady,confirmsmyidea.Theyknowwe’relookingforJaneFinn.Well,they’llproduceaJaneFinnoftheirown—sayatapensionnatinParis.”Tuppencegasped,andMr.Cartersmiled.“Nooneknowsintheleastwhatshelookslike,sothat’sallright.She’sprimedwithatrumped-uptale,andherrealbusinessistogetasmuchinformationaspossibleoutofus.Seetheidea?”
“Thenyouthink”—Tuppencepausedtograspthesuppositionfully—“thatitwasasJaneFinnthattheywantedmetogotoParis?”
Mr.Cartersmiledmorewearilythanever.
“Ibelieveincoincidences,youknow,”hesaid.
Five
MR.JULIUSP.HERSHEIMER
“Well,”saidTuppence,recoveringherself,“itreallyseemsasthoughitweremeanttobe.”
Carternodded.
“Iknowwhatyoumean.I’msuperstitiousmyself.Luck,andallthatsortofthing.Fateseemstohavechosenyououttobemixedupinthis.”
Tommyindulgedinachuckle.
“Myword!Idon’twonderWhittingtongotthewindupwhenTuppenceplumpedoutthatname!Ishouldhavemyself.Butlookhere,sir,we’retakingupanawfullotofyourtime.Haveyouanytipstogiveusbeforeweclearout?”
“Ithinknot.Myexperts,workinginstereotypedways,havefailed.Youwillbringimaginationandanopenmindtothetask.Don’tbediscouragedifthattoodoesnotsucceed.Foronethingthereisalikelihoodofthepacebeingforced.”
Tuppencefrowneduncomprehendingly.
“WhenyouhadthatinterviewwithWhittington,theyhadtimebeforethem.Ihaveinformationthatthebigcoupwasplannedforearlyinthenewyear.ButtheGovernmentiscontemplatinglegislativeactionwhichwilldealeffectuallywiththestrikemenace.They’llgetwindofitsoon,iftheyhaven’talready,andit’spossiblethattheymaybringthingstoahead.Ihopeitwillmyself.Thelesstimetheyhavetomaturetheirplansthebetter.I’mjustwarningyouthatyouhaven’tmuchtimebeforeyou,andthatyouneedn’tbecastdownifyoufail.It’snotaneasypropositionanyway.That’sall.”
Tuppencerose.
“Ithinkweoughttobebusinesslike.Whatexactlycanwecountuponyoufor,Mr.Carter?”
Mr.Carter’slipstwitchedslightly,butherepliedsuccinctly:
“Fundswithinreason,detailedinformationonanypoint,andnoofficialrecognition.Imeanthatifyougetyourselvesintotroublewiththepolice,Ican’tofficiallyhelpyououtofit.You’reonyourown.”
Tuppencenoddedsagely.
“Iquiteunderstandthat.I’llwriteoutalistofthethingsIwanttoknowwhenI’vehadtimetothink.Now—aboutmoney—”
“Yes,MissTuppence.Doyouwanttosayhowmuch?”
“Notexactly.We’vegotplentytogoonwithforthepresent,butwhenwewantmore—”
“Itwillbewaitingforyou.”
“Yes,but—I’msureIdon’twanttoberudeabouttheGovernmentifyou’vegotanythingtodowithit,butyouknowonereallyhasthedevilofatimegettinganythingoutofit!Andifwehavetofillupablueformandsenditin,andthen,afterthreemonths,theysendusagreenone,andsoon—well,thatwon’tbemuchuse,willit?”
Mr.Carterlaughedoutright.
“Don’tworry,MissTuppence.Youwillsendapersonaldemandtomehere,andthemoney,innotes,shallbesentbyreturnofpost.Astosalary,shallwesayattherateofthreehundredayear?AndanequalsumforMr.Beresford,ofcourse.”
Tuppencebeameduponhim.
“Howlovely.Youarekind.Idolovemoney!I’llkeepbeautifulaccountsofourexpenses—alldebitandcredit,andthebalanceontherightside,andaredlinedrawnsidewayswiththetotalsthesameatthebottom.IreallyknowhowtodoitwhenIthink.”
“I’msureyoudo.Well,good-bye,andgoodlucktoyouboth.”
Heshookhandswiththemandinanotherminutetheyweredescendingthestepsof27CarshaltonTerracewiththeirheadsinawhirl.
“Tommy!Tellmeatonce,whois‘Mr.Carter?’”
Tommymurmuredanameinherear.
“Oh!”saidTuppence,impressed.
“AndIcantellyou,oldbean,he’srr!”
“Oh!”saidTuppenceagain.Thensheaddedreflectively:“Ilikehim,don’tyou?Helookssoawfullytiredandbored,andyetyoufeelthatunderneathhe’sjustlikesteel,allkeenandflashing.Oh!”Shegaveaskip.“Pinchme,Tommy,dopinchme.Ican’tbelieveit’sreal!”
Mr.Beresfordobliged.
“Ow!That’senough!Yes,we’renotdreaming.We’vegotajob!”
“Andwhatajob!Thejointventurehasreallybegun.”
“It’smorerespectablethanIthoughtitwouldbe,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.
“LuckilyIhaven’tgotyourcravingforcrime!Whattimeisit?Let’shavelunch—oh!”
Thesamethoughtsprangtothemindsofeach.Tommyvoiceditfirst.
“JuliusP.Hersheimmer!”
“WenevertoldMr.Carterabouthearingfromhim.”
“Well,therewasn’tmuchtotell—nottillwe’veseenhim.Comeon,we’dbettertakeataxi.”
“Nowwho’sbeingextravagant?”
“Allexpensespaid,remember.Hopin.”
“Atanyrate,weshallmakeabettereffectarrivingthisway,”saidTuppence,leaningbackluxuriously.“I’msureblackmailersneverarriveinbuses!”
“We’veceasedbeingblackmailers,”Tommypointedout.
“I’mnotsureIhave,”saidTuppencedarkly.
OninquiringforMr.Hersheimmer,theywereatoncetakenuptohissuite.Animpatientvoicecried“Comein”inanswertothepageboy’sknock,andtheladstoodasidetoletthenpassin.
Mr.JuliusP.HersheimmerwasagreatdealyoungerthaneitherTommyorTuppencehadpicturedhim.Thegirlputhimdownasthirty-five.Hewasofmiddleheight,andsquarelybuilttomatchhisjaw.Hisfacewaspugnaciousbutpleasant.NoonecouldhavemistakenhimforanythingbutanAmerican,thoughhespokewithverylittleaccent.
“Getmynote?”Sitdownandtellmerightawayallyouknowaboutmycousin.”
“Yourcousin?”
“Surething.JaneFinn.”
“Issheyourcousin?”
“Myfatherandhermotherwerebrotherandsister,”explainedMr.Hersheimmermeticulously.
“Oh!”criedTuppence.“Thenyouknowwheresheis?”
“No!”Mr.Hersheimmerbroughtdownhisfistwithabangonthetable.“I’mdarnedifIdo!Don’tyou?”
“Weadvertisedtoreceiveinformation,nottogiveit,”saidTuppenceseverely.
“IguessIknowthat.Icanread.ButIthoughtmaybeitwasherbackhistoryyouwereafter,andthatyou’dknowwhereshewasnow?”
“Well,wewouldn’tmindhearingherbackhistory,”saidTuppenceguardedly.
ButMr.Hersheimmerseemedtogrowsuddenlysuspicious.
“Seehere,”hedeclared.“Thisisn’tSicily!NodemandingransomorthreateningtocropherearsifIrefuse.ThesearetheBritishIsles,soquitthefunnybusiness,orI’lljustsingoutforthatbeautifulbigBritishpolicemanIseeoutthereinPiccadilly.”
Tommyhastenedtoexplain.
“Wehaven’tkidnappedyourcousin.Onthecontrary,we’retryingtofindher.We’reemployedtodoso.”
Mr.Hersheimmerleantbackinhischair
“Putmewise,”hesaidsuccinctly.
TommyfellinwiththisdemandinsofarashegavehimaguardedversionofthedisappearanceofJaneFinn,andofthepossibilityofherhavingbeenmixedupunawaresin“somepoliticalshow.”HealludedtoTuppenceandhimselfas“privateinquiryagents”commissionedtofindher,andaddedthattheywouldthereforebegladofanydetailsMr.Hersheimmercouldgivethem.
Thatgentlemannoddedapproval.
“Iguessthat’smyright.Iwasjustamitehasty.ButLondongetsmygoat!IonlyknowlittleoldNewYork.JusttrotyourquestionsandI’llanswer.”
ForthemomentthisparalysedtheYoungAdventurers,butTuppence,recoveringherself,plungedboldlyintothebreachwithareminiscenceculledfromdetectivefiction.
“Whendidyoulastseethedece—yourcousin,Imean?”
“Neverseenher,”respondedMr.Hersheimmer.
“What?”demandedTommyastonished.
Hersheimmerturnedtohim.
“No,sir.AsIsaidbefore,myfatherandhermotherwerebrotherandsister,justasyoumightbe”—Tommydidnotcorrectthisviewoftheirrelationship—“buttheydidn’talwaysgetontogether.AndwhenmyauntmadeuphermindtomarryAmosFinn,whowasapoorschoolteacheroutWest,myfatherwasjustmad!Saidifhemadehispile,asheseemedinafairwaytodo,she’dneverseeacentofit.Well,theupshotwasthatAuntJanewentoutWestandweneverheardfromheragain.
“Theoldmandidpileitup.Hewentintooil,andhewentintosteel,andheplayedabitwithrailroads,andIcantellyouhemadeWallStreetsitup!”Hepaused.“Thenhedied—lastfall—andIgotthedollars.Well,wouldyoubelieveit,myconsciencegotbusy!Keptknockingmeupandsaying:WhataboutyourAuntJane,wayoutWest?Itworriedmesome.Yousee,IfigureditoutthatAmosFinnwouldnevermakegood.Hewasn’tthesort.Endofitwas,Ihiredamantohuntherdown.Result,shewasdead,andAmosFinnwasdead,butthey’dleftadaughter—Jane—who’dbeentorpedoedintheLusitaniaonherwaytoParis.Shewassavedallright,buttheydidn’tseemabletohearofheroverthisside.Iguessedtheyweren’thustlingany,soIthoughtI’dcomealongover,andspeedthingsup.IphonedScotlandYardandtheAdmiraltyfirstthing.TheAdmiraltyratherchokedmeoff,butScotlandYardwereverycivil—saidtheywouldmakeinquiries,evensentamanroundthismorningtogetherphotograph.I’mofftoParistomorrow,justtoseewhatthePrefectureisdoing.IguessifIgotoandfrohustlingthem,theyoughttogetbusy!”
TheenergyofMr.Hersheimmerwastremendous.Theybowedbeforeit.
“Butsaynow,”heended,“you’renotafterherforanything?Contemptofcourt,orsomethingBritish?Aproud-spiritedyoungAmericangirlmightfindyourrulesandregulationsinwartimeratherirksome,andgetupagainstit.Ifthat’sthecase,andthere’ssuchathingasgraftinthiscountry,I’llbuyheroff.”
Tuppencereassuredhim.
“That’sgood.Thenwecanworktogether.Whataboutsomelunch?Shallwehaveituphere,orgodowntotherestaurant?”
Tuppenceexpressedapreferenceforthelatter,andJuliusbowedtoherdecision.
OystershadjustgivenplacetoSoleColbertwhenacardwasbroughttoHersheimmer.
“InspectorJapp,C.I.D.ScotlandYardagain.Anothermanthistime.WhatdoesheexpectIcantellhimthatIdidn’ttellthefirstchap?Ihopetheyhaven’tlostthatphotograph.ThatWesternphotographer’splacewasburneddownandallhisnegativesdestroyed—thisistheonlycopyinexistence.Igotitfromtheprincipalofthecollegethere.”
AnunformulateddreadsweptoverTuppence.
“You—youdon’tknowthenameofthemanwhocamethismorning?”
“Yes,Ido.No,Idon’t.Halfasecond.Itwasonhiscard.Oh,Iknow!InspectorBrown.Quietunassumingsortofchap.”
Six
APLANOFCAMPAIGN
Aveilmightwithprofitbedrawnovertheeventsofthenexthalfhour.Sufficeittosaythatnosuchpersonas“InspectorBrown”wasknowntoScotlandYard.ThephotographofJaneFinn,whichwouldhavebeenoftheutmostvaluetothepoliceintracingher,waslostbeyondrecovery.Onceagain“Mr.Brown”hadtriumphed.
TheimmediateresultofthissetbackwastoeffectarapprochementbetweenJuliusHersheimmerandtheYoungAdventurers.Allbarrierswentdownwithacrash,andTommyandTuppencefelttheyhadknowntheyoungAmericanalltheirlives.Theyabandonedthediscreetreticenceof“privateinquiryagents,”andrevealedtohimthewholehistoryofthejointventure,whereattheyoungmandeclaredhimself“tickledtodeath.”
HeturnedtoTuppenceatthecloseofthenarration.
“I’vealwayshadakindofideathatEnglishgirlswerejustamitemoss-grown.Old-fashionedandsweet,youknow,butscaredtomoveroundwithoutafootmanoramaidenaunt.IguessI’mabitbehindthetimes!”
TheupshotoftheseconfidentialrelationswasthatTommyandTuppencetookuptheirabodeforthwithattheRitz,inorder,asTuppenceputit,tokeepintouchwithJaneFinn’sonlylivingrelation.“Andputlikethat,”sheaddedconfidentiallytoTommy,“nobodycouldboggleattheexpense!”
Nobodydid,whichwasthegreatthing.
“Andnow,”saidtheyoungladyonthemorningaftertheirinstallation,“towork!”
Mr.BeresfordputdowntheDailyMail,whichhewasreading,andapplaudedwithsomewhatunnecessaryvigour.Hewaspolitelyrequestedbyhiscolleaguenottobeanass.
“Dashitall,Tommy,we’vegottodosomethingforourmoney.”
Tommysighed.
“Yes,IfeareventhedearoldGovernmentwillnotsupportusattheRitzinidlenessforever.”
“Therefore,asIsaidbefore,wemustdosomething.”
“Well,”saidTommy,pickinguptheDailyMailagain,“doit.Ishan’tstopyou.”
“Yousee,”continuedTuppence.“I’vebeenthinking—”
Shewasinterruptedbyafreshboutofapplause.
“It’sallverywellforyoutosittherebeingfunny,Tommy.Itwoulddoyounoharmtodoalittlebrainworktoo.”
“Myunion,Tuppence,myunion!Itdoesnotpermitmetoworkbefore11a.m.”
“Tommy,doyouwantsomethingthrownatyou?Itisabsolutelyessentialthatweshouldwithoutdelaymapoutaplanofcampaign.”
“Hear,hear!”
“Well,let’sdoit.”
Tommylaidhispaperfinallyaside.“There’ssomethingofthesimplicityofthetrulygreatmindaboutyou,Tuppence.Fireahead.I’mlistening.”
“Tobeginwith,”saidTuppence,“whathavewetogoupon?”
“Absolutelynothing,”saidTommycheerily.
“Wrong!”Tuppencewaggedanenergeticfinger.“Wehavetwodistinctclues.”
“Whatarethey?”
“Firstclue,weknowoneofthegang.”
“Whittington?”
“Yes.I’drecognizehimanywhere.”
“Hum,”saidTommydoubtfully.“Idon’tcallthatmuchofaclue.Youdon’tknowwheretolookforhim,andit’saboutathousandtooneagainstyourrunningagainsthimbyaccident.”
“I’mnotsosureaboutthat,”repliedTuppencethoughtfully.“I’veoftennoticedthatoncecoincidencesstarthappeningtheygoonhappeninginthemostextraordinaryway.Idaresayit’ssomenaturallawthatwehaven’tfoundout.Still,asyousay,wecan’trelyonthat.ButthereareplacesinLondonwheresimplyeveryoneisboundtoturnupsoonerorlater.PiccadillyCircus,forinstance.Oneofmyideaswastotakeupmystandthereeverydaywithatrayofflags.”
“Whataboutmeals?”inquiredthepracticalTommy.
“Howlikeaman!Whatdoesmerefoodmatter?”
“That’sallverywell.You’vejusthadathunderinggoodbreakfast.Noone’sgotabetterappetitethanyouhave,Tuppence,andbyteatimeyou’dbeeatingtheflags,pinsandall.But,honestly,Idon’tthinkmuchoftheidea.Whittingtonmayn’tbeinLondonatall.”
“That’strue.Anyway,IthinkclueNo.2ismorepromising.”
“Let’shearit.”
“It’snothingmuch.OnlyaChristianname—Rita.Whittingtonmentioneditthatday.”
“Areyouproposingathirdadvertisement:Wanted,femalecrook,answeringtothenameofRita?”
“Iamnot.Iproposetoreasoninalogicalmanner.Thatman,Danvers,wasshadowedonthewayover,wasn’the?Andit’smorelikelytohavebeenawomanthanaman—”
“Idon’tseethatatall.”
“Iamabsolutelycertainthatitwouldbeawoman,andagood-lookingone,”repliedTuppencecalmly.
“OnthesetechnicalpointsIbowtoyourdecision,”murmuredMr.Beresford.
“Now,obviously,thiswoman,whoevershewas,wassaved.”
“Howdoyoumakethatout?”
“Ifshewasn’t,howwouldtheyhaveknownJaneFinnhadgotthepapers?”
“Correct.Proceed,OSherlock!”
“Nowthere’sjustachance,Iadmitit’sonlyachance,thatthiswomanmayhavebeen‘Rita.’”
“Andifso?”
“Ifso,we’vegottohuntthroughthesurvivorsoftheLusitaniatillwefindher.”
“Thenthefirstthingistogetalistofthesurvivors.”
“I’vegotit.IwrotealonglistofthingsIwantedtoknow,andsentittoMr.Carter.Igothisreplythismorning,andamongotherthingsitenclosestheofficialstatementofthosesavedfromtheLusitania.How’sthatforcleverlittleTuppence?”
“Fullmarksforindustry,zeroformodesty.Butthegreatpointis,istherea‘Rita’onthelist?”
“That’sjustwhatIdon’tknow,”confessedTuppence.
“Don’tknow?”
“Yes,lookhere.”Togethertheybentoverthelist.“Yousee,veryfewChristiannamesaregiven.They’renearlyallMrs.orMiss.”
Tommynodded.
“Thatcomplicatesmatters,”hemurmuredthoughtfully.
Tuppencegavehercharacteristic“terrier”shake.
“Well,we’vejustgottogetdowntoit,that’sall.We’llstartwiththeLondonarea.JustnotedowntheaddressesofanyofthefemaleswholiveinLondonorroundabout,whileIputonmyhat.”
FiveminuteslatertheyoungcoupleemergedintoPiccadilly,andafewsecondslaterataxiwasbearingthemtoTheLaurels,GlendowerRoad,N.7.,theresidenceofMrs.EdgarKeith,whosenamefiguredfirstinalistofsevenreposinginTommy’spocketbook.
TheLaurelswasadilapidatedhouse,standingbackfromtheroadwithafewgrimybushestosupportthefictionofafrontgarden.Tommypaidoffthetaxi,andaccompaniedTuppencetothefrontdoorbell.Asshewasabouttoringit,hearrestedherhand.
“Whatareyougoingtosay?”
“WhatamIgoingtosay?Why,Ishallsay—Ohdear,Idon’tknow.It’sveryawkward.”
“Ithoughtasmuch,”saidTommywithsatisfaction.“Howlikeawoman!Noforesight!Nowjuststandaside,andseehoweasilythemeremaledealswiththesituation.”Hepressedthebell.Tuppencewithdrewtoasuitablespot.
Aslatternly-lookingservant,withanextremelydirtyfaceandapairofeyesthatdidnotmatch,answeredthedoor.
Tommyhadproducedanotebookandpencil.
“Goodmorning,”hesaidbrisklyandcheerfully.“FromtheHampsteadBoroughCouncil.TheNewVotingRegister.Mrs.EdgarKeithliveshere,doesshenot?”
“Yaas,”saidtheservant.
“Christianname?”askedTommy,hispencilpoised.
“Missus’s?EleanorJane.”
“Eleanor,”speltTommy.“Anysonsordaughtersovertwenty-one?”
“Naow.”
“Thankyou.”Tommyclosedthenotebookwithabrisksnap.“Goodmorning.”
Theservantvolunteeredherfirstremark:
“Ithoughtperhapsasyou’dcomeaboutthegas,”sheobservedcryptically,andshutthedoor.
Tommyrejoinedhisaccomplice.
“Yousee,Tuppence,”heobserved.“Child’splaytothemasculinemind.”
“Idon’tmindadmittingthatforonceyou’vescoredhandsomely.Ishouldneverhavethoughtofthat.”
“Goodwheeze,wasn’tit?Andwecanrepeatitadlib.”
Lunchtimefoundtheyoungcoupleattackingsteakandchipsinanobscurehostelrywithavidity.TheyhadcollectedaGladysMaryandaMarjorie,beenbaffledbyonechangeofaddress,andhadbeenforcedtolistentoalonglectureonuniversalsuffragefromavivaciousAmericanladywhoseChristiannamehadprovedtobeSadie.
“Ah!”saidTommy,imbibingalongdraughtofbeer.“Ifeelbetter.Where’sthenextdraw?”
Thenotebooklayonthetablebetweenthem.Tuppencepickeditup.
“Mrs.Vandemeyer,”sheread,“20SouthAudleyMansions.MissWheeler,43ClapingtonRoad,Battersea.She’salady’smaid,asfarasIremember,soprobablywon’tbethere,and,anyway,she’snotlikely.”
“ThentheMayfairladyisclearlyindicatedasthefirstportofcall.”
“Tommy,I’mgettingdiscouraged.”
“Buckup,oldbean.Wealwaysknewitwasanoutsidechance.And,anyway,we’reonlystarting.IfwedrawablankinLondon,there’safinetourofEngland,IrelandandScotlandbeforeus.”
“True,”saidTuppence,herflaggingspiritsreviving.“Andallexpensespaid!But,oh,Tommy,Idolikethingstohappenquickly.Sofar,adventurehassucceededadventure,butthismorninghasbeendullasdull.”
“Youmuststiflethislongingforvulgarsensation,Tuppence.RememberthatifMr.Brownisallheisreportedtobe,it’sawonderthathehasnoterenowdoneustodeath.That’sagoodsentence,quitealiteraryflavouraboutit.”
“You’rereallymoreconceitedthanIam—withlessexcuse!Ahem!ButitcertainlyisqueerthatMr.Brownhasnotyetwreakedvengeanceuponus.(Yousee,Icandoittoo.)Wepassonourwayunscathed.”
“Perhapshedoesn’tthinkusworthbotheringabout,”suggestedtheyoungmansimply.
Tuppencereceivedtheremarkwithgreatdisfavour.
“Howhorridyouare,Tommy.Justasthoughwedidn’tcount.”
“Sorry,Tuppence.WhatImeantwasthatweworklikemolesinthedark,andthathehasnosuspicionofournefariousschemes.Haha!”
“Haha!”echoedTuppenceapprovingly,assherose.
SouthAudleyMansionswasanimposinglookingblockofflatsjustoffParkLane.No.20wasonthesecondfloor.
Tommyhadbythistimetheglibnessbornofpractice.Herattledofftheformulatotheelderlywoman,lookingmorelikeahousekeeperthanaservant,whoopenedthedoortohim.
“Christianname?”
“Margaret.”
Tommyspeltit,buttheotherinterruptedhim.
“No,gue.”
“Oh,Marguerite;Frenchway,Isee.”Hepausedthenplungedboldly.“WehadherdownasRitaVandermeyer,butIsupposethat’scorrect?”
“She’smostlycalledthat,sir,butMarguerite’shername.”
“Thankyou.That’sall.Goodmorning.”
Hardlyabletocontainhisexcitement,Tommyhurrieddownthestairs.Tuppencewaswaitingattheangleoftheturn.
“Youheard?”
“Yes.Oh,Tommy!”
Tommysqueezedherarmsympathetically.
“Iknow,oldthing.Ifeelthesame.”
“It’s—it’ssolovelytothinkofthings—andthenforthemreallytohappen!”criedTuppenceenthusiastically.
HerhandwasstillinTommy’s.Theyhadreachedtheentrancehall.Therewerefootstepsonthestairsabovethem,andvoices.
Suddenly,toTommy’scompletesurprise,Tuppencedraggedhimintothelittlespacebythesideoftheliftwheretheshadowwasdeepest.
“Whatthe—”
“Hush!”
Twomencamedownthestairsandpassedoutthroughtheentrance.Tuppence’shandclosedtighteronTommy’sarm.
“Quick—followthem.Idaren’t.Hemightrecognizeme.Idon’tknowwhotheothermanis,butthebiggerofthetwowasWhittington.”
Seven
THEHOUSEINSOHO
Whittingtonandhiscompanionwerewalkingatagoodpace.Tommystartedinpursuitatonce,andwasintimetoseethemturnthecornerofthestreet.Hisvigorousstridessoonenabledhimtogainuponthem,andbythetimehe,inhisturn,reachedthecornerthedistancebetweenthemwassensiblylessened.ThesmallMayfairstreetswerecomparativelydeserted,andhejudgeditwisetocontenthimselfwithkeepingtheminsight.
Thesportwasanewonetohim.Thoughfamiliarwiththetechnicalitiesfromacourseofnovelreading,hehadneverbeforeattemptedto“follow”anyone,anditappearedtohimatoncethat,inactualpractice,theproceedingwasfraughtwithdifficulties.Supposing,forinstance,thattheyshouldsuddenlyhailataxi?Inbooks,yousimplyleaptintoanother,promisedthedriverasovereign—oritsmodernequivalent—andthereyouwere.Inactualfact,Tommyforesawthatitwasextremelylikelytherewouldbenosecondtaxi.Thereforehewouldhavetorun.WhathappenedinactualfacttoayoungmanwhoranincessantlyandpersistentlythroughtheLondonstreets?Inamainroadhemighthopetocreatetheillusionthathewasmerelyrunningforabus.Butintheseobscurearistocraticbywayshecouldnotbutfeelthatanofficiouspolicemanmightstophimtoexplainmatters.
Atthisjunctureinhisthoughtsataxiwithflagerectturnedthecornerofthestreetahead.Tommyheldhisbreath.Wouldtheyhailit?
Hedrewasighofreliefastheyallowedittopassunchallenged.TheircoursewasazigzagonedesignedtobringthemasquicklyaspossibletoOxfordStreet.Whenatlengththeyturnedintoit,proceedinginaneasterlydirection,Tommyslightlyincreasedhispace.Littlebylittlehegaineduponthem.Onthecrowdedpavementtherewaslittlechanceofhisattractingtheirnotice,andhewasanxiousifpossibletocatchawordortwooftheirconversation.Inthishewascompletelyfoiled:theyspokelowandthedinofthetrafficdrownedtheirvoiceseffectually.
JustbeforetheBondStreetTubestationtheycrossedtheroad,Tommy,unperceived,faithfullyattheirheels,andenteredthebigLyons’.Theretheywentuptothefirstfloor,andsatatasmalltableinthewindow.Itwaslate,andtheplacewasthinningout.TommytookaseatatthetablenexttothemsittingdirectlybehindWhittingtonincaseofrecognition.Ontheotherhand,hehadafullviewofthesecondmanandstudiedhimattentively.Hewasfair,withaweak,unpleasantface,andTommyputhimdownasbeingeitheraRussianoraPole.Hewasprobablyaboutfiftyyearsofage,hisshoulderscringedalittleashetalked,andhiseyes,smallandcrafty,shiftedunceasingly.
Havingalreadylunchedheartily,TommycontentedhimselfwithorderingaWelshrarebitandacupofcoffee.Whittingtonorderedasubstantiallunchforhimselfandhiscompanion;then,asthewaitresswithdrew,hemovedhischairalittleclosertothetableandbegantotalkearnestlyinalowvoice.Theothermanjoinedin.Listenashewould,Tommycouldonlycatchawordhereandthere;butthegistofitseemedtobesomedirectionsororderswhichthebigmanwasimpressingonhiscompanion,andwithwhichthelatterseemedfromtimetotimetodisagree.WhittingtonaddressedtheotherasBoris.
Tommycaughttheword“Ireland”severaltimes,also“propaganda,”butofJaneFinntherewasnomention.Suddenly,inalullintheclatteroftheroom,hegotonephraseentire.Whittingtonwasspeaking.“Ah,butyoudon’tknowFlossie.She’samarvel.Anarchbishopwouldswearshewashisownmother.Shegetsthevoicerighteverytime,andthat’sreallytheprincipalthing.”
TommydidnothearBoris’sreply,butinresponsetoitWhittingtonsaidsomethingthatsoundedlike:“ofcourse—onlyinanemergency….”
Thenhelostthethreadagain.Butpresentlythephrasesbecamedistinctagain,whetherbecausetheothertwohadinsensiblyraisedtheirvoices,orbecauseTommy’searsweregettingmoreattuned,hecouldnottell.Buttwowordscertainlyhadamoststimulatingeffectuponthelistener.TheywereutteredbyBorisandtheywere:“Mr.Brown.”
Whittingtonseemedtoremonstratewithhim,buthemerelylaughed.
“Whynot,myfriend?Itisanamemostrespectable—mostcommon.Didhenotchooseitforthatreason?Ah,Ishouldliketomeethim—Mr.Brown.”
TherewasasteelyringinWhittington’svoiceashereplied:
“Whoknows?Youmayhavemethimalready.”
“Bah!”retortedtheother.“Thatischildren’stalk—afableforthepolice.DoyouknowwhatIsaytomyselfsometimes?ThatheisafableinventedbytheInnerRing,abogytofrightenuswith.Itmightbeso.”
“Anditmightnot.”
“Iwonder…orisitindeedtruethatheiswithusandamongstus,unknowntoallbutachosenfew?Ifso,hekeepshissecretwell.Andtheideaisagoodone,yes.Weneverknow.Welookateachother—oneofusisMr.Brown—which?Hecommands—butalsoheserves.Amongus—inthemidstofus.Andnooneknowswhichheis….”
WithanefforttheRussianshookoffthevagaryofhisfancy.Helookedathiswatch.
“Yes,”saidWhittington.“Wemightaswellgo.”
Hecalledthewaitressandaskedforhisbill.Tommydidlikewise,andafewmomentslaterwasfollowingthetwomendownthestairs.
Outside,Whittingtonhailedataxi,anddirectedthedrivertoWaterloo.
Taxiswereplentifulhere,andbeforeWhittington’shaddrivenoffanotherwasdrawinguptothecurbinobediencetoTommy’speremptoryhand.
“Followthatothertaxi,”directedtheyoungman.“Don’tloseit.”
Theelderlychauffeurshowednointerest.Hemerelygruntedandjerkeddownhisflag.Thedrivewasuneventful.Tommy’staxicametorestatthedepartureplatformjustafterWhittington’s.Tommywasbehindhimatthebookingoffice.Hetookafirst-classsingletoBournemouth,Tommydidthesame.Asheemerged,Borisremarked,glancingupattheclock:“Youareearly.Youhavenearlyhalfanhour.”
Boris’swordshadarousedanewtrainofthoughtinTommy’smind.ClearlyWhittingtonwasmakingthejourneyalone,whiletheotherremainedinLondon.Thereforehewasleftwithachoiceastowhichhewouldfollow.Obviously,hecouldnotfollowbothofthemunless—LikeBoris,heglancedupattheclock,andthentotheannouncementboardofthetrains.TheBournemouthtrainleftat3:30.Itwasnowtenpast.WhittingtonandBoriswerewalkingupanddownbythebookstall.Hegaveonedoubtfullookatthem,thenhurriedintoanadjacenttelephonebox.HedarednotwastetimeintryingtogetholdofTuppence.InallprobabilityshewasstillintheneighbourhoodofSouthAudleyMansions.Butthereremainedanotherally.HeranguptheRitzandaskedforJuliusHersheimmer.Therewasaclickandabuzz.Oh,ifonlytheyoungAmericanwasinhisroom!Therewasanotherclick,andthen“Hello”inunmistakableaccentscameoverthewire.
“Thatyou,Hersheimmer?Beresfordspeaking.I’matWaterloo.I’vefollowedWhittingtonandanothermanhere.Notimetoexplain.Whittington’sofftoBournemouthbythe3:30.Canyougetherebythen?”
Thereplywasreassuring.
“Sure.I’llhustle.”
Thetelephonerangoff.Tommyputbackthereceiverwithasighofrelief.HisopinionofJulius’spowerofhustlingwashigh.HefeltinstinctivelythattheAmericanwouldarriveintime.
WhittingtonandBoriswerestillwherehehadleftthem.IfBorisremainedtoseehisfriendoff,allwaswell.ThenTommyfingeredhispocketthoughtfully.Inspiteofthecarteblancheassuredtohim,hehadnotyetacquiredthehabitofgoingaboutwithanyconsiderablesumofmoneyonhim.Thetakingofthefirst-classtickettoBournemouthhadlefthimwithonlyafewshillingsinhispocket.ItwastobehopedthatJuliuswouldarrivebetterprovided.
Inthemeantime,theminuteswerecreepingby:3:15,3:20,3:25,3:27.SupposingJuliusdidnotgetthereintime.3:29….Doorswerebanging.Tommyfeltcoldwavesofdespairpassoverhim.Thenahandfellonhisshoulder.
“HereIam,son.YourBritishtrafficbeatsdescription!Putmewisetothecrooksrightaway.”
“That’sWhittington—there,gettinginnow,thatbigdarkman.Theotheristheforeignchaphe’stalkingto.”
“I’montothem.Whichofthetwoismybird?”
Tommyhadthoughtoutthisquestion.
“Gotanymoneywithyou?”
Juliusshookhishead,andTommy’sfacefell.
“IguessIhaven’tmorethanthreeorfourhundreddollarswithmeatthemoment,”explainedtheAmerican.
Tommygaveafaintwhoopofrelief.
“Oh,Lord,youmillionaires!Youdon’ttalkthesamelanguage!Climbaboardthelugger.Here’syourticket.Whittington’syourman.”
“MeforWhittington!”saidJuliusdarkly.Thetrainwasjuststartingasheswunghimselfaboard.“Solong,Tommy.”Thetrainslidoutofthestation.
Tommydrewadeepbreath.ThemanBoriswascomingalongtheplatformtowardshim.Tommyallowedhimtopassandthentookupthechaseoncemore.
FromWaterlooBoristooktheTubeasfarasPiccadillyCircus.ThenhewalkedupShaftesburyAvenue,finallyturningoffintothemazeofmeanstreetsroundSoho.Tommyfollowedhimatajudiciousdistance.
Theyreachedatlengthasmalldilapidatedsquare.Thehousestherehadasinisterairinthemidstoftheirdirtanddecay.Borislookedround,andTommydrewbackintotheshelterofafriendlyporch.Theplacewasalmostdeserted.Itwasacul-de-sac,andconsequentlynotrafficpassedthatway.ThestealthywaytheotherhadlookedroundstimulatedTommy’simagination.Fromtheshelterofthedoorwayhewatchedhimgoupthestepsofaparticularlyevil-lookinghouseandrapsharply,withapeculiarrhythm,onthedoor.Itwasopenedpromptly,hesaidawordortwotothedoorkeeper,thenpassedinside.Thedoorwasshuttoagain.
ItwasatthisjuncturethatTommylosthishead.Whatheoughttohavedone,whatanysanemanwouldhavedone,wastoremainpatientlywherehewasandwaitforhismantocomeoutagain.Whathediddowasentirelyforeigntothesobercommonsensewhichwas,asarule,hisleadingcharacteristic.Something,asheexpressedit,seemedtosnapinhisbrain.Withoutamoment’spauseforreflectionhe,too,wentupthesteps,andreproducedasfarashewasablethepeculiarknock.
Thedoorswungopenwiththesamepromptnessasbefore.Avillainous-facedmanwithclose-croppedhairstoodinthedoorway.
“Well?”hegrunted.
ItwasatthatmomentthatthefullrealizationofhisfollybegantocomehometoTommy.Buthedarednothesitate.Heseizedatthefirstwordsthatcameintohismind.
“Mr.Brown?”hesaid.
Tohissurprisethemanstoodaside.
“Upstairs,”hesaid,jerkinghisthumboverhisshoulder,“seconddooronyourleft.”
Eight
THEADVENTURESOFTOMMY
Takenabackthoughhewasbytheman’swords,Tommydidnothesitate.Ifaudacityhadsuccessfullycarriedhimsofar,itwastobehopeditwouldcarryhimyetfarther.Hequietlypassedintothehouseandmountedtheramshacklestaircase.Everythinginthehousewasfilthybeyondwords.Thegrimypaper,ofapatternnowindistinguishable,hunginloosefestoonsfromthewall.Ineveryanglewasagreymassofcobweb.
Tommyproceededleisurely.Bythetimehereachedthebendofthestaircase,hehadheardthemanbelowdisappearintoabackroom.Clearlynosuspicionattachedtohimasyet.Tocometothehouseandaskfor“Mr.Brown”appearedindeedtobeareasonableandnaturalproceeding.
AtthetopofthestairsTommyhaltedtoconsiderhisnextmove.Infrontofhimrananarrowpassage,withdoorsopeningoneithersideofit.Fromtheonenearesthimontheleftcamealowmurmurofvoices.Itwasthisroomwhichhehadbeendirectedtoenter.Butwhatheldhisglancefascinatedwasasmallrecessimmediatelyonhisright,halfconcealedbyatornvelvetcurtain.Itwasdirectlyoppositetheleft-handdoorand,owingtoitsangle,italsocommandedagoodviewoftheupperpartofthestaircase.Asahidingplaceforoneor,atapinch,twomen,itwasideal,beingabouttwofeetdeepandthreefeetwide.ItattractedTommymightily.Hethoughtthingsoverinhisusualslowandsteadyway,decidingthatthementionof“Mr.Brown”wasnotarequestforanindividual,butinallprobabilityapasswordusedbythegang.Hisluckyuseofithadgainedhimadmission.Sofarhehadarousednosuspicion.Buthemustdecidequicklyonhisnextstep.
Supposehewereboldlytoentertheroomontheleftofthepassage.Wouldthemerefactofhishavingbeenadmittedtothehousebesufficient?Perhapsafurtherpasswordwouldberequired,or,atanyrate,someproofofidentity.Thedoorkeeperclearlydidnotknowallthemembersofthegangbysight,butitmightbedifferentupstairs.Onthewholeitseemedtohimthatluckhadservedhimverywellsofar,butthattherewassuchathingastrustingittoofar.Toenterthatroomwasacolossalrisk.Hecouldnothopetosustainhispartindefinitely;soonerorlaterhewasalmostboundtobetrayhimself,andthenhewouldhavethrownawayavitalchanceinmerefoolhardiness.
Arepetitionofthesignalsoundedonthedoorbelow,andTommy,hismindmadeup,slippedquicklyintotherecess,andcautiouslydrewthecurtainfartheracrosssothatitshieldedhimcompletelyfromsight.Therewereseveralrentsandslitsintheancientmaterialwhichaffordedhimagoodview.Hewouldwatchevents,andanytimehechosecould,afterall,jointheassembly,modellinghisbehaviouronthatofthenewarrival.
Themanwhocameupthestaircasewithafurtive,soft-footedtreadwasquiteunknowntoTommy.Hewasobviouslyoftheverydregsofsociety.Thelowbeetlingbrows,andthecriminaljaw,thebestialityofthewholecountenancewerenewtotheyoungman,thoughhewasofatypethatScotlandYardwouldhaverecognizedataglance.
Themanpassedtherecess,breathingheavilyashewent.Hestoppedatthedooropposite,andgavearepetitionofthesignalknock.Avoiceinsidecalledoutsomething,andthemanopenedthedoorandpassedin,affordingTommyamomentaryglimpseoftheroominside.Hethoughttheremustbeaboutfourorfivepeopleseatedroundalongtablethattookupmostofthespace,buthisattentionwascaughtandheldbyatallmanwithclose-croppedhairandashort,pointed,naval-lookingbeard,whosatattheheadofthetablewithpapersinfrontofhim.Asthenewcomerenteredheglancedup,andwithacorrect,butcuriouslypreciseenunciation,whichattractedTommy’snotice,heasked:“Yournumber,comrade?”
“Fourteen,guv’nor,”repliedtheotherhoarsely.
“Correct.”
Thedoorshutagain.
“Ifthatisn’taHun,I’maDutchman!”saidTommytohimself.“Andrunningtheshowdarnedsystematically,too—astheyalwaysdo.LuckyIdidn’trollin.I’dhavegiventhewrongnumber,andtherewouldhavebeenthedeucetopay.No,thisistheplaceforme.Hullo,here’sanotherknock.”
Thisvisitorprovedtobeofanentirelydifferenttypetothelast.TommyrecognizedinhimanIrishSinnFeiner.CertainlyMr.Brown’sorganizationwasafar-reachingconcern.Thecommoncriminal,thewell-bredIrishgentleman,thepaleRussian,andtheefficientGermanmasteroftheceremonies!Trulyastrangeandsinistergathering!Whowasthismanwhoheldinhisfingersthesecuriouslyvariegatedlinksofanunknownchain?
Inthiscase,theprocedurewasexactlythesame.Thesignalknock,thedemandforanumber,andthereply“Correct.”
Twoknocksfollowedinquicksuccessiononthedoorbelow.ThefirstmanwasquiteunknowntoTommy,whoputhimdownasacityclerk.Aquiet,intelligent-lookingman,rathershabbilydressed.Thesecondwasoftheworkingclasses,andhisfacewasvaguelyfamiliartotheyoungman.
Threeminuteslatercameanother,amanofcommandingappearance,exquisitelydressed,andevidentlywellborn.Hisface,again,wasnotunknowntothewatcher,thoughhecouldnotforthemomentputanametoit.
Afterhisarrivaltherewasalongwait.Infact,Tommyconcludedthatthegatheringwasnowcomplete,andwasjustcautiouslycreepingoutfromhishidingplace,whenanotherknocksenthimscuttlingbacktocover.
ThislastcomercameupthestairssoquietlythathewasalmostabreastofTommybeforetheyoungmanhadrealizedhispresence.
Hewasasmallman,verypale,withagentlealmostwomanishair.TheangleofthecheekboneshintedathisSlavonicancestry,otherwisetherewasnothingtoindicatehisnationality.Ashepassedtherecess,heturnedhisheadslowly.Thestrangelighteyesseemedtoburnthroughthecurtain;Tommycouldhardlybelievethatthemandidnotknowhewasthereandinspiteofhimselfheshivered.HewasnomorefancifulthanthemajorityofyoungEnglishmen,buthecouldnotridhimselfoftheimpressionthatsomeunusuallypotentforceemanatedfromtheman.Thecreatureremindedhimofavenomoussnake.
Amomentlaterhisimpressionwasprovedcorrect.Thenewcomerknockedonthedoorasallhaddone,buthisreceptionwasverydifferent.Thebeardedmanrosetohisfeet,andalltheothersfollowedsuit.TheGermancameforwardandshookhands.Hisheelsclickedtogether
“Wearehonoured,”hesaid.“Wearegreatlyhonoured.Imuchfearedthatitwouldbeimpossible.”
Theotheransweredinalowvoicethathadakindofhissinit:
“Thereweredifficulties.Itwillnotbepossibleagain,Ifear.Butonemeetingisessential—todefinemypolicy.Icandonothingwithout—Mr.Brown.Heishere?”
ThechangeintheGerman’sairwasaudibleasherepliedwithslighthesitation:
“Wehavereceivedamessage.Itisimpossibleforhimtobepresentinperson.”Hestopped,givingacuriousimpressionofhavingleftthesentenceunfinished.
Averyslowsmileoverspreadthefaceoftheother.Helookedroundatacircleofuneasyfaces.
“Ah!Iunderstand.Ihavereadofhismethods.Heworksinthedarkandtrustsnoone.But,allthesame,itispossiblethatheisamongusnow…”Helookedroundhimagain,andagainthatexpressionoffearsweptoverthegroup.Eachmanseemedeyeinghisneighbourdoubtfully.
TheRussiantappedhischeek.
“Sobeit.Letusproceed.”
TheGermanseemedtopullhimselftogether.Heindicatedtheplacehehadbeenoccupyingattheheadofthetable.TheRussiandemurred,buttheotherinsisted.
“Itistheonlypossibleplace,”hesaid,“for—NumberOne.PerhapsNumberFourteenwillshutthedoor!”
InanothermomentTommywasoncemoreconfrontingbarewoodenpanels,andthevoiceswithinhadsunkoncemoretoamereundistinguishablemurmur.Tommybecamerestive.Theconversationhehadoverheardhadstimulatedhiscuriosity.Hefeltthat,byhookorbycrook,hemusthearmore.
Therewasnosoundfrombelow,anditdidnotseemlikelythatthedoorkeeperwouldcomeupstairs.Afterlisteningintentlyforaminuteortwo,heputhisheadroundthecurtain.Thepassagewasdeserted.Tommybentdownandremovedhisshoes,then,leavingthembehindthecurtain,hewalkedgingerlyoutonhisstockingedfeet,andkneelingdownbythecloseddoorhelaidhisearcautiouslytothecrack.Tohisintenseannoyancehecoulddistinguishlittlemore;justachancewordhereandthereifavoicewasraised,whichmerelyservedtowhethiscuriositystillfurther.
Heeyedthehandleofthedoortentatively.Couldheturnitbydegreessogentlyandimperceptiblythatthoseintheroomwouldnoticenothing?Hedecidedthatwithgreatcareitcouldbedone.Veryslowly,afractionofaninchatatime,hemoveditround,holdinghisbreathinhisexcessivecare.Alittlemore—alittlemorestill—woulditneverbefinished?Ah!atlastitwouldturnnofarther.
Hestayedsoforaminuteortwo,thendrewadeepbreath,andpressediteversoslightlyinward.Thedoordidnotbudge.Tommywasannoyed.Ifhehadtousetoomuchforce,itwouldalmostcertainlycreak.Hewaiteduntilthevoicesrosealittle,thenhetriedagain.Stillnothinghappened.Heincreasedthepressure.Hadthebeastlythingstuck?Finally,indesperation,hepushedwithallhismight.Butthedoorremainedfirm,andatlastthetruthdawneduponhim.Itwaslockedorboltedontheinside.
ForamomentortwoTommy’sindignationgotthebetterofhim.
“Well,I’mdamned!”hesaid.“Whatadirtytrick!”
Ashisindignationcooled,hepreparedtofacethesituation.Clearlythefirstthingtobedonewastorestorethehandletoitsoriginalposition.Ifheletitgosuddenly,themeninsidewouldbealmostcertaintonoticeit,sowiththesameinfinitepainshereversedhisformertactics.Allwentwell,andwithasighofrelieftheyoungmanrosetohisfeet.TherewasacertainbulldogtenacityaboutTommythatmadehimslowtoadmitdefeat.Checkmatedforthemoment,hewasfarfromabandoningtheconflict.Hestillintendedtohearwhatwasgoingoninthelockedroom.Asoneplanhadfailed,hemusthuntaboutforanother.
Helookedroundhim.Alittlefartheralongthepassageontheleftwasaseconddoor.Heslippedsilentlyalongtoit.Helistenedforamomentortwo,thentriedthehandle.Ityielded,andheslippedinside.
Theroom,whichwasuntenanted,wasfurnishedasabedroom.Likeeverythingelseinthehouse,thefurniturewasfallingtopieces,andthedirtwas,ifanything,moreabundant.
ButwhatinterestedTommywasthethinghehadhopedtofind,acommunicatingdoorbetweenthetworooms,upontheleftbythewindow.Carefullyclosingthedoorintothepassagebehindhim,hesteppedacrosstotheotherandexamineditclosely.Theboltwasshotacrossit.Itwasveryrusty,andhadclearlynotbeenusedforsometime.Bygentlywrigglingittoandfro,Tommymanagedtodrawitbackwithoutmakingtoomuchnoise.Thenherepeatedhisformerman?uvreswiththehandle—thistimewithcompletesuccess.Thedoorswungopen—acrack,amerefraction,butenoughforTommytohearwhatwenton.Therewasavelvetportièreontheinsideofthisdoorwhichpreventedhimfromseeing,buthewasabletorecognizethevoiceswithareasonableamountofaccuracy.
TheSinnFeinerwasspeaking.HisrichIrishvoicewasunmistakable:
“That’sallverywell.Butmoremoneyisessential.Nomoney—noresults!”
AnothervoicewhichTommyratherthoughtwasthatofBorisreplied:
“Willyouguaranteethatthereareresults?”
“Inamonthfromnow—soonerorlaterasyouwish—IwillguaranteeyousuchareignofterrorinIrelandasshallshaketheBritishEmpiretoitsfoundations.”
Therewasapause,andthencamethesoft,sibilantaccentsofNumberOne:
“Good!Youshallhavethemoney.Boris,youwillseetothat.”
Borisaskedaquestion:
“ViatheIrishAmericans,andMr.Potterasusual?”
“Iguessthat’llbeallright!”saidanewvoice,withatransatlanticintonation,“thoughI’dliketopointout,hereandnow,thatthingsaregettingamitedifficult.There’snotthesympathytherewas,andagrowingdispositiontolettheIrishsettletheirownaffairswithoutinterferencefromAmerica.”
TommyfeltthatBorishadshruggedhisshouldersasheanswered:
“Doesthatmatter,sincethemoneyonlynominallycomesfromtheStates?”
“Thechiefdifficultyisthelandingoftheammunition,”saidtheSinnFeiner.“Themoneyisconveyedineasilyenough—thankstoourcolleaguehere.”
Anothervoice,whichTommyfanciedwasthatofthetall,commanding-lookingmanwhosefacehadseemedfamiliartohim,said:
“ThinkofthefeelingsofBelfastiftheycouldhearyou!”
“Thatissettled,then,”saidthesibilanttones.“Now,inthematteroftheloantoanEnglishnewspaper,youhavearrangedthedetailssatisfactorily,Boris?”
“Ithinkso.”
“Thatisgood.AnofficialdenialfromMoscowwillbeforthcomingifnecessary.”
Therewasapause,andthentheclearvoiceoftheGermanbrokethesilence:
“Iamdirectedby—Mr.Brown,toplacethesummariesofthereportsfromthedifferentunionsbeforeyou.Thatoftheminersismostsatisfactory.Wemustholdbacktherailways.TheremaybetroublewiththeA.S.E.”
Foralongtimetherewasasilence,brokenonlybytherustleofpapersandanoccasionalwordofexplanationfromtheGerman.ThenTommyheardthelighttap-tapoffingersdrummingonthetable
“And—thedate,myfriend?”saidNumberOne.
“The29th.”
TheRussianseemedtoconsider.
“Thatisrathersoon.”
“Iknow.ButitwassettledbytheprincipalLabourleaders,andwecannotseemtointerferetoomuch.Theymustbelieveittobeentirelytheirownshow.”
TheRussianlaughedsoftly,asthoughamused.
“Yes,yes,”hesaid.“Thatistrue.Theymusthavenoinklingthatweareusingthemforourownends.Theyarehonestmen—andthatistheirvaluetous.Itiscurious—butyoucannotmakearevolutionwithouthonestmen.Theinstinctofthepopulaceisinfallible.”Hepaused,andthenrepeated,asthoughthephrasepleasedhim:“Everyrevolutionhashaditshonestmen.Theyaresoondisposedofafterwards.”
Therewasasinisternoteinhisvoice.
TheGermanresumed:
“Clymesmustgo.Heistoofarseeing.NumberFourteenwillseetothat.”
Therewasahoarsemurmur.
“That’sallright,guv’nor.”Andthenafteramomentortwo:“SupposeI’mnabbed.”
“Youwillhavethebestlegaltalenttodefendyou,”repliedtheGermanquietly.“Butinanycaseyouwillwearglovesfittedwiththefingerprintsofanotorioushousebreaker.Youhavelittletofear.”
“Oh,Iain’tafraid,guv’nor.Allforthegoodofthecause.Thestreetsisgoingtorunwithblood,sotheysay.”Hespokewithagrimrelish.“Dreamsofit,sometimes,Idoes.Anddiamondsandpearlsrollingaboutinthegutterforanyonetopickup!”
Tommyheardachairshifted.ThenNumberOnespoke:
“Thenallisarranged.Weareassuredofsuccess?”
“I—Ithinkso.”ButtheGermanspokewithlessthanhisusualconfidence.
NumberOne’svoiceheldsuddenlyadangerousquality:
“Whathasgonewrong?”
“Nothing;but—”
“Butwhat?”
“Thelabourleaders.Withoutthem,asyousay,wecandonothing.Iftheydonotdeclareageneralstrikeonthe29th—”
“Whyshouldtheynot?”
“Asyou’vesaid,they’rehonest.And,inspiteofeverythingwe’vedonetodiscredittheGovernmentintheireyes,I’mnotsurethattheyhaven’tgotasneakingfaithandbeliefinit.”
“But—”
“Iknow.Theyabuseitunceasingly.But,onthewhole,publicopinionswingstothesideoftheGovernment.Theywillnotgoagainstit.”
AgaintheRussian’sfingersdrummedonthetable.
“Tothepoint,myfriend.Iwasgiventounderstandthattherewasacertaindocumentinexistencewhichassuredsuccess.”
“Thatisso.Ifthatdocumentwereplacedbeforetheleaders,theresultwouldbeimmediate.TheywouldpublishitbroadcastthroughoutEngland,anddeclarefortherevolutionwithoutamoment’shesitation.TheGovernmentwouldbebrokenfinallyandcompletely.”
“Thenwhatmoredoyouwant?”
“Thedocumentitself,”saidtheGermanbluntly.
“Ah!Itisnotinyourpossession?Butyouknowwhereitis?”
“No.”
“Doesanyoneknowwhereitis?”
“Oneperson—perhaps.Andwearenotsureofthateven.”
“Whoisthisperson?”
“Agirl.”
Tommyheldhisbreath.
“Agirl?”TheRussian’svoicerosecontemptuously.“Andyouhavenotmadeherspeak?InRussiawehavewaysofmakingagirltalk.”
“Thiscaseisdifferent,”saidtheGermansullenly.
“How—different?”Hepausedamoment,thenwenton:“Whereisthegirlnow?”
“Thegirl?”
“Yes.”
“Sheis—”
ButTommyheardnomore.Acrashingblowdescendedonhishead,andallwasdarkness.
Nine
TUPPENCEENTERSDOMESTICSERVICE
WhenTommysetforthonthetrailofthetwomen,ittookallTuppence’sself-commandtorefrainfromaccompanyinghim.However,shecontainedherselfasbestshemight,consoledbythereflectionthatherreasoninghadbeenjustifiedbyevents.Thetwomenhadundoubtedlycomefromthesecondfloorflat,andthatoneslenderthreadofthename“Rita”hadsettheYoungAdventurersoncemoreuponthetrackoftheabductorsofJaneFinn.
Thequestionwaswhattodonext?Tuppencehatedlettingthegrassgrowunderherfeet.Tommywasamplyemployed,anddebarredfromjoininghiminthechase,thegirlfeltatalooseend.Sheretracedherstepstotheentrancehallofthemansions.Itwasnowtenantedbyasmallliftboy,whowaspolishingbrassfittings,andwhistlingthelatestairwithagooddealofvigourandareasonableamountofaccuracy.
HeglancedroundatTuppence’sentry.Therewasacertainamountofthegaminelementinthegirl,atalleventssheinvariablygotonwellwithsmallboys.Asympatheticbondseemedinstantlytobeformed.Shereflectedthatanallyintheenemy’scamp,sotospeak,wasnottobedespised.
“Well,William,”sheremarkedcheerfully,inthebestapprovedhospital-early-morningstyle,“gettingagoodshineup?”
Theboygrinnedresponsively.
“Albert,miss,”hecorrected.
“Albertbeit,”saidTuppence.Sheglancedmysteriouslyroundthehall.TheeffectwaspurposelyabroadoneincaseAlbertshouldmissit.Sheleanedtowardstheboyanddroppedhervoice:“Iwantawordwithyou,Albert.”
Albertceasedoperationsonthefittingsandopenedhismouthslightly.
“Look!Doyouknowwhatthisis?”Withdramaticgesturesheflungbacktheleftsideofhercoatandexposedasmallenamelledbadge.ItwasextremelyunlikelythatAlbertwouldhaveanyknowledgeofit—indeed,itwouldhavebeenfatalforTuppence’splans,sincethebadgeinquestionwasthedeviceofalocaltrainingcorpsoriginatedbythearchdeaconintheearlydaysofthewar.ItspresenceinTuppence’scoatwasduetothefactthatshehaduseditforpinninginsomeflowersadayortwobefore.ButTuppencehadsharpeyes,andhadnotedthecornerofathreepennydetectivenovelprotrudingfromAlbert’spocket,andtheimmediateenlargementofhiseyestoldherthathertacticsweregood,andthatthefishwouldrisetothebait.
“AmericanDetectiveForce!”shehissed.
Albertfellforit.
“Lord!”hemurmuredecstatically.
Tuppencenoddedathimwiththeairofonewhohasestablishedathoroughunderstanding.
“KnowwhoI’mafter?”sheinquiredgenially.
Albert,stillround-eyed,demandedbreathlessly:
“Oneoftheflats?”
Tuppencenoddedandjerkedathumbupthestairs.
“No.20.CallsherselfVandemeyer.Vandemeyer!Ha!ha!”
Albert’shandstoletohispocket.
“Acrook?”hequeriedeagerly.
“Acrook?Ishouldsayso.ReadyRitatheycallherintheStates.”
“ReadyRita,”repeatedAlbertdeliriously.“Oh,ain’titjustlikethepictures!”
Itwas.Tuppencewasagreatfrequenterofthecinema.
“Anniealwayssaidashowshewasabadlot,”continuedtheboy.
“Who’sAnnie?”inquiredTuppenceidly.
“’Ouse-parlourmaid.She’sleavingtoday.Many’sthetimeAnnie’ssaidtome:‘Markmywords,Albert,Iwouldn’twonderifthepolicewastocomeafterheroneofthesedays.’Justlikethat.Butshe’sastunnertolookat,ain’tshe?”
“She’ssomepeach,”allowedTuppencecarefully.“Findsitusefulinherlayout,youbet.Hasshebeenwearinganyoftheemeralds,bytheway?”
“Emeralds?Them’sthegreenstones,isn’tthey?”
Tuppencenodded.
“That’swhatwe’reafterherfor.YouknowoldmanRysdale?”
Albertshookhishead.
“PeterB.Rysdale,theoilking?”
“Itseemssortoffamiliartome.”
“Thesparklersbelongedtohim.Finestcollectionofemeraldsintheworld.Worthamilliondollars!”
“Lumme!”cameecstaticallyfromAlbert.“Itsoundsmorelikethepictureseveryminute.”
Tuppencesmiled,gratifiedatthesuccessofherefforts.
“Wehaven’texactlyprovedityet.Butwe’reafterher.And”—sheproducedalongdrawn-outwink—“Iguessshewon’tgetawaywiththegoodsthistime.”
Albertutteredanotherejaculationindicativeofdelight.
“Mindyou,sonny,notawordofthis,”saidTuppencesuddenly.“IguessIoughtn’ttohaveputyouwise,butintheStatesweknowarealsmartladwhenweseeone.”
“I’llnotbreatheaword,”protestedAlberteagerly.“Ain’tthereanythingIcoulddo?Abitofshadowing,maybe,orsuchlike?”
Tuppenceaffectedtoconsider,thenshookherhead.
“Notatthemoment,butI’llbearyouinmind,son.What’sthisaboutthegirlyousayisleaving?”
“Annie?Regularturnup,they’ad.AsAnniesaid,servantsissomeonenowadays,andtobetreatedaccordingly,and,whatwithherpassingthewordround,shewon’tfinditsoeasytogetanother.”
“Won’tshe?”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Iwonder—”
Anideawasdawninginherbrain.Shethoughtaminuteortwo,thentappedAlbertontheshoulder.
“Seehere,son,mybrain’sgotbusy.Howwoulditbeifyoumentionedthatyou’dgotayoungcousin,orafriendofyourshad,thatmightsuittheplace.Yougetme?”
“I’mthere,”saidAlbertinstantly.“Youleaveittome,miss,andI’llfixthewholethingupintwoticks.”
“Somelad!”commentedTuppence,withanodofapproval.“Youmightsaythattheyoungwomancouldcomerightaway.Youletmeknow,andifit’sO.K.I’llberoundtomorrowateleveno’clock.”
“WhereamItoletyouknowto?”
“Ritz,”repliedTuppencelaconically.“NameofCowley.”
Alberteyedherenviously.
“Itmustbeagoodjob,thistecbusiness.”
“Itsureis,”drawledTuppence,“especiallywhenoldmanRysdalebacksthebill.Butdon’tfret,son.Ifthisgoeswell,youshallcomeinonthegroundfloor.”
Withwhichpromiseshetookleaveofhernewally,andwalkedbrisklyawayfromSouthAudleyMansions,wellpleasedwithhermorning’swork.
Buttherewasnotimetobelost.ShewentstraightbacktotheRitzandwroteafewbriefwordstoMr.Carter.Havingdispatchedthis,andTommynothavingyetreturned—whichdidnotsurpriseher—shestartedoffonashoppingexpeditionwhich,withanintervalforteaandassortedcreamycakes,occupiedheruntilwellaftersixo’clock,andshereturnedtothehoteljaded,butsatisfiedwithherpurchases.Startingwithacheapclothingstore,andpassingthroughoneortwosecondhandestablishments,shehadfinishedthedayatawell-knownhairdresser’s.Now,intheseclusionofherbedroom,sheunwrappedthatfinalpurchase.Fiveminuteslatershesmiledcontentedlyatherreflectionintheglass.Withanactress’spencilshehadslightlyalteredthelineofhereyebrows,andthat,takeninconjunctionwiththenewluxuriantgrowthoffairhairabove,sochangedherappearancethatshefeltconfidentthatevenifshecamefacetofacewithWhittingtonhewouldnotrecognizeher.Shewouldwearelevatorsinhershoes,andthecapandapronwouldbeanevenmorevaluabledisguise.Fromhospitalexperiencesheknewonlytoowellthatanurseoutofuniformisfrequentlyunrecognizedbyherpatients.
“Yes,”saidTuppencealoud,noddingatthepertreflectionintheglass,“you’lldo.”Shethenresumedhernormalappearance.
Dinnerwasasolitarymeal.TuppencewasrathersurprisedatTommy’snonreturn.Julius,too,wasabsent—butthattothegirl’smindwasmoreeasilyexplained.His“hustling”activitieswerenotconfinedtoLondon,andhisabruptappearancesanddisappearanceswerefullyacceptedbytheYoungAdventurersaspartoftheday’swork.ItwasquiteonthecardsthatJuliusP.HersheimmerhadleftforConstantinopleatamoment’snoticeifhefanciedthatacluetohiscousin’sdisappearancewastobefoundthere.TheenergeticyoungmanhadsucceededinmakingthelivesofseveralScotlandYardmenunbearabletothem,andthetelephonegirlsattheAdmiraltyhadlearnedtoknowanddreadthefamiliar“Hullo!”HehadspentthreehoursinParishustlingthePrefecture,andhadreturnedfromthereimbuedwiththeidea,possiblyinspiredbyawearyFrenchofficial,thatthetruecluetothemysterywastobefoundinIreland.
“Idaresayhe’sdashedofftherenow,”thoughtTuppence.“Allverywell,butthisisverydullforme!HereIamburstingwithnews,andabsolutelynoonetotellitto!Tommymighthavewired,orsomething.Iwonderwhereheis.Anyway,hecan’thave‘lostthetrail’astheysay.Thatremindsme—”AndMissCowleybrokeoffinhermeditations,andsummonedasmallboy.
Tenminuteslatertheladywasensconcedcomfortablyonherbed,smokingcigarettesanddeepintheperusalofBarnabyWilliams,theBoyDetective,which,withotherthreepennyworksofluridfiction,shehadsentouttopurchase.Shefelt,andrightly,thatbeforethestrainofattemptingfurtherintercoursewithAlbert,itwouldbeaswelltofortifyherselfwithagoodsupplyoflocalcolour.
ThemorningbroughtanotefromMr.Carter:
DearMissTuppence
Youhavemadeasplendidstart,andIcongratulateyou.Ifeel,though,thatIshouldliketopointouttoyouoncemoretherisksyouarerunning,especiallyifyoupursuethecourseyouindicate.Thosepeopleareabsolutelydesperateandincapableofeithermercyorpity.Ifeelthatyouprobablyunderestimatethedanger,andthereforewarnyouagainthatIcanpromiseyounoprotection.Youhavegivenusvaluableinformation,andifyouchoosetowithdrawnownoonecouldblameyou.Atanyrate,thinkthematteroverwellbeforeyoudecide.If,inspiteofmywarnings,youmakeupyourmindtogothroughwithit,youwillfindeverythingarranged.YouhavelivedfortwoyearswithMissDufferin,theParsonage,Llanelly,andMrs.Vendemeyercanapplytoherforareference.MayIbepermittedawordortwoofadvice?Stickasneartothetruthaspossible—itminimizesthedangerof“slips.”Isuggestthatyoushouldrepresentyourselftobewhatyouare,aformerV.A.D.,whohaschosendomesticserviceasaprofession.Therearemanysuchatthepresenttime.Thatexplainsawayanyincongruitiesofvoiceormannerwhichotherwisemightawakensuspicion.Whicheverwayyoudecide,goodlucktoyou.Yoursincerefriend,Mr.Carter
Tuppence’sspiritsrosemercurially.Mr.Carter’swarningspassedunheeded.Theyoungladyhadfartoomuchconfidenceinherselftopayanyheedtothem.
Withsomereluctancesheabandonedtheinterestingpartshehadsketchedoutforherself.Althoughshehadnodoubtsofherownpowerstosustainar?leindefinitely,shehadtoomuchcommonsensenottorecognizetheforceofMr.Carter’sarguments.
TherewasstillnowordormessagefromTommy,butthemorningpostbroughtasomewhatdirtypostcardwiththewords:“It’sO.K.”scrawleduponit.
At10:30Tuppencesurveyedwithprideaslightlybatteredtintrunkcontaininghernewpossessions.Itwasartisticallycorded.Itwaswithaslightblushthatsherangthebellandorderedittobeplacedinataxi.ShedrovetoPaddington,andlefttheboxinthecloakroom.Shethenrepairedwithahandbagtothefastnessesoftheladies’waitingroom.TenminuteslaterametamorphosedTuppencewalkeddemurelyoutofthestationandenteredabus.
ItwasafewminutespastelevenwhenTuppenceagainenteredthehallofSouthAudleyMansions.Albertwasonthelookout,attendingtohisdutiesinasomewhatdesultoryfashion.HedidnotimmediatelyrecognizeTuppence.Whenhedid,hisadmirationwasunbounded.
“BlestifI’dhaveknownyou!Thatrig-out’stop-hole.”
“Gladyoulikeit,Albert,”repliedTuppencemodestly.“Bytheway,amIyourcousin,oramInot?”
“Yourvoicetoo,”criedthedelightedboy.“It’sasEnglishasanything!No,Isaidasafriendofmineknewayounggal.Anniewasn’tbestpleased.Shestoppedontilltoday—tooblige,shesaid,butreallyit’ssoastoputyouagainsttheplace.”
“Nicegirl,”saidTuppence.
Albertsuspectednoirony.
“She’sstyleabouther,andkeepshersilveratreat—but,myword,ain’tshegotatemper.Areyougoingupnow,miss?Stepinsidethelift.No.20didyousay?”Andhewinked.
Tuppencequelledhimwithasternglance,andsteppedinside.
AssherangthebellofNo.20shewasconsciousofAlbert’seyesdescendingbeneaththelevelofthefloor.
Asmartyoungwomanopenedthedoor.
“I’vecomeabouttheplace,”saidTuppence.
“It’sarottenplace,”saidtheyoungwomanwithouthesitation.“Regularoldcat—alwaysinterfering.Accusedmeoftamperingwithherletters.Me!Theflapwashalfundoneanyway.There’sneveranythinginthewastepaperbasket—sheburnseverything.She’sawrong’un,that’swhatsheis.Swellclothesbutnoclass.Cookknowssomethingabouther—butshewon’ttell—scaredtodeathofher.Andsuspicious!She’sontoyouinaminuteifyouasmuchasspeaktoafellow.Icantellyou—”
“ButwhatmoreAnniecouldtell,Tuppencewasneverdestinedtolearn,foratthatmomentaclearvoicewithapeculiarlysteelyringtoitcalled:
“Annie!”
Thesmartyoungwomanjumpedasifshehadbeenshot.
“Yes,ma’am?”
“Whoareyoutalkingto?”
“It’sayoungwomanaboutthesituation,ma’am.”
“Showherinthen.Atonce.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Tuppencewasusheredintoaroomontherightofthelongpassage.Awomanwasstandingbythefireplace.Shewasnolongerinherfirstyouth,andthebeautysheundeniablypossessedwashardenedandcoarsened.Inheryouthshemusthavebeendazzling.Herpalegoldhair,owingaslightassistancetoart,wascoiledlowonherneck,hereyes,ofapiercingelectricblue,seemedtopossessafacultyofboringintotheverysoulofthepersonshewaslookingat.Herexquisitefigurewasenhancedbyawonderfulgownofindigocharmeuse.Andyet,despiteherswayinggrace,andthealmostetherealbeautyofherface,youfeltinstinctivelythepresenceofsomethinghardandmenacing,akindofmetallicstrengththatfoundexpressioninthetonesofhervoiceandinthatgimlet-likequalityofhereyes.
ForthefirsttimeTuppencefeltafraid.ShehadnotfearedWhittington,butthiswomanwasdifferent.Asiffascinated,shewatchedthelongcruellineoftheredcurvingmouth,andagainshefeltthatsensationofpanicpassoverher.Herusualself-confidencedesertedher.VaguelyshefeltthatdeceivingthiswomanwouldbeverydifferenttodeceivingWhittington.Mr.Carter’swarningrecurredtohermind.Here,indeed,shemightexpectnomercy.
Fightingdownthatinstinctofpanicwhichurgedhertoturntailandrunwithoutfurtherdelay,Tuppencereturnedthelady’sgazefirmlyandrespectfully.
Asthoughthatfirstscrutinyhadbeensatisfactory,Mrs.Vandemeyermotionedtoachair.
“Youcansitdown.HowdidyouhearIwantedahouse-parlourmaid?”
“Throughafriendwhoknowstheliftboyhere.Hethoughttheplacemightsuitme.”
Againthatbasiliskglanceseemedtopierceherthrough.
“Youspeaklikeaneducatedgirl?”
Gliblyenough,TuppenceranthroughherimaginarycareeronthelinessuggestedbyMr.Carter.Itseemedtoher,asshedidso,thatthetensionofMrs.Vandemeyer’sattituderelaxed.
“Isee,”sheremarkedatlength.“IsthereanyoneIcanwritetoforareference?”
“IlivedlastwithaMissDufferin,TheParsonage,Llanelly.Iwaswithhertwoyears.”
“AndthenyouthoughtyouwouldgetmoremoneybycomingtoLondon,Isuppose?Well,itdoesn’tmattertome.Iwillgiveyou￡50–￡60—whateveryouwant.Youcancomeatonce?”
“Yes,ma’am.Today,ifyoulike.MyboxisatPaddington.”
“Goandfetchitbytaxi,then.It’saneasyplace.Iamoutagooddeal.Bytheway,what’syourname?”
“PrudenceCooper,ma’am.”
“Verywell,Prudence.Goawayandfetchyourbox.Ishallbeouttolunch.Thecookwillshowyouwhereeverythingis.”
“Thankyou,ma’am.”
Tuppencewithdrew.ThesmartAnniewasnotinevidence.InthehallbelowamagnificenthallporterhadrelegatedAlberttothebackground.Tuppencedidnotevenglanceathimasshepassedmeeklyout.
Theadventurehadbegun,butshefeltlesselatedthanshehaddoneearlierinthemorning.ItcrossedhermindthatiftheunknownJaneFinnhadfallenintothehandsofMrs.Vandemeyer,itwaslikelytohavegonehardwithher.
Ten
ENTERSIRJAMESPEELEDGERTON
Tuppencebetrayednoawkwardnessinhernewduties.Thedaughtersofthearchdeaconwerewellgroundedinhouseholdtasks.Theywerealsoexpertsintraininga“rawgirl,”theinevitableresultbeingthattherawgirl,oncetrained,departedsomewherewherehernewly-acquiredknowledgecommandedamoresubstantialremunerationthanthearchdeacon’smeagrepurseallowed.
Tuppencehadthereforeverylittlefearofprovinginefficient.Mrs.Vandemeyer’scookpuzzledher.Sheevidentlywentindeadlyterrorofhermistress.Thegirlthoughtitprobablethattheotherwomanhadsomeholdoverher.Fortherest,shecookedlikeachef,asTuppencehadanopportunityofjudgingthatevening.Mrs.Vandemeyerwasexpectingaguesttodinner,andTuppenceaccordinglylaidthebeautifullypolishedtablefortwo.Shewasalittleexercisedinherownmindastothisvisitor.ItwashighlypossiblethatitmightprovetobeWhittington.Althoughshefeltfairlyconfidentthathewouldnotrecognizeher,yetshewouldhavebeenbetterpleasedhadtheguestprovedtobeatotalstranger.However,therewasnothingforitbuttohopeforthebest.
Atafewminutespasteightthefrontdoorbellrang,andTuppencewenttoansweritwithsomeinwardtrepidation.ShewasrelievedtoseethatthevisitorwasthesecondofthetwomenwhomTommyhadtakenuponhimselftofollow.
HegavehisnameasCountStepanov.Tuppenceannouncedhim,andMrs.Vandemeyerrosefromherseatonalowdivanwithaquickmurmurofpleasure.
“Itisdelightfultoseeyou,BorisIvanovitch,”shesaid.
“Andyou,madame!”Hebowedlowoverherhand.
Tuppencereturnedtothekitchen.
“CountStepanov,orsomesuch,”sheremarked,andaffectingafrankandunvarnishedcuriosity:“Who’she?”
“ARussiangentleman,Ibelieve.”
“Comeheremuch?”
“Onceinawhile.Whatd’youwanttoknowfor?”
“Fanciedhemightbesweetonthemissus,that’sall,”explainedthegirl,addingwithanappearanceofsulkiness:“Howyoudotakeoneup!”
“I’mnotquiteeasyinmymindaboutthesoufflé,”explainedtheother.
“Youknowsomething,”thoughtTuppencetoherself,butaloudsheonlysaid:“Goingtodishupnow?Righto.”
Whilstwaitingattable,Tuppencelistenedcloselytoallthatwassaid.SherememberedthatthiswasoneofthemenTommywasshadowingwhenshehadlastseenhim.Already,althoughshewouldhardlyadmitit,shewasbecominguneasyaboutherpartner.Wherewashe?Whyhadnowordofanykindcomefromhim?ShehadarrangedbeforeleavingtheRitztohavealllettersormessagessentonatoncebyspecialmessengertoasmallstationer’sshopnearathandwhereAlbertwastocallinfrequently.True,itwasonlyyesterdaymorningthatshehadpartedfromTommy,andshetoldherselfthatanyanxietyonhisbehalfwouldbeabsurd.Still,itwasstrangehehadsentnowordofanykind.
But,listenasshemight,theconversationpresentednoclue.BorisandMrs.Vandemeyertalkedonpurelyindifferentsubjects:playstheyhadseen,newdances,andthelatestsocietygossip.AfterdinnertheyrepairedtothesmallboudoirwhereMrs.Vandemeyer,stretchedonthedivan,lookedmorewickedlybeautifulthanever.Tuppencebroughtinthecoffeeandliqueursandunwillinglyretired.Asshedidso,sheheardBorissay:
“New,isn’tshe?”
“Shecameintoday.Theotherwasafiend.Thisgirlseemsallright.Shewaitswell.”
Tuppencelingeredamomentlongerbythedoorwhichshehadcarefullyneglectedtoclose,andheardhimsay:
“Quitesafe,Isuppose?”
“Really,Boris,youareabsurdlysuspicious.Ibelieveshe’sthecousinofthehallporter,orsomethingofthekind.AndnobodyevendreamsthatIhaveanyconnexionwithour—mutualfriend,Mr.Brown.”
“ForHeaven’ssake,becareful,Rita.Thatdoorisn’tshut.”
“Well,shutitthen,”laughedthewoman.
Tuppenceremovedherselfspeedily.
Shedarednotabsentherselflongerfromthebackpremises,butsheclearedawayandwashedupwithabreathlessspeedacquiredinhospital.Thensheslippedquietlybacktotheboudoirdoor.Thecook,moreleisurely,wasstillbusyinthekitchenand,ifshemissedtheother,wouldonlysupposehertobeturningdownthebeds.
Alas!Theconversationinsidewasbeingcarriedonintoolowatonetopermitofherhearinganythingofit.Shedarednotreopenthedoor,howevergently.Mrs.Vandemeyerwassittingalmostfacingit,andTuppencerespectedhermistress’slynx-eyedpowersofobservation
Nevertheless,shefeltshewouldgiveagooddealtooverhearwhatwasgoingon.Possibly,ifanythingunforeseenhadhappened,shemightgetnewsofTommy.Forsomemomentsshereflecteddesperately,thenherfacebrightened.ShewentquicklyalongthepassagetoMrs.Vandemeyer’sbedroom,whichhadlongFrenchwindowsleadingontoabalconythatranthelengthoftheflat.Slippingquicklythroughthewindow,Tuppencecreptnoiselesslyalongtillshereachedtheboudoirwindow.Asshehadthoughtitstoodalittleajar,andthevoiceswithinwereplainlyaudible.
Tuppencelistenedattentively,buttherewasnomentionofanythingthatcouldbetwistedtoapplytoTommy.Mrs.VandemeyerandtheRussianseemedtobeatvarianceoversomematter,andfinallythelatterexclaimedbitterly:
“Withyourpersistentrecklessness,youwillendbyruiningus!”
“Bah!”laughedthewoman.“Notorietyoftherightkindisthebestwayofdisarmingsuspicion.Youwillrealizethatoneofthesedays—perhapssoonerthanyouthink!”
“Inthemeantime,youaregoingabouteverywherewithPeelEdgerton.Notonlyishe,perhaps,themostcelebratedK.C.inEngland,buthisspecialhobbyiscriminology!Itismadness!”
“Iknowthathiseloquencehassaveduntoldmenfromthegallows,”saidMrs.Vandemeyercalmly.“Whatofit?Imayneedhisassistanceinthatlinemyselfsomeday.Ifso,howfortunatetohavesuchafriendatcourt—orperhapsitwouldbemoretothepointtosayincourt.”
Borisgotupandbeganstridingupanddown.Hewasveryexcited.
“Youareacleverwoman,Rita;butyouarealsoafool!Beguidedbyme,andgiveupPeelEdgerton.”
Mrs.Vandemeyershookherheadgently.
“Ithinknot.”
“Yourefuse?”TherewasanuglyringintheRussian’svoice.
“Ido.”
“Then,byHeaven,”snarledtheRussian,“wewillsee—”
ButMrs.Vandemeyeralsorosetoherfeet,hereyesflashing.
“Youforget,Boris,”shesaid.“Iamaccountabletonoone.Itakemyordersonlyfrom—Mr.Brown.”
Theotherthrewuphishandsindespair
“Youareimpossible,”hemuttered.“Impossible!Alreadyitmaybetoolate.TheysayPeelEdgertoncansmellacriminal!Howdoweknowwhatisatthebottomofhissuddeninterestinyou?Perhapsevennowhissuspicionsarearoused.Heguesses—”
Mrs.Vandemeyereyedhimscornfully.
“Reassureyourself,mydearBoris.Hesuspectsnothing.Withlessthanyourusualchivalry,youseemtoforgetthatIamcommonlyaccountedabeautifulwoman.IassureyouthatisallthatinterestsPeelEdgerton.”
Borisshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“Hehasstudiedcrimeasnoothermaninthiskingdomhasstudiedit.Doyoufancythatyoucandeceivehim?”
Mrs.Vandemeyer’seyesnarrowed.
“Ifheisallthatyousay—itwouldamusemetotry!”
“Goodheavens,Rita—”
“Besides,”addedMrs.Vandemeyer,“heisextremelyrich.Iamnotonewhodespisesmoney.The‘sinewsofwar’youknow,Boris!”
“Money—money!Thatisalwaysthedangerwithyou,Rita.Ibelieveyouwouldsellyoursoulformoney.Ibelieve—”Hepaused,theninalow,sinistervoicehesaidslowly:“SometimesIbelievethatyouwouldsell—us!”
Mrs.Vandemeyersmiledandshruggedhershoulders.
“Theprice,atanyrate,wouldhavetobeenormous,”shesaidlightly.“Itwouldbebeyondthepowerofanyonebutamillionairetopay.”
“Ah!”snarledtheRussian.“Yousee,Iwasright.”
“MydearBoris,canyounottakeajoke?”
“Wasitajoke?”
“Ofcourse.”
“ThenallIcansayisthatyourideasofhumourarepeculiar,mydearRita.”
Mrs.Vandemeyersmiled.
“Letusnotquarrel,Boris.Touchthebell.Wewillhavesomedrinks.”
Tuppencebeatahastyretreat.ShepausedamomenttosurveyherselfinMrs.Vandemeyer’slongglass,andbesurethatnothingwasamisswithherappearance.Thensheansweredthebelldemurely.
Theconversationthatshehadoverheard,althoughinterestinginthatitprovedbeyonddoubtthecomplicityofbothRitaandBoris,threwverylittlelightonthepresentpreoccupations.ThenameofJaneFinnhadnotevenbeenmentioned.
ThefollowingmorningafewbriefwordswithAlbertinformedherthatnothingwaswaitingforheratthestationer’s.ItseemedincrediblethatTommy,ifallwaswellwithhim,shouldnotsendanywordtoher.Acoldhandseemedtocloseroundherheart…Supposing…Shechokedherfearsdownbravely.Itwasnogoodworrying.ButsheleaptatachanceofferedherbyMrs.Vandemeyer.
“Whatdaydoyouusuallygoout,Prudence?”
“Friday’smyusualday,ma’am.”
Mrs.Vandemeyerliftedhereyebrows.
“AndtodayisFriday!ButIsupposeyouhardlywishtogoouttoday,asyouonlycameyesterday.”
“IwasthinkingofaskingyouifImight,ma’am.”
Mrs.Vandemeyerlookedatheraminutelonger,andthensmiled.
“IwishCountStepanovcouldhearyou.Hemadeasuggestionaboutyoulastnight.”Hersmilebroadened,catlike.“Yourrequestisvery—typical.Iamsatisfied.Youdonotunderstandallthis—butyoucangoouttoday.Itmakesnodifferencetome,asIshallnotbediningathome.”
“Thankyou,ma’am.”
Tuppencefeltasensationofreliefonceshewasoutoftheother’spresence.Onceagainsheadmittedtoherselfthatshewasafraid,horriblyafraid,ofthebeautifulwomanwiththecrueleyes.
Inthemidstofafinaldesultorypolishingofhersilver,Tuppencewasdisturbedbytheringingofthefrontdoorbell,andwenttoanswerit.ThistimethevisitorwasneitherWhittingtonnorBoris,butamanofstrikingappearance.
Justashadeoveraverageheight,heneverthelessconveyedtheimpressionofabigman.Hisface,clean-shavenandexquisitelymobile,wasstampedwithanexpressionofpowerandforcefarbeyondtheordinary.Magnetismseemedtoradiatefromhim.
Tuppencewasundecidedforthemomentwhethertoputhimdownasanactororalawyer,butherdoubtsweresoonsolvedashegaveherhisname:SirJamesPeelEdgerton.
Shelookedathimwithrenewedinterest.This,then,wasthefamousK.C.whosenamewasfamiliaralloverEngland.ShehadhearditsaidthathemightonedaybePrimeMinister.Hewasknowntohaverefusedofficeintheinterestsofhisprofession,preferringtoremainasimpleMemberforaScotchconstituency.
Tuppencewentbacktoherpantrythoughtfully.Thegreatmanhadimpressedher.SheunderstoodBoris’sagitation.PeelEdgertonwouldnotbeaneasymantodeceive.
Inaboutaquarterofanhourthebellrang,andTuppencerepairedtothehalltoshowthevisitorout.Hehadgivenherapiercingglancebefore.Now,asshehandedhimhishatandstick,shewasconsciousofhiseyesrakingherthrough.Assheopenedthedoorandstoodasidetolethimpassout,hestoppedinthedoorway.
“Notbeendoingthislong,eh?”
Tuppenceraisedhereyes,astonished.Shereadinhisglancekindliness,andsomethingelsemoredifficulttofathom.
Henoddedasthoughshehadanswered.
“V.A.D.andhardup,Isuppose?”
“DidMrs.Vandemeyertellyouthat?”askedTuppencesuspiciously.
“No,child.Thelookofyoutoldme.Goodplacehere?”
“Verygood,thankyou,sir.”
“Ah,butthereareplentyofgoodplacesnowadays.Andachangedoesnoharmsometimes.”
“Doyoumean—?”beganTuppence.
ButSirJameswasalreadyonthetopmoststair.Helookedbackwithhiskindly,shrewdglance.
“Justahint,”hesaid.“That’sall.”
Tuppencewentbacktothepantrymorethoughtfulthanever.
Eleven
JULIUSTELLSASTORY
Dressedappropriately,Tuppencedulysalliedforthforher“afternoonout.”Albertwasintemporaryabeyance,butTuppencewentherselftothestationer’stomakequitesurethatnothinghadcomeforher.Satisfiedonthispoint,shemadeherwaytotheRitz.OninquiryshelearntthatTommyhadnotyetreturned.Itwastheanswershehadexpected,butitwasanothernailinthecoffinofherhopes.SheresolvedtoappealtoMr.Carter,tellinghimwhenandwhereTommyhadstartedonhisquest,andaskinghimtodosomethingtotracehim.Theprospectofhisaidrevivedhermercurialspirits,andshenextinquiredforJuliusHersheimmer.Thereplyshegotwastotheeffectthathehadreturnedabouthalfanhourago,buthadgoneoutimmediately.
Tuppence’sspiritsrevivedstillmore.ItwouldbesomethingtoseeJulius.PerhapshecoulddevisesomeplanforfindingoutwhathadbecomeofTommy.ShewrotehernotetoMr.CarterinJulius’ssittingroom,andwasjustaddressingtheenvelopewhenthedoorburstopen.
“Whatthehell—”beganJulius,butcheckedhimselfabruptly.“Ibegyourpardon,MissTuppence.ThosefoolsdownattheofficewouldhaveitthatBeresfordwasn’thereanylonger—hadn’tbeenheresinceWednesday.Isthatso?”
Tuppencenodded.
“Youdon’tknowwhereheis?”sheaskedfaintly.
“I?HowshouldIknow?Ihaven’thadonedarnedwordfromhim,thoughIwiredhimyesterdaymorning.”
“Iexpectyourwire’sattheofficeunopened.”
“Butwhereishe?”
“Idon’tknow.Ihopedyoumight.”
“ItellyouIhaven’thadonedarnedwordfromhimsincewepartedatthedepotonWednesday.”
“Whatdepot?”
“Waterloo.YourLondonandSouthWesternroad.”
“Waterloo?”frownedTuppence.
“Why,yes.Didn’thetellyou?”
“Ihaven’tseenhimeither,”repliedTuppenceimpatiently.“GoonaboutWaterloo.Whatwereyoudoingthere?”
“Hegavemeacall.Overthephone.Toldmetogetamoveon,andhustle.Saidhewastrailingtwocrooks.”
“Oh!”saidTuppence,hereyesopening.“Isee.Goon.”
“Ihurriedalongrightaway.Beresfordwasthere.Hepointedoutthecrooks.Thebigonewasmine,theguyyoubluffed.Tommyshovedaticketintomyhandandtoldmetogetaboardthecars.Hewasgoingtosleuththeothercrook.”Juliuspaused.“Ithoughtforsureyou’dknowallthis.”
“Julius,”saidTuppencefirmly,“stopwalkingupanddown.Itmakesmegiddy.Sitdowninthatarmchair,andtellmethewholestorywithasfewfancyturnsofspeechaspossible.”
Mr.Hersheimmerobeyed.
“Sure,”hesaid.“WhereshallIbegin?”
“Whereyouleftoff.AtWaterloo.”
“Well,”beganJulius,“Igotintooneofyourdearold-fashionedfirst-classBritishcompartments.Thetrainwasjustoff.FirstthingIknewaguardcamealongandinformedmemightilypolitelythatIwasn’tinasmokingcarriage.Ihandedhimouthalfadollar,andthatsettledthat.Ididabitofprospectingalongthecorridortothenextcoach.Whittingtonwasthererightenough.WhenIsawtheskunk,withhisbigsleekfatface,andthoughtofpoorlittleJaneinhisclutches,IfeltrealmadthatIhadn’tgotagunwithme.I’dhavetickledhimupsome.
“WegottoBournemouthallright.Whittingtontookacabandgavethenameofanhotel.Ididlikewise,andwedroveupwithinthreeminutesofeachother.Hehiredaroom,andIhiredonetoo.Sofaritwasallplainsailing.Hehadn’ttheremotestnotionthatanyonewasontohim.Well,hejustsataroundinthehotellounge,readingthepapersandsoon,tillitwastimefordinner.Hedidn’thurryanyoverthateither.
“Ibegantothinkthattherewasnothingdoing,thathe’djustcomeonthetripforhishealth,butIrememberedthathehadn’tchangedfordinner,thoughitwasbywayofbeingaslap-uphotel,soitseemedlikelyenoughthathe’dbegoingoutonhisrealbusinessafterwards.
“Sureenough,aboutnineo’clock,sohedid.Tookacaracrossthetown—mightyprettyplacebytheway,IguessI’lltakeJanethereforaspellwhenIfindher—andthenpaiditoffandstruckoutalongthosepinewoodsonthetopofthecliff.Iwastheretoo,youunderstand.Wewalked,maybe,forhalfanhour.There’salotofvillasallthewayalong,butbydegreestheyseemedtogetmoreandmorethinnedout,andintheendwegottoonethatseemedthelastofthebunch.Bighouseitwas,withalotofpinygroundsaroundit.
“Itwasaprettyblacknight,andthecarriagedriveuptothehousewasdarkaspitch.Icouldhearhimahead,thoughIcouldn’tseehim.Ihadtowalkcarefullyincasehemightgetontoitthathewasbeingfollowed.IturnedacurveandIwasjustintimetoseehimringthebellandgetadmittedtothehouse.IjuststoppedwhereIwas.Itwasbeginningtorain,andIwassoonprettynearsoakedthrough.Also,itwasalmightycold.
“Whittingtondidn’tcomeoutagain,andbyandbyIgotkindofrestive,andbegantomoocharound.Allthegroundfloorwindowswereshutteredtight,butupstairs,onthefirstfloor(itwasatwo-storiedhouse)Inoticedawindowwithalightburningandthecurtainsnotdrawn.
“Now,justoppositetothatwindow,therewasatreegrowing.Itwasaboutthirtyfootawayfromthehouse,maybe,andIsortofgotitintomyheadthat,ifIclimbedupthattree,I’dverylikelybeabletoseeintothatroom.Ofcourse,IknewtherewasnoreasonwhyWhittingtonshouldbeinthatroomratherthaninanyother—lessreason,infact,forthebettingwouldbeonhisbeinginoneofthereceptionroomsdownstairs.ButIguessI’dgotthehumpfromstandingsolongintherain,andanythingseemedbetterthangoingondoingnothing.SoIstartedup.
“Itwasn’tsoeasy,byalongchalk!Therainhadmadetheboughsmightyslippery,anditwasallIcoulddotokeepafoothold,butbitbybitImanagedit,untilatlastthereIwaslevelwiththewindow.
“ButthenIwasdisappointed.Iwastoofartotheleft.Icouldonlyseesidewaysintotheroom.Abitofcurtain,andayardofwallpaperwasallIcouldcommand.Well,thatwasn’tanymannerofgoodtome,butjustasIwasgoingtogiveitup,andclimbdownignominiously,someoneinsidemovedandthrewhisshadowonmylittlebitofwall—and,bygum,itwasWhittington!
“Afterthat,mybloodwasup.I’djustgottogetalookintothatroom.Itwasuptometofigureouthow.Inoticedthattherewasalongbranchrunningoutfromthetreeintherightdirection.IfIcouldonlyswarmabouthalfwayalongit,thepropositionwouldbesolved.Butitwasmightyuncertainwhetheritwouldbearmyweight.IdecidedI’djustgottoriskthat,andIstarted.Verycautiously,inchbyinch,Icrawledalong.Theboughcreakedandswayedinanastyfashion,anditdidn’tdotothinkofthedropbelow,butatlastIgotsafelytowhereIwantedtobe.
“Theroomwasmedium-sized,furnishedinakindofbarehygienicway.Therewasatablewithalamponitinthemiddleoftheroom,andsittingatthattable,facingtowardsme,wasWhittingtonrightenough.Hewastalkingtoawomandressedasahospitalnurse.Shewassittingwithherbacktome,soIcouldn’tseeherface.Althoughtheblindswereup,thewindowitselfwasshut,soIcouldn’tcatchawordofwhattheysaid.Whittingtonseemedtobedoingallthetalking,andthenursejustlistened.Nowandthenshenodded,andsometimesshe’dshakeherhead,asthoughshewereansweringquestions.Heseemedveryemphatic—onceortwicehebeatwithhisfistonthetable.Therainhadstoppednow,andtheskywasclearinginthatsuddenwayitdoes.
“Presently,heseemedtogettotheendofwhathewassaying.Hegotup,andsodidshe.Helookedtowardsthewindowandaskedsomething—Iguessitwaswhetheritwasraining.Anyway,shecamerightacrossandlookedout.Justthenthemooncameoutfrombehindtheclouds.Iwasscaredthewomanwouldcatchsightofme,forIwasfullinthemoonlight.Itriedtomovebackabit.ThejerkIgavewastoomuchforthatrottenoldbranch.Withanalmightycrash,downitcame,andJuliusP.Hersheimmerwithit!”
“Oh,Julius,”breathedTuppence,“howexciting!Goon.”
“Well,luckilyforme,Ipitcheddownintoagoodsoftbedofearth—butitputmeoutofactionforthetime,sureenough.ThenextthingIknew,Iwaslyinginbedwithahospitalnurse(notWhittington’sone)ononesideofme,andalittleblack-beardedmanwithgoldglasses,andmedicalmanwrittenalloverhim,ontheother.Herubbedhishandstogether,andraisedhiseyebrowsasIstaredathim.‘Ah!’hesaid.‘Soouryoungfriendiscomingroundagain.Capital.Capital.’
“Ididtheusualstunt.Said:‘What’shappened?’And‘WhereamI?’ButIknewtheanswertothelastwellenough.There’snomossgrowingonmybrain.‘Ithinkthat’lldoforthepresent,sister,’saidthelittleman,andthenurselefttheroominasortofbriskwell-trainedway.ButIcaughtherhandingmeoutalookofdeepcuriosityasshepassedthroughthedoor.
“Thatlookofhersgavemeanidea.‘Nowthen,doc,’Isaid,andtriedtositupinbed,butmyrightfootgavemeanastytwingeasIdidso.‘Aslightsprain,’explainedthedoctor.‘Nothingserious.You’llbeaboutagaininacoupleofdays.’
“Inoticedyouwalkedlame,”interpolatedTuppence.
Juliusnodded,andcontinued:
“‘Howdidithappen?’Iaskedagain.Hereplieddryly.‘Youfell,withaconsiderableportionofoneofmytrees,intooneofmynewly-plantedflowerbeds.’
“Ilikedtheman.Heseemedtohaveasenseofhumour.Ifeltsurethathe,atleast,wasplumbstraight.‘Sure,doc,’Isaid,‘I’msorryaboutthetree,andIguessthenewbulbswillbeonme.Butperhapsyou’dliketoknowwhatIwasdoinginyourgarden?’‘Ithinkthefactsdocallforanexplanation,’hereplied.‘Well,tobeginwith,Iwasn’tafterthespoons.’
“Hesmiled.‘Myfirsttheory.ButIsoonalteredmymind.Bytheway,youareanAmerican,areyounot?’Itoldhimmyname.‘Andyou?’‘IamDr.Hall,andthis,asyoudoubtlessknow,ismyprivatenursinghome.’
“Ididn’tknow,butwasn’tgoingtoputhimwise.Iwasjustthankfulfortheinformation.Ilikedtheman,andIfelthewasstraight,butIwasn’tgoingtogivehimthewholestory.Foronethingheprobablywouldn’thavebelievedit.
“Imadeupmymindinaflash.‘Why,doctor,’Isaid,‘IguessIfeelanalmightyfool,butIoweittoyoutoletyouknowthatitwasn’ttheBillSikesbusinessIwasupto.’ThenIwentonandmumbledoutsomethingaboutagirl.Itrottedoutthesternguardianbusiness,andanervousbreakdown,andfinallyexplainedthatIhadfanciedIrecognizedheramongthepatientsatthehome,hencemynocturnaladventures.
“Iguessitwasjustthekindofstoryhewasexpecting.‘Quitearomance,’hesaidgenially,whenI’dfinished.‘Now,doc,’Iwenton,‘willyoubefrankwithme?Haveyouherenow,orhaveyouhadhereatanytime,ayounggirlcalledJaneFinn?’Herepeatedthenamethoughtfully.‘JaneFinn?’hesaid.‘No.’
“Iwaschagrined,andIguessIshowedit.‘Youaresure?’‘Quitesure,Mr.Hersheimmer.Itisanuncommonname,andIshouldnothavebeenlikelytoforgetit.’
“Well,thatwasflat.Itlaidmeoutforaspace.I’dkindofhopedmysearchwasatanend.‘That’sthat,’Isaidatlast.‘Now,there’sanothermatter.WhenIwashuggingthatdarnedbranchIthoughtIrecognizedanoldfriendofminetalkingtooneofyournurses.’Ipurposelydidn’tmentionanynamebecause,ofcourse,Whittingtonmightbecallinghimselfsomethingquitedifferentdownhere,butthedoctoransweredatonce.‘Mr.Whittington,perhaps?’‘That’sthefellow,’Ireplied.‘What’shedoingdownhere?Don’ttellmehisnervesareoutoforder?’
“Dr.Halllaughed.‘No.Hecamedowntoseeoneofmynurses,NurseEdith,whoisanieceofhis.’‘Why,fancythat!’Iexclaimed,‘Ishestillhere?’‘No,hewentbacktotownalmostimmediately.’‘Whatapity!’Iejaculated.‘ButperhapsIcouldspeaktohisniece—NurseEdith,didyousayhernamewas?’
“Butthedoctorshookhishead.‘I’mafraidthat,too,isimpossible.NurseEdithleftwithapatienttonightalso.’‘Iseemtoberealunlucky,’Iremarked.‘HaveyouMr.Whittington’saddressintown?IguessI’dliketolookhimupwhenIgetback.’‘Idon’tknowhisaddress.IcanwritetoNurseEdithforitifyoulike.’Ithankedhim.‘Don’tsaywhoitiswantsit.I’dliketogivehimalittlesurprise.’
“ThatwasaboutallIcoulddoforthemoment.Ofcourse,ifthegirlwasreallyWhittington’sniece,shemightbetoocutetofallintothetrap,butitwasworthtrying.NextthingIdidwastowriteoutawiretoBeresfordsayingwhereIwas,andthatIwaslaidupwithasprainedfoot,andtellinghimtocomedownifhewasn’tbusy.IhadtobeguardedinwhatIsaid.However,Ididn’thearfromhim,andmyfootsoongotallright.Itwasonlyricked,notreallysprained,sotodayIsaidgood-byetothelittledoctorchap,askedhimtosendmewordifheheardfromNurseEdith,andcamerightawaybacktotown.Say,MissTuppence,you’relookingmightypale?”
“It’sTommy,”saidTuppence.“Whatcanhavehappenedtohim?”
“Buckup,Iguesshe’sallrightreally.Whyshouldn’thebe?Seehere,itwasaforeign-lookingguyhewentoffafter.Maybethey’vegoneabroad—toPoland,orsomethinglikethat?”
Tuppenceshookherhead.
“Hecouldn’twithoutpassportsandthings.BesidesI’veseenthatman,BorisSomething,since.HedinedwithMrs.Vandemeyerlastnight.”
“Mrs.Who?”
“Iforgot.Ofcourseyoudon’tknowallthat.”
“I’mlistening,”saidJulius,andgaveventtohisfavouriteexpression.“Putmewise.”
Tuppencethereuponrelatedtheeventsofthelasttwodays.Julius’sastonishmentandadmirationwereunbounded.
“Bullyforyou!Fancyyouamenial.Itjustticklesmetodeath!”Thenheaddedseriously:“Butsaynow,Idon’tlikeit,MissTuppence,Isuredon’t.You’rejustaspluckyastheymake’em,butIwishyou’dkeeprightoutofthis.Thesecrookswe’reupagainstwouldassooncroakagirlasamananyday.”
“DoyouthinkI’mafraid?”saidTuppenceindignantly,valiantlyrepressingmemoriesofthesteelyglitterinMrs.Vandemeyer’seyes.
“Isaidbeforeyouweredarnedplucky.Butthatdoesn’talterfacts.”
“Oh,botherme!”saidTuppenceimpatiently.“Let’sthinkaboutwhatcanhavehappenedtoTommy.I’vewrittentoMr.Carteraboutit,”sheadded,andtoldhimthegistofherletter.
Juliusnoddedgravely.
“Iguessthat’sgoodasfarasitgoes.Butit’sforustogetbusyanddosomething.”
“Whatcanwedo?”askedTuppence,herspiritsrising.
“Iguesswe’dbettergetonthetrackofBoris.Yousayhe’sbeentoyourplace.Ishelikelytocomeagain?”
“Hemight.Ireallydon’tknow.”
“Isee.Well,IguessI’dbetterbuyacar,aslap-upone,dressasachauffeurandhangaboutoutside.ThenifBoriscomes,youcouldmakesomekindofsignal,andI’dtrailhim.How’sthat?”
“Splendid,buthemightn’tcomeforweeks.”
“We’llhavetochancethat.I’mgladyouliketheplan.”Herose.
“Whereareyougoing?”
“Tobuythecar,ofcourse,”repliedJulius,surprised.“Whatmakedoyoulike?Iguessyou’lldosomeridinginitbeforewe’vefinished.”
“Oh,”saidTuppencefaintly.“IlikeRolls-Royces,but—”
“Sure,”agreedJulius.“Whatyousaygoes.I’llgetone.”
“Butyoucan’tatonce,”criedTuppence.“Peoplewaitagessometimes.”
“LittleJuliusdoesn’t,”affirmedMr.Hersheimmer.“Don’tyouworryany.I’llberoundinthecarinhalfanhour.”
Tuppencegotup.
“You’reawfullygood,Julius.ButIcan’thelpfeelingthatit’sratheraforlornhope.I’mreallypinningmyfaithtoMr.Carter.”
“ThenIshouldn’t.”
“Why?”
“Justanideaofmine.”
“Oh,buthemustdosomething.There’snooneelse.Bytheway,Iforgottotellyouofaqueerthingthathappenedthismorning.”
AndshenarratedherencounterwithSirJamesPeelEdgerton.Juliuswasinterested.
“Whatdidtheguymean,doyouthink?”heasked.
“Idon’tquiteknow,”saidTuppencemeditatively.“ButIthinkthat,inanambiguous,legal,withoutprejudicishlawyer’sway,hewastryingtowarnme.”
“Whyshouldhe?”
“Idon’tknow,”confessedTuppence.“Buthelookedkind,andsimplyawfullyclever.Iwouldn’tmindgoingtohimandtellinghimeverything.”
Somewhattohersurprise,Juliusnegativedtheideasharply.
“Seehere,”hesaid,“wedon’twantanylawyersmixedupinthis.Thatguycouldn’thelpusany.”
“Well,Ibelievehecould,”reiteratedTuppenceobstinately.
“Don’tyouthinkit.Solong.I’llbebackinhalfanhour.”
Thirty-fiveminuteshadelapsedwhenJuliusreturned.HetookTuppencebythearm,andwalkedhertothewindow.
“Theresheis.”
“Oh!”saidTuppencewithanoteofreverenceinhervoice,asshegazeddownattheenormouscar.
“She’ssomepacemaker,Icantellyou,”saidJuliuscomplacently.
“Howdidyougetit?”gaspedTuppence
“Shewasjustbeingsenthometosomebigwig.”
“Well?”
“Iwentroundtohishouse,”saidJulius.“IsaidthatIreckonedacarlikethatwaswortheverypennyoftwentythousanddollars.ThenItoldhimthatitwasworthjustaboutfiftythousanddollarstomeifhe’dgetout.”
“Well?”saidTuppence,intoxicated.
“Well,”returnedJulius,“hegotout,that’sall.”
Twelve
AFRIENDINNEED
FridayandSaturdaypasseduneventfully.TuppencehadreceivedabriefanswertoherappealfromMr.Carter.InithepointedoutthattheYoungAdventurershadundertakentheworkattheirownrisk,andhadbeenfullywarnedofthedangers.IfanythinghadhappenedtoTommyheregretteditdeeply,buthecoulddonothing.
Thiswascoldcomfort.Somehow,withoutTommy,allthesavourwentoutoftheadventure,and,forthefirsttime,Tuppencefeltdoubtfulofsuccess.Whiletheyhadbeentogethershehadneverquestioneditforaminute.Althoughshewasaccustomedtotakethelead,andtoprideherselfonherquick-wittedness,inrealityshehadrelieduponTommymorethansherealizedatthetime.Therewassomethingsoeminentlysoberandclearheadedabouthim,hiscommonsenseandsoundnessofvisionweresounvarying,thatwithouthimTuppencefeltmuchlikearudderlessship.ItwascuriousthatJulius,whowasundoubtedlymuchclevererthanTommy,didnotgiveherthesamefeelingofsupport.ShehadaccusedTommyofbeingapessimist,anditiscertainthathealwayssawthedisadvantagesanddifficultieswhichsheherselfwasoptimisticallygiventooverlooking,butneverthelessshehadreallyreliedagooddealonhisjudgment.Hemightbeslow,buthewasverysure.
Itseemedtothegirlthat,forthefirsttime,sherealizedthesinistercharacterofthemissiontheyhadundertakensolightheartedly.Ithadbegunlikeapageofromance.Now,shornofitsglamour,itseemedtobeturningtogrimreality.Tommy—thatwasallthatmattered.ManytimesinthedayTuppenceblinkedthetearsoutofhereyesresolutely.“Littlefool,”shewouldapostrophizeherself,“don’tsnivel.Ofcourseyou’refondofhim.You’veknownhimallyourlife.Butthere’snoneedtobesentimentalaboutit.”
Inthemeantime,nothingmorewasseenofBoris.Hedidnotcometotheflat,andJuliusandthecarwaitedinvain.Tuppencegaveherselfovertonewmeditations.WhilstadmittingthetruthofJulius’sobjections,shehadneverthelessnotentirelyrelinquishedtheideaofappealingtoSirJamesPeelEdgerton.Indeed,shehadgonesofarastolookuphisaddressintheRedBook.Hadhemeanttowarnherthatday?Ifso,why?Surelyshewasatleastentitledtodemandanexplanation.Hehadlookedathersokindly.PerhapshemighttellthemsomethingconcerningMrs.VandemeyerwhichmightleadtoacluetoTommy’swhereabouts.
Anyway,Tuppencedecided,withherusualshakeoftheshoulders,itwasworthtrying,andtryitshewould.Sundaywasherafternoonout.ShewouldmeetJulius,persuadehimtoherpointofview,andtheywouldbeardthelioninhisden.
WhenthedayarrivedJuliusneededaconsiderableamountofpersuading,butTuppenceheldfirm.“Itcandonoharm,”waswhatshealwayscamebackto.IntheendJuliusgavein,andtheyproceededinthecartoCarltonHouseTerrace.
Thedoorwasopenedbyanirreproachablebutler.Tuppencefeltalittlenervous.Afterall,perhapsitwascolossalcheekonherpart.ShehaddecidednottoaskifSirJameswas“athome,”buttoadoptamorepersonalattitude.
“WillyouaskSirJamesifIcanseehimforafewminutes?Ihaveanimportantmessageforhim.”
Thebutlerretired,returningamomentortwolater.
“SirJameswillseeyou.Willyoustepthisway?”
Heusheredthemintoaroomatthebackofthehouse,furnishedasalibrary.Thecollectionofbookswasamagnificentone,andTuppencenoticedthatallonewallwasdevotedtoworksoncrimeandcriminology.Therewereseveraldeep-paddedleatherarmchairs,andanold-fashionedopenhearth.Inthewindowwasabigrolltopdeskstrewnwithpapersatwhichthemasterofthehousewassitting.
Heroseastheyentered.
“Youhaveamessageforme?Ah”—herecognizedTuppencewithasmile—“it’syou,isit?BroughtamessagefromMrs.Vandemeyer,Isuppose?”
“Notexactly,”saidTuppence.“Infact,I’mafraidIonlysaidthattobequitesureofgettingin.Oh,bytheway,thisisMr.Hersheimmer,SirJamesPeelEdgerton.”
“Pleasedtomeetyou,”saidtheAmerican,shootingoutahand.
“Won’tyoubothsitdown?”askedSirJames.Hedrewforwardtwochairs.
“SirJames,”saidTuppence,plungingboldly,“Idaresayyouwillthinkitismostawfulcheekofmecomingherelikethis.Because,ofcourse,it’snothingwhatevertodowithyou,andthenyou’reaveryimportantperson,andofcourseTommyandIareveryunimportant.”Shepausedforbreath.
“Tommy?”queriedSirJames,lookingacrossattheAmerican.
“No,that’sJulius,”explainedTuppence.“I’mrathernervous,andthatmakesmetellitbadly.WhatIreallywanttoknowiswhatyoumeantbywhatyousaidtometheotherday?DidyoumeantowarnmeagainstMrs.Vandemeyer?Youdid,didn’tyou?”
“Mydearyounglady,asfarasIrecollectIonlymentionedthattherewereequallygoodsituationstobeobtainedelsewhere.”
“Yes,Iknow.Butitwasahint,wasn’tit?”
“Well,perhapsitwas,”admittedSirJamesgravely.
“Well,Iwanttoknowmore.Iwanttoknowjustwhyyougavemeahint.”
SirJamessmiledatherearnestness.
“Supposetheladybringsalibelactionagainstmefordefamationofcharacter?”
“Ofcourse,”saidTuppence.“Iknowlawyersarealwaysdreadfullycareful.Butcan’twesay‘withoutprejudice’first,andthensayjustwhatwewantto.”
“Well,”saidSirJames,stillsmiling,“withoutprejudice,then,ifIhadayoungsisterforcedtoearnherliving,IshouldnotliketoseeherinMrs.Vandemeyer’sservice.Ifeltitincumbentonmejusttogiveyouahint.Itisnoplaceforayoungandinexperiencedgirl.ThatisallIcantellyou.”
“Isee,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Thankyouverymuch.ButI’mnotreallyinexperienced,youknow.IknewperfectlythatshewasabadlotwhenIwentthere—asamatteroffactthat’swhyIwent—”Shebrokeoff,seeingsomebewildermentonthelawyer’sface,andwenton:“IthinkperhapsI’dbettertellyouthewholestory,SirJames.I’veasortoffeelingthatyou’dknowinaminuteifIdidn’ttellthetruth,andsoyoumightaswellknowallaboutitfromthebeginning.Whatdoyouthink,Julius?”
“Asyou’rebentonit,I’dgorightaheadwiththefacts,”repliedtheAmerican,whohadsofarsatinsilence.
“Yes,tellmeallaboutit,”saidSirJames.“IwanttoknowwhoTommyis.”
ThusencouragedTuppenceplungedintohertale,andthelawyerlistenedwithcloseattention.
“Veryinteresting,”hesaid,whenshefinished.“Agreatdealofwhatyoutellme,child,isalreadyknowntome.I’vehadcertaintheoriesofmyownaboutthisJaneFinn.You’vedoneextraordinarilywellsofar,butit’srathertoobadof—whatdoyouknowhimas?—Mr.Cartertopitchforkyoutwoyoungthingsintoanaffairofthiskind.Bytheway,wheredidMr.Hersheimmercomeinoriginally?Youdidn’tmakethatclear?”
Juliusansweredforhimself.
“I’mJane’sfirstcousin,”heexplained,returningthelawyer’skeengaze
“Ah!”
“Oh,SirJames,”brokeoutTuppence,“whatdoyouthinkhasbecomeofTommy?”
“H’m.”Thelawyerrose,andpacedslowlyupanddown.“Whenyouarrived,younglady,Iwasjustpackingupmytraps.GoingtoScotlandbythenighttrainforafewdays’fishing.Buttherearedifferentkindsoffishing.I’veagoodmindtostay,andseeifwecan’tgetonthetrackofthatyoungchap.”
“Oh!”Tuppenceclaspedherhandsecstatically.
“Allthesame,asIsaidbefore,it’stoobadof—ofCartertosetyoutwobabiesonajoblikethis.Now,don’tgetoffended,Miss—er—”
“Cowley.PrudenceCowley.ButmyfriendscallmeTuppence.”
“Well,MissTuppence,then,asI’mcertainlygoingtobeafriend.Don’tbeoffendedbecauseIthinkyou’reyoung.Youthisafailingonlytooeasilyoutgrown.Now,aboutthisyoungTommyofyours—”
“Yes.”Tuppenceclaspedherhands.
“Frankly,thingslookbadforhim.He’sbeenbuttinginsomewherewherehewasn’twanted.Notadoubtofit.Butdon’tgiveuphope.”
“Andyoureallywillhelpus?There,Julius!Hedidn’twantmetocome,”sheaddedbywayofexplanation.
“H’m,”saidthelawyer,favouringJuliuswithanotherkeenglance.“Andwhywasthat?”
“Ireckoneditwouldbenogoodworryingyouwithapettylittlebusinesslikethis.”
“Isee.”Hepausedamoment.“Thispettylittlebusiness,asyoucallit,bearsdirectlyonaverybigbusiness,biggerperhapsthaneitherofyouorMissTuppenceknow.Ifthisboyisalive,hemayhaveveryvaluableinformationtogiveus.Therefore,wemustfindhim.”
“Yes,buthow?”criedTuppence.“I’vetriedtothinkofeverything.”
SirJamessmiled.
“Andyetthere’sonepersonquitenearathandwhoinallprobabilityknowswhereheis,oratalleventswhereheislikelytobe.”
“Whoisthat?”askedTuppence,puzzled.
“Mrs.Vandemeyer.”
“Yes,butshe’dnevertellus.”
“Ah,thatiswhereIcomein.IthinkitquitelikelythatIshallbeabletomakeMrs.VandemeyertellmewhatIwanttoknow.”
“How?”demandedTuppence,openinghereyesverywide.
“Oh,justbyaskingherquestions,”repliedSirJameseasily.“That’sthewaywedoit,youknow.”
Hetappedwithhisfingersonthetable,andTuppencefeltagaintheintensepowerthatradiatedfromtheman.
“Andifshewon’ttell?”askedJuliussuddenly.
“Ithinkshewill.Ihaveoneortwopowerfullevers.Still,inthatunlikelyevent,thereisalwaysthepossibilityofbribery.”
“Sure.Andthat’swhereIcomein!”criedJulius,bringinghisfistdownonthetablewithabang.“Youcancountonme,ifnecessary,foronemilliondollars.Yes,sir,onemilliondollars!”
SirJamessatdownandsubjectedJuliustoalongscrutiny.
“Mr.Hersheimmer,”hesaidatlast,“thatisaverylargesum.”
“Iguessit’llhavetobe.Thesearen’tthekindoffolktooffersixpenceto.”
“Atthepresentrateofexchangeitamountstoconsiderablyovertwohundredandfiftythousandpounds.”
“That’sso.MaybeyouthinkI’mtalkingthroughmyhat,butIcandeliverthegoodsallright,withenoughovertospareforyourfee.”
SirJamesflushedslightly.
“Thereisnoquestionofafee,Mr.Hersheimmer.Iamnotaprivatedetective.”
“Sorry.IguessIwasjustamitehasty,butI’vebeenfeelingbadaboutthismoneyquestion.IwantedtoofferabigrewardfornewsofJanesomedaysago,butyourcrustedinstitutionofScotlandYardadvisedmeagainstit.Saiditwasundesirable.”
“Theywereprobablyright,”saidSirJamesdryly.
“Butit’sallO.K.aboutJulius,”putinTuppence.“He’snotpullingyourleg.He’sgotsimplypotsofmoney.”
“Theoldmanpileditupinstyle,”explainedJulius.“Now,let’sgetdowntoit.What’syouridea?”
SirJamesconsideredforamomentortwo.
“Thereisnotimetobelost.Thesoonerwestrikethebetter.”HeturnedtoTuppence.“IsMrs.Vandemeyerdiningouttonight,doyouknow?”
“Yes,Ithinkso,butshewillnotbeoutlate.Otherwise,shewouldhavetakenthelatchkey.”
“Good.Iwillcalluponheraboutteno’clock.Whattimeareyousupposedtoreturn?”
“Aboutninethirtyorten,butIcouldgobackearlier.”
“Youmustnotdothatonanyaccount.Itmightarousesuspicionifyoudidnotstayouttilltheusualtime.Bebackbyninethirty.Iwillarriveatten.Mr.Hersheimmerwillwaitbelowinataxiperhaps.”
“He’sgotanewRolls-Roycecar,”saidTuppencewithvicariouspride.
“Evenbetter.IfIsucceedinobtainingtheaddressfromher,wecangothereatonce,takingMrs.Vandemeyerwithusifnecessary.Youunderstand?”
“Yes.”Tuppencerosetoherfeetwithaskipofdelight.“Oh,Ifeelsomuchbetter!”
“Don’tbuildonittoomuch,MissTuppence.Goeasy.”
Juliusturnedtothelawyer.
“Say,then,I’llcallforyouinthecarroundaboutninethirty.Isthatright?”
“Perhapsthatwillbethebestplan.Itwouldbeunnecessarytohavetwocarswaitingabout.Now,MissTuppence,myadvicetoyouistogoandhaveagooddinner,areallygoodone,mind.Anddon’tthinkaheadmorethanyoucanhelp.”
Heshookhandswiththemboth,andamomentlatertheywereoutside.
“Isn’theaduck?”inquiredTuppenceecstatically,assheskippeddownthesteps.“Oh,Julius,isn’thejustaduck?”
“Well,Iallowheseemstobethegoodsallright.AndIwaswrongaboutitsbeinguselesstogotohim.Say,shallwegorightawaybacktotheRitz?”
“Imustwalkabit,Ithink.Ifeelsoexcited.DropmeinthePark,willyou?Unlessyou’dliketocometoo?”
Juliusshookhishead.
“Iwanttogetsomepetrol,”heexplained.“Andsendoffacableortwo.”
“Allright.I’llmeetyouattheRitzatseven.We’llhavetodineupstairs.Ican’tshowmyselfinthesegladrags.”
“Sure.I’llgetFelixtohelpmechoosethemenu.He’ssomeheadwaiter,that.Solong.”
TuppencewalkedbrisklyalongtowardstheSerpentine,firstglancingatherwatch.Itwasnearlysixo’clock.Sherememberedthatshehadhadnotea,butfelttooexcitedtobeconsciousofhunger.ShewalkedasfarasKensingtonGardensandthenslowlyretracedhersteps,feelinginfinitelybetterforthefreshairandexercise.ItwasnotsoeasytofollowSirJames’sadviceandputthepossibleeventsoftheeveningoutofherhead.AsshedrewnearerandnearertoHydeParkcorner,thetemptationtoreturntoSouthAudleyMansionswasalmostirresistible.
Atanyrate,shedecided,itwoulddonoharmjusttogoandlookatthebuilding.Perhaps,then,shecouldresignherselftowaitingpatientlyforteno’clock.
SouthAudleyMansionslookedexactlythesameasusual.WhatTuppencehadexpectedshehardlyknew,butthesightofitsredbricksolidityslightlyassuagedthegrowingandentirelyunreasonableuneasinessthatpossessedher.Shewasjustturningawaywhensheheardapiercingwhistle,andthefaithfulAlbertcamerunningfromthebuildingtojoinher.
Tuppencefrowned.Itwasnopartoftheprogrammetohaveattentioncalledtoherpresenceintheneighbourhood,butAlbertwaspurplewithsuppressedexcitement.
“Isay,miss,she’sa-going!”
“Who’sgoing?”demandedTuppencesharply.
“Thecrook.ReadyRita.Mrs.Vandemeyer.She’sa-packingup,andshe’sjustsentdownwordformetogetherataxi.”
“What?”Tuppenceclutchedhisarm.
“It’sthetruth,miss.Ithoughtmaybeasyoudidn’tknowaboutit.”
“Albert,”criedTuppence,“you’reabrick.Ifithadn’tbeenforyouwe’dhavelosther.”
Albertflushedwithpleasureatthistribute.
“There’snotimetolose,”saidTuppence,crossingtheroad.“I’vegottostopher.AtallcostsImustkeepherhereuntil—”Shebrokeoff.“Albert,there’satelephonehere,isn’tthere?”
Theboyshookhishead.
“Theflatsmostlyhavetheirown,miss.Butthere’saboxjustroundthecorner.”
“Gotoitthen,atonce,andringuptheRitzHotel.AskforMr.Hersheimmer,andwhenyougethimtellhimtogetSirJamesandcomeatonce,asMrs.Vandemeyeristryingtohookit.Ifyoucan’tgethim,ringupSirJamesPeelEdgerton,you’llfindhisnumberinthebook,andtellhimwhat’shappening.Youwon’tforgetthenames,willyou?”
Albertrepeatedthemglibly.“Youtrusttome,miss,it’llbeallright.Butwhataboutyou?Aren’tyouafraidtotrustyourselfwithher?”
“No,no,that’sallright.Butgoandtelephone.Bequick.”
Drawingalongbreath,TuppenceenteredtheMansionsandranuptothedoorofNo.20.HowshewastodetainMrs.Vandemeyeruntilthetwomenarrived,shedidnotknow,butsomehoworotherithadtobedone,andshemustaccomplishthetasksingle-handed.Whathadoccasionedthisprecipitatedeparture?DidMrs.Vandemeyersuspecther?
Speculationswereidle.Tuppencepressedthebellfirmly.Shemightlearnsomethingfromthecook.
Nothinghappenedand,afterwaitingsomeminutes,Tuppencepressedthebellagain,keepingherfingeronthebuttonforsomelittlewhile.Atlastsheheardfootstepsinside,andamomentlaterMrs.Vandemeyerherselfopenedthedoor.Sheliftedhereyebrowsatthesightofthegirl.
“You?”
“Ihadatouchoftoothache,ma’am,”saidTuppenceglibly.“Sothoughtitbettertocomehomeandhaveaquietevening.”
Mrs.Vandemeyersaidnothing,butshedrewbackandletTuppencepassintothehall.
“Howunfortunateforyou,”shesaidcoldly.“Youhadbettergotobed.”
“Oh,Ishallbeallrightinthekitchen,ma’am.Cookwill—”
“Cookisout,”saidMrs.Vandemeyer,inaratherdisagreeabletone.“Isentherout.Soyouseeyouhadbettergotobed.”
SuddenlyTuppencefeltafraid.TherewasaringinMrs.Vandemeyer’svoicethatshedidnotlikeatall.Also,theotherwomanwasslowlyedgingherupthepassage.Tuppenceturnedatbay.
“Idon’twant—”
Then,inaflash,arimofcoldsteeltouchedhertemple,andMrs.Vandemeyer’svoicerosecoldandmenacing:
“Youdamnedlittlefool!DoyouthinkIdon’tknow?No,don’tanswer.Ifyoustruggleorcryout,I’llshootyoulikeadog.”
Therimofsteelpressedalittleharderagainstthegirl’stemple.
“Nowthen,march,”wentonMrs.Vandemeyer.“Thisway—intomyroom.Inaminute,whenI’vedonewithyou,you’llgotobedasItoldyouto.Andyou’llsleep—ohyes,mylittlespy,you’llsleepallright!”
TherewasasortofhideousgenialityinthelastwordswhichTuppencedidnotatalllike.Forthemomenttherewasnothingtobedone,andshewalkedobedientlyintoMrs.Vandemeyer’sbedroom.Thepistolneverleftherforehead.Theroomwasinastateofwilddisorder,clotheswereflungaboutrightandleft,asuitcaseandahatbox,half-packed,stoodinthemiddleofthefloor.
Tuppencepulledherselftogetherwithaneffort.Hervoiceshookalittle,butshespokeoutbravely.
“Comenow,”shesaid,“thisisnonsense.Youcan’tshootme.Why,everyoneinthebuildingwouldhearthereport.”
“I’driskthat,”saidMrs.Vandemeyercheerfully.“But,aslongasyoudon’tsingoutforhelp,you’reallright—andIdon’tthinkyouwill.You’reaclevergirl.Youdeceivedmeallright.Ihadn’tasuspicionofyou!SoI’venodoubtthatyouunderstandperfectlywellthatthisiswhereI’montopandyou’reunderneath.Nowthen—sitonthebed.Putyourhandsaboveyourhead,andifyouvalueyourlifedon’tmovethem.”
Tuppenceobeyedpassively.Hergoodsensetoldherthattherewasnothingelsetodobutacceptthesituation.Ifsheshriekedforhelptherewasverylittlechanceofanyonehearingher,whereastherewasprobablyquiteagoodchanceofMrs.Vandemeyer’sshootingher.Inthemeantime,everyminuteofdelaygainedwasvaluable.
Mrs.Vandemeyerlaiddowntherevolverontheedgeofthewashstandwithinreachofherhand,and,stilleyeingTuppencelikealynxincasethegirlshouldattempttomove,shetookalittlestopperedbottlefromitsplaceonthemarbleandpouredsomeofitscontentsintoaglasswhichshefilledupwithwater.
“What’sthat?”askedTuppencesharply.
“Somethingtomakeyousleepsoundly.”
Tuppencepaledalittle.
“Areyougoingtopoisonme?”sheaskedinawhisper.
“Perhaps,”saidMrs.Vandemeyer,smilingagreeably.
“ThenIshan’tdrinkit,”saidTuppencefirmly.“I’dmuchratherbeshot.Atanyratethatwouldmakearow,andsomeonemighthearit.ButIwon’tbekilledoffquietlylikealamb.”
Mrs.Vandemeyerstampedherfoot.
“Don’tbealittlefool!DoyoureallythinkIwantahueandcryformurderoutafterme?Ifyou’veanysenseatall,you’llrealizethatpoisoningyouwouldn’tsuitmybookatall.It’sasleepingdraught,that’sall.You’llwakeuptomorrowmorningnonetheworse.Isimplydon’twantthebotheroftyingyouupandgaggingyou.That’sthealternative—andyouwon’tlikeit,Icantellyou!IcanbeveryroughifIchoose.Sodrinkthisdownlikeagoodgirl,andyou’llbenonetheworseforit.”
InherheartofheartsTuppencebelievedher.Theargumentsshehadadducedrangtrue.Itwasasimpleandeffectivemethodofgettingheroutofthewayforthetimebeing.Nevertheless,thegirldidnottakekindlytotheideaofbeingtamelyputtosleepwithoutasmuchasonebidforfreedom.ShefeltthatonceMrs.Vandemeyergavethemtheslip,thelasthopeoffindingTommywouldbegone.
Tuppencewasquickinhermentalprocesses.Allthesereflectionspassedthroughhermindinaflash,andshesawwhereachance,averyproblematicchance,lay,andshedeterminedtoriskallinonesupremeeffort.
Accordingly,shelurchedsuddenlyoffthebedandfellonherkneesbeforeMrs.Vandemeyer,clutchingherskirtsfrantically.
“Idon’tbelieveit,”shemoaned.“It’spoison—Iknowit’spoison.Oh,don’tmakemedrinkit”—hervoicerosetoashriek—“don’tmakemedrinkit!”
Mrs.Vandemeyer,glassinhand,lookeddownwithacurlinglipatthissuddencollapse.
“Getup,youlittleidiot!Don’tgoondrivellingthere.HowyoueverhadthenervetoplayyourpartasyoudidIcan’tthink.”Shestampedherfoot.“Getup,Isay.”
ButTuppencecontinuedtoclingandsob,interjectinghersobswithincoherentappealsformercy.Everyminutegainedwastothegood.Moreover,asshegrovelled,shemovedimperceptiblynearertoherobjective.
Mrs.Vandemeyergaveasharpimpatientexclamation,andjerkedthegirltoherknees.
“Drinkitatonce!”Imperiouslyshepressedtheglasstothegirl’slips.
Tuppencegaveonelastdespairingmoan.
“Youswearitwon’thurtme?”shetemporized.
“Ofcourseitwon’thurtyou.Don’tbeafool.”
“Willyouswearit?”
“Yes,yes,”saidtheotherimpatiently.“Iswearit.”
Tuppenceraisedatremblinglefthandtotheglass.
“Verywell.”Hermouthopenedmeekly.
Mrs.Vandemeyergaveasighofrelief,offherguardforthemoment.Then,quickasaflash,Tuppencejerkedtheglassupwardashardasshecould.ThefluidinitsplashedintoMrs.Vandemeyer’sface,andduringhermomentarygasp,Tuppence’srighthandshotoutandgraspedtherevolverwhereitlayontheedgeofthewashstand.Thenextmomentshehadsprungbackapace,andtherevolverpointedstraightatMrs.Vandemeyer’sheart,withnounsteadinessinthehandthatheldit.
Inthemomentofvictory,Tuppencebetrayedasomewhatunsportsman-liketriumph.
“Nowwho’sontopandwho’sunderneath?”shecrowed.
Theother’sfacewasconvulsedwithrage.ForaminuteTuppencethoughtshewasgoingtospringuponher,whichwouldhaveplacedthegirlinanunpleasantdilemma,sinceshemeanttodrawthelineatactuallylettingofftherevolver.However,withaneffort,Mrs.Vandemeyercontrolledherself,andatlastaslowevilsmilecreptoverherface.
“Notafoolthen,afterall!Youdidthatwell,girl.Butyoushallpayforit—oh,yes,youshallpayforit!Ihavealongmemory!”
“I’msurprisedyoushouldhavebeengulledsoeasily,”saidTuppencescornfully.“DidyoureallythinkIwasthekindofgirltorollaboutonthefloorandwhineformercy?”
“Youmaydo—someday!”saidtheothersignificantly.
ThecoldmalignityofhermannersentanunpleasantchilldownTuppence’sspine,butshewasnotgoingtogiveintoit.
“Supposingwesitdown,”shesaidpleasantly.“Ourpresentattitudeisalittlemelodramatic.No—notonthebed.Drawachairuptothetable,that’sright.NowI’llsitoppositeyouwiththerevolverinfrontofme—justincaseofaccidents.Splendid.Now,let’stalk.”
“Whatabout?”saidMrs.Vandemeyersullenly.
Tuppenceeyedherthoughtfullyforaminute.Shewasrememberingseveralthings.Boris’swords,“Ibelieveyouwouldsell—us!”andheranswer,“Thepricewouldhavetobeenormous,”givenlightly,itwastrue,yetmightnottherebeasubstratumoftruthinit?Longago,hadnotWhittingtonasked:“Who’sbeenblabbing?Rita?”WouldRitaVandemeyerprovetobetheweakspotinthearmourofMr.Brown?
Keepinghereyesfixedsteadilyontheother’sface,Tuppencerepliedquietly:
“Money—”
Mrs.Vandemeyerstarted.Clearly,thereplywasunexpected.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’lltellyou.Yousaidjustnowthatyouhadalongmemory.Alongmemoryisn’thalfasusefulasalongpurse!Idaresayitrelievesyourfeelingsagooddealtoplanoutallsortsofdreadfulthingstodotome,butisthatpractical?Revengeisveryunsatisfactory.Everyonealwayssaysso.Butmoney”—Tuppencewarmedtoherpetcreed—“well,there’snothingunsatisfactoryaboutmoney,isthere?”
“Doyouthink,”saidMrs.Vandemeyerscornfully,“thatIamthekindofwomantosellmyfriends?”
“Yes,”saidTuppencepromptly,“ifthepricewasbigenough.”
“Apaltryhundredpoundsorso!”
“No,”saidTuppence.“Ishouldsuggest—ahundredthousand!”
HereconomicalspiritdidnotpermithertomentionthewholemilliondollarssuggestedbyJulius.
AflushcreptoverMrs.Vandemeyer’sface.
“Whatdidyousay?”sheasked,herfingersplayingnervouslywithabroochonherbreast.InthatmomentTuppenceknewthatthefishwashooked,andforthefirsttimeshefeltahorrorofherownmoney-lovingspirit.Itgaveheradreadfulsenseofkinshiptothewomanfrontingher.
“Ahundredthousandpounds,”repeatedTuppence.
ThelightdiedoutofMrs.Vandemeyer’seyes.Sheleanedbackinherchair.
“Bah!”shesaid.“Youhaven’tgotit.”
“No,”admittedTuppence,“Ihaven’t—butIknowsomeonewhohas.”
“Who?”
“Afriendofmine.”
“Mustbeamillionaire,”remarkedMrs.Vandemeyerunbelievingly.
“Asamatteroffactheis.He’sanAmerican.He’llpayyouthatwithoutamurmur.Youcantakeitfrommethatit’saperfectlygenuineproposition.”
Mrs.Vandemeyersatupagain.
“I’minclinedtobelieveyou,”shesaidslowly.
Therewassilencebetweenthemforsometime,thenMrs.Vandemeyerlookedup.
“Whatdoeshewanttoknow,thisfriendofyours?”
Tuppencewantthroughamomentarystruggle,butitwasJulius’smoney,andhisinterestsmustcomefirst.
“HewantstoknowwhereJaneFinnis,”shesaidboldly.
Mrs.Vandemeyershowednosurprise.
“I’mnotsurewheresheisatthepresentmoment,”shereplied.
“Butyoucouldfindout?”
“Oh,yes,”returnedMrs.Vandemeyercarelessly.“Therewouldbenodifficultyaboutthat.”
“Then”—Tuppence’svoiceshookalittle—“there’saboy,afriendofmine.I’mafraidsomething’shappenedtohim,throughyourpal,Boris.”
“What’shisname?”
“TommyBeresford.”
“Neverheardofhim.ButI’llaskBoris.He’lltellmeanythingheknows.”
“Thankyou.”Tuppencefeltaterrificriseinherspirits.Itimpelledhertomoreaudaciousefforts.“There’sonethingmore.”
“Well?”
Tuppenceleanedforwardandloweredhervoice.
“WhoisMr.Brown?”
Herquickeyessawthesuddenpalingofthebeautifulface.WithaneffortMrs.Vandemeyerpulledherselftogetherandtriedtoresumeherformermanner.Buttheattemptwasamereparody.
Sheshruggedhershoulders.
“Youcan’thavelearntmuchaboutusifyoudon’tknowthatnobodyknowswhoMr.Brownis….”
“Youdo,”saidTuppencequietly.
Againthecolourdesertedtheother’sface.
“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidthegirltruthfully.“ButI’msure.”
Mrs.Vandemeyerstaredinfrontofherforalongtime.
“Yes,”shesaidhoarsely,atlast,“Iknow.Iwasbeautiful,yousee—verybeautiful—”
“Youarestill,”saidTuppencewithadmiration.
Mrs.Vandemeyershookherhead.Therewasastrangegleaminherelectric-blueeyes.
“Notbeautifulenough,”shesaidinasoftdangerousvoice.“Not—beautiful—enough!Andsometimes,lately,I’vebeenafraid…It’sdangeroustoknowtoomuch!”Sheleanedforwardacrossthetable.“Swearthatmynameshan’tbebroughtintoit—thatnooneshalleverknow.”
“Iswearit.And,oncehe’scaught,you’llbeoutofdanger.”
AterrifiedlooksweptacrossMrs.Vandemeyer’sface.
“ShallI?ShallIeverbe?”SheclutchedTuppence’sarm.“You’resureaboutthemoney?”
“Quitesure.”
“WhenshallIhaveit?Theremustbenodelay.”
“Thisfriendofminewillbeherepresently.Hemayhavetosendcables,orsomethinglikethat.Buttherewon’tbeanydelay—he’saterrifichustler.”
AresolutelooksettledonMrs.Vandemeyer’sface.
“I’lldoit.It’sagreatsumofmoney,andbesides”—shegaveacurioussmile—“itisnot—wisetothrowoverawomanlikeme!”
Foramomentortwo,sheremainedsmiling,andlightlytappingherfingersonthetable.Suddenlyshestarted,andherfaceblanched.
“Whatwasthat?”
“Iheardnothing.”
Mrs.Vandemeyergazedroundherfearfully.
“Ifthereshouldbesomeonelistening—”
“Nonsense.Whocouldtherebe?”
“Eventhewallsmighthaveears,”whisperedtheother.“ItellyouI’mfrightened.Youdon’tknowhim!”
“Thinkofthehundredthousandpounds,”saidTuppencesoothingly.
Mrs.Vandemeyerpassedhertongueoverherdriedlips.
“Youdon’tknowhim,”shereiteratedhoarsely.“He’s—ah!”
Withashriekofterrorshesprangtoherfeet.HeroutstretchedhandpointedoverTuppence’shead.Thensheswayedtothegroundinadeadfaint.
Tuppencelookedroundtoseewhathadstartledher.
InthedoorwaywereSirJamesPeelEdgertonandJuliusHersheimmer.
Thirteen
THEVIGIL
SirJamesbrushedpastJuliusandhurriedlybentoverthefallenwoman.
“Heart,”hesaidsharply.“Seeingussosuddenlymusthavegivenherashock.Brandy—andquickly,orshe’llslipthroughourfingers.”
Juliushurriedtothewashstand.
“Nothere,”saidTuppenceoverhershoulder.“Inthetantalusinthediningroom.Seconddoordownthepassage.”
BetweenthemSirJamesandTuppenceliftedMrs.Vandemeyerandcarriedhertothebed.Theretheydashedwateronherface,butwithnoresult.Thelawyerfingeredherpulse.
“Touchandgo,”hemuttered.“Iwishthatyoungfellowwouldhurryupwiththebrandy.”
AtthatmomentJuliusre-enteredtheroom,carryingaglasshalffullofthespiritwhichhehandedtoSirJames.WhileTuppenceliftedherheadthelawyertriedtoforcealittleofthespiritbetweenherclosedlips.Finallythewomanopenedhereyesfeebly.Tuppenceheldtheglasstoherlips.
“Drinkthis.”
Mrs.Vandemeyercomplied.Thebrandybroughtthecolourbacktoherwhitecheeks,andrevivedherinamarvellousfashion.Shetriedtositup—thenfellbackwithagroan,herhandtoherside.
“It’smyheart,”shewhispered.“Imustn’ttalk.”
Shelaybackwithclosedeyes.
SirJameskepthisfingeronherwristaminutelonger,thenwithdrewitwithanod.
“She’lldonow.”
Allthreemovedaway,andstoodtogethertalkinginlowvoices.Oneandallwereconsciousofacertainfeelingofanticlimax.Clearlyanyschemeforcross-questioningtheladywasoutofthequestionforthemoment.Forthetimebeingtheywerebaffled,andcoulddonothing.
TuppencerelatedhowMrs.VandemeyerhaddeclaredherselfwillingtodisclosetheidentityofMr.Brown,andhowshehadconsentedtodiscoverandrevealtothemthewhereaboutsofJaneFinn.Juliuswascongratulatory.
“That’sallright,MissTuppence.Splendid!Iguessthathundredthousandpoundswilllookjustasgoodinthemorningtotheladyasitdidovernight.There’snothingtoworryover.Shewon’tspeakwithoutthecashanyway,youbet!”
Therewascertainlyagooddealofcommonsenseinthis,andTuppencefeltalittlecomforted.
“Whatyousayistrue,”saidSirJamesmeditatively.“Imustconfess,however,thatIcannothelpwishingwehadnotinterruptedattheminutewedid.Still,itcannotbehelped,itisonlyamatterofwaitinguntilthemorning.”
Helookedacrossattheinertfigureonthebed.Mrs.Vandemeyerlayperfectlypassivewithclosedeyes.Heshookhishead.
“Well,”saidTuppence,withanattemptatcheerfulness,“wemustwaituntilthemorning,that’sall.ButIdon’tthinkweoughttoleavetheflat.”
“Whataboutleavingthatbrightboyofyoursonguard?”
“Albert?Andsupposeshecameroundagainandhookedit.Albertcouldn’tstopher.”
“Iguessshewon’twanttomaketracksawayfromthedollars.”
“Shemight.Sheseemedveryfrightenedof‘Mr.Brown.’”
“What?Realplumbscaredofhim?”
“Yes.Shelookedroundandsaidevenwallshadears.”
“Maybeshemeantadictaphone,”saidJuliuswithinterest.
“MissTuppenceisright,”saidSirJamesquietly.“Wemustnotleavetheflat—ifonlyforMrs.Vandemeyer’ssake.”
Juliusstaredathim.
“Youthinkhe’dgetafterher?Betweennowandtomorrowmorning.Howcouldheknow,even?”
“Youforgetyourownsuggestionofadictaphone,”saidSirJamesdryly.“Wehaveaveryformidableadversary.Ibelieve,ifweexerciseallduecare,thatthereisaverygoodchanceofhisbeingdeliveredintoourhands.Butwemustneglectnoprecaution.Wehaveanimportantwitness,butshemustbesafeguarded.IwouldsuggestthatMissTuppenceshouldgotobed,andthatyouandI,Mr.Hersheimmer,shouldsharethevigil.”
Tuppencewasabouttoprotest,buthappeningtoglanceatthebedshesawMrs.Vandemeyer,hereyeshalfopen,withsuchanexpressionofmingledfearandmalevolenceonherfacethatitquitefrozethewordsonherlips.
Foramomentshewonderedwhetherthefaintandtheheartattackhadbeenagiganticsham,butrememberingthedeadlypallorshecouldhardlycreditthesupposition.Asshelookedtheexpressiondisappearedasbymagic,andMrs.Vandemeyerlayinertandmotionlessasbefore.Foramomentthegirlfanciedshemusthavedreamtit.Butshedeterminedneverthelesstobeonthealert.
“Well,”saidJulius,“Iguesswe’dbettermakeamoveoutofhereanyway.”
Theothersfellinwithhissuggestion.SirJamesagainfeltMrs.Vandemeyer’spulse.
“Perfectlysatisfactory,”hesaidinalowvoicetoTuppence.“She’llbeabsolutelyallrightafteranight’srest.”
Thegirlhesitatedamomentbythebed.Theintensityoftheexpressionshehadsurprisedhadimpressedherpowerfully.Mrs.Vandemeyerliftedhereyelids.Sheseemedtobestrugglingtospeak.Tuppencebentoverher.
“Don’t—leave—”sheseemedunabletoproceed,murmuringsomethingthatsoundedlike“sleepy.”Thenshetriedagain.
Tuppencebentlowerstill.Itwasonlyabreath.
“Mr.—Brown—”Thevoicestopped.
Butthehalf-closedeyesseemedstilltosendanagonizedmessage.
Movedbyasuddenimpulse,thegirlsaidquickly:
“Ishan’tleavetheflat.Ishallsitupallnight.”
Aflashofreliefshowedbeforethelidsdescendedoncemore.ApparentlyMrs.Vandemeyerslept.ButherwordshadawakenedanewuneasinessinTuppence.Whathadshemeantbythatlowmurmur.“Mr.Brown?”Tuppencecaughtherselfnervouslylookingoverhershoulder.Thebigwardrobeloomedupinasinisterfashionbeforehereyes.Plentyofroomforamantohideinthat…
Half-ashamedofherselfTuppencepulleditopenandlookedinside.Noone—ofcourse!Shestoopeddownandlookedunderthebed.Therewasnootherpossiblehidingplace.
Tuppencegaveherfamiliarshakeoftheshoulders.Itwasabsurd,thisgivingwaytonerves!Slowlyshewentoutoftheroom.JuliusandSirJamesweretalkinginalowvoice.SirJamesturnedtoher.
“Lockthedoorontheoutside,please,MissTuppence,andtakeoutthekey.Theremustbenochanceofanyoneenteringthatroom.”
Thegravityofhismannerimpressedthem,andTuppencefeltlessashamedofherattackof“nerves.”
“Say,”remarkedJuliussuddenly,“there’sTuppence’sbrightboy.IguessI’dbettergodownandeasehisyoungmind.That’ssomelad,Tuppence.”
“Howdidyougetin,bytheway?”askedTuppencesuddenly.“Iforgottoask.”
“Well,Albertgotmeonthephoneallright.IranroundforSirJameshere,andwecamerighton.Theboywasonthelookoutforus,andwasjustamiteworriedaboutwhatmighthavehappenedtoyou.He’dbeenlisteningoutsidethedooroftheflat,butcouldn’thearanything.Anyhowhesuggestedsendingusupinthecoalliftinsteadofringingthebell.Andsureenoughwelandedinthesculleryandcamerightalongtofindyou.Albert’sstillbelow,andmustbehoppingmadbythistime.”WithwhichJuliusdepartedabruptly.
“Nowthen,MissTuppence,”saidSirJames,“youknowthisplacebetterthanIdo.Wheredoyousuggestweshouldtakeupourquarters?”
Tuppenceconsideredforamomentortwo
“IthinkMrs.Vandemeyer’sboudoirwouldbethemostcomfortable,”shesaidatlast,andledthewaythere.
SirJameslookedroundapprovingly.
“Thiswilldoverywell,andnow,mydearyounglady,dogotobedandgetsomesleep.”
Tuppenceshookherheadresolutely.
“Icouldn’t,thankyou,SirJames.IshoulddreamofMr.Brownallnight!”
“Butyou’llbesotired,child.”
“No,Ishan’t.I’dratherstayup—really.”
Thelawyergavein.
Juliusreappearedsomeminuteslater,havingreassuredAlbertandrewardedhimlavishlyforhisservices.HavinginhisturnfailedtopersuadeTuppencetogotobed,hesaiddecisively:
“Atanyrate,you’vegottohavesomethingtoeatrightaway.Where’sthelarder?”
Tuppencedirectedhim,andhereturnedinafewminuteswithacoldpieandthreeplates.
Afteraheartymeal,thegirlfeltinclinedtopooh-poohherfanciesofhalfanhourbefore.Thepowerofthemoneybribecouldnotfail.
“Andnow,MissTuppence,”saidSirJames,“wewanttohearyouradventures.”
“That’sso,”agreedJulius.
Tuppencenarratedheradventureswithsomecomplacence.Juliusoccasionallyinterjectedanadmiring“Bully.”SirJamessaidnothinguntilshehadfinished,whenhisquiet“Welldone,MissTuppence,”madeherflushwithpleasure.
“There’sonethingIdon’tgetclearly,”saidJulius.“Whatputheruptoclearingout?”
“Idon’tknow,”confessedTuppence.
SirJamesstrokedhischinthoughtfully
“Theroomwasingreatdisorder.Thatlooksasthoughherflightwasunpremeditated.Almostasthoughshegotasuddenwarningtogofromsomeone.”
“Mr.Brown,Isuppose,”saidJuliusscoffingly.
Thelawyerlookedathimdeliberatelyforaminuteortwo.
“Whynot?”hesaid.“Remember,youyourselfhaveoncebeenworstedbyhim.”
Juliusflushedwithvexation.
“IfeeljustmadwhenIthinkofhowIhandedoutJane’sphotographtohimlikealamb.Gee,ifIeverlayhandsonitagain,I’llfreezeontoit—likehell!”
“Thatcontingencyislikelytobearemoteone,”saidtheotherdryly.
“Iguessyou’reright,”saidJuliusfrankly.“And,inanycase,it’stheoriginalI’moutafter.Wheredoyouthinkshecanbe,SirJames?”
Thelawyershookhishead.
“Impossibletosay.ButI’veaverygoodideawhereshehasbeen.”
“Youhave?Where?”
SirJamessmiled.
“Atthesceneofyournocturnaladventures,theBournemouthnursinghome.”
“There?Impossible.Iasked.”
“No,mydearsir,youaskedifanyoneofthenameofJaneFinnhadbeenthere.Now,ifthegirlhadbeenplacedthereitwouldalmostcertainlybeunderanassumedname.”
“Bullyforyou,”criedJulius.“Ineverthoughtofthat!”
“Itwasfairlyobvious,”saidtheother.
“Perhapsthedoctor’sinittoo,”suggestedTuppence.
Juliusshookhishead.
“Idon’tthinkso.Itooktohimatonce.No,I’mprettysureDr.Hall’sallright.”
“Hall,didyousay?”askedSirJames.“Thatiscurious—reallyverycurious.”
“Why?”demandedTuppence.
“BecauseIhappenedtomeethimthismorning.I’veknownhimslightlyonandoffforsomeyears,andthismorningIranacrosshiminthestreet.StayingattheMetropole,hetoldme.”HeturnedtoJulius.“Didn’thetellyouhewascominguptotown?”
Juliusshookhishead.
“Curious,”musedSirJames.“Youdidnotmentionhisnamethisafternoon,orIwouldhavesuggestedyourgoingtohimforfurtherinformationwithmycardasintroduction.”
“IguessI’mamutt,”saidJuliuswithunusualhumility.“Ioughttohavethoughtofthefalsenamestunt.”
“Howcouldyouthinkofanythingafterfallingoutofthattree?”criedTuppence.“I’msureanyoneelsewouldhavebeenkilledrightoff.”
“Well,Iguessitdoesn’tmatternow,anyway,”saidJulius.“We’vegotMrs.Vandemeyeronastring,andthat’sallweneed.”
“Yes,”saidTuppence,buttherewasalackofassuranceinhervoice.
Asilencesettleddownovertheparty.Littlebylittlethemagicofthenightbegantogainholdonthem.Thereweresuddencreaksinthefurniture,imperceptiblerustlingsinthecurtains.SuddenlyTuppencesprangupwithacry.
“Ican’thelpit.IknowMr.Brown’ssomewhereintheflat!Icanfeelhim.”
“Sure,Tuppence,howcouldhebe?Thisdoor’sopenintothehall.Noonecouldhavecomeinbythefrontdoorwithoutourseeingandhearinghim.”
“Ican’thelpit.Ifeelhe’shere!”
ShelookedappealinglyatSirJames,whorepliedgravely:
“Withduedeferencetoyourfeelings,MissTuppence(andmineaswellforthatmatter),Idonotseehowitishumanlypossibleforanyonetobeintheflatwithoutourknowledge.”
Thegirlwasalittlecomfortedbyhiswords.
“Sittingupatnightisalwaysratherjumpy,”sheconfessed.
“Yes,”saidSirJames.“Weareintheconditionofpeopleholdingaséance.Perhapsifamediumwerepresentwemightgetsomemarvellousresults.”
“Doyoubelieveinspiritualism?”askedTuppence,openinghereyeswide.
Thelawyershruggedhisshoulders.
“Thereissometruthinit,withoutadoubt.Butmostofthetestimonywouldnotpassmusterinthewitness-box.”
Thehoursdrewon.Withthefirstfaintglimmeringsofdawn,SirJamesdrewasidethecurtains.Theybeheld,whatfewLondonerssee,theslowrisingofthesunoverthesleepingcity.Somehow,withthecomingofthelight,thedreadsandfanciesofthepastnightseemedabsurd.Tuppence’sspiritsrevivedtothenormal.
“Hooray!”shesaid.“It’sgoingtobeagorgeousday.AndweshallfindTommy.AndJaneFinn.Andeverythingwillbelovely.IshallaskMr.CarterifIcan’tbemadeaDame!”
Atseveno’clockTuppencevolunteeredtogoandmakesometea.Shereturnedwithatray,containingtheteapotandfourcups.
“Who’stheothercupfor?”inquiredJulius.
“Theprisoner,ofcourse.Isupposewemightcallherthat?”
“Takingherteaseemsakindofanticlimaxtolastnight,”saidJuliusthoughtfully.
“Yes,itdoes,”admittedTuppence.“But,anyway,heregoes.Perhapsyou’dbothcome,too,incaseshespringsonme,oranything.Yousee,wedon’tknowwhatmoodshe’llwakeupin.”
SirJamesandJuliusaccompaniedhertothedoor.
“Where’sthekey?Oh,ofcourse,I’vegotitmyself.”
Sheputitinthelock,andturnedit,thenpaused.
“Supposing,afterall,she’sescaped?”shemurmuredinawhisper.
“Plumbimpossible,”repliedJuliusreassuringly.
ButSirJamessaidnothing.
Tuppencedrewalongbreathandentered.SheheavedasighofreliefasshesawthatMrs.Vandemeyerwaslyingonthebed.
“Goodmorning,”sheremarkedcheerfully.“I’vebroughtyousometea.”
Mrs.Vandemeyerdidnotreply.Tuppenceputdownthecuponthetablebythebedandwentacrosstodrawuptheblinds.Whensheturned,Mrs.Vandemeyerstilllaywithoutamovement.Withasuddenfearclutchingatherheart,Tuppencerantothebed.Thehandsheliftedwascoldasice…Mrs.Vandemeyerwouldneverspeaknow….
Hercrybroughttheothers.Averyfewminutessufficed.Mrs.Vandemeyerwasdead—musthavebeendeadsomehours.Shehadevidentlydiedinhersleep.
“Ifthatisn’tthecruellestluck,”criedJuliusindespair.
Thelawyerwascalmer,buttherewasacuriousgleaminhiseyes.
“Ifitisluck,”hereplied.
“Youdon’tthink—but,say,that’splumbimpossible—noonecouldhavegotin.”
“No,”admittedthelawyer.“Idon’tseehowtheycould.Andyet—sheisonthepointofbetrayingMr.Brown,and—shedies.Isitonlychance?”
“Buthow—”
“Yes,how!Thatiswhatwemustfindout.”Hestoodtheresilently,gentlystrokinghischin.“Wemustfindout,”hesaidquietly,andTuppencefeltthatifshewasMr.Brownshewouldnotlikethetoneofthosesimplewords.
Julius’sglancewenttothewindow.
“Thewindow’sopen,”heremarked.“Doyouthink—”
Tuppenceshookherhead.
“Thebalconyonlygoesalongasfarastheboudoir.Wewerethere.”
“Hemighthaveslippedout—”suggestedJulius.
ButSirJamesinterruptedhim.
“Mr.Brown’smethodsarenotsocrude.Inthemeantimewemustsendforadoctor,butbeforewedosoisthereanythinginthisroomthatmightbeofvaluetous?”
Hastily,thethreesearched.AcharredmassinthegrateindicatedthatMrs.Vandemeyerhadbeenburningpapersontheeveofherflight.Nothingofimportanceremained,thoughtheysearchedtheotherroomsaswell.
“There’sthat,”saidTuppencesuddenly,pointingtoasmall,old-fashionedsafeletintothewall.“It’sforjewellery,Ibelieve,buttheremightbesomethingelseinit.”
Thekeywasinthelock,andJuliusswungopenthedoor,andsearchedinside.Hewassometimeoverthetask.
“Well,”saidTuppenceimpatiently.
TherewasapausebeforeJuliusanswered,thenhewithdrewhisheadandshutthedoor.
“Nothing,”hesaid.
Infiveminutesabriskyoungdoctorarrived,hastilysummoned.HewasdeferentialtoSirJames,whomherecognized.
“Heartfailure,orpossiblyanoverdoseofsomesleepingdraught.Hesniffed.“Ratheranodourofchloralintheair.”
Tuppencerememberedtheglassshehadupset.Anewthoughtdrovehertothewashstand.ShefoundthelittlebottlefromwhichMrs.Vandemeyerhadpouredafewdrops.
Ithadbeenthreepartsfull.Now—itwasempty.
Fourteen
ACONSULTATION
NothingwasmoresurprisingandbewilderingtoTuppencethantheeaseandsimplicitywithwhicheverythingwasarranged,owingtoSirJames’sskilfulhandling.ThedoctoracceptedquitereadilythetheorythatMrs.Vandemeyerhadaccidentallytakenanoverdoseofchloral.Hedoubtedwhetheraninquestwouldbenecessary.Ifso,hewouldletSirJamesknow.HeunderstoodthatMrs.Vandemeyerwasontheeveofdepartureforabroad,andthattheservantshadalreadyleft?SirJamesandhisyoungfriendshadbeenpayingacalluponher,whenshewassuddenlystrickendownandtheyhadspentthenightintheflat,notlikingtoleaveheralone.Didtheyknowofanyrelatives?Theydidnot,butSirJamesreferredhimtoMrs.Vandemeyer’ssolicitor.
Shortlyafterwardsanursearrivedtotakecharge,andtheotherslefttheill-omenedbuilding.
“Andwhatnow?”askedJulius,withagestureofdespair.“Iguesswe’redownandoutforgood.”
SirJamesstrokedhischinthoughtfully
“No,”hesaidquietly.“ThereisstillthechancethatDr.Hallmaybeabletotellussomething.”
“Gee!I’dforgottenhim.”
“Thechanceisslight,butitmustnotbeneglected.IthinkItoldyouthatheisstayingattheMetropole.Ishouldsuggestthatwecalluponhimthereassoonaspossible.Shallwesayafterabathandbreakfast?”
ItwasarrangedthatTuppenceandJuliusshouldreturntotheRitz,andcallforSirJamesinthecar.Theprogrammewasfaithfullycarriedout,andalittleaftereleventheydrewupbeforetheMetropole.TheyaskedforDr.Hall,andapageboywentinsearchofhim.Inafewminutesthelittledoctorcamehurryingtowardsthem.
“Canyouspareusafewminutes,Dr.Hall?”saidSirJamespleasantly.“LetmeintroduceyoutoMissCowley.Mr.Hersheimmer,Ithink,youalreadyknow.”
Aquizzicalgleamcameintothedoctor’seyeasheshookhandswithJulius.
“Ah,yes,myyoungfriendofthetreeepisode!Ankleallright,eh?”
“Iguessit’scuredowingtoyourskilfultreatment,doc.”
“Andthehearttrouble?Ha!ha!”
“Stillsearching,”saidJuliusbriefly.
“Tocometothepoint,canwehaveawordwithyouinprivate?”askedSirJames.
“Certainly.Ithinkthereisaroomherewhereweshallbequiteundisturbed.”
Heledtheway,andtheothersfollowedhim.Theysatdown,andthedoctorlookedinquiringlyatSirJames.
“Dr.Hall,Iamveryanxioustofindacertainyoungladyforthepurposeofobtainingastatementfromher.IhavereasontobelievethatshehasbeenatonetimeoranotherinyourestablishmentatBournemouth.IhopeIamtransgressingnoprofessionaletiquetteinquestioningyouonthesubject?”
“Isupposeitisamatteroftestimony?”
SirJameshesitatedamoment,thenhereplied:
“Yes.”
“Ishallbepleasedtogiveyouanyinformationinmypower.Whatistheyounglady’sname?Mr.Hersheimmeraskedme,Iremember—”HehalfturnedtoJulius.
“Thename,”saidSirJamesbluntly,“isreallyimmaterial.Shewouldbealmostcertainlysenttoyouunderanassumedone.ButIshouldliketoknowifyouareacquaintedwithaMrs.Vandemeyer?”
“Mrs.Vandemeyer,of20SouthAudleyMansions?Iknowherslightly.”
“Youarenotawareofwhathashappened?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“YoudonotknowthatMrs.Vandemeyerisdead?”
“Dear,dear,Ihadnoideaofit!Whendidithappen?”
“Shetookanoverdoseofchlorallastnight.”
“Purposely?”
“Accidentally,itisbelieved.Ishouldnotliketosaymyself.Anyway,shewasfounddeadthismorning.”
“Verysad.Asingularlyhandsomewoman.Ipresumeshewasafriendofyours,sinceyouareacquaintedwithallthesedetails.”
“Iamacquaintedwiththedetailsbecause—well,itwasIwhofoundherdead.”
“Indeed,”saidthedoctor,starting.
“Yes,”saidSirJames,andstrokedhischinreflectively.
“Thisisverysadnews,butyouwillexcusemeifIsaythatIdonotseehowitbearsonthesubjectofyourinquiry?”
“Itbearsonitinthisway,isitnotafactthatMrs.Vandemeyercommittedayoungrelativeofherstoyourcharge?”
Juliusleanedforwardeagerly.
“Thatisthecase,”saidthedoctorquietly.
“Underthenameof—?”
“JanetVandemeyer.IunderstoodhertobeanieceofMrs.Vandemeyer’s.”
“Andshecametoyou?”
“AsfarasIcanrememberinJuneorJulyof1915.”
“Wassheamentalcase?”
“Sheisperfectlysane,ifthatiswhatyoumean.IunderstoodfromMrs.VandemeyerthatthegirlhadbeenwithherontheLusitaniawhenthatill-fatedshipwassunk,andhadsufferedasevereshockinconsequence.”
“We’reontherighttrack,Ithink?”SirJameslookedround.
“AsIsaidbefore,I’mamutt!”returnedJulius.
Thedoctorlookedatthemallcuriously
“Youspokeofwantingastatementfromher,”hesaid.“Supposingsheisnotabletogiveone?”
“What?Youhavejustsaidthatsheisperfectlysane.”
“Sosheis.Nevertheless,ifyouwantastatementfromherconcerninganyeventspriortoMay7,1915,shewillnotbeabletogiveittoyou.”
Theylookedatthelittleman,stupefied.Henoddedcheerfully.
“It’sapity,”hesaid.“Agreatpity,especiallyasIgather,SirJames,thatthematterisimportant.Butthereitis,shecantellyounothing.”
“Butwhy,man?Darnitall,why?”
ThelittlemanshiftedhisbenevolentglancetotheexcitedyoungAmerican.
“BecauseJanetVandemeyerissufferingfromacompletelossofmemory!”
“What?”
“Quiteso.Aninterestingcase,averyinterestingcase.Notsouncommon,really,asyouwouldthink.Thereareseveralverywellknownparallels.It’sthefirstcaseofthekindthatI’vehadundermyownpersonalobservation,andImustadmitthatI’vefounditofabsorbinginterest.”Therewassomethingratherghoulishinthelittleman’ssatisfaction.
“Andsheremembersnothing,”saidSirJamesslowly.
“NothingpriortoMay7,1915.Afterthatdatehermemoryisasgoodasyoursormine.”
“Thenthefirstthingsheremembers?”
“Islandingwiththesurvivors.Everythingbeforethatisablank.Shedidnotknowherownname,orwhereshehadcomefrom,orwhereshewas.Shecouldn’tevenspeakherowntongue.”
“Butsurelyallthisismostunusual?”putinJulius.
“No,mydearsir.Quitenormalunderthecircumstances.Severeshocktothenervoussystem.Lossofmemoryproceedsnearlyalwaysonthesamelines.Isuggestedaspecialist,ofcourse.There’saverygoodmaninParis—makesastudyofthesecases—butMrs.Vandemeyeropposedtheideaofpublicitythatmightresultfromsuchacourse.”
“Icanimagineshewould,”saidSirJamesgrimly.
“Ifellinwithherviews.Thereisacertainnotorietygiventothesecases.Andthegirlwasveryyoung—nineteen,Ibelieve.Itseemedapitythatherinfirmityshouldbetalkedabout—mightdamageherprospects.Besides,thereisnospecialtreatmenttopursueinsuchcases.Itisreallyamatterofwaiting.”
“Waiting?”
“Yes,soonerorlater,thememorywillreturn—assuddenlyasitwent.Butinallprobabilitythegirlwillhaveentirelyforgottentheinterveningperiod,andwilltakeuplifewheresheleftoff—atthesinkingoftheLusitania.”
“Andwhendoyouexpectthistohappen?”
Thedoctorshruggedhisshoulders.
“Ah,thatIcannotsay.Sometimesitisamatterofmonths,sometimesithasbeenknowntobeaslongastwentyyears!Sometimesanothershockdoesthetrick.Onerestoreswhattheothertookaway.”
“Anothershock,eh?”saidJuliusthoughtfully.
“Exactly.TherewasacaseinColorado—”Thelittleman’svoicetrailedon,voluble,mildlyenthusiastic.
Juliusdidnotseemtobelistening.Hehadrelapsedintohisownthoughtsandwasfrowning.Suddenlyhecameoutofhisbrownstudy,andhitthetablesucharesoundingbangwithhisfistthateveryonejumped,thedoctormostofall.
“I’vegotit!Iguess,doc,I’dlikeyourmedicalopinionontheplanI’mabouttooutline.SayJanewastocrosstheherringpondagain,andthesamethingwastohappen.Thesubmarine,thesinkingship,everyonetotaketotheboats—andsoon.Wouldn’tthatdothetrick?Wouldn’titgiveamightybigbumptohersubconsciousself,orwhateverthejargonis,andstartitfunctioningagainrightaway?”
“Averyinterestingspeculation,Mr.Hersheimmer.Inmyownopinion,itwouldbesuccessful.Itisunfortunatethatthereisnochanceoftheconditionsrepeatingthemselvesasyousuggest.”
“Notbynature,perhaps,doc.ButI’mtalkingaboutart.”
“Art?”
“Why,yes.What’sthedifficulty?Hiretheliner—”
“Aliner!”murmuredDr.Hallfaintly.
“Hiresomepassengers,hireasubmarine—that’stheonlydifficulty,Iguess.Governmentsareapttobeabithideboundovertheirenginesofwar.Theywon’tselltothefirstcomer.Still,Iguessthatcanbegotover.Everheardoftheword“graft,”sir?Well,graftgetsthereeverytime!Ireckonthatweshan’treallyneedtofireatorpedo.Ifeveryonehustlesroundandscreamsloudenoughthattheshipissinking,itoughttobeenoughforaninnocentyounggirllikeJane.Bythetimeshe’sgotalifebeltonher,andisbeinghustledintoaboat,withawell-drilledlotofartistesdoingthehystericalstuntondeck,why—sheoughttoberightbackagainwhereshewasinMay,1915.How’sthatforthebareoutline?”
Dr.HalllookedatJulius.Everythingthathewasforthemomentincapableofsayingwaseloquentinthatlook.
“No,”saidJulius,inanswertoit,“I’mnotcrazy.Thething’sperfectlypossible.It’sdoneeverydayintheStatesforthemovies.Haven’tyouseentrainsincollisiononthescreen?What’sthedifferencebetweenbuyingupatrainandbuyingupaliner?Getthepropertiesandyoucangorightahead!”
Dr.Hallfoundhisvoice.
“Buttheexpense,mydearsir.”Hisvoicerose.“Theexpense!Itwillbecolossal!”
“Moneydoesn’tworrymeany,”explainedJuliussimply.
Dr.HallturnedanappealingfacetoSirJames,whosmiledslightly.
“Mr.Hersheimmerisverywelloff—verywelloffindeed.”
Thedoctor’sglancecamebacktoJuliuswithanewandsubtlequalityinit.Thiswasnolongeraneccentricyoungfellowwithahabitoffallingofftrees.Thedoctor’seyesheldthedeferenceaccordedtoareallyrichman.
“Veryremarkableplan.Veryremarkable,”hemurmured.“Themovies—ofcourse!YourAmericanwordforthecinema.Veryinteresting.Ifearweareperhapsalittlebehindthetimesoverhereinourmethods.Andyoureallymeantocarryoutthisremarkableplanofyours.”
“YoubetyourbottomdollarIdo.”
Thedoctorbelievedhim—whichwasatributetohisnationality.IfanEnglishmanhadsuggestedsuchathing,hewouldhavehadgravedoubtsastohissanity.
“Icannotguaranteeacure,”hepointedout.“PerhapsIoughttomakethatquiteclear.”
“Sure,that’sallright,”saidJulius.“YoujusttrotoutJane,andleavetheresttome.”
“Jane?”
“MissJanetVandemeyer,then.Canwegetonthelongdistancetoyourplacerightaway,andaskthemtosendherup;orshallIrundownandfetchherinmycar?”
Thedoctorstared.
“Ibegyourpardon,Mr.Hersheimmer.Ithoughtyouunderstood.”
“Understoodwhat?”
“ThatMissVandemeyerisnolongerundermycare.”
Fifteen
TUPPENCERECEIVESAPROPOSAL
Juliussprangup.
“What?”
“Ithoughtyouwereawareofthat.”
“Whendidsheleave?”
“Letmesee.TodayisMonday,isitnot?ItmusthavebeenlastWednesday—why,surely—yes,itwasthesameeveningthatyou—er—felloutofmytree.”
“Thatevening?Before,orafter?”
“Letmesee—ohyes,afterwards.AveryurgentmessagearrivedfromMrs.Vandemeyer.Theyoungladyandthenursewhowasinchargeofherleftbythenighttrain.”
Juliussankbackagainintohischair.
“NurseEdith—leftwithapatient—Iremember,”hemuttered.“MyGod,tohavebeensonear!”
Dr.Halllookedbewildered.
“Idon’tunderstand.Istheyoungladynotwithheraunt,afterall?”
Tuppenceshookherhead.ShewasabouttospeakwhenawarningglancefromSirJamesmadeherholdhertongue.Thelawyerrose.
“I’mmuchobligedtoyou,Hall.We’reverygratefulforallyou’vetoldus.I’mafraidwe’renowinthepositionofhavingtotrackMissVandemeyeranew.Whataboutthenursewhoaccompaniedher;Isupposeyoudon’tknowwheresheis?”
Thedoctorshookhishead.
“We’venotheardfromher,asithappens.IunderstoodshewastoremainwithMissVandemeyerforawhile.Butwhatcanhavehappened?Surelythegirlhasnotbeenkidnapped.”
“Thatremainstobeseen,”saidSirJamesgravely.
Theotherhesitated.
“YoudonotthinkIoughttogotothepolice?”
“No,no.Inallprobabilitytheyoungladyiswithotherrelations.”
Thedoctorwasnotcompletelysatisfied,buthesawthatSirJameswasdeterminedtosaynomore,andrealizedthattotrytoextractmoreinformationfromthefamousK.C.wouldbemerewasteoflabour.Accordingly,hewishedthemgood-bye,andtheyleftthehotel.Forafewminutestheystoodbythecartalking.
“Howmaddening,”criedTuppence.“TothinkthatJuliusmusthavebeenactuallyunderthesameroofwithherforafewhours.”
“Iwasadarnedidiot,”mutteredJuliusgloomily.
“Youcouldn’tknow,”Tuppenceconsoledhim.“Couldhe?”SheappealedtoSirJames.
“Ishouldadviseyounottoworry,”saidthelatterkindly.“Nousecryingoverspiltmilk,youknow.”
“Thegreatthingiswhattodonext,”addedTuppencethepractical.
SirJamesshruggedhisshoulders.
“Youmightadvertiseforthenursewhoaccompaniedthegirl.ThatistheonlycourseIcansuggest,andImustconfessIdonothopeformuchresult.Otherwisethereisnothingtobedone.”
“Nothing?”saidTuppenceblankly.“And—Tommy?”
“Wemusthopeforthebest,”saidSirJames.“Ohyes,wemustgoonhoping.”
ButoverherdowncastheadhiseyesmetJulius’s,andalmostimperceptiblyheshookhishead.Juliusunderstood.Thelawyerconsideredthecasehopeless.TheyoungAmerican’sfacegrewgrave.SirJamestookTuppence’shand.
“Youmustletmeknowifanythingfurthercomestolight.Letterswillalwaysbeforwarded.”
Tuppencestaredathimblankly.
“Youaregoingaway?”
“Itoldyou.Don’tyouremember?ToScotland.”
“Yes,butIthought—”Thegirlhesitated.
SirJamesshruggedhisshoulders.
“Mydearyounglady,Icandonothingmore,Ifear.Ourclueshaveallendedinthinair.Youcantakemywordforitthatthereisnothingmoretobedone.Ifanythingshouldarise,IshallbegladtoadviseyouinanywayIcan.”
HiswordsgaveTuppenceanextraordinarydesolatefeeling.
“Isupposeyou’reright,”shesaid.“Anyway,thankyouverymuchfortryingtohelpus.Good-bye.”
Juliuswasbendingoverthecar.AmomentarypitycameintoSirJames’skeeneyes,ashegazedintothegirl’sdowncastface.
“Don’tbetoodisconsolate,MissTuppence,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Remember,holidaytimeisn’talwaysallplaytime.Onesometimesmanagestoputinsomeworkaswell.”
SomethinginhistonemadeTuppenceglanceupsharply.Heshookhisheadwithasmile.
“No,Ishan’tsayanymore.Greatmistaketosaytoomuch.Rememberthat.Nevertellallyouknow—noteventothepersonyouknowbest.Understand?Good-bye.”
Hestrodeaway.Tuppencestaredafterhim.ShewasbeginningtounderstandSirJames’smethods.Oncebeforehehadthrownherahintinthesamecarelessfashion.Wasthisahint?Whatexactlylaybehindthoselastbriefwords?Didhemeanthat,afterall,hehadnotabandonedthecase:thatsecretly,hewouldbeworkingonitstillwhile—
HermeditationswereinterruptedbyJulius,whoadjuredherto“getrightin.”
“You’relookingkindofthoughtful,”heremarkedastheystartedoff.“Didtheoldguysayanythingmore?”
Tuppenceopenedhermouthimpulsively,andthenshutitagain.SirJames’swordssoundedinherears:“Nevertellallyouknow—noteventothepersonyouknowbest.”Andlikeaflashtherecameintohermindanothermemory.Juliusbeforethesafeintheflat,herownquestionandthepausebeforehisreply,“Nothing.”Wastherereallynothing?Orhadhefoundsomethinghewishedtokeeptohimself?Ifhecouldmakeareservation,socouldshe.
“Nothingparticular,”shereplied.
ShefeltratherthansawJuliusthrowasidewaysglanceather.
“Say,shallwegoforaspininthepark?”
“Ifyoulike.”
Forawhiletheyranonunderthetreesinsilence.Itwasabeautifulday.ThekeenrushthroughtheairbroughtanewexhilarationtoTuppence.
“Say,MissTuppence,doyouthinkI’mevergoingtofindJane?”
Juliusspokeinadiscouragedvoice.ThemoodwassoalientohimthatTuppenceturnedandstaredathiminsurprise.Henodded.
“That’sso.I’mgettingdownandoutoverthebusiness.SirJamestodayhadn’tgotanyhopeatall,Icouldseethat,Idon’tlikehim—wedon’tgeetogethersomehow—buthe’sprettycute,andIguesshewouldn’tquitiftherewasanychanceofsuccess—now,wouldhe?”
Tuppencefeltratheruncomfortable,butclingingtoherbeliefthatJuliusalsohadwithheldsomethingfromher,sheremainedfirm.
“Hesuggestedadvertisingforthenurse,”sheremindedhim.
“Yes,witha‘forlornhope’flavourtohisvoice!No—I’maboutfedup.I’vehalfamindtogobacktotheStatesrightaway.”
“Ohno!”criedTuppence.“We’vegottofindTommy.”
“IsureforgotBeresford,”saidJuliuscontritely.“That’sso.Wemustfindhim.Butafter—well,I’vebeendaydreamingeversinceIstartedonthistrip—andthesedreamsarerottenpoorbusiness.I’mquitofthem.Say,MissTuppence,there’ssomethingI’dliketoaskyou.”
“Yes.”
“YouandBeresford.Whataboutit?”
“Idon’tunderstandyou,”repliedTuppencewithdignity,addingratherinconsequently:“And,anyway,you’rewrong!”
“Notgotasortofkindlyfeelingforoneanother?”
“Certainlynot,”saidTuppencewithwarmth.“TommyandIarefriends—nothingmore.”
“Iguesseverypairoflovershassaidthatsometimeoranother,”observedJulius.
“Nonsense!”snappedTuppence.“DoIlookthesortofgirlthat’salwaysfallinginlovewitheverymanshemeets?”
“Youdonot.Youlookthesortofgirlthat’smightyoftengettingfalleninlovewith!”
“Oh!”saidTuppence,rathertakenaback.“That’sacompliment,Isuppose?”
“Sure.Nowlet’sgetdowntothis.SupposingweneverfindBeresfordand—and—”
“Allright—sayit!Icanfacefacts.Supposinghe’s—dead!Well?”
“Andallthisbusinessfiddlesout.Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidTuppenceforlornly.
“You’llbedarnedlonesome,youpoorkid.”
“Ishallbeallright,”snappedTuppencewithherusualresentmentofanykindofpity.
“Whataboutmarriage?”inquiredJulius.“Gotanyviewsonthesubject?”
“Iintendtomarry,ofcourse,”repliedTuppence.“Thatis,if”—shepaused,knewamomentarylongingtodrawback,andthenstucktohergunsbravely—“Icanfindsomeonerichenoughtomakeitworthmywhile.That’sfrank,isn’tit?Idaresayyoudespisemeforit.”
“Ineverdespisebusinessinstinct,”saidJulius.“Whatparticularfigurehaveyouinmind?”
“Figure?”askedTuppence,puzzled.“Doyoumeantallorshort?”
“No.Sum—income.”
“Oh,I—haven’tquiteworkedthatout.”
“Whataboutme?”
“You?”
“Surething.”
“Oh,Icouldn’t!”
“Whynot?”
“ItellyouIcouldn’t.”
“Again,whynot?”
“Itwouldseemsounfair.”
“Idon’tseeanythingunfairaboutit.Icallyourbluff,that’sall.Iadmireyouimmensely,MissTuppence,morethananygirlI’veevermet.You’resodarnedplucky.I’djustlovetogiveyouareal,rattlinggoodtime.Saytheword,andwe’llrunroundrightawaytosomehigh-classjeweller,andfixuptheringbusiness.”
“Ican’t,”gaspedTuppence.
“BecauseofBeresford?”
“No,no,no!”
“Wellthen?”
Tuppencemerelycontinuedtoshakeherheadviolently.
“Youcan’treasonablyexpectmoredollarsthanI’vegot.”
“Oh,itisn’tthat,”gaspedTuppencewithanalmosthystericallaugh.“Butthankingyouverymuch,andallthat,IthinkI’dbettersayno.”
“I’dbeobligedifyou’ddomethefavourtothinkitoveruntiltomorrow.”
“It’snouse.”
“Still,Iguesswe’llleaveitlikethat.”
“Verywell,”saidTuppencemeekly.
NeitherofthemspokeagainuntiltheyreachedtheRitz.
Tuppencewentupstairstoherroom.ShefeltmorallybatteredtothegroundafterherconflictwithJulius’svigorouspersonality.Sittingdowninfrontoftheglass,shestaredatherownreflectionforsomeminutes.
“Fool,”murmuredTuppenceatlength,makingagrimace.“Littlefool.Everythingyouwant—everythingyou’veeverhopedfor,andyougoandbleatout‘no’likeanidioticlittlesheep.It’syouronechance.Whydon’tyoutakeit?Grabit?Snatchatit?Whatmoredoyouwant?”
Asifinanswertoherownquestion,hereyesfellonasmallsnapshotofTommythatstoodonherdressingtableinashabbyframe.Foramomentshestruggledforself-control,andthenabandoningallpretence,sheheldittoherlipsandburstintoafitofsobbing.
“Oh,Tommy,Tommy,”shecried,“Idoloveyouso—andImayneverseeyouagain….”
AttheendoffiveminutesTuppencesatup,blewhernose,andpushedbackherhair.
“That’sthat,”sheobservedsternly.“Let’slookfactsintheface.Iseemtohavefalleninlove—withanidiotofaboywhoprobablydoesn’tcaretwostrawsaboutme.”Hereshepaused.“Anyway,”sheresumed,asthougharguingwithanunseenopponent,“Idon’tknowthathedoes.He’dneverhavedaredtosayso.I’vealwaysjumpedonsentiment—andhereIambeingmoresentimentalthananybody.Whatidiotsgirlsare!I’vealwaysthoughtso.IsupposeIshallsleepwithhisphotographundermypillow,anddreamabouthimallnight.It’sdreadfultofeelyou’vebeenfalsetoyourprinciples.”
Tuppenceshookherheadsadly,asshereviewedherbacksliding.
“Idon’tknowwhattosaytoJulius,I’msure.Oh,whatafoolIfeel!I’llhavetosaysomething—he’ssoAmericanandthorough,he’llinsistuponhavingareason.Iwonderifhedidfindanythinginthatsafe—”
Tuppence’smeditationswentoffonanothertrack.Shereviewedtheeventsoflastnightcarefullyandpersistently.Somehow,theyseemedboundupwithSirJames’senigmaticalwords….
Suddenlyshegaveagreatstart—thecolourfadedoutofherface.Hereyes,fascinated,gazedinfrontofher,thepupilsdilated.
“Impossible,”shemurmured.“Impossible!Imustbegoingmadeventothinkofsuchathing….”
Monstrous—yetitexplainedeverything.
Afteramoment’sreflectionshesatdownandwroteanote,weighingeachwordasshedidso.Finallyshenoddedherheadasthoughsatisfied,andslippeditintoanenvelopewhichsheaddressedtoJulius.Shewentdownthepassagetohissittingroomandknockedatthedoor.Asshehadexpected,theroomwasempty.Sheleftthenoteonthetable.
Asmallpageboywaswaitingoutsideherowndoorwhenshereturnedtoit.
“Telegramforyou,miss.”
Tuppencetookitfromthesalver,andtoreitopencarelessly.Thenshegaveacry.ThetelegramwasfromTommy!
Sixteen
FURTHERADVENTURESOFTOMMY
Fromadarknesspunctuatedwiththrobbingstabsoffire,Tommydraggedhissensesslowlybacktolife.Whenheatlastopenedhiseyes,hewasconsciousofnothingbutanexcruciatingpainthroughhistemples.Hewasvaguelyawareofunfamiliarsurroundings.Wherewashe?Whathadhappened?Heblinkedfeebly.ThiswasnothisbedroomattheRitz.Andwhatthedevilwasthematterwithhishead?
“Damn!”saidTommy,andtriedtositup.Hehadremembered.HewasinthatsinisterhouseinSoho.Heutteredagroanandfellback.Throughhisalmost-closedeyelidshereconnoitredcarefully.
“Heiscomingto,”remarkedavoiceverynearTommy’sear.HerecognizeditatonceforthatofthebeardedandefficientGerman,andlayartisticallyinert.Hefeltthatitwouldbeapitytocomeroundtoosoon;anduntilthepaininhisheadbecamealittlelessacute,hefeltquiteincapableofcollectinghiswits.Painfullyhetriedtopuzzleoutwhathadhappened.Obviouslysomebodymusthavecreptupbehindhimashelistenedandstruckhimdownwithablowonthehead.Theyknewhimnowforaspy,andwouldinallprobabilitygivehimshortshrift.Undoubtedlyhewasinatightplace.Nobodyknewwherehewas,thereforeheneedexpectnooutsideassistance,andmustdependsolelyon
“Well,heregoes,”murmuredTommytohimself,andrepeatedhisformerremark
“Damn!”heobserved,andthistimesucceededinsittingup.
InaminutetheGermansteppedforwardandplacedaglasstohislips,withthebriefcommand“Drink.”Tommyobeyed.Thepotencyofthedraughtmadehimchoke,butitclearedhisbraininamarvellousmanner.
Hewaslyingonacouchintheroominwhichthemeetinghadbeenheld.OnonesideofhimwastheGerman,ontheotherthevillainous-faceddoorkeeperwhohadlethimin.Theothersweregroupedtogetheratalittledistanceaway.ButTommymissedoneface.ThemanknownasNumberOnewasnolongerofthecompany.
“Feelbetter?”askedtheGerman,asheremovedtheemptyglass.
“Yes,thanks,”returnedTommycheerfully.
“Ah,myyoungfriend,itisluckyforyouyourskullissothick.ThegoodConradstruckhard.”Heindicatedtheevil-faceddoorkeeperbyanod.
Themangrinned.
Tommytwistedhisheadroundwithaneffort.
“Oh,”hesaid,“soyou’reConrad,areyou?Itstrikesmethethicknessofmyskullwasluckyforyoutoo.WhenIlookatyouIfeelit’salmostapityI’veenabledyoutocheatthehangman.”
Themansnarled,andthebeardedmansaidquietly:
“Hewouldhaverunnoriskofthat.”
“Justasyoulike,”repliedTommy.“Iknowit’sthefashiontorundownthepolice.Iratherbelieveinthemmyself.”
Hismannerwasnonchalanttothelastdegree.TommyBeresfordwasoneofthoseyoungEnglishmennotdistinguishedbyanyspecialintellectualability,butwhoareemphaticallyattheirbestinwhatisknownasa“tightplace.”Theirnaturaldiffidenceandcautionfallsfromthemthenlikeaglove.Tommyrealizedperfectlythatinhisownwitslaytheonlychanceofescape,andbehindhiscasualmannerhewasrackinghisbrainsfuriously.
ThecoldaccentsoftheGermantookuptheconversation:
“Haveyouanythingtosaybeforeyouareputtodeathasaspy?”
“Simplylotsofthings,”repliedTommywiththesameurbanityasbefore.
“Doyoudenythatyouwerelisteningatthatdoor?”
“Idonot.Imustreallyapologize—butyourconversationwassointerestingthatitovercamemyscruples.”
“Howdidyougetin?”
“DearoldConradhere.”Tommysmileddeprecatinglyathim.“Ihesitatetosuggestpensioningoffafaithfulservant,butyoureallyoughttohaveabetterwatchdog.”
Conradsnarledimpotently,andsaidsullenly,asthemanwiththebeardswungrounduponhim:
“Hegavetheword.HowwasItoknow?”
“Yes,”Tommychimedin.“Howwashetoknow?Don’tblamethepoorfellow.Hishastyactionhasgivenmethepleasureofseeingyouallfacetoface.”
Hefanciedthathiswordscausedsomediscomposureamongthegroup,butthewatchfulGermanstilleditwithawaveofhishand.
“Deadmentellnotales,”hesaidevenly.
“Ah,”saidTommy,“butI’mnotdeadyet!”
“Yousoonwillbe,myyoungfriend,”saidtheGerman.
Anassentingmurmurcamefromtheothers.
Tommy’sheartbeatfaster,buthiscasualpleasantnessdidnotwaver.
“Ithinknot,”hesaidfirmly.“Ishouldhaveagreatobjectiontodying.”
Hehadgotthempuzzled,hesawthatbythelookonhiscaptor’sface.
“Canyougiveusanyreasonwhyweshouldnotputyoutodeath?”askedtheGerman.
“Several,”repliedTommy.“Lookhere,you’vebeenaskingmealotofquestions.Letmeaskyouoneforachange.Whydidn’tyoukillmeoffatoncebeforeIregainedconsciousness?”
TheGermanhesitated,andTommyseizedhisadvantage.
“Becauseyoudidn’tknowhowmuchIknew—andwhereIobtainedthatknowledge.Ifyoukillmenow,youneverwillknow.”
ButheretheemotionsofBorisbecametoomuchforhim.Hesteppedforwardwavinghisarms.
“Youhellhoundofaspy,”hescreamed.“Wewillgiveyoushortshrift.Killhim!Killhim!”
Therewasaroarofapplause.
“Youhear?”saidtheGerman,hiseyesonTommy.“Whathaveyougottosaytothat?”
“Say?”Tommyshruggedhisshoulders.“Packoffools.Letthemaskthemselvesafewquestions.HowdidIgetintothisplace?RememberwhatdearoldConradsaid—withyourownpassword,wasn’tit?HowdidIgetholdofthat?Youdon’tsupposeIcameupthosestepshaphazardandsaidthefirstthingthatcameintomyhead?”
Tommywaspleasedwiththeconcludingwordsofthisspeech.HisonlyregretwasthatTuppencewasnotpresenttoappreciateitsfullflavour.
“Thatistrue,”saidtheworkingmansuddenly.“Comrades,wehavebeenbetrayed!”
Anuglymurmurarose.Tommysmiledatthemencouragingly.
“That’sbetter.Howcanyouhopetomakeasuccessofanyjobifyoudon’tuseyourbrains?”
“Youwilltelluswhohasbetrayedus,”saidtheGerman.“Butthatshallnotsaveyou—oh,no!Youshalltellusallthatyouknow.Boris,here,knowsprettywaysofmakingpeoplespeak!”
“Bah!”saidTommyscornfully,fightingdownasingularlyunpleasantfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.“Youwillneithertorturemenorkillme.”
“Andwhynot?”askedBoris.
“Becauseyou’dkillthegoosethatlaysthegoldeneggs,”repliedTommyquietly.
Therewasamomentarypause.ItseemedasthoughTommy’spersistentassurancewasatlastconquering.Theywerenolongercompletelysureofthemselves.ThemanintheshabbyclothesstaredatTommysearchingly.
“He’sbluffingyou,Boris,”hesaidquietly.
Tommyhatedhim.Hadthemanseenthroughhim?
TheGerman,withaneffort,turnedroughlytoTommy.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“WhatdoyouthinkImean?”parriedTommy,searchingdesperatelyinhisownmind.
SuddenlyBorissteppedforward,andshookhisfistinTommy’sface.
“Speak,youswineofanEnglishman—speak!”
“Don’tgetsoexcited,mygoodfellow,”saidTommycalmly.“That’stheworstofyouforeigners.Youcan’tkeepcalm.Now,Iaskyou,doIlookasthoughIthoughtthereweretheleastchanceofyourkillingme?”
Helookedconfidentlyround,andwasgladtheycouldnothearthepersistentbeatingofhisheartwhichgavethelietohiswords.
“No,”admittedBorisatlastsullenly,“youdonot.”
“ThankGod,he’snotamindreader,”thoughtTommy.Aloudhepursuedhisadvantage:
“AndwhyamIsoconfident?BecauseIknowsomethingthatputsmeinapositiontoproposeabargain.”
“Abargain?”Thebeardedmantookhimupsharply.
“Yes—abargain.Mylifeandlibertyagainst—”Hepaused.
“Againstwhat?”
Thegrouppressedforward.Youcouldhaveheardapindrop.
SlowlyTommyspoke.
“ThepapersthatDanversbroughtoverfromAmericaintheLusitania.”
Theeffectofhiswordswaselectrical.Everyonewasonhisfeet.TheGermanwavedthemback.HeleanedoverTommy,hisfacepurplewithexcitement.
“Himmel!Youhavegotthem,then?”
WithmagnificentcalmTommyshookhishead.
“Youknowwheretheyare?”persistedtheGerman.
AgainTommyshookhishead.“Notintheleast.”
“Then—then—”angryandbaffled,thewordsfailedhim.
Tommylookedround.Hesawangerandbewildermentoneveryface,buthiscalmassurancehaddoneitswork—noonedoubtedbutthatsomethinglaybehindhiswords.
“Idon’tknowwherethepapersare—butIbelievethatIcanfindthem.Ihaveatheory—”
“Pah!”
Tommyraisedhishand,andsilencedtheclamoursofdisgust.
“Icallitatheory—butI’mprettysureofmyfacts—factsthatareknowntonoonebutmyself.Inanycasewhatdoyoulose?IfIcanproducethepapers—yougivememylifeandlibertyinexchange.Isitabargain?”
“Andifwerefuse?”saidtheGermanquietly.
Tommylaybackonthecouch.
“The29th,”hesaidthoughtfully,“islessthanafortnightahead—”
ForamomenttheGermanhesitated.ThenhemadeasigntoConrad.
“Takehimintotheotherroom.”
ForfiveminutesTommysatonthebedinthedingyroomnextdoor.Hisheartwasbeatingviolently.Hehadriskedallonthisthrow.Howwouldtheydecide?Andallthewhilethatthisagonizedquestioningwentonwithinhim,hetalkedflippantlytoConrad,enragingthecross-graineddoorkeepertothepointofhomicidalmania.
Atlastthedooropened,andtheGermancalledimperiouslytoConradtoreturn
“Let’shopethejudgehasn’tputhisblackcapon,”remarkedTommyfrivolously.“That’sright,Conrad,marchmein.Theprisonerisatthebar,gentlemen.”
TheGermanwasseatedoncemorebehindthetable.HemotionedtoTommytositdownoppositetohim.
“Weaccept,”hesaidharshly,“onterms.Thepapersmustbedeliveredtousbeforeyougofree.”
“Idiot!”saidTommyamiably.“HowdoyouthinkIcanlookforthemifyoukeepmetiedbytheleghere?”
“Whatdoyouexpect,then?”
“Imusthavelibertytogoaboutthebusinessinmyownway.”
TheGermanlaughed.
“Doyouthinkwearelittlechildrentoletyouwalkoutofhereleavingusaprettystoryfullofpromises?”
“No,”saidTommythoughtfully.“Thoughinfinitelysimplerforme,Ididnotreallythinkyouwouldagreetothatplan.Verywell,wemustarrangeacompromise.HowwoulditbeifyouattachedlittleConradheretomyperson.He’safaithfulfellow,andveryreadywiththefist.”
“Weprefer,”saidtheGermancoldly,“thatyoushouldremainhere.Oneofournumberwillcarryoutyourinstructionsminutely.Iftheoperationsarecomplicated,hewillreturntoyouwithareportandyoucaninstructhimfurther.”
“You’retryingmyhands,”complainedTommy.“It’saverydelicateaffair,andtheotherfellowwillmuffitupaslikelyasnot,andthenwhereshallIbe?Idon’tbelieveoneofyouhasgotanounceoftact.”
TheGermanrappedthetable.
“Thoseareourterms.Otherwise,death!”
Tommyleanedbackwearily.
“Ilikeyourstyle.Curt,butattractive.Sobeit,then.Butonethingisessential,Imustseethegirl.”
“Whatgirl?”
“JaneFinn,ofcourse.”
Theotherlookedathimcuriouslyforsomeminutes,thenhesaidslowly,andasthoughchoosinghiswordswithcare:
“Doyounotknowthatshecantellyounothing?”
Tommy’sheartbeatalittlefaster.Wouldhesucceedincomingfacetofacewiththegirlhewasseeking?
“Ishallnotaskhertotellmeanything,”hesaidquietly.“Notinsomanywords,thatis.”
“Thenwhyseeher?”
Tommypaused.
“TowatchherfacewhenIaskheronequestion,”herepliedatlast.
AgaintherewasalookintheGerman’seyesthatTommydidnotquiteunderstand.
“Shewillnotbeabletoansweryourquestion.”
“Thatdoesnotmatter.IshallhaveseenherfacewhenIaskit.”
“Andyouthinkthatwilltellyouanything?”Hegaveashortdisagreeablelaugh.Morethanever,Tommyfeltthattherewasafactorsomewherethathedidnotunderstand.TheGermanlookedathimsearchingly.“Iwonderwhether,afterall,youknowasmuchaswethink?”hesaidsoftly.
Tommyfelthisascendancylesssurethanamomentbefore.Hisholdhadslippedalittle.Buthewaspuzzled.Whathadhesaidwrong?Hespokeoutontheimpulseofthemoment.
“TheremaybethingsthatyouknowwhichIdonot.Ihavenotpretendedtobeawareofallthedetailsofyourshow.ButequallyI’vegotsomethingupmysleevethatyoudon’tknowabout.Andthat’swhereImeantoscore.Danverswasadamnedcleverfellow—”Hebrokeoffasifhehadsaidtoomuch.
ButtheGerman’sfacehadlightenedalittle.
“Danvers,”hemurmured.Isee—”Hepausedaminute,thenwavedtoConrad.“Takehimaway.Upstairs—youknow.”
“Waitaminute,”saidTommy.“Whataboutthegirl?”
“Thatmayperhapsbearranged.”
“Itmustbe.”
“Wewillseeaboutit.Onlyonepersoncandecidethat.”
“Who?”askedTommy.Butheknewtheanswer.
“Mr.Brown—”
“ShallIseehim?”
“Perhaps.”
“Come,”saidConradharshly.
Tommyroseobediently.Outsidethedoorhisgaolermotionedtohimtomountthestairs.Hehimselffollowedclosebehind.OntheflooraboveConradopenedadoorandTommypassedintoasmallroom.Conradlitahissinggasburnerandwentout.Tommyheardthesoundofthekeybeingturnedinthelock.
Hesettoworktoexaminehisprison.Itwasasmallerroomthantheonedownstairs,andtherewassomethingpeculiarlyairlessabouttheatmosphereofit.Thenherealizedthattherewasnowindow.Hewalkedroundit.Thewallswerefilthilydirty,aseverywhereelse.Fourpictureshungcrookedlyonthewallrepresentingscenesfrom“Faust,”Margueritewithherboxofjewels,thechurchscene,Siebelandhisflowers,andFaustandMephistopheles.ThelatterbroughtTommy’smindbacktoMr.Brownagain.Inthissealedandclosedchamber,withitsclose-fittingheavydoor,hefeltcutofffromtheworld,andthesinisterpowerofthearch-criminalseemedmorereal.Shoutashewould,noonecouldeverhearhim.Theplacewasalivingtomb….
WithaneffortTommypulledhimselftogether.Hesankontothebedandgavehimselfuptoreflection.Hisheadachedbadly;also,hewashungry.Thesilenceoftheplacewasdispiriting.
“Anyway,”saidTommy,tryingtocheerhimself,“Ishallseethechief—themysteriousMr.Brown,andwithabitofluckinbluffingIshallseethemysteriousJaneFinnalso.Afterthat—”
AfterthatTommywasforcedtoadmittheprospectlookeddreary.
Seventeen
ANNETTE
Thetroublesofthefuture,however,soonfadedbeforethetroublesofthepresent.Andofthese,themostimmediateandpressingwasthatofhunger.Tommyhadahealthyandvigorousappetite.Thesteakandchipspartakenofforlunchseemednowtobelongtoanotherdecade.Heregretfullyrecognizedthefactthathewouldnotmakeasuccessofahungerstrike.
Heprowledaimlesslyabouthisprison.Onceortwicehediscardeddignity,andpoundedonthedoor.Butnobodyansweredthesummons.
“Hangitall!”saidTommyindignantly.“Theycan’tmeantostarvemetodeath.”Anewbornfearpassedthroughhismindthatthismight,perhaps,beoneofthose“prettyways”ofmakingaprisonerspeak,whichhadbeenattributedtoBoris.Butonreflectionhedismissedtheidea.
“It’sthatsour-facedbruteConrad,”hedecided.“That’safellowIshallenjoygettingevenwithoneofthesedays.Thisisjustabitofspiteonhispart.I’mcertainofit.”
FurthermeditationsinducedinhimthefeelingthatitwouldbeextremelypleasanttobringsomethingdownwithawhackonConrad’segg-shapedhead.Tommystrokedhisownheadtenderly,andgavehimselfuptothepleasuresofimagination.Finallyabrightideaflashedacrosshisbrain.Whynotconvertimaginationintoreality!Conradwasundoubtedlythetenantofthehouse.Theothers,withthepossibleexceptionofthebeardedGerman,merelyuseditasarendezvous.Therefore,whynotwaitinambushforConradbehindthedoor,andwhenheenteredbringdownachair,oroneofthedecrepitpictures,smartlyontohishead.Onewould,ofcourse,becarefulnottohittoohard.Andthen—andthen,simplywalkout!Ifhemetanyoneonthewaydown,well—Tommybrightenedatthethoughtofanencounterwithhisfists.Suchanaffairwasinfinitelymoreinhislinethantheverbalencounterofthisafternoon.Intoxicatedbyhisplan,TommygentlyunhookedthepictureoftheDevilandFaust,andsettledhimselfinposition.Hishopeswerehigh.Theplanseemedtohimsimplebutexcellent.
Timewenton,butConraddidnotappear.Nightanddaywerethesameinthisprisonroom,butTommy’swristwatch,whichenjoyedacertaindegreeofaccuracy,informedhimthatitwasnineo’clockintheevening.Tommyreflectedgloomilythatifsupperdidnotarrivesoonitwouldbeaquestionofwaitingforbreakfast.Atteno’clockhopedesertedhim,andheflunghimselfonthebedtoseekconsolationinsleep.Infiveminuteshiswoeswereforgotten.
Thesoundofthekeyturninginthelockawokehimfromhisslumbers.Notbelongingtothetypeofherowhoisfamousforawakinginfullpossessionofhisfaculties,Tommymerelyblinkedattheceilingandwonderedvaguelywherehewas.Thenheremembered,andlookedathiswatch.Itwaseighto’clock.
“It’seitherearlymorningteaorbreakfast,”deducedtheyoungman,“andprayGodit’sthelatter!”
Thedoorswungopen.Toolate,TommyrememberedhisschemeofobliteratingtheunprepossessingConrad.Amomentlaterhewasgladthathehad,foritwasnotConradwhoentered,butagirl.Shecarriedatraywhichshesetdownonthetable.
InthefeeblelightofthegasburnerTommyblinkedather.Hedecidedatoncethatshewasoneofthemostbeautifulgirlshehadeverseen.Herhairwasafullrichbrown,withsuddenglintsofgoldinitasthoughtherewereimprisonedsunbeamsstrugglinginitsdepths.Therewasawild-rosequalityaboutherface.Hereyes,setwideapart,werehazel,agoldenhazelthatagainrecalledamemoryofsunbeams.
AdeliriousthoughtshotthroughTommy’smind.
“AreyouJaneFinn?”heaskedbreathlessly.
Thegirlshookherheadwonderingly.
“MynameisAnnette,monsieur.”
Shespokeinasoft,brokenEnglish.
“Oh!”saidTommy,rathertakenaback.“Fran?aise?”hehazarded.
“Oui,monsieur.Monsieurparlefran?ais?”
“Notforanylengthoftime,”saidTommy.“What’sthat?Breakfast?”
Thegirlnodded.Tommydroppedoffthebedandcameandinspectedthecontentsofthetray.Itconsistedofaloaf,somemargarine,andajugofcoffee.
“ThelivingisnotequaltotheRitz,”heobservedwithasigh.“ButforwhatweareatlastabouttoreceivetheLordhasmademetrulythankful.Amen.”
Hedrewupachair,andthegirlturnedawaytothedoor.
“Waitasec,”criedTommy.“TherearelotsofthingsIwanttoaskyou,Annette.Whatareyoudoinginthishouse?Don’ttellmeyou’reConrad’sniece,ordaughter,oranything,becauseIcan’tbelieveit.”
“Idotheservice,monsieur.Iamnotrelatedtoanybody.”
“Isee,”saidTommy.“YouknowwhatIaskedyoujustnow.Haveyoueverheardthatname?”
“IhaveheardpeoplespeakofJaneFinn,Ithink.”
“Youdon’tknowwheresheis?”
Annetteshookherhead.
“She’snotinthishouse,forinstance?”
“Ohno,monsieur.Imustgonow—theywillbewaitingforme.”
Shehurriedout.Theykeyturnedinthelock.
“Iwonderwho‘they’are,”musedTommy,ashecontinuedtomakeinroadsontheloaf.“Withabitofluck,thatgirlmighthelpmetogetoutofhere.Shedoesn’tlooklikeoneofthegang.”
Atoneo’clockAnnettereappearedwithanothertray,butthistimeConradaccompaniedher.
“Goodmorning,”saidTommyamiably.“YouhavenotusedPear’ssoap,Isee.”
Conradgrowledthreateningly.
“Nolightrepartee,haveyou,oldbean?There,there,wecan’talwayshavebrainsaswellasbeauty.Whathaveweforlunch?Stew?HowdidIknow?Elementary,mydearWatson—thesmellofonionsisunmistakable.”
“Talkaway,”gruntedtheman.“It’slittleenoughtimeyou’llhavetotalkin,maybe.”
Theremarkwasunpleasantinitssuggestion,butTommyignoredit.Hesatdownatthetable.
“Retire,varlet,”hesaid,withawaveofhishand.“Pratenottothybetters.”
ThateveningTommysatonthebed,andcogitateddeeply.WouldConradagainaccompanythegirl?Ifhedidnot,shouldherisktryingtomakeanallyofher?Hedecidedthathemustleavenostoneunturned.Hispositionwasdesperate.
Ateighto’clockthefamiliarsoundofthekeyturningmadehimspringtohisfeet.Thegirlwasalone.
“Shutthedoor,”hecommanded.“Iwanttospeaktoyou.”
Sheobeyed.
“Lookhere,Annette,Iwantyoutohelpmegetoutofthis.”
Sheshookherhead.
“Impossible.Therearethreeofthemonthefloorbelow.”
“Oh!”Tommywassecretlygratefulfortheinformation.“Butyouwouldhelpmeifyoucould?”
“No,monsieur.”
“Whynot?”
Thegirlhesitated.
“Ithink—theyaremyownpeople.Youhavespieduponthem.Theyarequiterighttokeepyouhere.”
“They’reabadlot,Annette.Ifyou’llhelpme,I’lltakeyouawayfromthelotofthem.Andyou’dprobablygetagoodwhackofmoney.”
Butthegirlmerelyshookherhead.
“Idarenot,monsieur.Iamafraidofthem.”
Sheturnedaway.
“Wouldn’tyoudoanythingtohelpanothergirl?”criedTommy.“She’saboutyouragetoo.Won’tyousaveherfromtheirclutches?”
“YoumeanJaneFinn?”
“Yes.”
“Itisheryoucameheretolookfor?Yes?”
“That’sit.”
Thegirllookedathim,thenpassedherhandacrossherforehead.
“JaneFinn.AlwaysIhearthatname.Itisfamiliar.”
Tommycameforwardeagerly.
“Youmustknowsomethingabouther?”
Butthegirlturnedawayabruptly.
“Iknownothing—onlythename.”Shewalkedtowardsthedoor.Suddenlysheutteredacry.Tommystared.Shehadcaughtsightofthepicturehehadlaidagainstthewallthenightbefore.Foramomenthecaughtalookofterrorinhereyes.Asinexplicablyitchangedtorelief.Thenabruptly,shewentoutoftheroom.Tommycouldmakenothingofit
Threemoredayswentbyindrearyinaction.Tommyfeltthestraintellingonhisnerves.HesawnoonebutConradandAnnette,andthegirlhadbecomedumb.Shespokeonlyinmonosyllables.Akindofdarksuspicionsmoulderedinhereyes.Tommyfeltthatifthissolitaryconfinementwentonmuchlongerhewouldgomad.HegatheredfromConradthattheywerewaitingforordersfrom“Mr.Brown.”Perhaps,thoughtTommy,hewasabroadoraway,andtheywereobligedtowaitforhisreturn.
Buttheeveningofthethirddaybroughtarudeawakening.
Itwasbarelyseveno’clockwhenheheardthetrampoffootstepsoutsideinthepassage.Inanotherminutethedoorwasflungopen.Conradentered.Withhimwastheevil-lookingNumberFourteen.Tommy’sheartsankatthesightofthem.
“Evenin,”gov’nor,”saidthemanwithaleer.“Gotthoseropes,mate?”
ThesilentConradproducedalengthoffinecord.ThenextminuteNumberFourteen’shands,horriblydexterous,werewindingthecordroundhislimbs,whileConradheldhimdown.
“Whatthedevil—?”beganTommy.
Buttheslow,speechlessgrinofthesilentConradfrozethewordsonhislips
NumberFourteenproceededdeftlywithhistask.InanotherminuteTommywasamerehelplessbundle.ThenatlastConradspoke:
“Thoughtyou’dbluffedus,didyou?Withwhatyouknew,andwhatyoudidn’tknow.Bargainedwithus!Andallthetimeitwasbluff!Bluff!Youknowlessthanakitten.Butyournumber’supallright,youb—swine.”
Tommylaysilent.Therewasnothingtosay.Hehadfailed.SomehoworothertheomnipotentMr.Brownhadseenthroughhispretensions.Suddenlyathoughtoccurredtohim.
“Averygoodspeech,Conrad,”hesaidapprovingly.“Butwhereforethebondsandfetters?Whynotletthiskindgentlemanherecutmythroatwithoutdelay?”
“Garn,”saidNumberFourteenunexpectedly.“Thinkwe’reasgreenastodoyouinhere,andhavethepolicenosinground?Not’alf!We’veorderedthecarriageforyourlordshiptomorrowmornin,’butinthemeantimewe’renottakinganychances,see!”
“Nothing,”saidTommy,“couldbeplainerthanyourwords—unlessitwasyourface.”
“Stowit,”saidNumberFourteen.
“Withpleasure,”repliedTommy.“You’remakingasadmistake—butyourswillbetheloss.”
“Youdon’tkidusthatwayagain,”saidNumberFourteen.“TalkingasthoughyouwerestillatthebloomingRitz,aren’tyou?”
Tommymadenoreply.HewasengagedinwonderinghowMr.Brownhaddiscoveredhisidentity.HedecidedthatTuppence,inthethroesofanxiety,hadgonetothepolice,andthathisdisappearancehavingbeenmadepublictheganghadnotbeenslowtoputtwoandtwotogether
Thetwomendepartedandthedoorslammed.Tommywaslefttohismeditations.Theywerenotpleasantones.Alreadyhislimbsfeltcrampedandstiff.Hewasutterlyhelpless,andhecouldseenohopeanywhere.
Aboutanhourhadpassedwhenheheardthekeysoftlyturned,andthedooropened.ItwasAnnette.Tommy’sheartbeatalittlefaster.Hehadforgottenthegirl.Wasitpossiblethatshehadcometohishelp?
SuddenlyheheardConrad’svoice:
“Comeoutofit,Annette.Hedoesn’twantanysuppertonight.”
“Oui,oui,jesaisbien.ButImusttaketheothertray.Weneedthethingsonit.”
“Well,hurryup,”growledConrad.
WithoutlookingatTommythegirlwentovertothetable,andpickedupthetray.Sheraisedahandandturnedoutthelight.
“Curseyou,”—Conradhadcometothedoor—“whydidyoudothat?”
“Ialwaysturnitout.Youshouldhavetoldme.ShallIrelightit,MonsieurConrad?”
“No,comeonoutofit.”
“Lebeaupetitmonsieur,”criedAnnette,pausingbythebedinthedarkness.“Youhavetiedhimupwell,hein?Heislikedatrussedchicken!”Thefrankamusementinhertonejarredontheboybutatthatmomenttohisamazement,hefeltherhandrunninglightlyoverhisbonds,andsomethingsmallandcoldwaspressedintothepalmofhishand.
“Comeon,Annette.”
“Maismevoilà.”
Thedoorshut.TommyheardConradsay:
“Lockitandgivemethekey.”
Thefootstepsdiedaway.Tommylaypetrifiedwithamazement.TheobjectAnnettehadthrustintohishandwasasmallpenknife,thebladeopen.Fromthewayshehadstudiouslyavoidedlookingathim,andheractionwiththelight,hecametotheconclusionthattheroomwasoverlooked.Theremustbeapeepholesomewhereinthewalls.Rememberinghowguardedshehadalwaysbeeninhermanner,hesawthathehadprobablybeenunderobservationallthetime.Hadhesaidanythingtogivehimselfaway?Hardly.HehadrevealedawishtoescapeandadesiretofindJaneFinn,butnothingthatcouldhavegivenacluetohisownidentity.True,hisquestiontoAnnettehadprovedthathewaspersonallyunacquaintedwithJaneFinn,buthehadneverpretendedotherwise.Thequestionnowwas,didAnnettereallyknowmore?Wereherdenialsintendedprimarilyforthelisteners?Onthatpointhecouldcometonoconclusion.
Buttherewasamorevitalquestionthatdroveoutallothers.Couldhe,boundashewas,managetocuthisbonds?Heessayedcautiouslytorubtheopenbladeupanddownonthecordthatboundhistwowriststogether.Itwasanawkwardbusinessanddrewasmothered“Ow”ofpainfromhimastheknifecutintohiswrist.Butslowlyanddoggedlyhewentonsawingtoandfro.Hecutthefleshbadly,butatlasthefeltthecordslacken.Withhishandsfree,therestwaseasy.Fiveminuteslaterhestooduprightwithsomedifficultyowingtothecrampinhislimbs.Hisfirstcarewastobinduphisbleedingwrist.Thenhesatontheedgeofthebedtothink.Conradhadtakenthekeyofthedoor,sohecouldexpectlittlemoreassistancefromAnnette.Theonlyoutletfromtheroomwasthedoor,consequentlyhewouldperforcehavetowaituntilthetwomenreturnedtofetchhim.Butwhentheydid…Tommysmiled!Movingwithinfinitecautioninthedarkroom,hefoundandunhookedthefamouspicture.Hefeltaneconomicalpleasurethathisfirstplanwouldnotbewasted.Therewasnownothingtodobuttowait.Hewaited.
Thenightpassedslowly.Tommylivedthroughaneternityofhours,butatlastheheardfootsteps.Hestoodupright,drewadeepbreath,andclutchedthepicturefirmly.
Thedooropened.Afaintlightstreamedinfromoutside.Conradwentstraighttowardsthegastolightit.Tommydeeplyregrettedthatitwashewhohadenteredfirst.ItwouldhavebeenpleasanttogetevenwithConrad.NumberFourteenfollowed.Ashesteppedacrossthethreshold,Tommybroughtthepicturedownwithterrificforceonhishead.NumberFourteenwentdownamidstastupendouscrashofbrokenglass.InaminuteTommyhadslippedoutandpulledtothedoor.Thekeywasinthelock.HeturneditandwithdrewitjustasConradhurledhimselfagainstthedoorfromtheinsidewithavolleyofcurses.
ForamomentTommyhesitated.Therewasthesoundofsomeonestirringonthefloorbelow.ThentheGerman’svoicecameupthestairs.
“GottimHimmel!Conrad,whatisit?”
Tommyfeltasmallhandthrustintohis.BesidehimstoodAnnette.Shepointeduparicketyladderthatapparentlyledtosomeattics.
“Quick—uphere!”Shedraggedhimafterheruptheladder.Inanothermomenttheywerestandinginadustygarretlitteredwithlumber.Tommylookedround
“Thiswon’tdo.It’saregulartrap.There’snowayout.”
“Hush!Wait.”Thegirlputherfingertoherlips.Shecrepttothetopoftheladderandlistened.
Thebangingandbeatingonthedoorwasterrific.TheGermanandanotherweretryingtoforcethedoorin.Annetteexplainedinawhisper:
“Theywillthinkyouarestillinside.TheycannothearwhatConradsays.Thedooristoothick.”
“Ithoughtyoucouldhearwhatwentonintheroom?”
“Thereisapeepholeintothenextroom.Itwascleverofyoutoguess.Buttheywillnotthinkofthat—theyareonlyanxioustogetin.”
“Yes—butlookhere—”
“Leaveittome.”Shebentdown.Tohisamazement,Tommysawthatshewasfasteningtheendofalongpieceofstringtothehandleofabigcrackedjug.Shearrangeditcarefully,thenturnedtoTommy.
“Haveyouthekeyofthedoor?”
“Yes.”
“Giveittome.”
Hehandedittoher.
“Iamgoingdown.Doyouthinkyoucangohalfway,andthenswingyourselfdownbehindtheladder,sothattheywillnotseeyou?”
Tommynodded.
“There’sabigcupboardintheshadowofthelanding.Standbehindit.Taketheendofthisstringinyourhand.WhenI’velettheothersout—pull!”
Beforehehadtimetoaskheranythingmore,shehadflittedlightlydowntheladderandwasinthemidstofthegroupwithaloudcry:
“MonDieu!MonDieu!Qu’est-cequ’ilya?”
TheGermanturnedonherwithanoath.
“Getoutofthis.Gotoyourroom!”
VerycautiouslyTommyswunghimselfdownthebackoftheladder.Solongastheydidnotturnround,allwaswell.Hecrouchedbehindthecupboard.Theywerestillbetweenhimandthestairs.
“Ah!”Annetteappearedtostumbleoversomething.Shestooped.“MonDieu,voilàlaclef!”
TheGermansnatcheditfromher.Heunlockedthedoor.Conradstumbledout,swearing.
“Whereishe?Haveyougothim?”
“Wehaveseennoone,”saidtheGermansharply.Hisfacepaled.“Whodoyoumean?”
Conradgaveventtoanotheroath.
“He’sgotaway.”
“Impossible.Hewouldhavepassedus.”
Atthatmoment,withanecstaticsmileTommypulledthestring.Acrashofcrockerycamefromtheatticabove.Inatricethemenwerepushingeachotherupthericketyladderandhaddisappearedintothedarknessabove.
QuickasaflashTommyleaptfromhishidingplaceanddasheddownthestairs,pullingthegirlwithhim.Therewasnooneinthehall.Hefumbledovertheboltsandchain.Atlasttheyyielded,thedoorswungopen.Heturned.Annettehaddisappeared.
Tommystoodspellbound.Hadsherunupstairsagain?Whatmadnesspossessedher!Hefumedwithimpatience,buthestoodhisground.Hewouldnotgowithouther.
Andsuddenlytherewasanoutcryoverhead,anexclamationfromtheGerman,andthenAnnette’svoice,clearandhigh:
“Mafoi,hehasescaped!Andquickly!Whowouldhavethoughtit?”
Tommystillstoodrootedtotheground.Wasthatacommandtohimtogo?Hefancieditwas.
Andthen,louderstill,thewordsfloateddowntohim:
“Thisisaterriblehouse.IwanttogobacktoMarguerite.ToMarguerite.ToMarguerite!”
Tommyhadrunbacktothestairs.Shewantedhimtogoandleaveher?Butwhy?Atallcostshemusttrytogetherawaywithhim.Thenhisheartsank.Conradwasleapingdownthestairsutteringasavagecryatthesightofhim.Afterhimcametheothers.
TommystoppedConrad’srushwithastraightblowwithhisfist.Itcaughttheotheronthepointofthejawandhefelllikealog.Thesecondmantrippedoverhisbodyandfell.Fromhigherupthestaircasetherewasaflash,andabulletgrazedTommy’sear.Herealizedthatitwouldbegoodforhishealthtogetoutofthishouseassoonaspossible.AsregardsAnnettehecoulddonothing.HehadgotevenwithConrad,whichwasonesatisfaction.Theblowhadbeenagoodone.
Heleaptforthedoor,slammingitbehindhim.Thesquarewasdeserted.Infrontofthehousewasabaker’svan.EvidentlyhewastohavebeentakenoutofLondoninthat,andhisbodyfoundmanymilesfromthehouseinSoho.ThedriverjumpedtothepavementandtriedtobarTommy’sway.AgainTommy’sfistshotout,andthedriversprawledonthepavement.
Tommytooktohisheelsandran—nonetoosoon.Thefrontdooropenedandahailofbulletsfollowedhim.Fortunatelynoneofthemhithim.Heturnedthecornerofthesquare.
“There’sonething,”hethoughttohimself,“theycan’tgoonshooting.They’llhavethepoliceafterthemiftheydo.Iwondertheydaredtothere.”
Heheardthefootstepsofhispursuersbehindhim,andredoubledhisownpace.Oncehegotoutoftheseby-wayshewouldbesafe.Therewouldbeapolicemanaboutsomewhere—notthathereallywantedtoinvoketheaidofthepoliceifhecouldpossiblydowithoutit.Itmeantexplanation,andgeneralawkwardness.Inanothermomenthehadreasontoblesshisluck.Hestumbledoveraprostratefigure,whichstartedupwithayellofalarmanddashedoffdownthestreet.Tommydrewbackintoadoorway.Inaminutehehadthepleasureofseeinghistwopursuers,ofwhomtheGermanwasone,industriouslytrackingdowntheredherring!
Tommysatdownquietlyonthedoorstepandallowedafewmomentstoelapsewhileherecoveredhisbreath.Thenhestrolledgentlyintheoppositedirection.Heglancedathiswatch.Itwasalittleafterhalfpastfive.Itwasrapidlygrowinglight.Atthenextcornerhepassedapoliceman.Thepolicemancastasuspiciouseyeonhim.Tommyfeltslightlyoffended.Then,passinghishandoverhisface,helaughed.Hehadnotshavedorwashedforthreedays!Whataguyhemustlook.
HebetookhimselfwithoutmoreadotoaTurkishBathestablishmentwhichheknewtobeopenallnight.Heemergedintothebusydaylightfeelinghimselfoncemore,andabletomakeplans.
Firstofall,hemusthaveasquaremeal.Hehadeatennothingsincemiddayyesterday.HeturnedintoanA.B.C.shopandorderedeggsandbaconandcoffee.Whilstheate,hereadamorningpaperproppedupinfrontofhim.Suddenlyhestiffened.TherewasalongarticleonKramenin,whowasdescribedasthe“manbehindBolshevism”inRussia,andwhohadjustarrivedinLondon—somethoughtasanunofficialenvoy.Hiscareerwassketchedlightly,anditwasfirmlyassertedthathe,andnotthefigureheadleaders,hadbeentheauthoroftheRussianRevolution.
Inthecentreofthepagewashisportrait.
“Sothat’swhoNumberOneis,”saidTommywithhismouthfullofeggsandbacon.“Notadoubtaboutit.Imustpushon.”
Hepaidforhisbreakfast,andbetookhimselftoWhitehall.Therehesentuphisname,andthemessagethatitwasurgent.Afewminuteslaterhewasinthepresenceofthemanwhodidnotheregobythenameof“Mr.Carter.”Therewasafrownonhisface.
“Lookhere,you’venobusinesstocomeaskingformeinthisway.Ithoughtthatwasdistinctlyunderstood?”
“Itwas,sir.ButIjudgeditimportanttolosenotime.”
Andasbrieflyandsuccinctlyaspossiblehedetailedtheexperiencesofthelastfewdays.
Halfwaythrough,Mr.Carterinterruptedhimtogiveafewcrypticordersthroughthetelephone.Alltracesofdispleasurehadnowlefthisface.HenoddedenergeticallywhenTommyhadfinished.
“Quiteright.Everymoment’sofvalue.Fearweshallbetoolateanyway.Theywouldn’twait.Wouldclearoutatonce.Still,theymayhaveleftsomethingbehindthemthatwillbeaclue.Yousayyou’verecognizedNumberOnetobeKramenin?That’simportant.WewantsomethingagainsthimbadlytopreventtheCabinetfallingonhisnecktoofreely.Whatabouttheothers?Yousaytwofaceswerefamiliartoyou?One’saLabourman,youthink?Justlookthroughthesephotos,andseeifyoucanspothim.”
Aminutelater,Tommyheldoneup.Mr.Carterexhibitedsomesurprise.
“Ah,Westway!Shouldn’thavethoughtit.Posesasbeingmoderate.Asfortheotherfellow,IthinkIcangiveagoodguess.”HehandedanotherphotographtoTommy,andsmiledattheother’sexclamation.“I’mright,then.Whoishe?Irishman.ProminentUnionistM.P.Allablind,ofcourse.We’vesuspectedit—butcouldn’tgetanyproof.Yes,you’vedoneverywell,youngman.The29th,yousay,isthedate.Thatgivesusverylittletime—verylittletimeindeed.”
“But—”Tommyhesitated.
Mr.Carterreadhisthoughts.
“WecandealwiththeGeneralStrikemenace,Ithink.It’satoss-up—butwe’vegotasportingchance!Butifthatdrafttreatyturnsup—we’redone.Englandwillbeplungedinanarchy.Ah,what’sthat?Thecar?Comeon,Beresford,we’llgoandhavealookatthishouseofyours.”
TwoconstableswereondutyinfrontofthehouseinSoho.AninspectorreportedtoMr.Carterinalowvoice.ThelatterturnedtoTommy.
“Thebirdshaveflown—aswethought.Wemightaswellgooverit.”
GoingoverthedesertedhouseseemedtoTommytopartakeofthecharacterofadream.Everythingwasjustasithadbeen.Theprisonroomwiththecrookedpictures,thebrokenjugintheattic,themeetingroomwithitslongtable.Butnowherewasthereatraceofpapers.Everythingofthatkindhadeitherbeendestroyedortakenaway.AndtherewasnosignofAnnette.
“Whatyoutellmeaboutthegirlpuzzledme,”saidMr.Carter.“Youbelievethatshedeliberatelywentback?”
“Itwouldseemso,sir.SheranupstairswhileIwasgettingthedooropen.”
“H’m,shemustbelongtothegang,then;but,beingawoman,didn’tfeellikestandingbytoseeapersonableyoungmankilled.Butevidentlyshe’sinwiththem,orshewouldn’thavegoneback.”
“Ican’tbelieveshe’sreallyoneofthem,sir.She—seemedsodifferent—”
“Good-looking,Isuppose?”saidMr.CarterwithasmilethatmadeTommyflushtotherootsofhishair.
HeadmittedAnnette’sbeautyrathershamefacedly.
“Bytheway,”observedMr.Carter,“haveyoushownyourselftoMissTuppenceyet?She’sbeenbombardingmewithlettersaboutyou.”
“Tuppence?Iwasafraidshemightgetabitrattled.Didshegotothepolice?”
Mr.Cartershookhishead.
“ThenIwonderhowtheytwiggedme.”
Mr.Carterlookedinquiringlyathim,andTommyexplained.Theothernoddedthoughtfully.
“True,that’sratheracuriouspoint.UnlessthementionoftheRitzwasanaccidentalremark?”
“Itmighthavebeen,sir.Buttheymusthavefoundoutaboutmesuddenlyinsomeway.”
“Well,”saidMr.Carter,lookingroundhim,“there’snothingmoretobedonehere.Whataboutsomelunchwithme?”
“Thanksawfully,sir.ButIthinkI’dbettergetbackandroutoutTuppence.”
“Ofcourse.Givehermykindregardsandtellhernottobelieveyou’rekilledtooreadilynexttime.”
Tommygrinned.
“Itakealotofkilling,sir.”
“SoIperceive,”saidMr.Carterdryly.“Well,good-bye.Rememberyou’reamarkedmannow,andtakereasonablecareofyourself.”
“Thankyou,sir.”
HailingataxibrisklyTommysteppedin,andwasswiftlybornetotheRitz,dwellingthewhileonthepleasurableanticipationofstartlingTuppence.
“Wonderwhatshe’sbeenupto.Dogging‘Rita’mostlikely.Bytheway,Isupposethat’swhoAnnettemeantbyMarguerite.Ididn’tgetitatthetime.”Thethoughtsaddenedhimalittle,foritseemedtoprovethatMrs.Vandemeyerandthegirlwereonintimateterms
ThetaxidrewupattheRitz.Tommyburstintoitssacredportalseagerly,buthisenthusiasmreceivedacheck.HewasinformedthatMissCowleyhadgoneoutaquarterofanhourago.
Eighteen
THETELEGRAM
Baffledforthemoment,Tommystrolledintotherestaurant,andorderedamealofsurpassingexcellence.Hisfourdays’imprisonmenthadtaughthimanewtovaluegoodfood.
HewasinthemiddleofconveyingaparticularlychoicemorselofsoleàlaJeannettetohismouth,whenhecaughtsightofJuliusenteringtheroom.Tommywavedamenucheerfully,andsucceededinattractingtheother’sattention.AtthesightofTommy,Julius’seyesseemedasthoughtheywouldpopoutofhishead.Hestrodeacross,andpump-handledTommy’shandwithwhatseemedtothelatterquiteunnecessaryvigour.
“Holysnakes!”heejaculated.“Isitreallyyou?”
“Ofcourseitis.Whyshouldn’titbe?”
“Whyshouldn’titbe?Say,man,don’tyouknowyou’vebeengivenupfordead?Iguesswe’dhavehadasolemnrequiemforyouinanotherfewdays.”
“WhothoughtIwasdead?”demandedTommy.
“Tuppence.”
“Sherememberedtheproverbaboutthegooddyingyoung,Isuppose.Theremustbeacertainamountoforiginalsininmetohavesurvived.WhereisTuppence,bytheway?”
“Isn’tshehere?”
“No,thefellowsattheofficesaidshe’djustgoneout.”
“Goneshopping,Iguess.Idroppedherhereinthecaraboutanhourago.But,say,can’tyoushedthatBritishcalmofyours,andgetdowntoit?WhatonGod’searthhaveyoubeendoingallthistime?”
“Ifyou’refeedinghere,”repliedTommy,“ordernow.It’sgoingtobealongstory.”
Juliusdrewupachairtotheoppositesideofthetable,summonedahoveringwaiter,anddictatedhiswishes.ThenheturnedtoTommy.
“Fireahead.Iguessyou’vehadsomefewadventures.”
“Oneortwo,”repliedTommymodestly,andplungedintohisrecital.
Juliuslistenedspellbound.Halfthedishesthatwereplacedbeforehimheforgottoeat.Attheendheheavedalongsigh.
“Bullyforyou.Readslikeadimenovel!”
“Andnowforthehomefront,”saidTommy,stretchingouthishandforapeach.
“W—ell,”drawledJulius,“Idon’tmindadmittingwe’vehadsomeadventurestoo.”
He,inhisturn,assumedther?leofnarrator.BeginningwithhisunsuccessfulreconnoitringatBournemouth,hepassedontohisreturntoLondon,thebuyingofthecar,thegrowinganxietiesofTuppence,thecalluponSirJames,andthesensationaloccurrencesofthepreviousnight.
“Butwhokilledher?”askedTommy.“Idon’tquiteunderstand.”
“Thedoctorkiddedhimselfshetookitherself,”repliedJuliusdryly.
“AndSirJames?Whatdidhethink?”
“Beingalegalluminary,heislikewiseahumanoyster,”repliedJulius.“Ishouldsayhe‘reservedjudgment.’”Hewentontodetailtheeventsofthemorning.
“Losthermemory,eh?”saidTommywithinterest.“ByJove,thatexplainswhytheylookedatmesoqueerlywhenIspokeofquestioningher.Bitofasliponmypart,that!Butitwasn’tthesortofthingafellowwouldbelikelytoguess.”
“Theydidn’tgiveyouanysortofhintastowhereJanewas?”
Tommyshookhisheadregretfully.
“Notaword.I’mabitofanass,asyouknow.Ioughttohavegotmoreoutofthemsomehow.”
“Iguessyou’reluckytobehereatall.Thatbluffofyourswasthegoodsallright.Howyouevercametothinkofitallsopatbeatsmetoafrazzle!”
“IwasinsuchafunkIhadtothinkofsomething,”saidTommysimply.
Therewasamoment’spause,andthenTommyrevertedtoMrs.Vandemeyer’sdeath.
“There’snodoubtitwaschloral?”
“Ibelievenot.Atleasttheycallitheartfailureinducedbyanoverdose,orsomesuchclaptrap.It’sallright.Wedon’twanttobeworriedwithaninquest.ButIguessTuppenceandIandeventhehighbrowSirJameshaveallgotthesameidea.”
“Mr.Brown?”hazardedTommy.
“Surething.”
Tommynodded.
“Allthesame,”hesaidthoughtfully,“Mr.Brownhasn’tgotwings.Idon’tseehowhegotinandout.”
“Howaboutsomehigh-classthoughttransferencestunt?SomemagneticinfluencethatirresistiblyimpelledMrs.Vandemeyertocommitsuicide?”
Tommylookedathimwithrespect.
“Good,Julius.Distinctlygood.Especiallythephraseology.Butitleavesmecold.IyearnforarealMr.Brownoffleshandblood.Ithinkthegiftedyoungdetectivesmustgettowork,studytheentrancesandexits,andtapthebumpsontheirforeheadsuntilthesolutionofthemysterydawnsonthem.Let’sgoroundtothesceneofthecrime.IwishwecouldgetholdofTuppence.TheRitzwouldenjoythespectacleofthegladreunion.”
InquiryattheofficerevealedthefactthatTuppencehadnotyetreturned.
“Allthesame,IguessI’llhavealookroundupstairs,”saidJulius.“Shemightbeinmysittingroom.”Hedisappeared.
SuddenlyadiminutiveboyspokeatTommy’selbow:
“Theyounglady—she’sgoneawaybytrain,Ithink,sir,”hemurmuredshyly
“What?”Tommywheeledrounduponhim.
Thesmallboybecamepinkerthanbefore
“Thetaxi,sir.IheardhertellthedriverCharingCrossandtolooksharp.”
Tommystaredathim,hiseyesopeningwideinsurprise.Emboldened,thesmallboyproceeded.“SoIthought,havingaskedforanA.B.C.andaBradshaw.”
Tommyinterruptedhim:
“WhendidsheaskforanA.B.C.andaBradshaw?”
“WhenItookherthetelegram,sir.”
“Atelegram?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Whenwasthat?”
“Abouthalfpasttwelve,sir.”
“Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”
Thesmallboydrewalongbreath.
“ItookupatelegramtoNo.891—theladywasthere.Sheopeneditandgaveagasp,andthenshesaid,veryjollylike:‘BringmeupaBradshaw,andanA.B.C.,andlooksharp,Henry.’Mynameisn’tHenry,but—”
“Nevermindyourname,”saidTommyimpatiently.“Goon.”
“Yes,sir.Ibroughtthem,andshetoldmetowait,andlookedupsomething.Andthenshelooksupattheclock,and‘Hurryup,’shesays.‘Tellthemtogetmeataxi,’andshebeginsa-shovingonofherhatinfrontoftheglass,andshewasdownintwoticks,almostasquickasIwas,andIseedhergoingdownthestepsandintothetaxi,andIheardhercalloutwhatItoldyou.”
Thesmallboystoppedandreplenishedhislungs.Tommycontinuedtostareathim.AtthatmomentJuliusrejoinedhim.Heheldanopenletterinhishand.
“Isay,Hersheimmer,”—Tommyturnedtohim—“Tuppencehasgoneoffsleuthingonherown.”
“Shucks!”
“Yes,shehas.ShewentoffinataxitoCharingCrossinthedeuceofahurryaftergettingatelegram.”HiseyefellontheletterinJulius’shand.“Oh;sheleftanoteforyou.That’sallright.Where’ssheoffto?”
Almostunconsciously,heheldouthishandfortheletter,butJuliusfoldeditupandplaceditinhispocket.Heseemedatrifleembarrassed.
“Iguessthisisnothingtodowithit.It’saboutsomethingelse—somethingIaskedherthatshewastoletmeknowabout.”
“Oh!”Tommylookedpuzzled,andseemedwaitingformore.
“Seehere,”saidJuliussuddenly,“I’dbetterputyouwise.IaskedMissTuppencetomarrymethismorning.”
“Oh!”saidTommymechanically.Hefeltdazed.Julius’swordsweretotallyunexpected.Forthemomenttheybenumbedhisbrain.
“I’dliketotellyou,”continuedJulius,“thatbeforeIsuggestedanythingofthekindtoMissTuppence,ImadeitclearthatIdidn’twanttobuttininanywaybetweenherandyou—”
Tommyrousedhimself.
“That’sallright,”hesaidquickly.“TuppenceandIhavebeenpalsforyears.Nothingmore.”Helitacigarettewithahandthatshookeversolittle.“That’squiteallright.Tuppencealwayssaidthatshewaslookingoutfor—”
Hestoppedabruptly,hisfacecrimsoning,butJuliuswasinnowaydiscomposed
“Oh,Iguessit’llbethedollarsthat’lldothetrick.MissTuppenceputmewisetothatrightaway.There’snohumbugabouther.Weoughttogeealongtogetherverywell.”
Tommylookedathimcuriouslyforaminute,asthoughhewereabouttospeak,thenchangedhismindandsaidnothing.TuppenceandJulius!Well,whynot?Hadshenotlamentedthefactthatsheknewnorichmen?Hadshenotopenlyavowedherintentionofmarryingformoneyifsheeverhadthechance?HermeetingwiththeyoungAmericanmillionairehadgivenherthechance—anditwasunlikelyshewouldbeslowtoavailherselfofit.Shewasoutformoney.Shehadalwayssaidso.Whyblameherbecauseshehadbeentruetohercreed?
Nevertheless,Tommydidblameher.Hewasfilledwithapassionateandutterlyillogicalresentment.Itwasallverywelltosaythingslikethat—butarealgirlwouldnevermarryformoney.Tuppencewasutterlycold-bloodedandselfish,andhewouldbedelightedifheneversawheragain!Anditwasarottenworld!
Julius’svoicebrokeinonthesemeditations.
“Yes,weoughttogeealongtogetherverywell.I’veheardthatagirlalwaysrefusesyouonce—asortofconvention.”
Tommycaughthisarm.
“Refuses?Didyousayrefuses?”
“Surething.Didn’tItellyouthat?Shejustrappedouta‘no’withoutanykindofreasontoit.Theeternalfeminine,theHunscallit,I’veheard.Butshe’llcomeroundrightenough.Likelyenough,Ihustledhersome—”
ButTommyinterruptedregardlessofdecorum.
“Whatdidshesayinthatnote?”hedemandedfiercely.
TheobligingJuliushandedittohim.
“There’snoearthlyclueinitastowhereshe’sgone,”heassuredTommy.“Butyoumightaswellseeforyourselfifyoudon’tbelieveme.”
Thenote,inTuppence’swell-knownschoolboywriting,ranasfollows:
DearJulius,
It’salwaysbettertohavethingsinblackandwhite.Idon’tfeelIcanbebotheredtothinkofmarriageuntilTommyisfound.Let’sleaveittillthen.Yoursaffectionately,Tuppence.
Tommyhandeditback,hiseyesshining.Hisfeelingshadundergoneasharpreaction.HenowfeltthatTuppencewasallthatwasnobleanddisinterested.HadshenotrefusedJuliuswithouthesitation?True,thenotebetokenedsignsofweakening,buthecouldexcusethat.ItreadalmostlikeabribetoJuliustospurhimoninhiseffortstofindTommy,buthesupposedshehadnotreallymeantitthatway.DarlingTuppence,therewasnotagirlintheworldtotouchher!Whenhesawher—Histhoughtswerebroughtupwithasuddenjerk.
“Asyousay,”heremarked,pullinghimselftogether,“there’snotahinthereastowhatshe’supto.Hi—Henry!”
Thesmallboycameobediently.Tommyproducedfiveshillings.
“Onethingmore.Doyourememberwhattheyoungladydidwiththetelegram?”
Henrygaspedandspoke.
“Shecrumpleditupintoaballandthrewitintothegrate,andmadeasortofnoiselike‘Whoop!’sir.”
“Verygraphic,Henry,”saidTommy.“Here’syourfiveshillings.Comeon,Julius.Wemustfindthattelegram.”
Theyhurriedupstairs.Tuppencehadleftthekeyinherdoor.Theroomwasasshehadleftit.Inthefireplacewasacrumpledballoforangeandwhite.Tommydisentangleditandsmoothedoutthetelegram.
Comeatonce,MoatHouse,Ebury,Yorkshire,greatdevelopments—Tommy.
Theylookedateachotherinstupefaction.Juliusspokefirst:
“Youdidn’tsendit?”
“Ofcoursenot.Whatdoesitmean?”
“Iguessitmeanstheworst,”saidJuliusquietly.“They’vegother.”
“What?”
“Surething!Theysignedyourname,andshefellintothetraplikealamb.”
“MyGod!Whatshallwedo?”
“Getbusy,andgoafterher!Rightnow!There’snotimetowaste.It’salmightyluckthatshedidn’ttakethewirewithher.Ifshehadwe’dprobablyneverhavetracedher.Butwe’vegottohustle.Where’sthatBradshaw?”
TheenergyofJuliuswasinfectious.Lefttohimself,Tommywouldprobablyhavesatdowntothinkthingsoutforagoodhalfhourbeforehedecidedonaplanofaction.ButwithJuliusHersheimmerabout,hustlingwasinevitable.
AfterafewmutteredimprecationshehandedtheBradshawtoTommyasbeingmoreconversantwithitsmysteries.TommyabandoneditinfavourofanA.B.C.
“Hereweare.Ebury,Yorks.FromKing’sCross.OrSt.Pancras.(Boymusthavemadeamistake.ItwasKing’sCross,notCharingCross)12:50,that’sthetrainshewentby;2:10,that’sgone;3:20isthenext—andadamnedslowtrain,too.”
“Whataboutthecar?”
Tommyshookhishead.
“Senditupifyoulike,butwe’dbettersticktothetrain.Thegreatthingistokeepcalm.”
Juliusgroaned.
“That’sso.Butitgetsmygoattothinkofthatinnocentyounggirlindanger!”
Tommynoddedabstractedly.Hewasthinking.Inamomentortwo,hesaid:
“Isay,Julius,whatdotheywantherfor,anyway?”
“Eh?Idon’tgetyou?”
“WhatImeanisthatIdon’tthinkit’stheirgametodoheranyharm,”explainedTommy,puckeringhisbrowwiththestrainofhismentalprocesses.“She’sahostage,that’swhatsheis.She’sinnoimmediatedanger,becauseifwetumbleontoanything,she’dbedamnedusefultothem.Aslongasthey’vegother,they’vegotthewhiphandofus.See?”
“Surething,”saidJuliusthoughtfully.“That’sso.”
“Besides,”addedTommy,asanafterthought,“I’vegreatfaithinTuppence.”
Thejourneywaswearisome,withmanystops,andcrowdedcarriages.Theyhadtochangetwice,onceatDoncaster,onceatasmalljunction.Eburywasadesertedstationwithasolitaryporter,towhomTommyaddressedhimself:
“CanyoutellmethewaytotheMoatHouse?”
“TheMoatHouse?It’satidystepfromhere.Thebighousenearthesea,youmean?”
Tommyassentedbrazenly.Afterlisteningtotheporter’smeticulousbutperplexingdirections,theypreparedtoleavethestation.Itwasbeginningtorain,andtheyturnedupthecollarsoftheircoatsastheytrudgedthroughtheslushoftheroad.SuddenlyTommyhalted.
“Waitamoment.”Heranbacktothestationandtackledtheporteranew.
“Lookhere,doyourememberayoungladywhoarrivedbyanearliertrain,the12:10fromLondon?She’dprobablyaskyouthewaytotheMoatHouse.”
HedescribedTuppenceaswellashecould,buttheportershookhishead.Severalpeoplehadarrivedbythetraininquestion.Hecouldnotcalltomindoneyoungladyinparticular.ButhewasquitecertainthatnoonehadaskedhimthewaytotheMoatHouse.
TommyrejoinedJulius,andexplained.Depressionwassettlingdownonhimlikealeadenweight.Hefeltconvincedthattheirquestwasgoingtobeunsuccessful.Theenemyhadoverthreehours’start.ThreehourswasmorethanenoughforMr.Brown.Hewouldnotignorethepossibilityofthetelegramhavingbeenfound.
Thewayseemedendless.Oncetheytookthewrongturningandwentnearlyhalfamileoutoftheirdirection.Itwaspastseveno’clockwhenasmallboytoldthemthat“t’MoatHouse”wasjustpastthenextcorner.
Arustyirongateswingingdismallyonitshinges!Anovergrowndrivethickwithleaves.Therewassomethingabouttheplacethatstruckachilltoboththeirhearts.Theywentupthedeserteddrive.Theleavesdeadenedtheirfootsteps.Thedaylightwasalmostgone.Itwaslikewalkinginaworldofghosts.Overheadthebranchesflappedandcreakedwithamournfulnote.Occasionallyasoddenleafdriftedsilentlydown,startlingthemwithitscoldtouchontheircheeks.
Aturnofthedrivebroughttheminsightofthehouse.That,too,seemedemptyanddeserted.Theshutterswereclosed,thestepsuptothedoorovergrownwithmoss.WasitindeedtothisdesolatespotthatTuppencehadbeendecoyed?Itseemedhardtobelievethatahumanfootstephadpassedthiswayformonths
Juliusjerkedtherustybellhandle.Ajanglingpealrangdiscordantly,echoingthroughtheemptinesswithin.Noonecame.Theyrangagainandagain—buttherewasnosignoflife.Thentheywalkedcompletelyroundthehouse.Everywheresilence,andshutteredwindows.Iftheycouldbelievetheevidenceoftheireyestheplacewasempty.
“Nothingdoing,”saidJulius.
Theyretracedtheirstepsslowlytothegate.
“Theremustbeavillagehandy,”continuedtheyoungAmerican.“We’dbettermakeinquiriesthere.They’llknowsomethingabouttheplace,andwhetherthere’sbeenanyonetherelately.”
“Yes,that’snotabadidea.”
Proceedinguptheroadtheysooncametoalittlehamlet.Ontheoutskirtsofit,theymetaworkmanswinginghisbagoftools,andTommystoppedhimwithaquestion.
“TheMoatHouse?It’sempty.Beenemptyforyears.Mrs.Sweeney’sgotthekeyifyouwanttogooverit—nexttothepostoffice.”
Tommythankedhim.Theysoonfoundthepostoffice,whichwasalsoasweetandgeneralfancyshop,andknockedatthedoorofthecottagenexttoit.Aclean,wholesome-lookingwomanopenedit.ShereadilyproducedthekeyoftheMoatHouse.
“ThoughIdoubtifit’sthekindofplacetosuityou,sir.Inaterriblestateofrepair.Ceilingsleakingandall.’Twouldneedalotofmoneyspentonit.”
“Thanks,”saidTommycheerily.“Idaresayit’llbeawashout,buthousesarescarcenowadays.”
“Thattheyare,”declaredthewomanheartily.“Mydaughterandson-in-lawhavebeenlookingforadecentcottageforIdon’tknowhowlong.It’sallthewar.Upsetthingsterribly,ithas.Butexcuseme,sir,it’llbetoodarkforyoutoseemuchofthehouse.Hadn’tyoubetterwaituntiltomorrow?”
“That’sallright.We’llhavealookroundthisevening,anyway.We’dhavebeenherebeforeonlywelostourway.What’sthebestplacetostayatforthenightroundhere?”
Mrs.Sweeneylookeddoubtful.
“There’stheYorkshireArms,butit’snotmuchofaplaceforgentlemenlikeyou.”
“Oh,itwilldoverywell.Thanks.Bytheway,you’venothadayoungladyhereaskingforthiskeytoday?”
Thewomanshookherhead.
“Noone’sbeenovertheplaceforalongtime.”
“Thanksverymuch.”
TheyretracedtheirstepstotheMoatHouse.Asthefrontdoorswungbackonitshinges,protestingloudly,Juliusstruckamatchandexaminedthefloorcarefully.Thenheshookhishead.
“I’dswearnoone’spassedthisway.Lookatthedust.Thick.Notasignofafootmark.”
Theywanderedroundthedesertedhouse.Everywherethesametale.Thicklayersofdustapparentlyundisturbed.
“Thisgetsme,”saidJulius.“Idon’tbelieveTuppencewaseverinthishouse.”
“Shemusthavebeen.”
Juliusshookhisheadwithoutreplying.
“We’llgooveritagaintomorrow,”saidTommy.“Perhapswe’llseemoreinthedaylight.”
Onthemorrowtheytookupthesearchoncemore,andwerereluctantlyforcedtotheconclusionthatthehousehadnotbeeninvadedforsomeconsiderabletime.TheymighthaveleftthevillagealtogetherbutforafortunatediscoveryofTommy’s.Astheywereretracingtheirstepstothegate,hegaveasuddencry,andstooping,pickedsomethingupfromamongtheleaves,andhelditouttoJulius.Itwasasmallgoldbrooch.
“That’sTuppence’s!”
“Areyousure?”
“Absolutely.I’veoftenseenherwearit.”
Juliusdrewadeepbreath.
“Iguessthatsettlesit.Shecameasfarashere,anyway.We’llmakethatpubourheadquarters,andraisehellroundhereuntilwefindher.Somebodymusthaveseenher.”
Forthwiththecampaignbegan.TommyandJuliusworkedseparatelyandtogether,buttheresultwasthesame.NobodyansweringtoTuppence’sdescriptionhadbeenseeninthevicinity.Theywerebaffled—butnotdiscouraged.Finallytheyalteredtheirtactics.TuppencehadcertainlynotremainedlongintheneighbourhoodoftheMoatHouse.Thatpointedtoherhavingbeenovercomeandcarriedawayinacar.Theyrenewedinquiries.HadanyoneseenacarstandingsomewhereneartheMoatHousethatday?Againtheymetwithnosuccess.
Juliuswiredtotownforhisowncar,andtheyscouredtheneighbourhooddailywithunflaggingzeal.AgreylimousineonwhichtheyhadsethighhopeswastracedtoHarrogate,andturnedouttobethepropertyofahighlyrespectablemaidenlady!
Eachdaysawthemsetoutonanewquest.Juliuswaslikeahoundontheleash.Hefolloweduptheslenderestclue.Everycarthathadpassedthroughthevillageonthefatefuldaywastrackeddown.Heforcedhiswayintocountrypropertiesandsubmittedtheownersofthecarstosearchingcross-examination.Hisapologieswereasthoroughashismethods,andseldomfailedindisarmingtheindignationofhisvictims;but,asdaysucceededday,theywerenonearertodiscoveringTuppence’swhereabouts.Sowellhadtheabductionbeenplannedthatthegirlseemedliterallytohavevanishedintothinair.
AndanotherpreoccupationwasweighingonTommy’smind.
“Doyouknowhowlongwe’vebeenhere?”heaskedonemorningastheysatfacingeachotheratbreakfast.“Aweek!We’renonearertofindingTuppence,andnextSundayisthe29th!”
“Shucks!”saidJuliusthoughtfully.“I’dalmostforgottenaboutthe29th.I’vebeenthinkingofnothingbutTuppence.”
“SohaveI.Atleast,Ihadn’tforgottenaboutthe29th,butitdidn’tseemtomatteradamnincomparisontofindingTuppence.Buttoday’sthe23rd,andtime’sgettingshort.Ifwe’reevergoingtogetholdofheratall,wemustdoitbeforethe29th—herlifewon’tbeworthanhour’spurchaseafterwards.Thehostagegamewillbeplayedoutbythen.I’mbeginningtofeelthatwe’vemadeabigmistakeinthewaywe’vesetaboutthis.We’vewastedtimeandwe’renoforrader.”
“I’mwithyouthere.We’vebeenacoupleofmutts,who’vebittenoffabiggerbitthantheycanchew.I’mgoingtoquitfoolingrightaway!”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’lltellyou.I’mgoingtodowhatweoughttohavedoneaweekago.I’mgoingrightbacktoLondontoputthecaseinthehandsofyourBritishpolice.Wefanciedourselvesassleuths.Sleuths!Itwasapieceofdamn-foolfoolishness!I’mthrough!I’vehadenoughofit.ScotlandYardforme!”
“You’reright,”saidTommyslowly.“IwishtoGodwe’dgonethererightaway.”
“Betterlatethannever.We’vebeenlikeacoupleofbabesplaying‘HerewegoroundtheMulberryBush.’NowI’mgoingrightalongtoScotlandYardtoaskthemtotakemebythehandandshowmethewayIshouldgo.Iguesstheprofessionalalwaysscoresovertheamateurintheend.Areyoucomingalongwithme?”
Tommyshookhishead.
“What’sthegood?Oneofusisenough.Imightaswellstayhereandnoseroundabitlonger.Somethingmightturnup.Oneneverknows.”
“Surething.Well,solong.I’llbebackinacoupleofshakeswithafewinspectorsalong.Ishalltellthemtopickouttheirbrightestandbest.”
ButthecourseofeventswasnottofollowtheplanJuliushadlaiddown.LaterinthedayTommyreceivedawire:
JoinmeManchesterMidlandHotel.Importantnews—JULIUS
At7:30thatnightTommyalightedfromaslowcross-countrytrain.Juliuswasontheplatform.
“Thoughtyou’dcomebythistrainifyouweren’toutwhenmywirearrived.”
Tommygraspedhimbythearm.
“Whatisit?IsTuppencefound?”
Juliusshookhishead.
“No.ButIfoundthiswaitinginLondon.Justarrived.”
Hehandedthetelegraphformtotheother.Tommy’seyesopenedasheread:
JaneFinnfound.ComeManchesterMidlandHotelimmediately—PEELEDGERTON
Juliustooktheformbackandfoldeditup.
“Queer,”hesaidthoughtfully.“Ithoughtthatlawyerchaphadquit!”
Nineteen
JANEFINN
“Mytraingotinhalfanhourago,”explainedJulius,asheledthewayoutofthestation.“Ireckonedyou’dcomebythisbeforeIleftLondon,andwiredaccordinglytoSirJames.He’sbookedroomsforus,andwillberoundtodineateight.”
“Whatmadeyouthinkhe’dceasedtotakeanyinterestinthecase?”askedTommycuriously.
“Whathesaid,”repliedJuliusdryly.“Theoldbird’sascloseasanoyster!Likeallthedarnedlotofthem,hewasn’tgoingtocommithimselftillhewassurehecoulddeliverthegoods.”
“Iwonder,”saidTommythoughtfully.
Juliusturnedonhim.
“Youwonderwhat?”
“Whetherthatwashisrealreason.”
“Sure.Youbetyourlifeitwas.”
Tommyshookhisheadunconvinced.
SirJamesarrivedpunctuallyateighto’clock,andJuliusintroducedTommy.SirJamesshookhandswithhimwarmly.
“Iamdelightedtomakeyouracquaintance,Mr.Beresford.IhaveheardsomuchaboutyoufromMissTuppence”—hesmiledinvoluntarily—“thatitreallyseemsasthoughIalreadyknowyouquitewell.”
“Thankyou,sir,”saidTommywithhischeerfulgrin.Hescannedthegreatlawyereagerly.LikeTuppence,hefeltthemagnetismoftheother’spersonality.HewasremindedofMr.Carter.Thetwomen,totallyunlikesofarasphysicalresemblancewent,producedasimilareffect.Beneaththewearymanneroftheoneandtheprofessionalreserveoftheother,laythesamequalityofmind,keen-edgedlikearapier.
InthemeantimehewasconsciousofSirJames’sclosescrutiny.Whenthelawyerdroppedhiseyestheyoungmanhadthefeelingthattheotherhadreadhimthroughandthroughlikeanopenbook.Hecouldnotbutwonderwhatthefinaljudgmentwas,buttherewaslittlechanceoflearningthat.SirJamestookineverything,butgaveoutonlywhathechose.Aproofofthatoccurredalmostatonce.
ImmediatelythefirstgreetingswereoverJuliusbrokeoutintoafloodofeagerquestions.HowhadSirJamesmanagedtotrackthegirl?Whyhadhenotletthemknowthathewasstillworkingonthecase?Andsoon.
SirJamesstrokedhischinandsmiled.Atlasthesaid:
“Justso,justso.Well,she’sfound.Andthat’sthegreatthing,isn’tit?Eh!Comenow,that’sthegreatthing?”
“Sureitis.Butjusthowdidyoustrikehertrail?MissTuppenceandIthoughtyou’dquitforgoodandall.”
“Ah!”Thelawyershotalightningglanceathim,thenresumedoperationsonhischin.“Youthoughtthat,didyou?Didyoureally?H’m,dearme.”
“ButIguessIcantakeitwewerewrong,”pursuedJulius.
“Well,Idon’tknowthatIshouldgosofarastosaythat.Butit’scertainlyfortunateforallpartiesthatwe’vemanagedtofindtheyounglady.”
“Butwhereisshe?”demandedJulius,histhoughtsflyingoffonanothertack.“Ithoughtyou’dbesuretobringheralong?”
“Thatwouldhardlybepossible,”saidSirJamesgravely.
“Why?”
“Becausetheyoungladywasknockeddowninastreetaccident,andhassustainedslightinjuriestothehead.Shewastakentotheinfirmary,andonrecoveringconsciousnessgavehernameasJaneFinn.When—ah!—Iheardthat,Iarrangedforhertoberemovedtothehouseofadoctor—afriendofmine,andwiredatonceforyou.Sherelapsedintounconsciousnessandhasnotspokensince.”
“She’snotseriouslyhurt?”
“Oh,abruiseandacutortwo;really,fromamedicalpointofview,absurdlyslightinjuriestohaveproducedsuchacondition.Herstateisprobablytobeattributedtothementalshockconsequentonrecoveringhermemory.”
“It’scomeback?”criedJuliusexcitedly.
SirJamestappedthetableratherimpatiently.
“Undoubtedly,Mr.Hersheimmer,sinceshewasabletogiveherrealname.Ithoughtyouhadappreciatedthatpoint.”
“Andyoujusthappenedtobeonthespot,”saidTommy.“Seemsquitelikeafairytale?”
ButSirJameswasfartoowarytobedrawn.
“Coincidencesarecuriousthings,”hesaiddryly.
Nevertheless,Tommywasnowcertainofwhathehadbeforeonlysuspected.SirJames’spresenceinManchesterwasnotaccidental.Farfromabandoningthecase,asJuliussupposed,hehadbysomemeansofhisownsuccessfullyrunthemissinggirltoearth.TheonlythingthatpuzzledTommywasthereasonforallthissecrecy?Heconcludedthatitwasafoibleofthelegalmind.
Juliuswasspeaking.
“Afterdinner,”heannounced,“IshallgorightawayandseeJane.”
“Thatwillbeimpossible,Ifear,”saidSirJames.“Itisveryunlikelytheywouldallowhertoseevisitorsatthistimeofnight.Ishouldsuggesttomorrowmorningaboutteno’clock.”
Juliusflushed.TherewassomethinginSirJameswhichalwaysstirredhimtoantagonism.Itwasaconflictoftwomasterfulpersonalities.
“Allthesame,IreckonI’llgoroundtheretonightandseeifIcan’tgingerthemuptobreakthroughtheirsillyrules.”
“Itwillbequiteuseless,Mr.Hersheimmer.”
Thewordscameoutlikethecrackofapistol,andTommylookedupwithastart.Juliuswasnervousandexcited.Thehandwithwhichheraisedhisglasstohislipsshookslightly,buthiseyesheldSirJames’sdefiantly.Foramomentthehostilitybetweenthetwoseemedlikelytoburstintoflame,butintheendJuliusloweredhiseyes,defeated.
“Forthemoment,Ireckonyou’retheboss.”
“Thankyou,”saidtheother.“Wewillsayteno’clockthen?”WithconsummateeaseofmannerheturnedtoTommy.“Imustconfess,Mr.Beresford,thatitwassomethingofasurprisetometoseeyouherethisevening.ThelastIheardofyouwasthatyourfriendswereingraveanxietyonyourbehalf.Nothinghadbeenheardofyouforsomedays,andMissTuppencewasinclinedtothinkyouhadgotintodifficulties.”
“Ihad,sir!”Tommygrinnedreminiscently.“Iwasneverinatighterplaceinmylife.”
HelpedoutbyquestionsfromSirJames,hegaveanabbreviatedaccountofhisadventures.Thelawyerlookedathimwithrenewedinterestashebroughtthetaletoaclose.
“Yougotyourselfoutofatightplaceverywell,”hesaidgravely.“Icongratulateyou.Youdisplayedagreatdealofingenuityandcarriedyourpartthroughwell.”
Tommyblushed,hisfaceassumingaprawn-likehueatthepraise.
“Icouldn’thavegotawaybutforthegirl,sir.”
“No.”SirJamessmiledalittle.“Itwasluckyforyoushehappenedto—er—takeafancytoyou.”Tommyappearedabouttoprotest,butSirJameswenton.“There’snodoubtaboutherbeingoneofthegang,Isuppose?”
“I’mafraidnot,sir.Ithoughtperhapstheywerekeepinghertherebyforce,butthewaysheacteddidn’tfitinwiththat.Yousee,shewentbacktothemwhenshecouldhavegotaway.”
SirJamesnoddedthoughtfully.
“Whatdidshesay?SomethingaboutwantingtobetakentoMarguerite?”
“Yes,sir.IsupposeshemeantMrs.Vandemeyer.
“ShealwayssignedherselfRitaVandemeyer.AllherfriendsspokeofherasRita.Still,Isupposethegirlmusthavebeeninthehabitofcallingherbyherfullname.And,atthemomentshewascryingouttoher,Mrs.Vandemeyerwaseitherdeadordying!Curious!Thereareoneortwopointsthatstrikemeasbeingobscure—theirsuddenchangeofattitudetowardsyourself,forinstance.Bytheway,thehousewasraided,ofcourse?”
“Yes,sir,butthey’dclearedout.”
“Naturally,”saidSirJamesdryly.
“Andnotaclueleftbehind.”
“Iwonder—”Thelawyertappedthetablethoughtfully.
SomethinginhisvoicemadeTommylookup.Wouldthisman’seyeshaveseensomethingwheretheirshadbeenblind?Hespokeimpulsively:
“Iwishyou’dbeenthere,sir,togooverthehouse!”
“IwishIhad,”saidSirJamesquietly.Hesatforamomentinsilence.Thenhelookedup.“Andsincethen?Whathaveyoubeendoing?”
Foramoment,Tommystaredathim.Thenitdawnedonhimthatofcoursethelawyerdidnotknow.
“Iforgotthatyoudidn’tknowaboutTuppence,”hesaidslowly.Thesickeninganxiety,forgottenforawhileintheexcitementofknowingJaneFinnfoundatlast,sweptoverhimagain.
Thelawyerlaiddownhisknifeandforksharply.
“HasanythinghappenedtoMissTuppence?”Hisvoicewaskeen-edged.
“She’sdisappeared,”saidJulius.
“When?”
“Aweekago.”
“How?”
SirJames’squestionsfairlyshotout.BetweenthemTommyandJuliusgavethehistoryofthelastweekandtheirfutilesearch.
SirJameswentatoncetotherootofthematter.
“Awiresignedwithyourname?Theyknewenoughofyoubothforthat.Theyweren’tsureofhowmuchyouhadlearntinthathouse.TheirkidnappingofMissTuppenceisthecountermovetoyourescape.Ifnecessarytheycouldsealyourlipswithwhatmighthappentoher.”
Tommynodded.
“That’sjustwhatIthought,sir.”
SirJameslookedathimkeenly.“Youhadworkedthatout,hadyou?Notbad—notatallbad.Thecuriousthingisthattheycertainlydidnotknowanythingaboutyouwhentheyfirstheldyouprisoner.Youaresurethatyoudidnotinanywaydiscloseyouridentity?”
Tommyshookhishead.
“That’sso,”saidJuliuswithanod.“ThereforeIreckonsomeoneputthemwise—andnotearlierthanSundayafternoon.”
“Yes,butwho?”
“ThatalmightyomniscientMr.Brown,ofcourse!”
TherewasafaintnoteofderisionintheAmerican’svoicewhichmadeSirJameslookupsharply.
“Youdon’tbelieveinMr.Brown,Mr.Hersheimmer?”
“No,sir,Idonot,”returnedtheyoungAmericanwithemphasis.“Notassuch,thatistosay.Ireckonitoutthathe’safigurehead—justabogynametofrightenthechildrenwith.TherealheadofthisbusinessisthatRussianchapKramenin.Iguesshe’squitecapableofrunningrevolutionsinthreecountriesatonceifhechose!ThemanWhittingtonisprobablytheheadoftheEnglishbranch.”
“Idisagreewithyou,”saidSirJamesshortly.“Mr.Brownexists.”HeturnedtoTommy.“Didyouhappentonoticewherethatwirewashandedin?”
“No,sir,I’mafraidIdidn’t.”
“H’m.Gotitwithyou?”
“It’supstairs,sir,inmykit.”
“I’dliketohavealookatitsometime.Nohurry.You’vewastedaweek,”—Tommyhunghishead—“adayorsomoreisimmaterial.We’lldealwithMissJaneFinnfirst.Afterwards,we’llsettoworktorescueMissTuppencefrombondage.Idon’tthinkshe’sinanyimmediatedanger.Thatis,solongastheydon’tknowthatwe’vegotJaneFinn,andthathermemoryhasreturned.Wemustkeepthatdarkatallcosts.Youunderstand?”
Theothertwoassented,and,aftermakingarrangementsformeetingonthemorrow,thegreatlawyertookhisleave.
Atteno’clock,thetwoyoungmenwereattheappointedspot.SirJameshadjoinedthemonthedoorstep.Healoneappearedunexcited.Heintroducedthemtothedoctor.
“Mr.Hersheimmer—Mr.Beresford—Dr.Roylance.How’sthepatient?”
“Goingonwell.Evidentlynoideaoftheflightoftime.AskedthismorninghowmanyhadbeensavedfromtheLusitania.Wasitinthepapersyet?That,ofcourse,wasonlywhatwastobeexpected.Sheseemstohavesomethingonhermind,though.”
“Ithinkwecanrelieveheranxiety.Maywegoup?”
“Certainly.”
Tommy’sheartbeatsensiblyfasterastheyfollowedthedoctorupstairs.JaneFinnatlast!Thelong-sought,themysterious,theelusiveJaneFinn!Howwildlyimprobablesuccesshadseemed!Andhereinthishouse,hermemoryalmostmiraculouslyrestored,laythegirlwhoheldthefutureofEnglandinherhands.AhalfgroanbrokefromTommy’slips
Inanotherminutehewaslaughingatthesemelodramaticfancies.Thedoctorheldopenthedoorofaroomandtheypassedin.Onthewhitebed,bandagesroundherhead,laythegirl.Somehowthewholesceneseemedunreal.Itwassoexactlywhatoneexpectedthatitgavetheeffectofbeingbeautifullystaged.
Thegirllookedfromonetotheotherofthemwithlargewonderingeyes.SirJamesspokefirst.
“MissFinn,”hesaid,“thisisyourcousin,Mr.JuliusP.Hersheimmer.”
Afaintflushflittedoverthegirl’sface,asJuliussteppedforwardandtookherhand.
“Howdo,CousinJane?”hesaidlightly.
ButTommycaughtthetremorinhisvoice.
“AreyoureallyUncleHiram’sson?”sheaskedwonderingly.
Hervoice,withtheslightwarmthoftheWesternaccent,hadanalmostthrillingquality.ItseemedvaguelyfamiliartoTommy,buthethrusttheimpressionasideasimpossible.
“Surething.”
“WeusedtoreadaboutUncleHiraminthenewspapers,”continuedthegirl,inhersofttones.“ButIneverthoughtI’dmeetyouoneday.MotherfigureditoutthatUncleHiramwouldnevergetoverbeingmadwithher.”
“Theoldmanwaslikethat,”admittedJulius.“ButIguessthenewgeneration’ssortofdifferent.Gotnouseforthefamilyfeudbusiness.FirstthingIthoughtabout,soonasthewarwasover,wastocomealongandhuntyouup.”
Ashadowpassedoverthegirl’sface.
“They’vebeentellingmethings—dreadfulthings—thatmymemorywent,andthatthereareyearsIshallneverknowabout—yearslostoutofmylife.”
“Youdidn’trealizethatyourself?”
Thegirl’seyesopenedwide.
“Why,no.Itseemstomeasthoughitwerenotimesincewewerebeinghustledintothoseboats.Icanseeitallnow!”Sheclosedhereyeswithashudder
JuliuslookedacrossatSirJames,whonodded.
“Don’tworryany.Itisn’tworthit.Now,seehere,Jane,there’ssomethingwewanttoknowabout.Therewasamanaboardthatboatwithsomemightyimportantpapersonhim,andthebiggunsinthiscountryhavegotanotionthathepassedonthegoodstoyou.Isthatso?”
Thegirlhesitated,herglanceshiftingtotheothertwo.Juliusunderstood.
“Mr.BeresfordiscommissionedbytheBritishGovernmenttogetthosepapersback.SirJamesPeelEdgertonisanEnglishMemberofParliament,andmightbeabiggunintheCabinetifheliked.It’sowingtohimthatwe’veferretedyououtatlast.Soyoucangorightaheadandtellusthewholestory.DidDanversgiveyouthepapers?”
“Yes.Hesaidthey’dhaveabetterchancewithme,becausetheywouldhavethewomenandchildrenfirst.”
“Justaswethought,”saidSirJames.
“Hesaidtheywereveryimportant—thattheymightmakeallthedifferencetotheAllies.But,ifit’sallsolongago,andthewar’sover,whatdoesitmatternow?”
“Iguesshistoryrepeatsitself,Jane.Firsttherewasagreathueandcryoverthosepapers,thenitalldieddown,andnowthewholecaboodle’sstartedalloveragain—forratherdifferentreasons.Thenyoucanhandthemovertousrightaway?”
“ButIcan’t.”
“What?”
“Ihaven’tgotthem.”
“You—haven’t—gotthem?”Juliuspunctuatedthewordswithlittlepauses
“No—Ihidthem.”
“Youhidthem?”
“Yes.Igotuneasy.Peopleseemedtobewatchingme.Itscaredme—badly.”Sheputherhandtoherhead.“It’salmostthelastthingIrememberbeforewakingupinthehospital….”
“Goon,”saidSirJames,inhisquietpenetratingtones.“Whatdoyouremember?”
Sheturnedtohimobediently.
“ItwasatHolyhead.Icamethatway—Idon’trememberwhy….”
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.Goon.”
“IntheconfusiononthequayIslippedaway.Nobodysawme.Itookacar.Toldthemantodrivemeoutofthetown.Iwatchedwhenwegotontheopenroad.Noothercarwasfollowingus.Isawapathatthesideoftheroad.Itoldthemantowait.”
Shepaused,thenwenton.“Thepathledtothecliff,anddowntotheseabetweenbigyellowgorsebushes—theywerelikegoldenflames.Ilookedround.Therewasn’tasoulinsight.Butjustlevelwithmyheadtherewasaholeintherock.Itwasquitesmall—Icouldonlyjustgetmyhandin,butitwentalongwayback.ItooktheoilskinpacketfromroundmyneckandshoveditrightinasfarasIcould.ThenItoreoffabitofgorse—My!butitdidprick—andpluggedtheholewithitsothatyou’dneverguesstherewasacreviceofanykindthere.ThenImarkedtheplacecarefullyinmyownmind,sothatI’dfinditagain.Therewasaqueerboulderinthepathjustthere—foralltheworldlikeadogsittingupbegging.ThenIwentbacktotheroad.Thecarwaswaiting,andIdroveback.Ijustcaughtthetrain.Iwasabitashamedofmyselfforfancyingthingsmaybe,but,byandby,Isawthemanoppositemewinkatawomanwhowassittingnexttome,andIfeltscaredagain,andwasgladthepapersweresafe.Iwentoutinthecorridortogetalittleair.IthoughtI’dslipintoanothercarriage.Butthewomancalledmeback,saidI’ddroppedsomething,andwhenIstoopedtolook,somethingseemedtohitme—here.”Sheplacedherhandtothebackofherhead.“Idon’trememberanythingmoreuntilIwokeupinthehospital.”
Therewasapause.
“Thankyou,MissFinn.”ItwasSirJameswhospoke.“Ihopewehavenottiredyou?”
“Oh,that’sallright.Myheadachesalittle,butotherwiseIfeelfine.”
Juliussteppedforwardandtookherhandagain.
“Solong,CousinJane.I’mgoingtogetbusyafterthosepapers,butI’llbebackintwoshakesofadog’stail,andI’lltoteyouuptoLondonandgiveyouthetimeofyouryounglifebeforewegobacktotheStates!Imeanit—sohurryupandgetwell.”
Twenty
TOOLATE
Inthestreettheyheldaninformalcouncilofwar.SirJameshaddrawnawatchfromhispocket.
“TheboattraintoHolyheadstopsatChesterat12:14.IfyoustartatonceIthinkyoucancatchtheconnexion.”
Tommylookedup,puzzled.
“Isthereanyneedtohurry,sir?Todayisonlythe24th.”
“Iguessit’salwayswelltogetupearlyinthemorning,”saidJulius,beforethelawyerhadtimetoreply.“We’llmaketracksforthedepotrightaway.”
AlittlefrownhadsettledonSirJames’sbrow.
“IwishIcouldcomewithyou.Iamduetospeakatameetingattwoo’clock.Itisunfortunate.”
Thereluctanceinhistonewasveryevident.Itwasclear,ontheotherhand,thatJuliuswaseasilydisposedtoputupwiththelossoftheother’scompany.
“Iguessthere’snothingcomplicatedaboutthisdeal,”heremarked.“Justagameofhide-and-seek,that’sall.”
“Ihopeso,”saidSirJames.
“Surething.Whatelsecoulditbe?”
“Youarestillyoung,Mr.Hersheimmer.Atmyageyouwillprobablyhavelearntonelesson:‘Neverunderestimateyouradversary.’”
ThegravityofhistoneimpressedTommy,buthadlittleeffectuponJulius.
“YouthinkMr.Brownmightcomealongandtakeahand!Ifhedoes,I’mreadyforhim.”Heslappedhispocket.“Icarryagun.LittleWillieheretravelsroundwithmeeverywhere.”Heproducedamurderous-lookingautomatic,andtappeditaffectionatelybeforereturningittoitshome.“Buthewon’tbeneededonthistrip.There’snobodytoputMr.Brownwise.”
Thelawyershruggedhisshoulders.
“TherewasnobodytoputMr.BrownwisetothefactthatMrs.Vandemeyermeanttobetrayhim.Nevertheless,Mrs.Vandemeyerdiedwithoutspeaking.”
Juliuswassilencedforonce,andSirJamesaddedonalighternote:
“Ionlywanttoputyouonyourguard.Good-bye,andgoodluck.Takenounnecessaryrisksoncethepapersareinyourhands.Ifthereisanyreasontobelievethatyouhavebeenshadowed,destroythematonce.Goodlucktoyou.Thegameisinyourhandsnow.”Heshookhandswiththemboth.
Tenminuteslaterthetwomenwereseatedinafirst-classcarriageenrouteforChester.
Foralongtimeneitherofthemspoke.WhenatlengthJuliusbrokethesilence,itwaswithatotallyunexpectedremark.
“Say,”heobservedthoughtfully,“didyouevermakeadarnfoolofyourselfoveragirl’sface?”
Tommy,afteramoment’sastonishment,searchedhismind.
“Can’tsayIhave,”herepliedatlast.“NotthatIcanrecollect,anyhow.Why?”
“BecauseforthelasttwomonthsI’vebeenmakingasentimentalidiotofmyselfoverJane!FirstmomentIclappedeyesonherphotographmyheartdidalltheusualstuntsyoureadaboutinnovels.IguessI’mashamedtoadmitit,butIcameoverheredeterminedtofindherandfixitallup,andtakeherbackasMrs.JuliusP.Hersheimmer!”
“Oh!”saidTommy,amazed.
Juliusuncrossedhislegsbrusquelyandcontinued:
“Justshowswhatanalmightyfoolamancanmakeofhimself!Onelookatthegirlintheflesh,andIwascured!”
Feelingmoretongue-tiedthanever,Tommyejaculated“Oh!”again.
“NodisparagementtoJane,mindyou,”continuedtheother.“She’sarealnicegirl,andsomefellowwillfallinlovewithherrightaway.”
“Ithoughtheraverygood-lookinggirl,”saidTommy,findinghistongue.
“Suresheis.Butshe’snotlikeherphotoonebit.AtleastIsupposesheisinaway—mustbe—becauseIrecognizedherrightoff.IfI’dseenherinacrowdI’dhavesaid‘There’sagirlwhosefaceIknow’rightawaywithouthesitation.Buttherewassomethingaboutthatphoto”—Juliusshookhishead,andheavedasigh—“Iguessromanceisamightyqueerthing!”
“Itmustbe,”saidTommycoldly,“ifyoucancomeoverhereinlovewithonegirl,andproposetoanotherwithinafortnight.”
Juliushadthegracetolookdiscomposed.
“Well,yousee,I’dgotsortoftiredfeelingthatI’dneverfindJane—andthatitwasallplumbfoolishnessanyway.Andthen—ohwell,theFrench,forinstance,aremuchmoresensibleinthewaytheylookatthings.Theykeepromanceandmarriageapart—”
Tommyflushed.
“Well,I’mdamned!Ifthat’s—”
Juliushastenedtointerrupt.
“Saynow,don’tbehasty.Idon’tmeanwhatyoumean.ItakeitAmericanshaveahigheropinionofmoralitythanyouhaveeven.WhatImeantwasthattheFrenchsetaboutmarriageinabusinesslikeway—findtwopeoplewhoaresuitedtooneanother,lookafterthemoneyaffairs,andseethewholethingpractically,andinabusinesslikespirit.”
“Ifyouaskme,”saidTommy,“we’realltoodamnedbusinesslikenowadays.We’realwayssaying,‘Willitpay?’Themenarebadenough,andthegirlsareworse!”
“Cooldown,son.Don’tgetsoheated.”
“Ifeelheated,”saidTommy.
Juliuslookedathimandjudgeditwisetosaynomore.
However,TommyhadplentyoftimetocooldownbeforetheyreachedHolyhead,andthecheerfulgrinhadreturnedtohiscountenanceastheyalightedattheirdestination.
Afterconsultationandwiththeaidofaroadmap,theywerefairlywellagreedastodirection,sowereabletohireataxiwithoutmoreadoanddriveoutontheroadleadingtoTreaddurBay.Theyinstructedthemantogoslowly,andwatchednarrowlysoasnottomissthepath.Theycametoitnotlongafterleavingthetown,andTommystoppedthecarpromptly,askedinacasualtonewhetherthepathleddowntothesea,andhearingitdidpaidoffthemaninhandsomestyle.
AmomentlaterthetaxiwasslowlychuggingbacktoHolyhead.TommyandJuliuswatcheditoutofsight,andthenturnedtothenarrowpath.
“It’stherightone,Isuppose?”askedTommydoubtfully.“Theremustbesimplyheapsalonghere.”
“Sureitis.Lookatthegorse.RememberwhatJanesaid?”
Tommylookedattheswellinghedgesofgoldenblossomwhichborderedthepathoneitherside,andwasconvinced.
Theywentdowninsinglefile,Juliusleading.TwiceTommyturnedhisheaduneasily.Juliuslookedback.
“Whatisit?”
“Idon’tknow.I’vegotthewindupsomehow.Keepfancyingthere’ssomeonefollowingus.”
“Can’tbe,”saidJuliuspositively.“We’dseehim.”
Tommyhadtoadmitthatthiswastrue.Nevertheless,hissenseofuneasinessdeepened.Inspiteofhimselfhebelievedintheomniscienceoftheenemy.
“Iratherwishthatfellowwouldcomealong,”saidJulius.Hepattedhispocket.“LittleWilliamhereisjustachingforexercise!”
“Doyoualwayscarryit—him—withyou?”inquiredTommywithburningcuriosity.
“Mostalways.Iguessyouneverknowwhatmightturnup.”
Tommykeptarespectfulsilence.HewasimpressedbyLittleWilliam.ItseemedtoremovethemenaceofMr.Brownfartheraway.
Thepathwasnowrunningalongthesideofthecliff,paralleltothesea.SuddenlyJuliuscametosuchanabrupthaltthatTommycannonedintohim.
“What’sup?”heinquired.
“Lookthere.Ifthatdoesn’tbeattheband!”
Tommylooked.Standingoutandhalfobstructingthepathwasahugeboulderwhichcertainlyboreafancifulresemblancetoa“begging”terrier.
“Well,”saidTommy,refusingtoshareJulius’semotion,“it’swhatweexpectedtosee,isn’tit?”
Juliuslookedathimsadlyandshookhishead.
“Britishphlegm!Sureweexpectedit—butitkindofrattlesme,allthesame,toseeitsittingtherejustwhereweexpectedtofindit!”
Tommy,whosecalmwas,perhaps,moreassumedthannatural,movedhisfeetimpatiently.
“Pushon.Whataboutthehole?”
Theyscannedthecliffsidenarrowly.Tommyheardhimselfsayingidiotically:
“Thegorsewon’tbethereafteralltheseyears.”
AndJuliusrepliedsolemnly:
“Iguessyou’reright.”
Tommysuddenlypointedwithashakinghand.
“Whataboutthatcrevicethere?”
Juliusrepliedinanawestrickenvoice:
“That’sit—forsure.”
Theylookedateachother.
“WhenIwasinFrance,”saidTommyreminiscently,“whenevermybatmanfailedtocallme,healwayssaidthathehadcomeoverqueer.Ineverbelievedit.Butwhetherhefeltitornot,thereissuchasensation.I’vegotitnow!Badly!”
Helookedattherockwithakindofagonizedpassion.
“Damnit!”hecried.“It’simpossible!Fiveyears!Thinkofit!Birds’-nestingboys,picnicparties,thousandsofpeoplepassing!Itcan’tbethere!It’sahundredtooneagainstitsbeingthere!It’sagainstallreason!”
Indeed,hefeltittobeimpossible—more,perhaps,becausehecouldnotbelieveinhisownsuccesswheresomanyothershadfailed.Thethingwastooeasy,thereforeitcouldnotbe.Theholewouldbeempty.
Juliuslookedathimwithawideningsmile.
“Iguessyou’rerattlednowallright,”hedrawledwithsomeenjoyment.“Well,heregoes!”Hethrusthishandintothecrevice,andmadeaslightgrimace.“It’satightfit.Jane’shandmustbeafewsizessmallerthanmine.Idon’tfeelanything—no—say,what’sthis?Geewhiz!”Andwithaflourishhewavedaloftasmalldiscolouredpacket.“It’sthegoodsallright.Sewnupinoilskin.HolditwhileIgetmypenknife.”
Theunbelievablehadhappened.Tommyheldthepreciouspackettenderlybetweenhishands.Theyhadsucceeded!
“It’squeer,”hemurmuredidly,“you’dthinkthestitcheswouldhaverotted.Theylookjustasgoodasnew.”
Theycutthemcarefullyandrippedawaytheoilskin.Insidewasasmallfoldedsheetofpaper.Withtremblingfingerstheyunfoldedit.Thesheetwasblank!Theystaredateachother,puzzled.
“Adummy!”hazardedJulius.“WasDanversjustadecoy?”
Tommyshookhishead.Thatsolutiondidnotsatisfyhim.Suddenlyhisfacecleared.
“I’vegotit!Sympatheticink!”
“Youthinkso?”
“Worthtryinganyhow.Heatusuallydoesthetrick.Getsomesticks.We’llmakeafire.”
Inafewminutesthelittlefireoftwigsandleaveswasblazingmerrily.Tommyheldthesheetofpaperneartheglow.Thepapercurledalittlewiththeheat.Nothingmore.
SuddenlyJuliusgraspedhisarm,andpointedtowherecharacterswereappearinginafaintbrowncolour.
“Geewhiz!You’vegotit!Say,thatideaofyourswasgreat.Itneveroccurredtome.”
Tommyheldthepaperinpositionsomeminuteslongeruntilhejudgedtheheathaddoneitswork.Thenhewithdrewit.Amomentlaterheutteredacry.
Acrossthesheetinneatbrownprintingranthewords:
WITHTHECOMPLIMENTSOFMR.BROWN.
Twenty-one
TOMMYMAKESADISCOVERY
Foramomentortwotheystoodstaringateachotherstupidly,dazedwiththeshock.Somehow,inexplicably,Mr.Brownhadforestalledthem.Tommyaccepteddefeatquietly.NotsoJulius.
“Howintarnationdidhegetaheadofus?That’swhatbeatsme!”heendedup.
Tommyshookhishead,andsaiddully:
“Itaccountsforthestitchesbeingnew.Wemighthaveguessed….”
“Nevermindthedarnedstitches.Howdidhegetaheadofus?Wehustledallweknew.It’sdownrightimpossibleforanyonetogetherequickerthanwedid.And,anyway,howdidheknow?DoyoureckontherewasadictaphoneinJane’sroom?Iguesstheremusthavebeen.”
ButTommy’scommonsensepointedoutobjections.
“Noonecouldhaveknownbeforehandthatshewasgoingtobeinthathouse—muchlessthatparticularroom.”
“That’sso,”admittedJulius.“Thenoneofthenurseswasacrookandlistenedatthedoor.How’sthat?”
“Idon’tseethatitmattersanyway,”saidTommywearily.“Hemayhavefoundoutsomemonthsago,andremovedthepapers,then—No,byJove,thatwon’twash!They’dhavebeenpublishedatonce.”
“Surethingtheywould!No,someone’sgotaheadofustodaybyanhourorso.Buthowtheydiditgetsmygoat.”
“IwishthatchapPeelEdgertonhadbeenwithus,”saidTommythoughtfully.
“Why?”Juliusstared.“Themischiefwasdonewhenwecame.”
“Yes—”Tommyhesitated.Hecouldnotexplainhisownfeeling—theillogicalideathattheK.C.’spresencewouldsomehowhaveavertedthecatastrophe.Herevertedtohisformerpointofview.“It’snogoodarguingabouthowitwasdone.Thegame’sup.We’vefailed.There’sonlyonethingformetodo.”
“What’sthat?”
“GetbacktoLondonassoonaspossible.Mr.Cartermustbewarned.It’sonlyamatterofhoursnowbeforetheblowfalls.But,atanyrate,heoughttoknowtheworst.”
Thedutywasanunpleasantone,butTommyhadnointentionofshirkingit.HemustreporthisfailuretoMr.Carter.Afterthathisworkwasdone.HetookthemidnightmailtoLondon.JuliuselectedtostaythenightatHolyhead.
Halfanhourafterarrival,haggardandpale,Tommystoodbeforehischief.
“I’vecometoreport,sir.I’vefailed—failedbadly.”
Mr.Cartereyedhimsharply.
“Youmeanthatthetreaty—”
“IsinthehandsofMr.Brown,sir.”
“Ah!”saidMr.Carterquietly.Theexpressiononhisfacedidnotchange,butTommycaughttheflickerofdespairinhiseyes.Itconvincedhimasnothingelsehaddonethattheoutlookwashopeless.
“Well,”saidMr.Carterafteraminuteortwo,“wemustn’tsagattheknees,Isuppose.I’mgladtoknowdefinitely.Wemustdowhatwecan.”
ThroughTommy’smindflashedtheassurance:“It’shopeless,andheknowsit’shopeless!”
Theotherlookedupathim.
“Don’ttakeittoheart,lad,”hesaidkindly.“Youdidyourbest.Youwereupagainstoneofthebiggestbrainsofthecentury.Andyoucameverynearsuccess.Rememberthat.”
“Thankyou,sir.It’sawfullydecentofyou.”
“Iblamemyself.IhavebeenblamingmyselfeversinceIheardthisothernews.”
SomethinginhistoneattractedTommy’sattention.Anewfeargrippedathisheart.
“Isthere—somethingmore,sir?”
“I’mafraidso,”saidMr.Cartergravely.Hestretchedouthishandtoasheetonthetable.
“Tuppence—?”falteredTommy.
“Readforyourself.”
Thetypewrittenwordsdancedbeforehiseyes.Thedescriptionofagreentoque,acoatwithahandkerchiefinthepocketmarkedP.L.C.HelookedanagonizedquestionatMr.Carter.Thelatterrepliedtoit:
“WashedupontheYorkshirecoast—nearEbury.I’mafraid—itlooksverymuchlikefoulplay.”
“MyGod!”gaspedTommy.“Tuppence!Thosedevils—I’llneverresttillI’vegotevenwiththem!I’llhuntthemdown!I’ll—”
ThepityonMr.Carter’sfacestoppedhim.
“Iknowwhatyoufeellike,mypoorboy.Butit’snogood.You’llwasteyourstrengthuselessly.Itmaysoundharsh,butmyadvicetoyouis:Cutyourlosses.Time’smerciful.You’llforget.”
“ForgetTuppence?Never!”
Mr.Cartershookhishead.
“Soyouthinknow.Well,itwon’tbearthinkingof—thatbravelittlegirl!I’msorryaboutthewholebusiness—confoundedlysorry.”
Tommycametohimselfwithastart.
“I’mtakingupyourtime,sir,”hesaidwithaneffort.“There’snoneedforyoutoblameyourself.Idaresaywewereacoupleofyoungfoolstotakeonsuchajob.Youwarnedusallright.ButIwishtoGodI’dbeentheonetogetitintheneck.Good-bye,sir.”
BackattheRitz,Tommypackeduphisfewbelongingsmechanically,histhoughtsfaraway.Hewasstillbewilderedbytheintroductionoftragedyintohischeerfulcommonplaceexistence.Whatfuntheyhadhadtogether,heandTuppence!Andnow—oh,hecouldn’tbelieveit—itcouldn’tbetrue!Tuppence—dead!LittleTuppence,brimmingoverwithlife!Itwasadream,ahorribledream.Nothingmore.
Theybroughthimanote,afewkindwordsofsympathyfromPeelEdgerton,whohadreadthenewsinthepaper.(Therehadbeenalargeheadline:EX-V.A.D.FEAREDDROWNED.)TheletterendedwiththeofferofapostonaranchinArgentine,whereSirJameshadconsiderableinterests.
“Kindoldbeggar,”mutteredTommy,asheflungitaside.
Thedooropened,andJuliusburstinwithhisusualviolence.Heheldanopennewspaperinhishand.
“Say,what’sallthis?TheyseemtohavegotsomefoolideaaboutTuppence.”
“It’strue,”saidTommyquietly.
“Youmeanthey’vedoneherin?”
Tommynodded.
“Isupposewhentheygotthetreatyshe—wasn’tanygoodtothemanylonger,andtheywereafraidtolethergo.”
“Well,I’mdarned!”saidJulius.“LittleTuppence.Shesurewasthepluckiestlittlegirl—”
ButsuddenlysomethingseemedtocrackinTommy’sbrain.Herosetohisfeet.
“Oh,getout!Youdon’treallycare,damnyou!Youaskedhertomarryyouinyourrottencold-bloodedway,butIlovedher.I’dhavegiventhesouloutofmybodytosaveherfromharm.I’dhavestoodbywithoutawordandlethermarryyou,becauseyoucouldhavegivenherthesortoftimesheoughttohavehad,andIwasonlyapoordevilwithoutapennytoblesshimselfwith.Butitwouldn’thavebeenbecauseIdidn’tcare!”
“Seehere,”beganJuliustemperately.
“Oh,gotothedevil!Ican’tstandyourcominghereandtalkingabout‘littleTuppence.’Goandlookafteryourcousin.Tuppenceismygirl!I’vealwayslovedher,fromthetimeweplayedtogetheraskids.Wegrewupanditwasjustthesame.IshallneverforgetwhenIwasinhospital,andshecameininthatridiculouscapandapron!ItwaslikeamiracletoseethegirlIlovedturnupinanurse’skit—”
ButJuliusinterruptedhim.
“Anurse’skit!Geewhiz!ImustbegoingtoConeyHatch!IcouldswearI’veseenJaneinanurse’scaptoo.Andthat’splumbimpossible!No,bygum,I’vegotit!ItwasherIsawtalkingtoWhittingtonatthatnursinghomeinBournemouth.Shewasn’tapatientthere!Shewasanurse!”
“Idaresay,”saidTommyangrily,“she’sprobablybeeninwiththemfromthestart.Ishouldn’twonderifshestolethosepapersfromDanverstobeginwith.”
“I’mdarnedifshedid!”shoutedJulius.“She’smycousin,andaspatrioticagirlaseverstepped.”
“Idon’tcareadamnwhosheis,butgetoutofhere!”retortedTommyalsoatthetopofhisvoice.
Theyoungmenwereonthepointofcomingtoblows.Butsuddenly,withanalmostmagicalabruptness,Julius’sangerabated.
“Allright,son,”hesaidquietly,“I’mgoing.Idon’tblameyouanyforwhatyou’vebeensaying.It’smightyluckyyoudidsayit.I’vebeenthemostalmightyblitheringdarnedidiotthatit’spossibletoimagine.Calmdown,”—Tommyhadmadeanimpatientgesture—“I’mgoingrightawaynow—goingtotheLondonandNorthWesternRailwaydepot,ifyouwanttoknow.”
“Idon’tcareadamnwhereyou’regoing,”growledTommy.
AsthedoorclosedbehindJulius,hereturnedtohissuitcase.
“That’sthelot,”hemurmured,andrangthebell.
“Takemyluggagedown.”
“Yes,sir.Goingaway,sir?”
“I’mgoingtothedevil,”saidTommy,regardlessofthemenial’sfeelings.
Thatfunctionary,however,merelyrepliedrespectfully:
“Yes,sir.ShallIcallataxi?”
Tommynodded.
Wherewashegoing?Hehadn’tthefaintestidea.BeyondafixeddeterminationtogetevenwithMr.Brownhehadnoplans.Hehadre-readSirJames’sletter,andshookhishead.Tuppencemustbeavenged.Still,itwaskindoftheoldfellow.
“Betteranswerit,Isuppose.”Hewentacrosstothewritingtable.Withtheusualperversityofbedroomstationery,therewereinnumerableenvelopesandnopaper.Herang.Noonecame.Tommyfumedatthedelay.ThenherememberedthattherewasagoodsupplyinJulius’ssittingroom.TheAmericanhadannouncedhisimmediatedeparture.Therewouldbenofearofrunningupagainsthim.Besides,hewouldn’tmindifhedid.Hewasbeginningtoberatherashamedofthethingshehadsaid.OldJuliushadtakenthemjollywell.He’dapologizeifhefoundhimthere.
Buttheroomwasdeserted.Tommywalkedacrosstothewritingtable,andopenedthemiddledrawer.Aphotograph,carelesslythrustinfaceupwards,caughthiseye.Foramomenthestoodrootedtotheground.Thenhetookitout,shutthedrawer,walkedslowlyovertoanarmchair,andsatdownstillstaringatthephotographinhishand.
WhatonearthwasaphotographoftheFrenchgirlAnnettedoinginJuliusHersheimmer’swritingtable?
Twenty-two
INDOWNINGSTREET
ThePrimeMinistertappedthedeskinfrontofhimwithnervousfingers.Hisfacewaswornandharassed.HetookuphisconversationwithMr.Carteratthepointithadbrokenoff.
“Idon’tunderstand,”hesaid.“Doyoureallymeanthatthingsarenotsodesperateafterall?”
“Sothisladseemstothink.”
“Let’shavealookathisletteragain.”
Mr.Carterhandeditover.Itwaswritteninasprawlingboyishhand.
DearMr.Carter,
Something’sturnedupthathasgivenmeajar.OfcourseImaybesimplymakinganawfulassofmyself,butIdon’tthinkso.Ifmyconclusionsareright,thatgirlatManchesterwasjustaplant.Thewholethingwasprearranged,shampacketandall,withtheobjectofmakingusthinkthegamewasup—thereforeIfancythatwemusthavebeenprettyhotonthescent.IthinkIknowwhotherealJaneFinnis,andI’veevengotanideawherethepapersare.Thatlast’sonlyaguess,ofcourse,butI’veasortoffeelingit’llturnoutright.Anyhow,Iencloseitinasealedenvelopeforwhatit’sworth.I’mgoingtoaskyounottoopenituntiltheverylastmoment,midnightonthe28th,infact.You’llunderstandwhyinaminute.Yousee,I’vefigureditoutthatthosethingsofTuppence’sareaplanttoo,andshe’snomoredrownedthanIam.ThewayIreasonisthis:asalastchancethey’llletJaneFinnescapeinthehopethatshe’sbeenshammingthismemorystunt,andthatonceshethinksshe’sfreeshe’llgorightawaytothecache.Ofcourseit’sanawfulriskforthemtotake,becausesheknowsallaboutthem—butthey’reprettydesperatetogetholdofthattreaty.Butiftheyknowthatthepapershavebeenrecoveredbyus,neitherofthosetwogirls’liveswillbeworthanhour’spurchase.ImusttryandgetholdofTuppencebeforeJaneescapes.IwantarepeatofthattelegramthatwassenttoTuppenceattheRitz.SirJamesPeelEdgertonsaidyouwouldbeabletomanagethatforme.He’sfrightfullyclever.Onelastthing—pleasehavethathouseinSohowatcheddayandnight.Yours,etc.,ThomasBeresford.
ThePrimeMinisterlookedup.
“Theenclosure?”
Mr.Cartersmileddryly.
“InthevaultsoftheBank.Iamtakingnochances.”
“Youdon’tthink”—thePrimeMinisterhesitatedaminute—“thatitwouldbebettertoopenitnow?Surelyweoughttosecurethedocument,thatis,providedtheyoungman’sguessturnsouttobecorrect,atonce.Wecankeepthefactofhavingdonesoquitesecret.”
“Canwe?I’mnotsosure.Therearespiesallroundus.Onceit’sknownIwouldn’tgivethat”—hesnappedhisfingers—“forthelifeofthosetwogirls.No,theboytrustedme,andIshan’tlethimdown.”
“Well,well,wemustleaveitatthat,then.What’shelike,thislad?”
“Outwardly,he’sanordinaryclean-limbed,ratherblockheadedyoungEnglishman.Slowinhismentalprocesses.Ontheotherhand,it’squiteimpossibletoleadhimastraythroughhisimagination.Hehasn’tgotany—sohe’sdifficulttodeceive.Heworriesthingsoutslowly,andoncehe’sgotholdofanythinghedoesn’tletgo.Thelittlelady’squitedifferent.Moreintuitionandlesscommonsense.Theymakeaprettypairworkingtogether.Paceandstamina.”
“Heseemsconfident,”musedthePrimeMinister.
“Yes,andthat’swhatgivesmehope.He’sthekindofdiffidentyouthwhowouldhavetobeverysurebeforeheventuredanopinionatall.”
Ahalfsmilecametotheother’slips.
“Anditisthis—boywhowilldefeatthemastercriminalofourtime?”
“This—boy,asyousay!ButIsometimesfancyIseeashadowbehind.”
“Youmean?”
“PeelEdgerton.”
“PeelEdgerton?”saidthePrimeMinisterinastonishment.
“Yes.Iseehishandinthis.”Hestrucktheopenletter.“He’sthere—workinginthedark,silently,unobtrusively.I’vealwaysfeltthatifanyonewastorunMr.Browntoearth,PeelEdgertonwouldbetheman.Itellyouhe’sonthecasenow,butdoesn’twantitknown.Bytheway,Igotratheranoddrequestfromhimtheotherday.”
“Yes?”
“HesentmeacuttingfromsomeAmericanpaper.Itreferredtoaman’sbodyfoundnearthedocksinNewYorkaboutthreeweeksago.HeaskedmetocollectanyinformationonthesubjectIcould.”
“Well?”
Cartershruggedhisshoulders.
“Icouldn’tgetmuch.Youngfellowaboutthirty-five—poorlydressed—faceverybadlydisfigured.Hewasneveridentified.”
“Andyoufancythatthetwomattersareconnectedinsomeway?”
“SomehowIdo.Imaybewrong,ofcourse.”
Therewasapause,thenMr.Cartercontinued:
“Iaskedhimtocomeroundhere.Notthatwe’llgetanythingoutofhimhedoesn’twanttotell.Hislegalinstinctsaretoostrong.Butthere’snodoubthecanthrowlightononeortwoobscurepointsinyoungBeresford’sletter.Ah,hereheis!”
Thetwomenrosetogreetthenewcomer.AhalfwhimsicalthoughtflashedacrossthePremier’smind.“Mysuccessor,perhaps!”
“We’vehadaletterfromyoungBeresford,”saidMr.Carter,comingtothepointatonce.“You’veseenhim,Isuppose?”
“Yousupposewrong,”saidthelawyer.
“Oh!”Mr.Carterwasalittlenonplussed.
SirJamessmiled,andstrokedhischin.
“Herangmeup,”hevolunteered.
“Wouldyouhaveanyobjectiontotellingusexactlywhatpassedbetweenyou?”
“Notatall.HethankedmeforacertainletterwhichIhadwrittentohim—asamatteroffact,Ihadofferedhimajob.ThenheremindedmeofsomethingIhadsaidtohimatManchesterrespectingthatbogustelegramwhichluredMissCowleyaway.Iaskedhimifanythinguntowardhadoccurred.Hesaidithad—thatinadrawerinMr.Hersheimmer’sroomhehaddiscoveredaphotograph.”Thelawyerpaused,thencontinued:“IaskedhimifthephotographborethenameandaddressofaCalifornianphotographer.Hereplied:‘You’reontoit,sir.Ithad.’ThenhewentontotellmesomethingIdidn’tknow.TheoriginalofthatphotographwastheFrenchgirl,Annette,whosavedhislife.”
“What?”
“Exactly.Iaskedtheyoungmanwithsomecuriositywhathehaddonewiththephotograph.Herepliedthathehadputitbackwherehefoundit.”Thelawyerpausedagain.“Thatwasgood,youknow—distinctlygood.Hecanusehisbrains,thatyoungfellow.Icongratulatedhim.Thediscoverywasaprovidentialone.Ofcourse,fromthemomentthatthegirlinManchesterwasprovedtobeaplanteverythingwasaltered.YoungBeresfordsawthatforhimselfwithoutmyhavingtotellithim.Buthefelthecouldn’ttrusthisjudgmentonthesubjectofMissCowley.DidIthinkshewasalive?Itoldhim,dulyweighingtheevidence,thattherewasaverydecidedchanceinfavourofit.Thatbroughtusbacktothetelegram.”
“Yes?”
“Iadvisedhimtoapplytoyouforacopyoftheoriginalwire.Ithadoccurredtomeasprobablethat,afterMissCowleyflungitonthefloor,certainwordsmighthavebeenerasedandalteredwiththeexpressintentionofsettingsearchersonafalsetrail.”
Carternodded.Hetookasheetfromhispocket,andreadaloud:
Comeatonce,AstleyPriors,Gatehouse,Kent.Greatdevelopments—Tommy.
“Verysimple,”saidSirJames,“andveryingenious.Justafewwordstoalter,andthethingwasdone.Andtheoneimportantcluetheyoverlooked.”
“Whatwasthat?”
“Thepageboy’sstatementthatMissCowleydrovetoCharingCross.Theyweresosureofthemselvesthattheytookitforgrantedhehadmadeamistake.”
“ThenyoungBeresfordisnow?”
“AtGatehouse,Kent,unlessIammuchmistaken.”
Mr.Carterlookedathimcuriously.
“Iratherwonderyou’renottheretoo,PeelEdgerton?”
“Ah,I’mbusyonacase.”
“Ithoughtyouwereonyourholiday?”
“Oh,I’venotbeenbriefed.PerhapsitwouldbemorecorrecttosayI’mpreparingacase.AnymorefactsaboutthatAmericanchapforme?”
“I’mafraidnot.Isitimportanttofindoutwhohewas?”
“Oh,Iknowwhohewas,”saidSirJameseasily.“Ican’tproveityet—butIknow.”
Theothertwoaskednoquestions.Theyhadaninstinctthatitwouldbemerewasteofbreath.
“ButwhatIdon’tunderstand,”saidthePrimeMinistersuddenly,“ishowthatphotographcametobeinMr.Hersheimmer’sdrawer?”
“Perhapsitneverleftit,”suggestedthelawyergently.
“Butthebogusinspector?InspectorBrown?”
“Ah!”saidSirJamesthoughtfully.Herosetohisfeet,“Imustn’tkeepyou.Goonwiththeaffairsofthenation.Imustgetbackto—mycase.”
TwodayslaterJuliusHersheimmerreturnedfromManchester.AnotefromTommylayonhistable:
DearHersheimmer,
SorryIlostmytemper.IncaseIdon’tseeyouagain,good-bye.I’vebeenofferedajobintheArgentine,andmightaswelltakeit.Yours,TommyBeresford.
ApeculiarsmilelingeredforamomentonJulius’sface.Hethrewtheletterintothewastepaperbasket.
“Thedarnedfool!”hemurmured.
Twenty-three
ARACEAGAINSTTIME
AfterringingupSirJames,Tommy’snextprocedurewastomakeacallatSouthAudleyMansions.HefoundAlbertdischarginghisprofessionalduties,andintroducedhimselfwithoutmoreadoasafriendofTuppence’s.Albertunbentimmediately.
“Thingshasbeenveryquietherelately,”hesaidwistfully.“Hopetheyounglady’skeepingwell,sir?”
“That’sjustthepoint,Albert.She’sdisappeared.”
“Youdon’tmeanasthecrookshavegother?”
“Theyhave.”
“IntheUnderworld?”
“No,dashitall,inthisworld!”
“It’sah’expression,sir,”explainedAlbert.“AtthepicturesthecrooksalwayshavearestoorantintheUnderworld.Butdoyouthinkasthey’vedoneherin,sir?”
“Ihopenot.Bytheway,haveyoubyanychanceanaunt,acousin,grandmother,oranyothersuitablefemalerelationwhomightberepresentedasbeinglikelytokickthebucket?”
AdelightedgrinspreadslowlyoverAlbert’scountenance.
“I’mon,sir.Mypoorauntwhatlivesinthecountryhasbeenmortalbadforalongtime,andshe’saskingformewithherdyingbreath.”
Tommynoddedapproval.
“CanyoureportthisintheproperquarterandmeetmeatCharingCrossinanhour’stime?”
“I’llbethere,sir.Youcancountonme.”
AsTommyhadjudged,thefaithfulAlbertprovedaninvaluableally.ThetwotookuptheirquartersattheinninGatehouse.ToAlbertfellthetaskofcollectinginformation.Therewasnodifficultyaboutit.
AstleyPriorswasthepropertyofaDr.Adams.Thedoctornolongerpractised,hadretired,thelandlordbelieved,buthetookafewprivatepatients—herethegoodfellowtappedhisforeheadknowingly—“Balmyones!Youunderstand!”Thedoctorwasapopularfigureinthevillage,subscribedfreelytoallthelocalsports—“averypleasantaffablegentleman.”Beentherelong?Oh,amatteroftenyearsorso—mightbelonger.Scientificgentleman,hewas.Professorsandpeopleoftencamedownfromtowntoseehim.Anyway,itwasagayhouse,alwaysvisitors.
Inthefaceofallthisvolubility,Tommyfeltdoubts.Wasitpossiblethatthisgenial,well-knownfigurecouldbeinrealityadangerouscriminal?Hislifeseemedsoopenandaboveboard.Nohintofsinisterdoings.Supposeitwasallagiganticmistake?Tommyfeltacoldchillatthethought.
Thenherememberedtheprivatepatients—“balmyones.”Heinquiredcarefullyiftherewasayoungladyamongstthem,describingTuppence.Butnothingmuchseemedtobeknownaboutthepatients—theywereseldomseenoutsidethegrounds.AguardeddescriptionofAnnettealsofailedtoprovokerecognition.
AstleyPriorswasapleasantredbrickedifice,surroundedbywell-woodedgroundswhicheffectuallyshieldedthehousefromobservationfromtheroad.
OnthefirsteveningTommy,accompaniedbyAlbert,exploredthegrounds.OwingtoAlbert’sinsistencetheydraggedthemselvesalongpainfullyontheirstomachs,therebyproducingagreatdealmorenoisethaniftheyhadstoodupright.Inanycase,theseprecautionsweretotallyunnecessary.Thegrounds,likethoseofanyotherprivatehouseafternightfall,seemeduntenanted.Tommyhadimaginedapossiblefiercewatchdog.Albert’sfancyrantoapuma,oratamecobra.Buttheyreachedashrubberynearthehousequiteunmolested.
Theblindsofthediningroomwindowwereup.Therewasalargecompanyassembledroundthetable.Theportwaspassingfromhandtohand.Itseemedanormal,pleasantcompany.Throughtheopenwindowscrapsofconversationfloatedoutdisjointedlyonthenightair.Itwasaheateddiscussiononcountycricket!
AgainTommyfeltthatcoldchillofuncertainty.Itseemedimpossibletobelievethatthesepeoplewereotherthantheyseemed.Hadhebeenfooledoncemore?Thefair-bearded,spectacledgentlemanwhosatattheheadofthetablelookedsingularlyhonestandnormal.
Tommysleptbadlythatnight.ThefollowingmorningtheindefatigableAlbert,havingcementedanalliancewiththegreengrocer’sboy,tookthelatter’splaceandingratiatedhimselfwiththecookatMalthouse.Hereturnedwiththeinformationthatshewasundoubtedly“oneofthecrooks,”butTommymistrustedthevividnessofhisimagination.Questioned,hecouldadducenothinginsupportofhisstatementexcepthisownopinionthatshewasn’ttheusualkind.Youcouldseethatataglance.
Thesubstitutionbeingrepeated(muchtothepecuniaryadvantageoftherealgreengrocer’sboy)onthefollowingday,Albertbroughtbackthefirstpieceofhopefulnews.TherewasaFrenchyoungladystayinginthehouse.Tommyputhisdoubtsaside.Herewasconfirmationofhistheory.Buttimepressed.Todaywasthe27th.The29thwasthemuch-talked-of“LabourDay,”aboutwhichallsortsofrumourswererunningriot.Newspapersweregettingagitated.SensationalhintsofaLabourcoupd’étatwerefreelyreported.TheGovernmentsaidnothing.Itknewandwasprepared.TherewererumoursofdissensionamongtheLabourleaders.Theywerenotofonemind.ThemorefarseeingamongthemrealizedthatwhattheyproposedmightwellbeadeathblowtotheEnglandthatathearttheyloved.Theyshrankfromthestarvationandmiseryageneralstrikewouldentail,andwerewillingtomeettheGovernmenthalfway.Butbehindthemweresubtle,insistentforcesatwork,urgingthememoriesofoldwrongs,deprecatingtheweaknessofhalf-and-halfmeasures,fomentingmisunderstandings.
Tommyfeltthat,thankstoMr.Carter,heunderstoodthepositionfairlyaccurately.WiththefataldocumentinthehandsofMr.Brown,publicopinionwouldswingtothesideoftheLabourextremistsandrevolutionists.Failingthat,thebattlewasanevenchance.TheGovernmentwithaloyalarmyandpoliceforcebehindthemmightwin—butatacostofgreatsuffering.ButTommynourishedanotherandapreposterousdream.WithMr.Brownunmaskedandcapturedhebelieved,rightlyorwrongly,thatthewholeorganizationwouldcrumbleignominiouslyandinstantaneously.Thestrangepermeatinginfluenceoftheunseenchiefheldittogether.Withouthim,Tommybelievedaninstantpanicwouldsetin;and,thehonestmenlefttothemselves,aneleventh-hourreconciliationwouldbepossible.
“Thisisaone-manshow,”saidTommytohimself.“Thethingtodoistogetholdoftheman.”
ItwaspartlyinfurtheranceofthisambitiousdesignthathehadrequestedMr.Carternottoopenthesealedenvelope.ThedrafttreatywasTommy’sbait.Everynowandthenhewasaghastathisownpresumption.Howdaredhethinkthathehaddiscoveredwhatsomanywiserandcleverermenhadoverlooked?Nevertheless,hestucktenaciouslytohisidea.
ThateveningheandAlbertoncemorepenetratedthegroundsofAstleyPriors.Tommy’sambitionwassomehoworothertogainadmissiontothehouseitself.Astheyapproachedcautiously,Tommygaveasuddengasp.
Onthesecondfloorwindowsomeonestandingbetweenthewindowandthelightintheroomthrewasilhouetteontheblind.ItwasoneTommywouldhaverecognizedanywhere!Tuppencewasinthathouse!
HeclutchedAlbertbytheshoulder.
“Stayhere!WhenIbegintosing,watchthatwindow.”
Heretreatedhastilytoapositiononthemaindrive,andbeganinadeeproar,coupledwithanunsteadygait,thefollowingditty:
Iamasoldier
AjollyBritishsoldier;
YoucanseethatI’masoldierbymyfeet….IthadbeenafavouriteonthegramophoneinTuppence’shospitaldays.Hedidnotdoubtbutthatshewouldrecognizeitanddrawherownconclusions.Tommyhadnotanoteofmusicinhisvoice,buthislungswereexcellent.Thenoiseheproducedwasterrific.
Presentlyanunimpeachablebutler,accompaniedbyanequallyunimpeachablefootman,issuedfromthefrontdoor.Thebutlerremonstratedwithhim.Tommycontinuedtosing,addressingthebutleraffectionatelyas“dearoldwhiskers.”Thefootmantookhimbyonearm,thebutlerbytheother.Theyranhimdownthedrive,andneatlyoutofthegate.Thebutlerthreatenedhimwiththepoliceifheintrudedagain.Itwasbeautifullydone—soberlyandwithperfectdecorum.Anyonewouldhaveswornthatthebutlerwasarealbutler,thefootmanarealfootman—only,asithappened,thebutlerwasWhittington!
TommyretiredtotheinnandwaitedforAlbert’sreturn.Atlastthatworthymadehisappearance.
“Well?”criedTommyeagerly.
“It’sallright.Whiletheywasa-runningofyououtthewindowopened,andsomethingwaschuckedout.”HehandedascrapofpapertoTommy.“Itwaswrappedroundaletterweight.”
Onthepaperwerescrawledthreewords:“Tomorrow—sametime.”
“Goodegg!”criedTommy.“We’regettinggoing.”
“Iwroteamessageonapieceofpaper,wrappeditroundastone,andchuckeditthroughthewindow,”continuedAlbertbreathlessly.
Tommygroaned.
“Yourzealwillbetheundoingofus,Albert.Whatdidyousay?”
“Saidwewasa-stayingattheinn.Ifshecouldgetaway,tocomethereandcroaklikeafrog.”
“She’llknowthat’syou,”saidTommywithasighofrelief.“Yourimaginationrunsawaywithyou,youknow,Albert.Why,youwouldn’trecognizeafrogcroakingifyouheardit.”
Albertlookedrathercrestfallen.
“Cheerup,”saidTommy.“Noharmdone.Thatbutler’sanoldfriendofmine—IbetheknewwhoIwas,thoughhedidn’tleton.It’snottheirgametoshowsuspicion.That’swhywe’vefounditfairlyplainsailing.Theydon’twanttodiscouragemealtogether.Ontheotherhand,theydon’twanttomakeittooeasy.I’mapawnintheirgame,Albert,that’swhatIam.Yousee,ifthespiderletstheflywalkouttooeasily,theflymightsuspectitwasaput-upjob.Hencetheusefulnessofthatpromisingyouth,Mr.T.Beresford,who’sblunderedinjustattherightmomentforthem.Butlater,Mr.T.Beresfordhadbetterlookout!”
Tommyretiredforthenightinastateofsomeelation.Hehadelaboratedacarefulplanforthefollowingevening.HefeltsurethattheinhabitantsofAstleyPriorswouldnotinterferewithhimuptoacertainpoint.ItwasafterthatthatTommyproposedtogivethemasurprise.
Abouttwelveo’clock,however,hiscalmwasrudelyshaken.Hewastoldthatsomeonewasdemandinghiminthebar.Theapplicantprovedtobearude-lookingcarterwellcoatedwithmud.
“Well,mygoodfellow,whatisit?”askedTommy.
“Mightthisbeforyou,sir?”Thecarterheldoutaverydirtyfoldednote,ontheoutsideofwhichwaswritten:“TakethistothegentlemanattheinnnearAstleyPriors.Hewillgiveyoutenshillings.”
ThehandwritingwasTuppence’s.Tommyappreciatedherquick-wittednessinrealizingthathemightbestayingattheinnunderanassumedname.Hesnatchedatit.
“That’sallright.”
Themanwithheldit.
“Whataboutmytenshillings?”
Tommyhastilyproducedaten-shillingnote,andthemanrelinquishedhisfind.Tommyunfastenedit.
DearTommy,
Iknewitwasyoulastnight.Don’tgothisevening.They’llbelyinginwaitforyou.They’retakingusawaythismorning.IheardsomethingaboutWales—Holyhead,Ithink.I’lldropthisontheroadifIgetachance.Annettetoldmehowyou’descaped.Buckup.Yours,Twopence.
TommyraisedashoutforAlbertbeforehehadevenfinishedperusingthischaracteristicepistle.
“Packmybag!We’reoff!”
“Yes,sir.”ThebootsofAlbertcouldbeheardracingupstairs.
Holyhead?Didthatmeanthat,afterall—Tommywaspuzzled.Hereadonslowly.
ThebootsofAlbertcontinuedtobeactiveonthefloorabove.
Suddenlyasecondshoutcamefrombelow
“Albert!I’madamnedfool!Unpackthatbag!”
“Yes,sir.”
Tommysmoothedoutthenotethoughtfully.
“Yes,adamnedfool,”hesaidsoftly.“Butso’ssomeoneelse!AndatlastIknowwhoitis!”
Twenty-four
JULIUSTAKESAHAND
InhissuiteatClaridge’s,KrameninreclinedonacouchanddictatedtohissecretaryinsibilantRussian.
Presentlythetelephoneatthesecretary’selbowpurred,andhetookupthereceiver,spokeforaminuteortwo,thenturnedtohisemployer.
“Someonebelowisaskingforyou.”
“Whoisit?”
“HegivesthenameofMr.JuliusP.Hersheimmer.”
“Hersheimmer,”repeatedKrameninthoughtfully.“Ihaveheardthatnamebefore.”
“HisfatherwasoneofthesteelkingsofAmerica,”explainedthesecretary,whosebusinessitwastoknoweverything.“Thisyoungmanmustbeamillionaireseveraltimesover.”
Theother’seyesnarrowedappreciatively.
“Youhadbettergodownandseehim,Ivan.Findoutwhathewants.”
Thesecretaryobeyed,closingthedoornoiselesslybehindhim.Inafewminuteshereturned.
“Hedeclinestostatehisbusiness—saysitisentirelyprivateandpersonal,andthathemustseeyou.”
“Amillionaireseveraltimesover,”murmuredKramenin.“Bringhimup,mydearIvan.”
Thesecretarylefttheroomoncemore,andreturnedescortingJulius.
“MonsieurKramenin?”saidthelatterabruptly.
TheRussian,studyinghimattentivelywithhispalevenomouseyes,bowed.
“Pleasedtomeetyou,”saidtheAmerican.“I’vegotsomeveryimportantbusinessI’dliketotalkoverwithyou,ifIcanseeyoualone.”Helookedpointedlyattheother.
“Mysecretary,MonsieurGrieber,fromwhomIhavenosecrets.”
“Thatmaybeso—butIhave,”saidJuliusdryly.“SoI’dbeobligedifyou’dtellhimtoscoot.”
“Ivan,”saidtheRussiansoftly,“perhapsyouwouldnotmindretiringintothenextroom—”
“Thenextroomwon’tdo,”interruptedJulius.“Iknowtheseducalsuites—andIwantthisoneplumbemptyexceptforyouandme.Sendhimroundtoastoretobuyapenn’orthofpeanuts.”
ThoughnotparticularlyenjoyingtheAmerican’sfreeandeasymannerofspeech,Krameninwasdevouredbycuriosity.
“Willyourbusinesstakelongtostate?”
“Mightbeanallnightjobifyoucaughton.”
“Verygood.Ivan,Ishallnotrequireyouagainthisevening.Gotothetheatre—takeanightoff.”
“Thankyou,yourexcellency.”
Thesecretarybowedanddeparted.
Juliusstoodatthedoorwatchinghisretreat.Finally,withasatisfiedsigh,heclosedit,andcamebacktohispositioninthecentreoftheroom.
“Now,Mr.Hersheimmer,perhapsyouwillbesokindastocometothepoint?”
“Iguessthatwon’ttakeaminute,”drawledJulius.Then,withanabruptchangeofmanner:“Handsup—orIshoot!”
ForamomentKrameninstaredblindlyintothebigautomatic,then,withalmostcomicalhaste,heflunguphishandsabovehishead.InthatinstantJuliushadtakenhismeasure.Themanhehadtodealwithwasanabjectphysicalcoward—therestwouldbeeasy.
“Thisisanoutrage,”criedtheRussianinahighhystericalvoice.“Anoutrage!Doyoumeantokillme?”
“Notifyoukeepyourvoicedown.Don’tgoedgingsidewaystowardsthatbell.That’sbetter.”
“Whatdoyouwant?Donothingrashly.Remembermylifeisoftheutmostvaluetomycountry.Imayhavebeenmaligned—”
“Ireckon,”saidJulius,“thatthemanwholetdaylightintoyouwouldbedoinghumanityagoodturn.Butyouneedn’tworryany.I’mnotproposingtokillyouthistrip—thatis,ifyou’rereasonable.”
TheRussianquailedbeforethesternmenaceintheother’seyes.Hepassedhistongueoverhisdrylips.
“Whatdoyouwant?Money?”
“No.IwantJaneFinn.”
“JaneFinn?I—neverheardofher!”
“You’readarnedliar!YouknowperfectlywhoImean.”
“ItellyouI’veneverheardofthegirl.”
“AndItellyou,”retortedJulius,“thatLittleWilliehereisjusthoppingmadtogooff!”
TheRussianwiltedvisibly.
“Youwouldn’tdare—”
“Oh,yesIwould,son!”
Krameninmusthaverecognizedsomethinginthevoicethatcarriedconviction,forhesaidsullenly:
“Well?GrantedIdoknowwhoyoumean—whatofit?”
“Youwilltellmenow—righthere—wheresheistobefound.”
Krameninshookhishead.
“Idaren’t.”
“Whynot?”
“Idaren’t.Youaskanimpossibility.”
“Afraid,eh?Ofwhom?Mr.Brown?Ah,thatticklesyouup!Thereissuchaperson,then?Idoubtedit.Andthemerementionofhimscaresyoustiff!”
“Ihaveseenhim,”saidtheRussianslowly.“Spokentohimfacetoface.Ididnotknowituntilafterwards.Hewasoneofthecrowd.Ishouldnotknowhimagain.Whoishereally?Idonotknow.ButIknowthis—heisamantofear.”
“He’llneverknow,”saidJulius.
“Heknowseverything—andhisvengeanceisswift.EvenI—Kramenin!—wouldnotbeexempt!”
“Thenyouwon’tdoasIaskyou?”
“Youaskanimpossibility.”
“Surethat’sapityforyou,”saidJuliuscheerfully.“Buttheworldingeneralwillbenefit.”Heraisedtherevolver.
“Stop,”shriekedtheRussian.“Youcannotmeantoshootme?”
“OfcourseIdo.I’vealwaysheardyouRevolutionistsheldlifecheap,butitseemsthere’sadifferencewhenit’syourownlifeinquestion.Igaveyoujustonechanceofsavingyourdirtyskin,andthatyouwouldn’ttake!”
“Theywouldkillme!”
“Well,”saidJuliuspleasantly,“it’suptoyou.ButI’lljustsaythis.LittleWilliehereisadeadcert,andifIwasyouI’dtakeasportingchancewithMr.Brown!”
“Youwillhangifyoushootme,”mutteredtheRussianirresolutely.
“No,stranger,that’swhereyou’rewrong.Youforgetthedollars.Abigcrowdofsolicitorswillgetbusy,andthey’llgetsomehighbrowdoctorsonthejob,andtheendofitallwillbethatthey’llsaymybrainwasunhinged.Ishallspendafewmonthsinaquietsanatorium,mymentalhealthwillimprove,thedoctorswilldeclaremesaneagain,andallwillendhappilyforlittleJulius.IguessIcanbearafewmonths’retirementinordertoridtheworldofyou,butdon’tyoukidyourselfI’llhangforit!”
TheRussianbelievedhim.Corrupthimself,hebelievedimplicitlyinthepowerofmoney.HehadreadofAmericanmurdertrialsrunningmuchonthelinesindicatedbyJulius.Hehadboughtandsoldjusticehimself.ThisvirileyoungAmericanwiththesignificantdrawlingvoice,hadthewhiphandofhim.
“I’mgoingtocountfive,”continuedJulius,“andIguess,ifyouletmegetpastfour,youneedn’tworryanyaboutMr.Brown.Maybehe’llsendsomeflowerstothefuneral,butyouwon’tsmellthem!Areyouready?I’llbegin.One—two—three—four—”
TheRussianinterruptedwithashriek:
“Donotshoot.Iwilldoallyouwish.”
Juliusloweredtherevolver.
“Ithoughtyou’dhearsense.Whereisthegirl?”
“AtGatehouse,inKent.AstleyPriors,theplaceiscalled.”
“Issheaprisonerthere?”
“She’snotallowedtoleavethehouse—thoughit’ssafeenoughreally.Thelittlefoolhaslosthermemory,curseher!”
“That’sbeenannoyingforyouandyourfriends,Ireckon.Whatabouttheothergirl,theoneyoudecoyedawayoveraweekago?”
“She’stheretoo,”saidtheRussiansullenly.
“That’sgood,”saidJulius.“Isn’titallpanningoutbeautifully?Andalovelynightfortherun!”
“Whatrun?”demandedKramenin,withastare.
“DowntoGatehouse,sure.Ihopeyou’refondofmotoring?”
“Whatdoyoumean?Irefusetogo.”
“Nowdon’tgetmad.YoumustseeI’mnotsuchakidastoleaveyouhere.You’dringupyourfriendsonthattelephonefirstthing!Ah!”Heobservedthefallontheother’sface.“Yousee,you’dgotitallfixed.No,sir,you’recomingalongwithme.Thisyourbedroomnextdoorhere?Walkrightin.LittleWillieandIwillcomebehind.Putonathickcoat,that’sright.Furlined?AndyouaSocialist!Nowwe’reready.Wewalkdownstairsandoutthroughthehalltowheremycar’swaiting.Anddon’tyouforgetI’vegotyoucoveredeveryinchoftheway.Icanshootjustaswellthroughmycoatpocket.Onewordoraglanceeven,atoneofthoseliveriedmenials,andthere’llsurebeastrangefaceintheSulphurandBrimstoneWorks!”
Togethertheydescendedthestairs,andpassedouttothewaitingcar.TheRussianwasshakingwithrage.Thehotelservantssurroundedthem.Acryhoveredonhislips,butatthelastminutehisnervefailedhim.TheAmericanwasamanofhisword.
Whentheyreachedthecar,Juliusbreathedasighofrelief,thedangerzonewaspassed.Fearhadsuccessfullyhypnotizedthemanbyhisside.
“Getin,”heordered.Thenashecaughttheother’ssidelongglance,“No,thechauffeurwon’thelpyouany.Navalman.WasonasubmarineinRussiawhentheRevolutionbrokeout.Abrotherofhiswasmurderedbyyourpeople.George!”
“Yes,sir?”Thechauffeurturnedhishead.
“ThisgentlemanisaRussianBolshevik.Wedon’twanttoshoothim,butitmaybenecessary.Youunderstand?”
“Perfectly,sir.”
“IwanttogotoGatehouseinKent.Knowtheroadatall?”
“Yes,sir,itwillbeaboutanhourandahalf’srun.”
“Makeitanhour.I’minahurry.”
“I’lldomybest,sir.”Thecarshotforwardthroughthetraffic.
Juliusensconcedhimselfcomfortablybythesideofhisvictim.Hekepthishandinthepocketofhiscoat,buthismannerwasurbanetothelastdegree.
“TherewasamanIshotonceinArizona—”hebegancheerfully.
Attheendofthehour’sruntheunfortunateKrameninwasmoredeadthanalive.InsuccessiontotheanecdoteoftheArizonaman,therehadbeenatoughfrom’Frisco,andanepisodeintheRockies.Julius’snarrativestyle,ifnotstrictlyaccurate,waspicturesque!
Slowingdown,thechauffeurcalledoverhisshoulderthattheywerejustcomingintoGatehouse.JuliusbadetheRussiandirectthem.Hisplanwastodrivestraightuptothehouse.ThereKrameninwastoaskforthetwogirls.JuliusexplainedtohimthatLittleWilliewouldnotbetolerantoffailure.Kramenin,bythistime,wasasputtyintheother’shand.Theterrificpacetheyhadcomehadstillfurtherunmannedhim.Hehadgivenhimselfupfordeadateverycorner.
Thecarsweptupthedrive,andstoppedbeforetheporch.Thechauffeurlookedroundfororders.
“Turnthecarfirst,George.Thenringthebell,andgetbacktoyourplace.Keeptheenginegoing,andbereadytoscootlikehellwhenIgivetheword.”
“Verygood,sir.”
Thefrontdoorwasopenedbythebutler.Krameninfeltthemuzzleoftherevolverpressedagainsthisribs.
“Now,”hissedJulius.“Andbecareful.”
TheRussianbeckoned.Hislipswerewhite,andhisvoicewasnotverysteady:
“ItisI—Kramenin!Bringdownthegirlatonce!Thereisnotimetolose!”
Whittingtonhadcomedownthesteps.Heutteredanexclamationofastonishmentatseeingtheother.
“You!What’sup?Surelyyouknowtheplan—”
Kramenininterruptedhim,usingthewordsthathavecreatedmanyunnecessarypanics:
“Wehavebeenbetrayed!Plansmustbeabandoned.Wemustsaveourownskins.Thegirl!Andatonce!It’souronlychance.”
Whittingtonhesitated,butforhardlyamoment.
“Youhaveorders—fromhim?”
“Naturally!ShouldIbehereotherwise?Hurry!Thereisnotimetobelost.Theotherlittlefoolhadbettercometoo.”
Whittingtonturnedandranbackintothehouse.Theagonizingminuteswentby.Then—twofigureshastilyhuddledincloaksappearedonthestepsandwerehustledintothecar.ThesmallerofthetwowasinclinedtoresistandWhittingtonshovedherinunceremoniously.Juliusleanedforward,andindoingsothelightfromtheopendoorlituphisface.AnothermanonthestepsbehindWhittingtongaveastartledexclamation.Concealmentwasatanend.
“Getamoveon,George,”shoutedJulius.
Thechauffeurslippedinhisclutch,andwithaboundthecarstarted.
Themanonthestepsutteredanoath.Hishandwenttohispocket.Therewasaflashandareport.Thebulletjustmissedthetallergirlbyaninch.
“Getdown,Jane,”criedJulius.“Flatonthebottomofthecar.”Hethrusthersharplyforward,thenstandingup,hetookcarefulaimandfired.
“Haveyouhithim?”criedTuppenceeagerly.
“Sure,”repliedJulius.“Heisn’tkilled,though.Skunkslikethattakealotofkilling.Areyouallright,Tuppence?”
“OfcourseIam.Where’sTommy?Andwho’sthis?”SheindicatedtheshiveringKramenin.
“Tommy’smakingtracksfortheArgentine.Iguesshethoughtyou’dturnedupyourtoes.Steadythroughthegate,George!That’sright.It’lltake’ematleastfiveminutestogetbusyafterus.They’llusethetelephone,Iguess,solookoutforsnaresahead—anddon’ttakethedirectroute.Who’sthis,didyousay,Tuppence?LetmepresentMonsieurKramenin.Ipersuadedhimtocomeonthetripforhishealth.”
TheRussianremainedmute,stilllividwithterror.
“Butwhatmadethemletusgo?”demandedTuppencesuspiciously.
“IreckonMonsieurKrameninhereaskedthemsoprettilytheyjustcouldn’trefuse!”
ThiswastoomuchfortheRussian.Heburstoutvehemently:
“Curseyou—curseyou!TheyknownowthatIbetrayedthem.Mylifewon’tbesafeforanhourinthiscountry.”
“That’sso,”assentedJulius.“I’dadviseyoutomaketracksforRussiarightaway.”
“Letmego,then,”criedtheother.“Ihavedonewhatyouasked.Whydoyoustillkeepmewithyou?”
“Notforthepleasureofyourcompany.Iguessyoucangetrightoffnowifyouwantto.Ithoughtyou’dratherItooledyoubacktoLondon.”
“YoumayneverreachLondon,”snarledtheother.“Letmegohereandnow.”
“Surething.Pullup,George.Thegentleman’snotmakingthereturntrip.IfIevercometoRussia,MonsieurKramenin,Ishallexpectarousingwelcomeand—”
ButbeforeJuliushadfinishedhisspeech,andbeforethecarhadfinallyhalted,theRussianhadswunghimselfoutanddisappearedintothenight.
“Justamiteimpatienttoleaveus,”commentedJulius,asthecargatheredwayagain.“Andnoideaofsayinggood-byepolitelytotheladies.Say,Jane,youcangetupontheseatnow.”
Forthefirsttimethegirlspoke.
“Howdidyou‘persuade’him?”sheasked.
Juliustappedhisrevolver.
“LittleWillieheretakesthecredit!”
“Splendid!”criedthegirl.Thecoloursurgedintoherface,hereyeslookedadmiringlyatJulius.
“AnnetteandIdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingtohappentous,”saidTuppence.“OldWhittingtonhurriedusoff.Wethoughtitwaslambstotheslaughter.”
“Annette,”saidJulius.“Isthatwhatyoucallher?”
Hismindseemedtobetryingtoadjustitselftoanewidea.
“It’shername,”saidTuppence,openinghereyesverywide.
“Shucks!”retortedJulius.“Shemaythinkit’shername,becausehermemory’sgone,poorkid.Butit’stheonerealandoriginalJaneFinnwe’vegothere.”
“What—?”criedTuppence.
Butshewasinterrupted.Withanangryspurt,abulletembeddeditselfintheupholsteryofthecarjustbehindherhead.
“Downwithyou,”criedJulius.“It’sanambush.Theseguyshavegotbusyprettyquickly.Pushherabit,George.”
Thecarfairlyleaptforward.Threemoreshotsrangout,butwenthappilywide.Julius,upright,leantoverthebackofthecar.
“Nothingtoshootat,”heannouncedgloomily.“ButIguessthere’llbeanotherlittlepicnicsoon.Ah!”
Heraisedhishandtohischeek.
“Youarehurt?”saidAnnettequickly.
“Onlyascratch.”
Thegirlsprangtoherfeet.
“Letmeout!Letmeout,Isay!Stopthecar.Itismethey’reafter.I’mtheonetheywant.Youshallnotloseyourlivesbecauseofme.Letmego.”Shewasfumblingwiththefasteningsofthedoor.
Juliustookherbybotharms,andlookedather.Shehadspokenwithnotraceofforeignaccent.
“Sitdown,kid,”hesaidgently.“Iguessthere’snothingwrongwithyourmemory.Beenfoolingthemallthetime,eh?”
Thegirllookedathim,nodded,andthensuddenlyburstintotears.Juliuspattedherontheshoulder.
“There,there—justyousittight.We’renotgoingtoletyouquit.”
Throughhersobsthegirlsaidindistinctly:
“You’refromhome.Icantellbyyourvoice.Itmakesmehomesick.”
“SureI’mfromhome.I’myourcousin—JuliusHersheimmer.IcameovertoEuropeonpurposetofindyou—andaprettydanceyou’veledme.”
Thecarslackenedspeed.Georgespokeoverhisshoulder:
“Crossroadshere,sir.I’mnotsureoftheway.”
Thecarsloweddowntillithardlymoved.Asitdidsoafigureclimbedsuddenlyovertheback,andplungedheadfirstintothemidstofthem.
“Sorry,”saidTommy,extricatinghimself.
Amassofconfusedexclamationsgreetedhim.Herepliedtothemseverally:
“Wasinthebushesbythedrive.Hungonbehind.Couldn’tletyouknowbeforeatthepaceyouweregoing.ItwasallIcoulddotohangon.Nowthen,yougirls,getout!”
“Getout?”
“Yes.There’sastationjustupthatroad.Traindueinthreeminutes.You’llcatchitifyouhurry.”
“Whatthedevilareyoudrivingat?”demandedJulius.“Doyouthinkyoucanfoolthembyleavingthecar?”
“YouandIaren’tgoingtoleavethecar.Onlythegirls.”
“You’recrazed,Beresford.Starkstaringmad!Youcan’tletthosegirlsgooffalone.It’llbetheendofitifyoudo.”
TommyturnedtoTuppence.
“Getoutatonce,Tuppence.Takeherwithyou,anddojustasIsay.Noonewilldoyouanyharm.You’resafe.TakethetraintoLondon.GostraighttoSirJamesPeelEdgerton.Mr.Carterlivesoutoftown,butyou’llbesafewithhim.”
“Darnyou!”criedJulius.“You’remad.Jane,youstaywhereyouare.”
Withasuddenswiftmovement,TommysnatchedtherevolverfromJulius’shand,andlevelleditathim.
“NowwillyoubelieveI’minearnest?Getout,bothofyou,anddoasIsay—orI’llshoot!”
Tuppencesprangout,draggingtheunwillingJaneafterher.
“Comeon,it’sallright.IfTommy’ssure—he’ssure.Bequick.We’llmissthetrain.”
Theystartedrunning.
Julius’spent-uprageburstforth.
“Whatthehell—”
Tommyinterruptedhim.
“Dryup!Iwantafewwordswithyou,Mr.JuliusHersheimmer.”
Twenty-five
JANE’SSTORY
HerarmthroughJane’s,draggingheralong,Tuppencereachedthestation.Herquickearscaughtthesoundoftheapproachingtrain.
“Hurryup,”shepanted,“orwe’llmissit.”
Theyarrivedontheplatformjustasthetraincametoastandstill.Tuppenceopenedthedoorofanemptyfirst-classcompartment,andthetwogirlssankdownbreathlessonthepaddedseats.
Amanlookedin,thenpassedontothenextcarriage.Janestartednervously.Hereyesdilatedwithterror.ShelookedquestioninglyatTuppence.
“Isheoneofthem,doyouthink?”shebreathed.
Tuppenceshookherhead.
“No,no.It’sallright.”ShetookJane’shandinhers.“Tommywouldn’thavetoldustodothisunlesshewassurewe’dbeallright.”
“Buthedoesn’tknowthemasIdo!”Thegirlshivered.“Youcan’tunderstand.Fiveyears!Fivelongyears!SometimesIthoughtIshouldgomad.”
“Nevermind.It’sallover.”
“Isit?”
Thetrainwasmovingnow,speedingthroughthenightatagraduallyincreasingrate.SuddenlyJaneFinnstartedup.
“Whatwasthat?IthoughtIsawaface—lookinginthroughthewindow.”
“No,there’snothing.See.”Tuppencewenttothewindow,andliftingthestrapletthepanedown.
“You’resure?”
“Quitesure.”
Theotherseemedtofeelsomeexcusewasnecessary:
“IguessI’mactinglikeafrightenedrabbit,butIcan’thelpit.Iftheycaughtmenowthey’d—”Hereyesopenedwideandstaring.
“Don’t!”imploredTuppence.“Lieback,anddon’tthink.YoucanbequitesurethatTommywouldn’thavesaiditwassafeifitwasn’t.”
“Mycousindidn’tthinkso.Hedidn’twantustodothis.”
“No,”saidTuppence,ratherembarrassed.
“Whatareyouthinkingof?”saidJanesharply.
“Why?”
“Yourvoicewasso—queer!”
“Iwasthinkingofsomething,”confessedTuppence.“ButIdon’twanttotellyou—notnow.Imaybewrong,butIdon’tthinkso.It’sjustanideathatcameintomyheadalongtimeago.Tommy’sgotittoo—I’malmostsurehehas.Butdon’tyouworry—there’llbetimeenoughforthatlater.Anditmayn’tbesoatall!DowhatItellyou—liebackanddon’tthinkofanything.”
“I’lltry.”Thelonglashesdroopedoverthehazeleyes.
Tuppence,forherpart,satboltupright—muchintheattitudeofawatchfulterrieronguard.Inspiteofherselfshewasnervous.Hereyesflashedcontinuallyfromonewindowtotheother.Shenotedtheexactpositionofthecommunicationcord.Whatitwasthatshefeared,shewouldhavebeenhardputtoittosay.Butinherownmindshewasfarfromfeelingtheconfidencedisplayedinherwords.NotthatshedisbelievedinTommy,butoccasionallyshewasshakenwithdoubtsastowhetheranyonesosimpleandhonestashewascouldeverbeamatchforthefiendishsubtletyofthearch-criminal.
IftheyoncereachedSirJamesPeelEdgertoninsafety,allwouldbewell.Butwouldtheyreachhim?WouldnotthesilentforcesofMr.Brownalreadybeassemblingagainstthem?EventhatlastpictureofTommy,revolverinhand,failedtocomforther.Bynowhemightbeoverpowered,bornedownbysheerforceofnumbers…Tuppencemappedoutherplanofcampaign.
AsthetrainatlengthdrewslowlyintoCharingCross,JaneFinnsatupwithastart.
“Havewearrived?Ineverthoughtweshould!”
“Oh,Ithoughtwe’dgettoLondonallright.Ifthere’sgoingtobeanyfun,nowiswhenitwillbegin.Quick,getout.We’llnipintoataxi.”
Inanotherminutetheywerepassingthebarrier,hadpaidthenecessaryfares,andweresteppingintoataxi.
“King’sCross,”directedTuppence.Thenshegaveajump.Amanlookedinatthewindow,justastheystarted.Shewasalmostcertainitwasthesamemanwhohadgotintothecarriagenexttothem.Shehadahorriblefeelingofbeingslowlyhemmedinoneveryside.
“Yousee,”sheexplainedtoJane,“iftheythinkwe’regoingtoSirJames,thiswillputthemoffthescent.Nowthey’llimaginewe’regoingtoMr.Carter.HiscountryplaceisnorthofLondonsomewhere.”
CrossingHolborntherewasablock,andthetaxiwasheldup.ThiswaswhatTuppencehadbeenwaitingfor.
“Quick,”shewhispered.“Opentheright-handdoor!”
Thetwogirlssteppedoutintothetraffic.Twominuteslatertheywereseatedinanothertaxiandwereretracingtheirsteps,thistimedirecttoCarltonHouseTerrace.
“There,”saidTuppence,withgreatsatisfaction,“thisoughttodothem.Ican’thelpthinkingthatI’mreallyratherclever!Howthatothertaximanwillswear!ButItookhisnumber,andI’llsendhimapostalordertomorrow,sothathewon’tlosebyitifhehappenstobegenuine.What’sthisthingswerving—Oh!”
Therewasagrindingnoiseandabump.Anothertaxihadcollidedwiththem.
InaflashTuppencewasoutonthepavement.Apolicemanwasapproaching.BeforehearrivedTuppencehadhandedthedriverfiveshillings,andsheandJanehadmergedthemselvesinthecrowd.
“It’sonlyasteportwonow,”saidTuppencebreathlessly.TheaccidenthadtakenplaceinTrafalgarSquare.
“Doyouthinkthecollisionwasanaccident,ordonedeliberately?”
“Idon’tknow.Itmighthavebeeneither.”
Handinhand,thetwogirlshurriedalong.
“Itmaybemyfancy,”saidTuppencesuddenly,“butIfeelasthoughtherewassomeonebehindus.”
“Hurry!”murmuredtheother.“Oh,hurry!”
TheywerenowatthecornerofCarltonHouseTerrace,andtheirspiritslightened.Suddenlyalargeandapparentlyintoxicatedmanbarredtheirway.
“Goodevening,ladies,”hehiccupped.“Whitherawaysofast?”
“Letuspass,please,”saidTuppenceimperiously.
“Justawordwithyourprettyfriendhere.”Hestretchedoutanunsteadyhand,andclutchedJanebytheshoulder.Tuppenceheardotherfootstepsbehind.Shedidnotpausetoascertainwhethertheywerefriendsorfoes.Loweringherhead,sherepeatedaman?uvreofchildishdays,andbuttedtheiraggressorfullinthecapaciousmiddle.Thesuccessoftheseunsportsmanliketacticswasimmediate.Themansatdownabruptlyonthepavement.TuppenceandJanetooktotheirheels.Thehousetheysoughtwassomewaydown.Otherfootstepsechoedbehindthem.TheirbreathwascominginchokinggaspsastheyreachedSirJames’sdoor.TuppenceseizedthebellandJanetheknocker.
Themanwhohadstoppedthemreachedthefootofthesteps.Foramomenthehesitated,andashedidsothedooropened.Theyfellintothehalltogether.SirJamescameforwardfromthelibrarydoor.
“Hullo!What’sthis?”
HesteppedforwardandputhisarmroundJaneassheswayeduncertainly.Hehalfcarriedherintothelibrary,andlaidherontheleathercouch.Fromatantalusonthetablehepouredoutafewdropsofbrandy,andforcedhertodrinkthem.Withasighshesatup,hereyesstillwildandfrightened.
“It’sallright.Don’tbeafraid,mychild.You’requitesafe.”
Herbreathcamemorenormally,andthecolourwasreturningtohercheeks.SirJameslookedatTuppencequizzically.
“Soyou’renotdead,MissTuppence,anymorethanthatTommyboyofyourswas!”
“TheYoungAdventurestakealotofkilling,”boastedTuppence.
“Soitseems,”saidSirJamesdryly.“AmIrightinthinkingthatthejointventurehasendedinsuccess,andthatthis”—heturnedtothegirlonthecouch—“isMissJaneFinn?”
Janesatup.
“Yes,”shesaidquietly,“IamJaneFinn.Ihavealottotellyou.”
“Whenyouarestronger—”
“No—now!”Hervoicerosealittle.“IshallfeelsaferwhenIhavetoldeverything.”
“Asyouplease,”saidthelawyer.
Hesatdowninoneofthebigarmchairsfacingthecouch.InalowvoiceJanebeganherstory.
“IcameoverontheLusitaniatotakeupapostinParis.Iwasfearfullykeenaboutthewar,andjustdyingtohelpsomehoworother.IhadbeenstudyingFrench,andmyteachersaidtheywerewantinghelpinahospitalinParis,soIwroteandofferedmyservices,andtheywereaccepted.Ihadn’tgotanyfolkofmyown,soitmadeiteasytoarrangethings.
“WhentheLusitaniawastorpedoed,amancameuptome.I’dnoticedhimmorethanonce—andI’dfigureditoutinmyownmindthathewasafraidofsomebodyorsomething.HeaskedmeifIwasapatrioticAmerican,andtoldmehewascarryingpaperswhichwerejustlifeordeathtotheAllies.Heaskedmetotakechargeofthem.IwastowatchforanadvertisementinTheTimes.Ifitdidn’tappear,IwastotakethemtotheAmericanAmbassador.
“Mostofwhatfollowedseemslikeanightmarestill.Iseeitinmydreamssometimes…I’llhurryoverthatpart.Mr.Danvershadtoldmetowatchout.HemighthavebeenshadowedfromNewYork,buthedidn’tthinkso.AtfirstIhadnosuspicions,butontheboattoHolyheadIbegantogetuneasy.Therewasonewomanwhohadbeenverykeentolookafterme,andchumupwithmegenerally—aMrs.Vandemeyer.AtfirstI’dbeenonlygratefultoherforbeingsokindtome;butallthetimeIfelttherewassomethingaboutherIdidn’tlike,andontheIrishboatIsawhertalkingtosomequeer-lookingmen,andfromthewaytheylookedIsawthattheyweretalkingaboutme.Irememberedthatshe’dbeenquitenearmeontheLusitaniawhenMr.Danversgavemethepacket,andbeforethatshe’dtriedtotalktohimonceortwice.Ibegantogetscared,butIdidn’tquiteseewhattodo.
“IhadawildideaofstoppingatHolyhead,andnotgoingontoLondonthatday,butIsoonsawthatwouldbeplumbfoolishness.TheonlythingwastoactasthoughI’dnoticednothing,andhopeforthebest.Icouldn’tseehowtheycouldgetmeifIwasonmyguard.OnethingI’ddonealreadyasaprecaution—rippedopentheoilskinpacketandsubstitutedblankpaper,andthensewnitupagain.So,ifanyonedidmanagetorobmeofit,itwouldn’tmatter.
“Whattodowiththerealthingworriedmenoend.FinallyIopeneditoutflat—therewereonlytwosheets—andlaiditbetweentwooftheadvertisementpagesofamagazine.Istuckthetwopagestogetherroundtheedgewithsomegumoffanenvelope.Icarriedthemagazinecarelesslystuffedintothepocketofmyulster.
“AtHolyheadItriedtogetintoacarriagewithpeoplethatlookedallright,butinaqueerwaythereseemedalwaystobeacrowdroundmeshovingandpushingmejustthewayIdidn’twanttogo.Therewassomethinguncannyandfrighteningaboutit.IntheendIfoundmyselfinacarriagewithMrs.Vandemeyerafterall.Iwentoutintothecorridor,butalltheothercarriageswerefull,soIhadtogobackandsitdown.Iconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthattherewereotherpeopleinthecarriage—therewasquiteanice-lookingmanandhiswifesittingjustopposite.SoIfeltalmosthappyaboutituntiljustoutsideLondon.Ihadleanedbackandclosedmyeyes.IguesstheythoughtIwasasleep,butmyeyesweren’tquiteshut,andsuddenlyIsawthenice-lookingmangetsomethingoutofhisbagandhandittoMrs.Vandemeyer,andashedidsohewinked
“Ican’ttellyouhowthatwinksortoffrozemethroughandthrough.MyonlythoughtwastogetoutinthecorridorasquickaseverIcould.Igotup,tryingtolooknaturalandeasy.Perhapstheysawsomething—Idon’tknow—butsuddenlyMrs.Vandemeyersaid‘Now,’andflungsomethingovermynoseandmouthasItriedtoscream.AtthesamemomentIfeltaterrificblowonthebackofmyhead….”
Sheshuddered.SirJamesmurmuredsomethingsympathetically.Inaminutesheresumed:
“Idon’tknowhowlongitwasbeforeIcamebacktoconsciousness.Ifeltveryillandsick.Iwaslyingonadirtybed.Therewasascreenroundit,butIcouldheartwopeopletalkingintheroom.Mrs.Vandemeyerwasoneofthem.Itriedtolisten,butatfirstIcouldn’ttakemuchin.WhenatlastIdidbegintograspwhatwasgoingon—Iwasjustterrified!IwonderIdidn’tscreamrightoutthereandthen.
“Theyhadn’tfoundthepapers.They’dgottheoilskinpacketwiththeblanks,andtheywerejustmad!Theydidn’tknowwhetherI’dchangedthepapers,orwhetherDanvershadbeencarryingadummymessage,whiletherealonewassentanotherway.Theyspokeof“—sheclosedhereyes—“torturingmetofindout!”
“I’dneverknownwhatfear—reallysickeningfear—wasbefore!Oncetheycametolookatme.Ishutmyeyesandpretendedtobestillunconscious,butIwasafraidthey’dhearthebeatingofmyheart.However,theywentawayagain.Ibeganthinkingmadly.WhatcouldIdo?IknewIwouldn’tbeabletostandupagainsttortureverylong.
“Suddenlysomethingputthethoughtoflossofmemoryintomyhead.Thesubjecthadalwaysinterestedme,andI’dreadanawfullotaboutit.Ihadthewholethingatmyfingertips.IfonlyIcouldsucceedincarryingthebluffthrough,itmightsaveme.Isaidaprayer,anddrewalongbreath.ThenIopenedmyeyesandstartedbabblinginFrench!
“Mrs.Vandemeyercameroundthescreenatonce.HerfacewassowickedInearlydied,butIsmiledupatherdoubtfully,andaskedherinFrenchwhereIwas.
“Itpuzzledher,Icouldsee.Shecalledthemanshehadbeentalkingto.Hestoodbythescreenwithhisfaceinshadow.HespoketomeinFrench.Hisvoicewasveryordinaryandquietbutsomehow,Idon’tknowwhy,hescaredme,butIwentonplayingmypart.IaskedagainwhereIwas,andthenwentonthattherewassomethingImustremember—mustremember—onlyforthemomentitwasallgone.Iworkedmyselfuptobemoreandmoredistressed.Heaskedmemyname.IsaidIdidn’tknow—thatIcouldn’trememberanythingatall.
“Suddenlyhecaughtmywrist,andbegantwistingit.Thepainwasawful.Iscreamed.Hewenton.Iscreamedandscreamed,butImanagedtoshriekoutthingsinFrench.Idon’tknowhowlongIcouldhavegoneon,butluckilyIfainted.ThelastthingIheardwashisvoicesaying:‘That’snotbluff!Anyway,akidofheragewouldn’tknowenough.”IguessheforgotAmericangirlsareolderfortheiragethanEnglishones,andtakemoreinterestinscientificsubjects.
“WhenIcameto,Mrs.Vandemeyerwassweetashoneytome.She’dhadherorders,Iguess.ShespoketomeinFrench—toldmeI’dhadashockandbeenveryill.Ishouldbebettersoon.Ipretendedtoberatherdazed—murmuredsomethingaboutthe‘doctor’havinghurtmywrist.ShelookedrelievedwhenIsaidthat.
“Byandbyshewentoutoftheroomaltogether.Iwassuspiciousstill,andlayquitequietforsometime.Intheend,however,Igotupandwalkedroundtheroom,examiningit.Ithoughtthatevenifanyonewaswatchingmefromsomewhere,itwouldseemnaturalenoughunderthecircumstances.Itwasasqualid,dirtyplace.Therewerenowindows,whichseemedqueer.Iguessedthedoorwouldbelocked,butIdidn’ttryit.Thereweresomebatteredoldpicturesonthewalls,representingscenesfromFaust.”
Jane’stwolistenersgaveasimultaneous“Ah!”Thegirlnodded.
“Yes—itwastheplaceinSohowhereMr.Beresfordwasimprisoned.OfcourseatthetimeIdidn’tevenknowifIwasinLondon.Onethingwasworryingmedreadfully,butmyheartgaveagreatthrobofreliefwhenIsawmyulsterlyingcarelesslyoverthebackofachair.Andthemagazinewasstillrolledupinthepocket!
“IfonlyIcouldbecertainthatIwasnotbeingoverlooked!Ilookedcarefullyroundthewalls.Theredidn’tseemtobeapeepholeofanykind—neverthelessIfeltkindofsuretheremustbe.AllofasuddenIsatdownontheedgeofthetable,andputmyfaceinmyhands,sobbingouta‘MonDieu!MonDieu!’I’vegotverysharpears.Idistinctlyheardtherustleofadress,andslightcreak.Thatwasenoughforme.Iwasbeingwatched!
“Ilaydownonthebedagain,andbyandbyMrs.Vandemeyerbroughtmesomesupper.Shewasstillsweetastheymakethem.Iguessshe’dbeentoldtowinmyconfidence.Presentlysheproducedtheoilskinpacket,andaskedmeifIrecognizedit,watchingmelikealynxallthetime.
“Itookitandturneditoverinapuzzledsortofway.ThenIshookmyhead.IsaidthatIfeltIoughttoremembersomethingaboutit,thatitwasjustasthoughitwasallcomingback,andthen,beforeIcouldgetholdofit,itwentagain.ThenshetoldmethatIwasherniece,andthatIwastocallher‘AuntRita.’Ididobediently,andshetoldmenottoworry—mymemorywouldsooncomeback.
“Thatwasanawfulnight.I’dmademyplanwhilstIwaswaitingforher.Thepapersweresafesofar,butIcouldn’ttaketheriskofleavingthemthereanylonger.Theymightthrowthatmagazineawayanyminute.IlayawakewaitinguntilIjudgeditmustbeabouttwoo’clockinthemorning.ThenIgotupassoftlyasIcould,andfeltinthedarkalongtheleft-handwall.Verygently,Iunhookedoneofthepicturesfromitsnail—Margueritewithhercasketofjewels.Icreptovertomycoatandtookoutthemagazine,andanoddenvelopeortwothatIhadshovedin.ThenIwenttothewashstand,anddampedthebrownpaperatthebackofthepictureallround.PresentlyIwasabletopullitaway.Ihadalreadytornoutthetwostuck-togetherpagesfromthemagazine,andnowIslippedthemwiththeirpreciousenclosurebetweenthepictureanditsbrownpaperbacking.Alittlegumfromtheenvelopeshelpedmetostickthelatterupagain.Noonewoulddreamthepicturehadeverbeentamperedwith.Irehungitonthewall,putthemagazinebackinmycoatpocket,andcreptbacktobed.Iwaspleasedwithmyhidingplace.They’dneverthinkofpullingtopiecesoneoftheirownpictures.Ihopedthatthey’dcometotheconclusionthatDanvershadbeencarryingadummyallalong,andthat,intheend,they’dletmego.
“Asamatteroffact,Iguessthat’swhattheydidthinkatfirstand,inaway,itwasdangerousforme.Ilearntafterwardsthattheynearlydidawaywithmethenandthere—therewasnevermuchchanceoftheir‘lettingmego’—butthefirstman,whowastheboss,preferredtokeepmealiveonthechanceofmyhavinghiddenthem,andbeingabletotellwhereifIrecoveredmymemory.Theywatchedmeconstantlyforweeks.Sometimesthey’daskmequestionsbythehour—Iguesstherewasnothingtheydidn’tknowaboutthethirddegree!—butsomehowImanagedtoholdmyown.Thestrainofitwasawful,though..
“TheytookmebacktoIreland,andovereverystepofthejourneyagain,incaseI’dhiddenitsomewhereenroute.Mrs.Vandemeyerandanotherwomanneverleftmeforamoment.TheyspokeofmeasayoungrelativeofMrs.Vandemeyer’swhosemindwasaffectedbytheshockoftheLusitania.TherewasnooneIcouldappealtoforhelpwithoutgivingmyselfawaytothem,andifIriskeditandfailed—andMrs.Vandemeyerlookedsorich,andsobeautifullydressed,thatIfeltconvincedthey’dtakeherwordagainstmine,andthinkitwaspartofmymentaltroubletothinkmyself‘persecuted’—IfeltthatthehorrorsinstoreformewouldbetooawfuloncetheyknewI’dbeenonlyshamming.”
SirJamesnoddedcomprehendingly.
“Mrs.Vandemeyerwasawomanofgreatpersonality.Withthatandhersocialpositionshewouldhavehadlittledifficultyinimposingherpointofviewinpreferencetoyours.Yoursensationalaccusationsagainstherwouldnoteasilyhavefoundcredence.”
“That’swhatIthought.ItendedinmybeingsenttoasanatoriumatBournemouth.Icouldn’tmakeupmymindatfirstwhetheritwasashamaffairorgenuine.Ahospitalnursehadchargeofme.Iwasaspecialpatient.SheseemedsoniceandnormalthatatlastIdeterminedtoconfideinher.Amercifulprovidencejustsavedmeintimefromfallingintothetrap.Mydoorhappenedtobeajar,andIheardhertalkingtosomeoneinthepassage.Shewasoneofthem!Theystillfancieditmightbeabluffonmypart,andshewasputinchargeofmetomakesure!Afterthat,mynervewentcompletely.Idaredtrustnobody.
“IthinkIalmosthypnotizedmyself.Afterawhile,IalmostforgotthatIwasreallyJaneFinn.IwassobentonplayingthepartofJanetVandemeyerthatmynervesbegantoplaytricks.Ibecamereallyill—formonthsIsankintoasortofstupor.IfeltsureIshoulddiesoon,andthatnothingreallymattered.Asanepersonshutupinalunaticasylumoftenendsbybecominginsane,theysay.IguessIwaslikethat.Playingmyparthadbecomesecondnaturetome.Iwasn’tevenunhappyintheend—justapathetic.Nothingseemedtomatter.Andtheyearswenton.
“Andthensuddenlythingsseemedtochange.Mrs.VandemeyercamedownfromLondon.Sheandthedoctoraskedmequestions,experimentedwithvarioustreatments.TherewassometalkofsendingmetoaspecialistinParis.Intheend,theydidnotdareriskit.Ioverheardsomethingthatseemedtoshowthatotherpeople—friends—werelookingforme.IlearntlaterthatthenursewhohadlookedaftermewenttoParis,andconsultedaspecialist,representingherselftobeme.Heputherthroughsomesearchingtests,andexposedherlossofmemorytobefraudulent;butshehadtakenanoteofhismethodsandreproducedthemonme.IdaresayIcouldn’thavedeceivedthespecialistforaminute—amanwhohasmadealifelongstudyofathingisunique—butImanagedonceagaintoholdmyownwiththem.ThefactthatI’dnotthoughtofmyselfasJaneFinnforsolongmadeiteasier.
“OnenightIwaswhiskedofftoLondonatamoment’snotice.TheytookmebacktothehouseinSoho.OnceIgotawayfromthesanatoriumIfeltdifferent—asthoughsomethinginmethathadbeenburiedforalongtimewaswakingupagain.
“TheysentmeintowaitonMr.Beresford.(OfcourseIdidn’tknowhisnamethen.)Iwassuspicious—Ithoughtitwasanothertrap.Buthelookedsohonest,Icouldhardlybelieveit.HoweverIwascarefulinallIsaid,forIknewwecouldbeoverheard.There’sasmallhole,highupinthewall.
“ButontheSundayafternoonamessagewasbroughttothehouse.Theywereallverydisturbed.Withouttheirknowing,Ilistened.Wordhadcomethathewastobekilled.Ineedn’ttellthenextpart,becauseyouknowit.IthoughtI’dhavetimetorushupandgetthepapersfromtheirhidingplace,butIwascaught.SoIscreamedoutthathewasescaping,andIsaidIwantedtogobacktoMarguerite.Ishoutedthenamethreetimesveryloud.IknewtheotherswouldthinkImeantMrs.Vandemeyer,butIhopeditmightmakeMr.Beresfordthinkofthepicture.He’dunhookedonethefirstday—that’swhatmademehesitatetotrusthim.”
Shepaused.
“Thenthepapers,”saidSirJamesslowly,“arestillatthebackofthepictureinthatroom.”
“Yes.”Thegirlhadsunkbackonthesofaexhaustedwiththestrainofthelongstory.
SirJamesrosetohisfeet.Helookedathiswatch.
“Come,”hesaid,“wemustgoatonce.”
“Tonight?queriedTuppence,surprised.
“Tomorrowmaybetoolate,”saidSirJamesgravely.“Besides,bygoingtonightwehavethechanceofcapturingthatgreatmanandsuper-criminal—Mr.Brown!”
Therewasdeadsilence,andSirJamescontinued:
“Youhavebeenfollowedhere—notadoubtofit.Whenweleavethehouseweshallbefollowedagain,butnotmolestedforitisMr.Brown’splanthatwearetoleadhim.ButtheSohohouseisunderpolicesupervisionnightandday.Thereareseveralmenwatchingit.Whenweenterthathouse,Mr.Brownwillnotdrawback—hewillriskall,onthechanceofobtainingthesparktofirehismine.Andhefanciestherisknotgreat—sincehewillenterintheguiseofafriend!”
Tuppenceflushed,thenopenedhermouthimpulsively.
“Butthere’ssomethingyoudon’tknow—thatwehaven’ttoldyou.”HereyesdweltonJaneinperplexity.
“Whatisthat?”askedtheothersharply.“Nohesitations,MissTuppence.Weneedtobesureofourgoing.”
ButTuppence,foronce,seemedtongue-tied.
“It’ssodifficult—yousee,ifI’mwrong—oh,itwouldbedreadful.”ShemadeagrimaceattheunconsciousJane.“Neverforgiveme,”sheobservedcryptically.
“Youwantmetohelpyouout,eh?”
“Yes,please.YouknowwhoMr.Brownis,don’tyou?”
“Yes,”saidSirJamesgravely.“AtlastIdo.”
“Atlast?”queriedTuppencedoubtfully.“Oh,butIthought—”Shepaused.
“Youthoughtcorrectly,MissTuppence.Ihavebeenmorallycertainofhisidentityforsometime—eversincethenightofMrs.Vandemeyer’smysteriousdeath.”
“Ah!”breathedTuppence.
“Forthereweareupagainstthelogicoffacts.Thereareonlytwosolutions.Eitherthechloralwasadministeredbyherownhand,whichtheoryIrejectutterly,orelse—”
“Yes?”
“Orelseitwasadministeredinthebrandyyougaveher.Onlythreepeopletouchedthatbrandy—you,MissTuppence,Imyself,andoneother—Mr.JuliusHersheimmer!”
JaneFinnstirredandsatup,regardingthespeakerwithwideastonishedeyes.
“Atfirst,thethingseemedutterlyimpossible.Mr.Hersheimmer,asthesonofaprominentmillionaire,wasawell-knownfigureinAmerica.ItseemedutterlyimpossiblethatheandMr.Browncouldbeoneandthesame.Butyoucannotescapefromthelogicoffacts.Sincethethingwasso—itmustbeaccepted.RememberMrs.Vandemeyer’ssuddenandinexplicableagitation.Anotherproof,ifproofwasneeded.
“Itookanearlyopportunityofgivingyouahint.FromsomewordsofMr.Hersheimmer’satManchester,Igatheredthatyouhadunderstoodandactedonthathint.ThenIsettoworktoprovetheimpossiblepossible.Mr.Beresfordrangmeupandtoldme,whatIhadalreadysuspected,thatthephotographofMissJaneFinnhadneverreallybeenoutof
Butthegirlinterrupted.Springingtoherfeet,shecriedoutangrily:
“Whatdoyoumean?Whatareyoutryingtosuggest?ThatMr.BrownisJulius?Julius—myowncousin!”
“No,MissFinn,”saidSirJamesunexpectedly.“Notyourcousin.ThemanwhocallshimselfJuliusHersheimmerisnorelationtoyouwhatsoever.”
Twenty-six
MR.BROWN
SirJames’swordscamelikeabombshell.Bothgirlslookedequallypuzzled.Thelawyerwentacrosstohisdesk,andreturnedwithasmallnewspapercutting,whichhehandedtoJane.Tuppencereaditoverhershoulder.Mr.Carterwouldhaverecognizedit.ItreferredtothemysteriousmanfounddeadinNewYork.
“AsIwassayingtoMissTuppence,”resumedthelawyer,“Isettoworktoprovetheimpossiblepossible.ThegreatstumblingblockwastheundeniablefactthatJuliusHersheimmerwasnotanassumedname.WhenIcameacrossthisparagraphmyproblemwassolved.JuliusHersheimmersetouttodiscoverwhathadbecomeofhiscousin.HewentoutWest,whereheobtainednewsofherandherphotographtoaidhiminhissearch.OntheeveofhisdeparturefromNewYorkhewassetuponandmurdered.Hisbodywasdressedinshabbyclothes,andthefacedisfiguredtopreventidentification.Mr.Browntookhisplace.HesailedimmediatelyforEngland.NoneoftherealHersheimmer’sfriendsorintimatessawhimbeforehesailed—thoughindeeditwouldhardlyhavematterediftheyhad,theimpersonationwassoperfect.Sincethenhehadbeenhandinglovewiththosesworntohunthimdown.Everysecretoftheirshadbeenknowntohim.Onlyoncedidhecomeneardisaster.Mrs.Vandemeyerknewhissecret.Itwasnopartofhisplanthatthathugebribeshouldeverbeofferedtoher.ButforMissTuppence’sfortunatechangeofplan,shewouldhavebeenfarawayfromtheflatwhenwearrivedthere.Exposurestaredhimintheface.Hetookadesperatestep,trustinginhisassumedcharactertoavertsuspicion.Henearlysucceeded—butnotquite.”
“Ican’tbelieveit,”murmuredJane.“Heseemedsosplendid.”
“TherealJuliusHersheimmerwasasplendidfellow!AndMr.Brownisaconsummateactor.ButaskMissTuppenceifshealsohasnothadhersuspicions.”
JaneturnedmutelytoTuppence.Thelatternodded.
“Ididn’twanttosayit,Jane—Iknewitwouldhurtyou.And,afterall,Icouldn’tbesure.Istilldon’tunderstandwhy,ifhe’sMr.Brown,herescuedus.”
“WasitJuliusHersheimmerwhohelpedyoutoescape?”
TuppencerecountedtoSirJamestheexcitingeventsoftheevening,endingup:“ButIcan’tseewhy!”
“Can’tyou?Ican.SocanyoungBeresford,byhisactions.AsalasthopeJaneFinnwastobeallowedtoescape—andtheescapemustbemanagedsothatsheharboursnosuspicionsofitsbeingaput-upjob.They’renotaversetoyoungBeresford’sbeingintheneighbourhood,and,ifnecessary,communicatingwithyou.They’lltakecaretogethimoutofthewayattherightminute.ThenJuliusHersheimmerdashesupandrescuesyouintruemelodramaticstyle.Bulletsfly—butdon’thitanybody.Whatwouldhavehappenednext?YouwouldhavedrivenstraighttothehouseinSohoandsecuredthedocumentwhichMissFinnwouldprobablyhaveentrustedtohercousin’skeeping.Or,ifheconductedthesearch,hewouldhavepretendedtofindthehidingplacealreadyrifled.Hewouldhavehadadozenwaysofdealingwiththesituation,buttheresultwouldhavebeenthesame.AndIratherfancysomeaccidentwouldhavehappenedtobothofyou.Yousee,youknowratheraninconvenientamount.That’saroughoutline.IadmitIwascaughtnapping;butsomebodyelsewasn’t.”
“Tommy,”saidTuppencesoftly.
“Yes.Evidentlywhentherightmomentcametogetridofhim—hewastoosharpforthem.Allthesame,I’mnottooeasyinmymindabouthim.”
“Why?”
“BecauseJuliusHersheimmerisMr.Brown,”saidSirJamesdryly.“AndittakesmorethanonemanandarevolvertoholdupMr.Brown….”
Tuppencepaledalittle.
“Whatcanwedo?”
“Nothinguntilwe’vebeentothehouseinSoho.IfBeresfordhasstillgottheupperhand,there’snothingtofear.Ifotherwise,ourenemywillcometofindus,andhewillnotfindusunprepared!”Fromadrawerinthedesk,hetookaServicerevolver,andplaceditinhiscoatpocket.
“Nowwe’reready.Iknowbetterthaneventosuggestgoingwithoutyou,MissTuppence—”
“Ishouldthinksoindeed!”
“ButIdosuggestthatMissFinnshouldremainhere.Shewillbeperfectlysafe,andIamafraidsheisabsolutelywornoutwithallshehasbeenthrough.”
ButtoTuppence’ssurpriseJaneshookherhead.
“No.IguessI’mgoingtoo.Thosepapersweremytrust.Imustgothroughwiththisbusinesstotheend.I’mheapsbetternowanyway.”
SirJames’scarwasorderedround.DuringtheshortdriveTuppence’sheartbeattumultuously.InspiteofmomentaryqualmsofuneasinessrespectingTommy,shecouldnotbutfeelexultation.Theyweregoingtowin!
Thecardrewupatthecornerofthesquareandtheygotout.SirJameswentuptoaplainclothesmanwhowasondutywithseveralothers,andspoketohim.Thenherejoinedthegirls.
“Noonehasgoneintothehousesofar.Itisbeingwatchedatthebackaswell,sotheyarequitesureofthat.Anyonewhoattemptstoenterafterwehavedonesowillbearrestedimmediately.Shallwegoin?”
Apolicemanproducedakey.TheyallknewSirJameswell.TheyhadalsohadordersrespectingTuppence.Onlythethirdmemberofthepartywasunknowntothem.Thethreeenteredthehouse,pullingthedoortobehindthem.Slowlytheymountedthericketystairs.AtthetopwastheraggedcurtainhidingtherecesswhereTommyhadhiddenthatday.TuppencehadheardthestoryfromJaneinhercharacterof“Annette.”Shelookedatthetatteredvelvetwithinterest.Evennowshecouldalmostswearitmoved—asthoughsomeonewasbehindit.Sostrongwastheillusionthatshealmostfanciedshecouldmakeouttheoutlineofaform…SupposingMr.Brown—Julius—wastherewaiting….
Impossibleofcourse!Yetshealmostwentbacktoputthecurtainasideandmakesure….
Nowtheywereenteringtheprisonroom.Noplaceforanyonetohidehere,thoughtTuppence,withasighofrelief,thenchidedherselfindignantly.Shemustnotgivewaytothisfoolishfancying—thiscuriousinsistentfeelingthatMr.Brownwasinthehouse…Hark!whatwasthat?Astealthyfootsteponthestairs?Therewassomeoneinthehouse!Absurd!Shewasbecominghysterical.
JanehadgonestraighttothepictureofMarguerite.Sheunhookeditwithasteadyhand.Thedustlaythickuponit,andfestoonsofcobwebslaybetweenitandthewall.SirJameshandedherapocketknife,andshestrippedawaythebrownpaperfromtheback…Theadvertisementpageofamagazinefellout.Janepickeditup.Holdingapartthefrayedinneredgessheextractedtwothinsheetscoveredwithwriting!
Nodummythistime!Therealthing!
“We’vegotit,”saidTuppence.“Atlast….”
Themomentwasalmostbreathlessinitsemotion.Forgottenthefaintcreakings,theimaginednoisesofaminuteago.NoneofthemhadeyesforanythingbutwhatJaneheldinherhand.
SirJamestookit,andscrutinizeditattentively.
“Yes,”hesaidquietly,“thisistheill-fateddrafttreaty!”
“We’vesucceeded,”saidTuppence.Therewasaweandanalmostwonderingunbeliefinhervoice.
SirJamesechoedherwordsashefoldedthepapercarefullyandputitawayinhispocketbook,thenhelookedcuriouslyroundthedingyroom.
“Itwasherethatyouryoungfriendwasconfinedforsolong,wasitnot?”hesaid.“Atrulysinisterroom.Younoticetheabsenceofwindows,andthethicknessoftheclose-fittingdoor.Whatevertookplaceherewouldneverbeheardbytheoutsideworld.”
Tuppenceshivered.Hiswordswokeavaguealarminher.Whatiftherewassomeoneconcealedinthehouse?Someonewhomightbarthatdooronthem,andleavethemtodielikeratsinatrap?Thensherealizedtheabsurdityofherthought.Thehousewassurroundedbypolicewho,iftheyfailedtoreappear,wouldnothesitatetobreakinandmakeathoroughsearch.Shesmiledatherownfoolishness—thenlookedupwithastarttofindSirJameswatchingher.Hegaveheranemphaticlittlenod.
“Quiteright,MissTuppence.Youscentdanger.SodoI.SodoesMissFinn.”
“Yes,”admittedJane.“It’sabsurd—butIcan’thelpit.”
SirJamesnoddedagain.
“Youfeel—asweallfeel—thepresenceofMr.Brown.Yes”—asTuppencemadeamovement—“notadoubtofit—Mr.Brownishere….”
“Inthishouse?”
“Inthisroom…Youdon’tunderstand?IamMr.Brown….”
Stupefied,unbelieving,theystaredathim.Theverylinesofhisfacehadchanged.Itwasadifferentmanwhostoodbeforethem.Hesmiledaslowcruelsmile.
“Neitherofyouwillleavethisroomalive!Yousaidjustnowwehadsucceeded.Ihavesucceeded!Thedrafttreatyismine.”HissmilegrewwiderashelookedatTuppence.“ShallItellyouhowitwillbe?Soonerorlaterthepolicewillbreakin,andtheywillfindthreevictimsofMr.Brown—three,nottwo,youunderstand,butfortunatelythethirdwillnotbedead,onlywounded,andwillbeabletodescribetheattackwithawealthofdetail!Thetreaty?ItisinthehandsofMr.Brown.SonoonewillthinkofsearchingthepocketsofSirJamesPeelEdgerton!”
HeturnedtoJane.
“Yououtwittedme.Imakemyacknowledgments.Butyouwillnotdoitagain.”
Therewasafaintsoundbehindhim,butintoxicatedwithsuccesshedidnotturnhishead.
Heslippedhishandintohispocket.
“CheckmatetotheYoungAdventurers,”hesaid,andslowlyraisedthebigautomatic.
But,evenashedidso,hefelthimselfseizedfrombehindinagripofiron.Therevolverwaswrenchedfromhishand,andthevoiceofJuliusHersheimmersaiddrawlingly:
“Iguessyou’recaughtred-handedwiththegoodsuponyou.”
ThebloodrushedtotheK.C.’sface,buthisself-controlwasmarvellous,ashelookedfromonetotheotherofhistwocaptors.HelookedlongestatTommy
“You,”hesaidbeneathhisbreath.“You!Imighthaveknown.”
Seeingthathewasdisposedtooffernoresistance,theirgripslackened.Quickasaflashhislefthand,thehandwhichborethebigsignetring,wasraisedtohislips….
“‘AveCaesar!temoriturisalutant,’”hesaid,stilllookingatTommy.
Thenhisfacechanged,andwithalongconvulsiveshudderhefellforwardinacrumpledheap,whilstanodourofbitteralmondsfilledtheair.
Twenty-seven
ASUPPERPARTYATTHESAVOY
ThesupperpartygivenbyMr.JuliusHersheimmertoafewfriendsontheeveningofthe30thwilllongberememberedincateringcircles.Ittookplaceinaprivateroom,andMr.Hersheimmer’sorderswerebriefandforcible.Hegavecarteblanche—andwhenamillionairegivescarteblancheheusuallygetsit!
Everydelicacyoutofseasonwasdulyprovided.Waiterscarriedbottlesofancientandroyalvintagewithlovingcare.Thefloraldecorationsdefiedtheseasons,andfruitsoftheearthasfarapartasMayandNovemberfoundthemselvesmiraculouslysidebyside.Thelistofguestswassmallandselect.TheAmericanAmbassador,Mr.Carter,whohadtakentheliberty,hesaid,ofbringinganoldfriend,SirWilliamBeresford,withhim,ArchdeaconCowley,Dr.Hall,thosetwoyouthfuladventurers,MissPrudenceCowleyandMr.ThomasBeresford,andlast,butnotleast,asguestofhonour,MissJaneFinn.
JuliushadsparednopainstomakeJane’sappearanceasuccess.AmysteriousknockhadbroughtTuppencetothedooroftheapartmentshewassharingwiththeAmericangirl.ItwasJulius.Inhishandheheldacheque.
“Say,Tuppence,”hebegan,“willyoudomeagoodturn?Takethis,andgetJaneregularlytoggedupforthisevening.You’reallcomingtosupperwithmeattheSavoy.See?Sparenoexpense.Yougetme?”
“Surething,”mimickedTuppence.“Weshallenjoyourselves!ItwillbeapleasuredressingJane.She’stheloveliestthingI’veeverseen.”
“That’sso,”agreedMr.Hersheimmerfervently.
HisfervourbroughtamomentarytwinkletoTuppence’seye.
“Bytheway,Julius,”sheremarkeddemurely,“I—haven’tgivenyoumyansweryet.”
“Answer?”saidJulius.Hisfacepaled
“Youknow—whenyouaskedmeto—marryyou,”falteredTuppence,hereyesdowncastinthetruemanneroftheearlyVictorianheroine,“andwouldn’ttakenoforananswer.I’vethoughtitwellover—”
“Yes?”saidJulius.Theperspirationstoodonhisforehead.
Tuppencerelentedsuddenly.
“Yougreatidiot!”shesaid.“Whatonearthinducedyoutodoit?Icouldseeatthetimeyoudidn’tcareatwopennydipforme!”
“Notatall.Ihad—andstillhave—thehighestsentimentsofesteemandrespect—andadmirationforyou—”
“H’m!”saidTuppence.“Thosearethekindofsentimentsthatverysoongotothewallwhentheothersentimentcomesalong!Don’tthey,oldthing?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”saidJuliusstiffly,butalargeandburningblushoverspreadhiscountenance.
“Shucks!”retortedTuppence.Shelaughedandclosedthedoor,reopeningittoaddwithdignity:“Morally,IshallalwaysconsiderIhavebeenjilted!”
“Whatwasit?”askedJaneasTuppencerejoinedher.
“Julius.”
“Whatdidhewant?”
“Really,Ithink,hewantedtoseeyou,butIwasn’tgoingtolethim.Notuntiltonight,whenyou’regoingtoburstuponeveryonelikeKingSolomoninhisglory!Comeon!We’regoingtoshop!”
Tomostpeoplethe29th,themuch-heralded“LabourDay,”hadpassedmuchasanyotherday.SpeechesweremadeintheParkandTrafalgarSquare.Stragglingprocessions,singingTheRedFlag,wanderedthroughthestreetsinamoreorlessaimlessmanner.Newspaperswhichhadhintedatageneralstrike,andtheinaugurationofareignofterror,wereforcedtohidetheirdiminishedheads.Thebolderandmoreastuteamongthemsoughttoprovethatpeacehadbeeneffectedbyfollowingtheircounsels.IntheSundaypapersabriefnoticeofthesuddendeathofSirJamesPeelEdgerton,thefamousK.C.,hadappeared.Monday’spaperdealtappreciativelywiththedeadman’scareer.Theexactmannerofhissuddendeathwasnevermadepublic.
Tommyhadbeenrightinhisforecastofthesituation.Ithadbeenaone-manshow.Deprivedoftheirchief,theorganizationfelltopieces.KrameninhadmadeaprecipitatereturntoRussia,leavingEnglandearlyonSundaymorning.TheganghadfledfromAstleyPriorsinapanic,leavingbehind,intheirhaste,variousdamagingdocumentswhichcompromisedthemhopelessly.Withtheseproofsofconspiracyintheirhands,aidedfurtherbyasmallbrowndiary,takenfromthepocketofthedeadmanwhichhadcontainedafullanddamningrésuméofthewholeplot,theGovernmenthadcalledaneleventh-hourconference.TheLabourleaderswereforcedtorecognizethattheyhadbeenusedasacat’spaw.CertainconcessionsweremadebytheGovernment,andwereeagerlyaccepted.ItwastobePeace,notWar!
ButtheCabinetknewbyhownarrowamargintheyhadescapedutterdisaster.AndburntinonMr.Carter’sbrainwasthestrangescenewhichhadtakenplaceinthehouseinSohothenightbefore.
Hehadenteredthesqualidroomtofindthatgreatman,thefriendofalifetime,dead—betrayedoutofhisownmouth.Fromthedeadman’spocketbookhehadretrievedtheill-omeneddrafttreaty,andthenandthere,inthepresenceoftheotherthree,ithadbeenreducedtoashes…Englandwassaved!
Andnow,ontheeveningofthe30th,inaprivateroomattheSavoy,Mr.JuliusP.Hersheimmerwasreceivinghisguests.
Mr.Carterwasthefirsttoarrive.Withhimwasacholeric-lookingoldgentleman,atsightofwhomTommyflusheduptotherootsofhishair.Hecameforward.
“Ha!”saidtheoldgentlemansurveyinghimapoplectically.“Soyou’remynephew,areyou?Notmuchtolookat—butyou’vedonegoodwork,itseems.Yourmothermusthavebroughtyouupwellafterall.Shallweletbygonesbebygones,eh?You’remyheir,youknow;andinfutureIproposetomakeyouanallowance—andyoucanlookuponChalmersParkasyourhome.”
“Thankyou,sir,it’sawfullydecentofyou.”
“Where’sthisyoungladyI’vebeenhearingsuchalotabout?”
TommyintroducedTuppence.
“Ha!”saidSirWilliam,eyeingher.“Girlsaren’twhattheyusedtobeinmyyoungdays.”
“Yes,theyare,”saidTuppence.“Theirclothesaredifferent,perhaps,buttheythemselvesarejustthesame.”
“Well,perhapsyou’reright.Minxesthen—minxesnow!”
“That’sit,”saidTuppence.“I’mafrightfulminxmyself.”
“Ibelieveyou,”saidtheoldgentleman,chuckling,andpinchedherearinhighgoodhumour.Mostyoungwomenwereterrifiedofthe“oldbear,”astheytermedhim.Tuppence’spertnessdelightedtheoldmisogynist.
Thencamethetimidarchdeacon,alittlebewilderedbythecompanyinwhichhefoundhimself,gladthathisdaughterwasconsideredtohavedistinguishedherself,butunabletohelpglancingatherfromtimetotimewithnervousapprehension.ButTuppencebehavedadmirably.Sheforboretocrossherlegs,setaguarduponhertongue,andsteadfastlyrefusedtosmoke.
Dr.Hallcamenext,andhewasfollowedbytheAmericanAmbassador.
“Wemightaswellsitdown,”saidJulius,whenhehadintroducedallhisgueststoeachother.“Tuppence,willyou—”
Heindicatedtheplaceofhonourwithawaveofhishand.
ButTuppenceshookherhead.
“No—that’sJane’splace!Whenonethinksofhowshe’sheldoutalltheseyears,sheoughttobemadethequeenofthefeasttonight.”
Juliusflungheragratefulglance,andJanecameforwardshylytotheallottedseat.Beautifulasshehadseemedbefore,itwasasnothingtothelovelinessthatnowwentfullyadorned.Tuppencehadperformedherpartfaithfully.Themodelgownsuppliedbyafamousdressmakerhadbeenentitled“Atigerlily.”Itwasallgoldsandredsandbrowns,andoutofitrosethepurecolumnofthegirl’swhitethroat,andthebronzemassesofhairthatcrownedherlovelyhead.Therewasadmirationineveryeye,asshetookherseat.
Soonthesupperpartywasinfullswing,andwithoneaccordTommywascalleduponforafullandcompleteexplanation.
“You’vebeentoodarnedcloseaboutthewholebusiness,”Juliusaccusedhim.“YouletontomethatyouwereofftotheArgentine—thoughIguessyouhadyourreasonsforthat.TheideaofbothyouandTuppencecastingmeforthepartofMr.Brownjustticklesmetodeath!”
“Theideawasnotoriginaltothem,”saidMr.Cartergravely.“Itwassuggested,andthepoisonverycarefullyinstilled,byapastmasterintheart.TheparagraphintheNewYorkpapersuggestedtheplantohim,andbymeansofithewoveawebthatnearlyenmeshedyoufatally.”
“Ineverlikedhim,”saidJulius.“Ifeltfromthefirstthattherewassomethingwrongabouthim,andIalwayssuspectedthatitwashewhosilencedMrs.Vandemeyersoappositely.Butitwasn’ttillIheardthattheorderforTommy’sexecutioncamerightontheheelsofourinterviewwithhimthatSundaythatIbegantotumbletothefactthathewasthebigbughimself.”
“Ineversuspecteditatall,”lamentedTuppence.“I’vealwaysthoughtIwassomuchclevererthanTommy—buthe’sundoubtedlyscoredovermehandsomely.”
Juliusagreed.
“Tommy’sbeenthegoodsthistrip!And,insteadofsittingthereasdumbasafish,lethimbanishhisblushes,andtellusallaboutit.”
“Hear!hear!”
“There’snothingtotell,”saidTommy,acutelyuncomfortable.“Iwasanawfulmug—rightuptothetimeIfoundthatphotographofAnnette,andrealizedthatshewasJaneFinn.ThenIrememberedhowpersistentlyshehadshoutedoutthatword‘Marguerite’—andIthoughtofthepictures,and—well,that’sthat.ThenofcourseIwentoverthewholethingtoseewhereI’dmadeanassofmyself.”
“Goon,”saidMr.Carter,asTommyshowedsignsoftakingrefugeinsilenceoncemore.
“ThatbusinessaboutMrs.VandemeyerhadworriedmewhenJuliustoldmeaboutit.Onthefaceofit,itseemedthatheorSirJamesmusthavedonethetrick.ButIdidn’tknowwhich.Findingthatphotographinthedrawer,afterthatstoryofhowithadbeengotfromhimbyInspectorBrown,mademesuspectJulius.ThenIrememberedthatitwasSirJameswhohaddiscoveredthefalseJaneFinn.Intheend,Icouldn’tmakeupmymind—andjustdecidedtotakenochanceseitherway.IleftanoteforJulius,incasehewasMr.Brown,sayingIwasofftotheArgentine,andIdroppedSirJames’sletterwiththeofferofthejobbythedesksothathewouldseeitwasagenuinestunt.ThenIwrotemylettertoMr.CarterandrangupSirJames.Takinghimintomyconfidencewouldbethebestthingeitherway,soItoldhimeverythingexceptwhereIbelievedthepaperstobehidden.ThewayhehelpedmetogetonthetrackofTuppenceandAnnettealmostdisarmedme,butnotquite.Ikeptmymindopenbetweenthetwoofthem.AndthenIgotabogusnotefromTuppence—andthenIknew!”
“Buthow?”
Tommytookthenoteinquestionfromhispocketandpasseditroundthetable.
“It’sherhandwritingallright,butIknewitwasn’tfromherbecauseofthesignature.She’dneverspellhername‘Twopence,’butanyonewho’dneverseenitwrittenmightquiteeasilydoso.Juliushadseenit—heshowedmeanoteofherstohimonce—butSirJameshadn’t!Afterthateverythingwasplainsailing.IsentoffAlbertposthastetoMr.Carter.Ipretendedtogoaway,butdoubledbackagain.WhenJuliuscameburstingupinhiscar,Ifeltitwasn’tpartofMr.Brown’splan—andthattherewouldprobablybetrouble.UnlessSirJameswasactuallycaughtintheact,sotospeak,IknewMr.Carterwouldneverbelieveitofhimonmybareword—”
“Ididn’t,”interposedMr.Carterruefully.
“That’swhyIsentthegirlsofftoSirJames.Iwassurethey’dfetchupatthehouseinSohosoonerorlater.IthreatenedJuliuswiththerevolver,becauseIwantedTuppencetorepeatthattoSirJames,sothathewouldn’tworryaboutus.ThemomentthegirlswereoutofsightItoldJuliustodrivelikehellforLondon,andaswewentalongItoldhimthewholestory.WegottotheSohohouseinplentyoftimeandmetMr.Carteroutside.Afterarrangingthingswithhimwewentinandhidbehindthecurtainintherecess.Thepolicemenhadorderstosay,iftheywereasked,thatnoonehadgoneintothehouse.That’sall.”
AndTommycametoanabrupthalt.
Therewassilenceforamoment.
“Bytheway,”saidJuliussuddenly,“you’reallwrongaboutthatphotographofJane.Itwastakenfromme,butIfounditagain.”
“Where?”criedTuppence.
“InthatlittlesafeonthewallinMrs.Vandermeyer’sbedroom.”
“Iknewyoufoundsomething,”saidTuppencereproachfully.“Totellyouthetruth,that’swhatstartedmeoffsuspectingyou.Whydidn’tyousay?”
“IguessIwasamitesuspicioustoo.Ithadbeengotawayfrommeonce,andIdeterminedIwouldn’tletonI’dgotituntilaphotographerhadmadeadozencopiesofit!”
“Weallkeptbacksomethingorother,”saidTuppencethoughtfully.“Isupposesecretserviceworkmakesyoulikethat!”
Inthepausethatensued,Mr.Cartertookfromhispocketasmallshabbybrownbook.
“BeresfordhasjustsaidthatIwouldnothavebelievedSirJamesPeelEdgertontobeguiltyunless,sotospeak,hewascaughtintheact.Thatisso.Indeed,notuntilIreadtheentriesinthislittlebookcouldIbringmyselffullytocredittheamazingtruth.ThisbookwillpassintothepossessionofScotlandYard,butitwillneverbepubliclyexhibited.SirJames’slongassociationwiththelawwouldmakeitundesirable.Buttoyou,whoknowthetruth,Iproposetoreadcertainpassageswhichwillthrowsomelightontheextraordinarymentalityofthisgreatman.”
Heopenedthebook,andturnedthethinpages.
“…Itismadnesstokeepthisbook.Iknowthat.Itisdocumentaryevidenceagainstme.ButIhavenevershrunkfromtakingrisks.AndIfeelanurgentneedforself-expression…Thebookwillonlybetakenfrommydeadbody….
“…FromanearlyageIrealizedthatIhadexceptionalabilities.Onlyafoolunderestimateshiscapabilities.Mybrainpowerwasgreatlyabovetheaverage.IknowthatIwasborntosucceed.Myappearancewastheonlythingagainstme.Iwasquietandinsignificant—utterlynondescript….
“…WhenIwasaboyIheardafamousmurdertrial.Iwasdeeplyimpressedbythepowerandeloquenceofthecounselforthedefence.ForthefirsttimeIentertainedtheideaoftakingmytalentstothatparticularmarket…ThenIstudiedthecriminalinthedock…Themanwasafool—hehadbeenincredibly,unbelievablystupid.Eventheeloquenceofhiscounselwashardlylikelytosavehim…Ifeltanimmeasurablecontemptforhim…Thenitoccurredtomethatthecriminalstandardwasalowone.Itwasthewastrels,thefailures,thegeneralriffraffofcivilizationwhodriftedintocrime…Strangethatmenofbrainshadneverrealizeditsextraordinaryopportunities…Iplayedwiththeidea…Whatamagnificentfield—whatunlimitedpossibilities!Itmademybrainreel….
“…Ireadstandardworksoncrimeandcriminals.Theyallconfirmedmyopinion.Degeneracy,disease—neverthedeliberateembracingofacareerbyafarseeingman.ThenIconsidered.Supposingmyutmostambitionswererealized—thatIwascalledtothebar,androsetotheheightofmyprofession?ThatIenteredpolitics—say,even,thatIbecamePrimeMinisterofEngland?Whatthen?Wasthatpower?Hamperedateveryturnbymycolleagues,fetteredbythedemocraticsystemofwhichIshouldbethemerefigurehead!No—thepowerIdreamedofwasabsolute!Anautocrat!Adictator!Andsuchpowercouldonlybeobtainedbyworkingoutsidethelaw.Toplayontheweaknessesofhumannature,thenontheweaknessesofnations—togettogetherandcontrolavastorganization,andfinallytooverthrowtheexistingorder,andrule!Thethoughtintoxicatedme….
“…IsawthatImustleadtwolives.Amanlikemyselfisboundtoattractnotice.Imusthaveasuccessfulcareerwhichwouldmaskmytrueactivities…AlsoImustcultivateapersonality.ImodelledmyselfuponfamousK.C.’s.Ireproducedtheirmannerisms,theirmagnetism.IfIhadchosentobeanactor,Ishouldhavebeenthegreatestactorliving!Nodisguises—nogreasepaint—nofalsebeards!Personality!Iputitonlikeaglove!WhenIshedit,Iwasmyself,quiet,unobtrusive,amanlikeeveryotherman.IcalledmyselfMr.Brown.TherearehundredsofmencalledBrown—therearehundredsofmenlookingjustlikeme….
“…Isucceededinmyfalsecareer.Iwasboundtosucceed.Ishallsucceedintheother.Amanlikemecannotfail….
“…IhavebeenreadingalifeofNapoleon.HeandIhavemuchincommon
“…Imakeapracticeofdefendingcriminals.Amanshouldlookafterhisownpeople….
“…OnceortwiceIhavefeltafraid.ThefirsttimewasinItaly.Therewasadinnergiven.ProfessorD—,thegreatalienist,waspresent.Thetalkfelloninsanity.Hesaid,‘Agreatmanymenaremad,andnooneknowsit.Theydonotknowitthemselves.’Idonotunderstandwhyhelookedatmewhenhesaidthat.Hisglancewasstrange.
“…Thewarhasdisturbedme…Ithoughtitwouldfurthermyplans.TheGermansaresoefficient.Theirspysystem,too,wasexcellent.Thestreetsarefulloftheseboysinkhaki.Allempty-headedyoungfools…YetIdonotknow…Theywonthewar…Itdisturbsme….
“…Myplansaregoingwell…Agirlbuttedin—Idonotthinkshereallyknewanything…ButwemustgiveuptheEsthonia…Norisksnow….
“…Allgoeswell.Thelossofmemoryisvexing.Itcannotbeafake.Nogirlcoulddeceiveme!….
“…The29th…Thatisverysoon…”Mr.Carterpaused.
“Iwillnotreadthedetailsofthecoupthatwasplanned.Buttherearejusttwosmallentriesthatrefertothethreeofyou.Inthelightofwhathappenedtheyareinteresting.
“…Byinducingthegirltocometomeofherownaccord,Ihavesucceededindisarmingher.Butshehasintuitiveflashesthatmightbedangerous…Shemustbegotoutoftheway…IcandonothingwiththeAmerican.Hesuspectsanddislikesme.Buthecannotknow.Ifancymyarmourisimpregnable…SometimesIfearIhaveunderestimatedtheotherboy.Heisnotclever,butitishardtoblindhiseyestofacts….”
Mr.Cartershutthebook.
“Agreatman,”hesaid.“Genius,orinsanity,whocansay?”
Therewassilence.
ThenMr.Carterrosetohisfeet.
“Iwillgiveyouatoast.TheJointVenturewhichhassoamplyjustifieditselfbysuccess!”
Itwasdrunkwithacclamation.
“There’ssomethingmorewewanttohear,”continuedMr.Carter.HelookedattheAmericanAmbassador.“Ispeakforyoualso,Iknow.We’llaskMissJaneFinntotellusthestorythatonlyMissTuppencehasheardsofar—butbeforewedosowe’lldrinkherhealth.ThehealthofoneofthebravestofAmerica’sdaughters,towhomisduethethanksandgratitudeoftwogreatcountries!”
Twenty-eight
ANDAFTER
“Thatwasamightygoodtoast,Jane,”saidMr.Hersheimmer,asheandhiscousinwerebeingdrivenbackintheRolls-RoycetotheRitz.
“Theonetothejointventure?”
“No—theonetoyou.Thereisn’tanothergirlintheworldwhocouldhavecarrieditthroughasyoudid.Youwerejustwonderful!”
Janeshookherhead.
“Idon’tfeelwonderful.AtheartI’mjusttiredandlonesome—andlongingformyowncountry.”
“ThatbringsmetosomethingIwantedtosay.IheardtheAmbassadortellingyouhiswifehopedyouwouldcometothemattheEmbassyrightaway.That’sgoodenough,butI’vegotanotherplan.Jane—Iwantyoutomarryme!Don’tgetscaredandsaynoatonce.Youcan’tlovemerightaway,ofcourse,that’simpossible.ButI’velovedyoufromtheverymomentIseteyesonyourphoto—andnowI’veseenyouI’msimplycrazyaboutyou!Ifyou’llonlymarryme,Iwon’tworryyouany—youshalltakeyourowntime.Maybeyou’llnevercometoloveme,andifthat’sthecaseI’llmanagetosetyoufree.ButIwanttherighttolookafteryou,andtakecareofyou.”
“That’swhatIwant,”saidthegirlwistfully.“Someonewho’llbegoodtome.Oh,youdon’tknowhowlonesomeIfeel!”
“SurethingIdo.ThenIguessthat’sallfixedup,andI’llseethearchbishopaboutaspeciallicencetomorrowmorning.”
“Oh,Julius!”
“Well,Idon’twanttohustleyouany,Jane,butthere’snosenseinwaitingabout.Don’tbescared—Ishan’texpectyoutolovemeallatonce.”
Butasmallhandwasslippedintohis.
“Iloveyounow,Julius,”saidJaneFinn.“Ilovedyouthatfirstmomentinthecarwhenthebulletgrazedyourcheek….”
FiveminuteslaterJanemurmuredsoftly:
“Idon’tknowLondonverywell,Julius,butisitsuchaverylongwayfromtheSavoytotheRitz?”
“Itdependshowyougo,”explainedJuliusunblushingly.“We’regoingbywayofRegent’sPark!”
“Oh,Julius—whatwillthechauffeurthink?”
“AtthewagesIpayhim,heknowsbetterthantodoanyindependentthinking.Why,Jane,theonlyreasonIhadthesupperattheSavoywassothatIcoulddriveyouhome.Ididn’tseehowIwasevergoingtogetholdofyoualone.YouandTuppencehavebeenstickingtogetherlikeSiamesetwins.IguessanotherdayofitwouldhavedrivenmeandBeresfordstarkstaringmad!”
“Oh.Ishe—?”
“Ofcourseheis.Headoverears.”
“Ithoughtso,”saidJanethoughtfully.
“Why?”
“FromallthethingsTuppencedidn’tsay!”
“Thereyouhavemebeat,”saidMr.Hersheimmer.
ButJaneonlylaughed.
Inthemeantime,theYoungAdventurersweresittingboltupright,verystiffandillatease,inataxiwhich,withasingularlackoforiginality,wasalsoreturningtotheRitzviaRegent’sPark.
Aterribleconstraintseemedtohavesettleddownbetweenthem.Withoutquiteknowingwhathadhappened,everythingseemedchanged.Theyweretongue-tied—paralysed.Alltheoldcameraderiewasgone.
Tuppencecouldthinkofnothingtosay.
Tommywasequallyafflicted.
Theysatverystraightandforboretolookateachother.
AtlastTuppencemadeadesperateeffort.
“Ratherfun,wasn’tit?”
“Rather.”
Anothersilence.
“IlikeJulius,”essayedTuppenceagain.
Tommywassuddenlygalvanizedintolife
“You’renotgoingtomarryhim,doyouhear?”hesaiddictatorially.“Iforbidit.”
“Oh!”saidTuppencemeekly.
“Absolutely,youunderstand.”
“Hedoesn’twanttomarryme—hereallyonlyaskedmeoutofkindness.”
“That’snotverylikely,”scoffedTommy.
“It’squitetrue.He’sheadoverearsinlovewithJane.Iexpecthe’sproposingtohernow.”
“She’lldoforhimverynicely,”saidTommycondescendingly.
“Don’tyouthinkshe’sthemostlovelycreatureyou’veeverseen?”
“Oh,Idaresay.”
“ButIsupposeyouprefersterlingworth,”saidTuppencedemurely.
“I—oh,dashitall,Tuppence,youknow!”
“Ilikeyouruncle,Tommy,”saidTuppence,hastilycreatingadiversion.“Bytheway,whatareyougoingtodo,acceptMr.Carter’sofferofaGovernmentjob,oracceptJulius’sinvitationandtakearichlyremuneratedpostinAmericaonhisranch?”
“Ishallsticktotheoldship,Ithink,thoughit’sawfullygoodofHersheimmer.ButIfeelyou’dbemoreathomeinLondon.”
“Idon’tseewhereIcomein.”
“Ido,”saidTommypositively.
Tuppencestoleaglanceathimsideways
“There’sthemoney,too,”sheobservedthoughtfully.
“Whatmoney?”
“We’regoingtogetachequeeach.Mr.Cartertoldmeso.”
“Didyouaskhowmuch?”inquiredTommysarcastically.
“Yes,”saidTuppencetriumphantly.“ButIshan’ttellyou.”
“Tuppence,youarethelimit!”
“Ithasbeenfun,hasn’tit,Tommy?Idohopeweshallhavelotsmoreadventures.”
“You’reinsatiable,Tuppence.I’vehadquiteenoughadventuresforthepresent.”
“Well,shoppingisalmostasgood,”saidTuppencedreamily.“Thinkingofbuyingoldfurniture,andbrightcarpets,andfuturistsilkcurtains,andapolisheddiningtable,andadivanwithlotsofcushions—”
“Holdhard,”saidTommy.“What’sallthisfor?”
“Possiblyahouse—butIthinkaflat.”
“Whoseflat?”
“YouthinkImindsayingit,butIdon’tintheleast!Ours,sothere!”
“Youdarling!”criedTommy,hisarmstightlyroundher.“Iwasdeterminedtomakeyousayit.Ioweyousomethingfortherelentlesswayyou’vesquashedmewheneverI’vetriedtobesentimental.”
Tuppenceraisedherfacetohis.ThetaxiproceededonitscourseroundthenorthsideofRegent’sPark.
“Youhaven’treallyproposednow,”pointedoutTuppence.“Notwhatourgrandmotherswouldcallaproposal.ButafterlisteningtoarottenonelikeJulius’s,I’minclinedtoletyouoff.”
“Youwon’tbeabletogetoutofmarryingme,sodon’tyouthinkit.”
“Whatfunitwillbe,”respondedTuppence.“Marriageiscalledallsortsofthings,ahaven,arefuge,andacrowningglory,andastateofbondage,andlotsmore.ButdoyouknowwhatIthinkitis?”
“What?”
“Asport!”
“Andadamnedgoodsporttoo,”saidTommy.
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?THESECRETADVERSARY?.Copyright?1922AgathaChristieLimited.Allrightsreserved.
“TommyandTuppence:AnIntroduction.”Copyright?2012JohnCurran
THESECRETADVERSARY?1922.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORRROWTRADEPAPERBACKPUBLISHED2012
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207435-5
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-175374-9
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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