Reading Help Secret Adversary Ch.XIV-XXVIII
`
` A peculiar smile lingered for a moment on Julius's face. He threw `
` the letter into the waste-paper basket. `
` `
` "The darned fool!" he murmured. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XXIII `
` `
` A RACE AGAINST TIME `
` `
` AFTER ringing up Sir James, Tommy's next procedure was to make a `
` call at South Audley Mansions. He found Albert discharging his `
` professional duties, and introduced himself without more ado as a `
` friend of Tuppence's. Albert unbent immediately. `
` `
` "Things has been very quiet here lately," he said wistfully. `
` "Hope the young lady's keeping well, sir?" `
` `
` "That's just the point, Albert. She's disappeared." You don't `
` mean as the crooks have got her?" `
` `
` "In the Underworld?" `
` `
` "No, dash it all, in this world!" `
` `
` "It's a h'expression, sir," explained Albert. "At the pictures `
` the crooks always have a restoorant in the Underworld. But do `
` you think as they've done her in, sir?" `
` `
` "I hope not. By the way, have you by any chance an aunt, a `
` cousin, a grandmother, or any other suitable female relation who `
` might be represented as being likely to kick the bucket?" `
` `
` A delighted grin spread slowly over Albert's countenance. `
` `
` "I'm on, sir. My poor aunt what lives in the country has been `
` mortal bad for a long time, and she's asking for me with her `
` dying breath." `
` `
` Tommy nodded approval. `
` `
` "Can you report this in the proper quarter and meet me at Charing `
` Cross in an hour's time?" `
` `
` "I'll be there, sir. You can count on me." `
` `
` As Tommy had judged, the faithful Albert proved an invaluable `
` ally. The two took up their quarters at the inn in Gatehouse. To `
` Albert fell the task of collecting information There was no `
` difficulty about it. `
` `
` Astley Priors was the property of a Dr. Adams. The doctor no `
` longer practiced, had retired, the landlord believed, but he took `
` a few private patients--here the good fellow tapped his forehead `
` knowingly--"balmy ones! You understand!" The doctor was a `
` popular figure in the village, subscribed freely to all the local `
` sports--"a very pleasant, affable gentleman." Been there long? `
` Oh, a matter of ten years or so--might be longer. Scientific `
` gentleman, he was. Professors and people often came down from `
` town to see him. Anyway, it was a gay house, always visitors. `
` `
` In the face of all this volubility, Tommy felt doubts. Was it `
` possible that this genial, well-known figure could be in reality `
` a dangerous criminal? His life seemed so open and aboveboard. No `
` hint of sinister doings. Suppose it was all a gigantic mistake? `
` Tommy felt a cold chill at the thought. `
` `
` Then he remembered the private patients--"balmy ones." He `
` inquired carefully if there was a young lady amongst them, `
` describing Tuppence. But nothing much seemed to be known about `
` the patients--they were seldom seen outside the grounds. A `
` guarded description of Annette also failed to provoke `
` recognition. `
` `
` Astley Priors was a pleasant red-brick edifice, surrounded by `
` well-wooded grounds which effectually shielded the house from `
` observation from the road. `
` `
` On the first evening Tommy, accompanied by Albert, explored the `
` grounds. Owing to Albert's insistence they dragged themselves `
` along painfully on their stomachs, thereby producing a great deal `
` more noise than if they had stood upright. In any case, these `
` precautions were totally unnecessary. The grounds, like those of `
` any other private house after nightfall, seemed untenanted. `
` Tommy had imagined a possible fierce watchdog. Albert's fancy ran `
` to a puma, or a tame cobra. But they reached a shrubbery near `
` the house quite unmolested. `
` `
` The blinds of the dining-room window were up. There was a large `
` company assembled round the table. The port was passing from `
` hand to hand. It seemed a normal, pleasant company. Through the `
` open window scraps of conversation floated out disjointedly on `
` the night air. It was a heated discussion on county cricket! `
` `
` Again Tommy felt that cold chill of uncertainty. It seemed `
` impossible to believe that these people were other than they `
` seemed. Had he been fooled once more? The fair-bearded, `
` spectacled gentleman who sat at the head of the table looked `
` singularly honest and normal. `
` `
` Tommy slept badly that night. The following morning the `
` indefatigable Albert, having cemented an alliance with the `
` greengrocer's boy, took the latter's place and ingratiated `
` himself with the cook at Malthouse. He returned with the `
` information that she was undoubtedly "one of the crooks," but `
` Tommy mistrusted the vividness of his imagination. Questioned, `
` he could adduce nothing in support of his statement except his `
` own opinion that she wasn't the usual kind. You could see that `
` at a glance. `
` `
` The substitution being repeated (much to the pecuniary advantage `
` of the real greengrocer's boy) on the following day, Albert `
` brought back the first piece of hopeful news. There WAS a French `
` young lady staying in the house. Tommy put his doubts aside. `
` Here was confirmation of his theory. But time pressed. To-day `
` was the 27th. The 29th was the much-talked-of "Labour Day," `
` about which all sorts of rumours were running riot. Newspapers `
` were getting agitated. Sensational hints of a Labour coup d'etat `
` were freely reported. The Government said nothing. It knew and `
` was prepared. There were rumours of dissension among the Labour `
` leaders. They were not of one mind. The more far-seeing among `
` them realized that what they proposed might well be a death-blow `
` to the England that at heart they loved. They shrank from the `
` starvation and misery a general strike would entail, and were `
` willing to meet the Government half-way. But behind them were `
` subtle, insistent forces at work, urging the memories of old `
` wrongs, deprecating the weakness of half-and-half measures, `
` fomenting misunderstandings. `
` `
` Tommy felt that, thanks to Mr. Carter, he understood the position `
` fairly accurately. With the fatal document in the hands of Mr. `
` Brown, public opinion would swing to the side of the Labour `
` extremists and revolutionists. Failing that, the battle was an `
` even chance. The Government with a loyal army and police force `
` behind them might win--but at a cost of great suffering. But `
` Tommy nourished another and a preposterous dream. With Mr. Brown `
` unmasked and captured he believed, rightly or wrongly, that the `
` whole organization would crumble ignominiously and `
` instantaneously. The strange permeating influence of the unseen `
` chief held it together. Without him, Tommy believed an instant `
` panic would set in; and, the honest men left to themselves, an `
` eleventh-hour reconciliation would be possible. `
` `
` "This is a one-man show," said Tommy to himself. "The thing to do `
` is to get hold of the man." `
` `
` It was partly in furtherance of this ambitious design that he had `
` requested Mr. Carter not to open the sealed envelope. The draft `
` treaty was Tommy's bait. Every now and then he was aghast at his `
` own presumption. How dared he think that he had discovered what `
` so many wiser and clever men had overlooked? Nevertheless, he `
` stuck tenaciously to his idea. `
` `
` That evening he and Albert once more penetrated the grounds of `
` Astley Priors. Tommy's ambition was somehow or other to gain `
` admission to the house itself. As they approached cautiously, `
` Tommy gave a sudden gasp. `
` `
` On the second floor window some one standing between the window `
` and the light in the room threw a silhouette on the blind. It was `
` one Tommy would have recognized anywhere! Tuppence was in that `
` house! `
` `
` He clutched Albert by the shoulder. `
` `
` "Stay here! When I begin to sing, watch that window." `
` `
` He retreated hastily to a position on the main drive, and began `
` in a deep roar, coupled with an unsteady gait, the following `
` ditty: `
` `
` I am a Soldier A jolly British Soldier; `
` You can see that I'm a Soldier by my feet . . . `
` `
` `
` It had been a favourite on the gramophone in Tuppence's hospital `
` days. He did not doubt but that she would recognize it and draw `
` her own conclusions. Tommy had not a note of music in his voice, `
` but his lungs were excellent. The noise he produced was terrific. `
` `
` Presently an unimpeachable butler, accompanied by an equally `
` unimpeachable footman, issued from the front door. The butler `
` remonstrated with him. Tommy continued to sing, addressing the `
` butler affectionately as "dear old whiskers." The footman took `
` him by one arm, the butler by the other. They ran him down the `
` drive, and neatly out of the gate. The butler threatened him with `
` the police if he intruded again. It was beautifully done--soberly `
` and with perfect decorum. Anyone would have sworn that the butler `
` was a real butler, the footman a real footman--only, as it `
` happened, the butler was Whittington! `
` `
` Tommy retired to the inn and waited for Albert's return. At last `
` that worthy made his appearance. `
` `
` "Well?" cried Tommy eagerly. `
` `
` "It's all right. While they was a-running of you out the window `
` opened, and something was chucked out." He handed a scrap of `
` paper to Tommy. "It was wrapped round a letterweight." `
`
` A peculiar smile lingered for a moment on Julius's face. He threw `
` the letter into the waste-paper basket. `
` `
` "The darned fool!" he murmured. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XXIII `
` `
` A RACE AGAINST TIME `
` `
` AFTER ringing up Sir James, Tommy's next procedure was to make a `
` call at South Audley Mansions. He found Albert discharging his `
` professional duties, and introduced himself without more ado as a `
` friend of Tuppence's. Albert unbent immediately. `
` `
` "Things has been very quiet here lately," he said wistfully. `
` "Hope the young lady's keeping well, sir?" `
` `
` "That's just the point, Albert. She's disappeared." You don't `
` mean as the crooks have got her?" `
` `
` "In the Underworld?" `
` `
` "No, dash it all, in this world!" `
` `
` "It's a h'expression, sir," explained Albert. "At the pictures `
` the crooks always have a restoorant in the Underworld. But do `
` you think as they've done her in, sir?" `
` `
` "I hope not. By the way, have you by any chance an aunt, a `
` cousin, a grandmother, or any other suitable female relation who `
` might be represented as being likely to kick the bucket?" `
` `
` A delighted grin spread slowly over Albert's countenance. `
` `
` "I'm on, sir. My poor aunt what lives in the country has been `
` mortal bad for a long time, and she's asking for me with her `
` dying breath." `
` `
` Tommy nodded approval. `
` `
` "Can you report this in the proper quarter and meet me at Charing `
` Cross in an hour's time?" `
` `
` "I'll be there, sir. You can count on me." `
` `
` As Tommy had judged, the faithful Albert proved an invaluable `
` ally. The two took up their quarters at the inn in Gatehouse. To `
` Albert fell the task of collecting information There was no `
` difficulty about it. `
` `
` Astley Priors was the property of a Dr. Adams. The doctor no `
` longer practiced, had retired, the landlord believed, but he took `
` a few private patients--here the good fellow tapped his forehead `
` knowingly--"balmy ones! You understand!" The doctor was a `
` popular figure in the village, subscribed freely to all the local `
` sports--"a very pleasant, affable gentleman." Been there long? `
` Oh, a matter of ten years or so--might be longer. Scientific `
` gentleman, he was. Professors and people often came down from `
` town to see him. Anyway, it was a gay house, always visitors. `
` `
` In the face of all this volubility, Tommy felt doubts. Was it `
` possible that this genial, well-known figure could be in reality `
` a dangerous criminal? His life seemed so open and aboveboard. No `
` hint of sinister doings. Suppose it was all a gigantic mistake? `
` Tommy felt a cold chill at the thought. `
` `
` Then he remembered the private patients--"balmy ones." He `
` inquired carefully if there was a young lady amongst them, `
` describing Tuppence. But nothing much seemed to be known about `
` the patients--they were seldom seen outside the grounds. A `
` guarded description of Annette also failed to provoke `
` recognition. `
` `
` Astley Priors was a pleasant red-brick edifice, surrounded by `
` well-wooded grounds which effectually shielded the house from `
` observation from the road. `
` `
` On the first evening Tommy, accompanied by Albert, explored the `
` grounds. Owing to Albert's insistence they dragged themselves `
` along painfully on their stomachs, thereby producing a great deal `
` more noise than if they had stood upright. In any case, these `
` precautions were totally unnecessary. The grounds, like those of `
` any other private house after nightfall, seemed untenanted. `
` Tommy had imagined a possible fierce watchdog. Albert's fancy ran `
` to a puma, or a tame cobra. But they reached a shrubbery near `
` the house quite unmolested. `
` `
` The blinds of the dining-room window were up. There was a large `
` company assembled round the table. The port was passing from `
` hand to hand. It seemed a normal, pleasant company. Through the `
` open window scraps of conversation floated out disjointedly on `
` the night air. It was a heated discussion on county cricket! `
` `
` Again Tommy felt that cold chill of uncertainty. It seemed `
` impossible to believe that these people were other than they `
` seemed. Had he been fooled once more? The fair-bearded, `
` spectacled gentleman who sat at the head of the table looked `
` singularly honest and normal. `
` `
` Tommy slept badly that night. The following morning the `
` indefatigable Albert, having cemented an alliance with the `
` greengrocer's boy, took the latter's place and ingratiated `
` himself with the cook at Malthouse. He returned with the `
` information that she was undoubtedly "one of the crooks," but `
` Tommy mistrusted the vividness of his imagination. Questioned, `
` he could adduce nothing in support of his statement except his `
` own opinion that she wasn't the usual kind. You could see that `
` at a glance. `
` `
` The substitution being repeated (much to the pecuniary advantage `
` of the real greengrocer's boy) on the following day, Albert `
` brought back the first piece of hopeful news. There WAS a French `
` young lady staying in the house. Tommy put his doubts aside. `
` Here was confirmation of his theory. But time pressed. To-day `
` was the 27th. The 29th was the much-talked-of "Labour Day," `
` about which all sorts of rumours were running riot. Newspapers `
` were getting agitated. Sensational hints of a Labour coup d'etat `
` were freely reported. The Government said nothing. It knew and `
` was prepared. There were rumours of dissension among the Labour `
` leaders. They were not of one mind. The more far-seeing among `
` them realized that what they proposed might well be a death-blow `
` to the England that at heart they loved. They shrank from the `
` starvation and misery a general strike would entail, and were `
` willing to meet the Government half-way. But behind them were `
` subtle, insistent forces at work, urging the memories of old `
` wrongs, deprecating the weakness of half-and-half measures, `
` fomenting misunderstandings. `
` `
` Tommy felt that, thanks to Mr. Carter, he understood the position `
` fairly accurately. With the fatal document in the hands of Mr. `
` Brown, public opinion would swing to the side of the Labour `
` extremists and revolutionists. Failing that, the battle was an `
` even chance. The Government with a loyal army and police force `
` behind them might win--but at a cost of great suffering. But `
` Tommy nourished another and a preposterous dream. With Mr. Brown `
` unmasked and captured he believed, rightly or wrongly, that the `
` whole organization would crumble ignominiously and `
` instantaneously. The strange permeating influence of the unseen `
` chief held it together. Without him, Tommy believed an instant `
` panic would set in; and, the honest men left to themselves, an `
` eleventh-hour reconciliation would be possible. `
` `
` "This is a one-man show," said Tommy to himself. "The thing to do `
` is to get hold of the man." `
` `
` It was partly in furtherance of this ambitious design that he had `
` requested Mr. Carter not to open the sealed envelope. The draft `
` treaty was Tommy's bait. Every now and then he was aghast at his `
` own presumption. How dared he think that he had discovered what `
` so many wiser and clever men had overlooked? Nevertheless, he `
` stuck tenaciously to his idea. `
` `
` That evening he and Albert once more penetrated the grounds of `
` Astley Priors. Tommy's ambition was somehow or other to gain `
` admission to the house itself. As they approached cautiously, `
` Tommy gave a sudden gasp. `
` `
` On the second floor window some one standing between the window `
` and the light in the room threw a silhouette on the blind. It was `
` one Tommy would have recognized anywhere! Tuppence was in that `
` house! `
` `
` He clutched Albert by the shoulder. `
` `
` "Stay here! When I begin to sing, watch that window." `
` `
` He retreated hastily to a position on the main drive, and began `
` in a deep roar, coupled with an unsteady gait, the following `
` ditty: `
` `
` I am a Soldier A jolly British Soldier; `
` You can see that I'm a Soldier by my feet . . . `
` `
` `
` It had been a favourite on the gramophone in Tuppence's hospital `
` days. He did not doubt but that she would recognize it and draw `
` her own conclusions. Tommy had not a note of music in his voice, `
` but his lungs were excellent. The noise he produced was terrific. `
` `
` Presently an unimpeachable butler, accompanied by an equally `
` unimpeachable footman, issued from the front door. The butler `
` remonstrated with him. Tommy continued to sing, addressing the `
` butler affectionately as "dear old whiskers." The footman took `
` him by one arm, the butler by the other. They ran him down the `
` drive, and neatly out of the gate. The butler threatened him with `
` the police if he intruded again. It was beautifully done--soberly `
` and with perfect decorum. Anyone would have sworn that the butler `
` was a real butler, the footman a real footman--only, as it `
` happened, the butler was Whittington! `
` `
` Tommy retired to the inn and waited for Albert's return. At last `
` that worthy made his appearance. `
` `
` "Well?" cried Tommy eagerly. `
` `
` "It's all right. While they was a-running of you out the window `
` opened, and something was chucked out." He handed a scrap of `
` paper to Tommy. "It was wrapped round a letterweight." `
`