Home > Authors Index > Agatha Christie > Secret Adversary > This page
The Secret Adversary, a fiction by Agatha Christie |
||
Chapter III - A Set Back |
||
< Previous |
Table of content |
Next > |
________________________________________________
_ THE moment was not quite so triumphant as it ought to have been. To begin with, the resources of Tommy's pockets were somewhat limited. In the end the fare was managed, the lady recollecting a plebeian twopence, and the driver, still holding the varied assortment of coins in his hand, was prevailed upon to move on, which he did after one last hoarse demand as to what the gentleman thought he was giving him? "I think you've given him too much, Tommy," said Tuppence It was possibly this remark which induced the driver to move "Well," said Mr. Beresford, at length able to relieve his "I was afraid I might be late and keep you waiting," said "Afraid--you--might--be--late! Oh, Lord, I give it up!" said Mr. "And really and truly," continued Tuppence, opening her eyes very "You did that part of it very well, old bean, but all the same "No," said Tuppence thoughtfully, "he didn't believe it. That's Tommy grinned. "How about the Ritz?" "On second thoughts, I prefer the Piccadilly. It's nearer. We "Is this a new brand of humour? Or is your brain really "Your last supposition is the correct one. I have come into "Tuppence, old girl, what has really come over you?" "Oh, unbelieving one!" Tuppence wrenched open her bag. "Look "Great Jehosaphat! My dear girl, don't wave Fishers aloft like "They're not Fishers. They're five times better than Fishers, Tommy groaned. "I must have been drinking unawares! Am I dreaming, Tuppence, or "Even so, O King! Now, will you come and have lunch?" "I'll come anywhere. But what have you been doing? Holding up a "All in good time. What an awful place Piccadilly Circus is. "Grill room?" inquired Tommy, as they reached the opposite "The other's more expensive," demurred Tuppence. "That's mere wicked wanton extravagance. Come on below." "Are you sure I can get all the things I want there?" "That extremely unwholesome menu you were outlining just now? Of "And now tell me," said Tommy, unable to restrain his pent-up Miss Cowley told him. "And the curious part of it is," she ended, "that I really did "Perhaps that's so," said Tommy slowly. "But you didn't invent "What?" "No. I told it to you. Don't you remember, I said yesterday I'd "So you did. I remember now. How extraordinary----" Tuppence "Yes?" "What were they like, the two men you passed?" Tommy frowned in an effort at remembrance. "One was a big fat sort of chap. Clean shaven, I think--and "That's him," cried Tuppence, in an ungrammatical squeal. "That's "I can't remember. I didn't notice him particularly. It was "And people say that coincidences don't happen!" Tuppence tackled But Tommy had become serious. "Look here, Tuppence, old girl, what is this going to lead to?" "More money," replied his companion. "I know that. You've only got one idea in your head. What I mean "Oh!" Tuppence laid down her spoon. "You're right, Tommy, it is "After all, you know, you can't bluff him forever. You're sure to "Nonsense. Blackmail is saying you'll tell unless you are given "Hm," said Tommy doubtfully. "Well, anyway, what ARE we going to Tuppence frowned severely. "We must think. Order some Turkish coffee, Tommy. Stimulating "You have made rather a hog of yourself! So have I for that Tuppence sipped her coffee with a deeply reflective air, and "Be quiet. I'm thinking." "Shades of Pelmanism!" said Tommy, and relapsed into silence. "There!" said Tuppence at last. "I've got a plan. Obviously what Tommy applauded. "Don't jeer. We can only find out through Whittington. We must "I repudiate that remark utterly. I'm sure my pleasing features "My plan is this," Tuppence went on calmly, "I'll go alone "Or even longer!" "You'll hang about outside. When I come out I shan't speak to "Off I go where?" "Follow him, of course, silly! What do you think of the idea?" "Sort of thing one reads about in books. I somehow feel that in "Not in the city. Every one's in such a hurry. Probably no one "That's the second time you've made that sort of remark. Never "Well," said Tuppence meditatively. "I HAD thought of hats! Or "Hold hard," admonished Tommy. "There's a limit to fifty pounds! "Rather." The day passed pleasantly. The evening even more so. Two of the They met by arrangement the following morning and proceeded Tommy strolled slowly down to the end of the street, then back "Tommy!" "Yes. What's up?" "The place is shut. I can't make anyone hear." "That's odd." "Isn't it? Come up with me, and let's try again." Tommy followed her. As they passed the third floor landing a "Were you wanting the Esthonia Glassware?" "Yes, please." "It's closed down. Since yesterday afternoon. Company being "Th--thank you," faltered Tuppence. "I suppose you don't know "Afraid I don't. They left rather suddenly." "Thank you very much," said Tommy. "Come on, Tuppence." They descended to the street again where they gazed at one "That's torn it," said Tommy at length. "And I never suspected it," wailed Tuppence. "Cheer up, old thing, it can't be helped." "Can't it, though!" Tuppence's little chin shot out defiantly. "The beginning of what?" "Of our adventure! Tommy, don't you see, if they are scared "Yes, but there's no one left to sleuth." "No, that's why we'll have to start all over again. Lend me that "What's that?" "Advertisement." "You're not going to put that thing in after all?" "No, it's a different one." She handed him the slip of paper. Tommy read the words on it aloud: "WANTED, any information respecting Jane Finn. Apply Y.A." _ |