Chapter XII. A Friend in Need

by Agatha Christie

　　Friday and Saturday passed uneventfully. Tuppence had received abrief answer to her appeal from Mr. Carter. In it he pointed outthat the Young Adventurers had undertaken the work at their ownrisk, and had been fully warned of the dangers. If anything hadhappened to Tommy he regretted it deeply, but he could donothing.This was cold comfort. Somehow, without Tommy, all the savourwent out of the adventure, and, for the first time, Tuppence feltdoubtful of success. While they had been together she had neverquestioned it for a minute. Although she was accustomed to takethe lead, and to pride herself on her quick-wittedness, inreality she had relied upon Tommy more than she realized at thetime. There was something so eminently sober and clear-headedabout him, his common sense and soundness of vision were sounvarying, that without him Tuppence felt much like a rudderlessship. It was curious that Julius, who was undoubtedly muchcleverer than Tommy, did not give her the same feeling ofsupport. She had accused Tommy of being a pessimist, and it iscertain that he always saw the disadvantages and difficultieswhich she herself was optimistically given to overlooking, butnevertheless she had really relied a good deal on his judgment.He might be slow, but he was very sure.It seemed to the girl that, for the first time, she realized thesinister character of the mission they had undertaken solightheartedly. It had begun like a page of romance. Now, shornof its glamour, it seemed to be turning to grim reality.Tommy--that was all that mattered. Many times in the day Tuppenceblinked the tears out of her eyes resolutely. "Little fool," shewould apostrophize herself, "don't snivel. Of course you're fondof him. You've known him all your life. But there's no need tobe sentimental about it."In the meantime, nothing more was seen of Boris. He did not cometo the flat, and Julius and the car waited in vain. Tuppencegave herself over to new meditations. Whilst admitting the truthof Julius's objections, she had nevertheless not entirelyrelinquished the idea of appealing to Sir James Peel Edgerton.Indeed, she had gone so far as to look up his address in the RedBook. Had he meant to warn her that day? If so, why? Surely shewas at least entitled to demand an explanation. He had looked ather so kindly. Perhaps he might tell them something concerningMrs. Vandemeyer which might lead to a clue to Tommy'swhereabouts.Anyway, Tuppence decided, with her usual shake of the shoulders,it was worth trying, and try it she would. Sunday was herafternoon out. She would meet Julius, persuade him to her pointof view, and they would beard the lion in his den.When the day arrived Julius needed a considerable amount ofpersuading, but Tuppence held firm. "It can do no harm," waswhat she always came back to. In the end Julius gave in, andthey proceeded in the car to Carlton House Terrace.The door was opened by an irreproachable butler. Tuppence felt alittle nervous. After all, perhaps it was colossal cheek on herpart. She had decided not to ask if Sir James was "at home," butto adopt a more personal attitude."Will you ask Sir James if I can see him for a few minutes? Ihave an important message for him."The butler retired, returning a moment or two later."Sir James will see you. Will you step this way?"He ushered them into a room at the back of the house, furnishedas a library. The collection of books was a magnificent one, andTuppence noticed that all one wall was devoted to works on crimeand criminology. There were several deep-padded leatherarm-chairs, and an old-fashioned open hearth. In the window was abig roll-top desk strewn with papers at which the master of thehouse was sitting.He rose as they entered."You have a message for me? Ah"--he recognized Tuppence with asmile--"it's you, is it? Brought a message from Mrs. Vandemeyer,I suppose?""Not exactly," said Tuppence. "In fact, I'm afraid I only saidthat to be quite sure of getting in. Oh, by the way, this is Mr.Hersheimmer, Sir James Peel Edgerton.""Pleased to meet you," said the American, shooting out a hand."Won't you both sit down?" asked Sir James. He drew forward twochairs."Sir James," said Tuppence, plunging boldly, "I dare say you willthink it is most awful cheek of me coming here like this.Because, of course, it's nothing whatever to do with you, andthen you're a very important person, and of course Tommy and Iare very unimportant." She paused for breath."Tommy?" queried Sir James, looking across at the American."No, that's Julius," explained Tuppence. "I'm rather nervous,and that makes me tell it badly. What I really want to know iswhat you meant by what you said to me the other day? Did you meanto warn me against Mrs. Vandemeyer? You did, didn't you?""My dear young lady, as far as I recollect I only mentioned thatthere were equally good situations to be obtained elsewhere.""Yes, I know. But it was a hint, wasn't it?""Well, perhaps it was," admitted Sir James gravely."Well, I want to know more. I want to know just why you gave mea hint."Sir James smiled at her earnestness."Suppose the lady brings a libel action against me for defamationof character?""Of course," said Tuppence. "I know lawyers are alwaysdreadfully careful. But can't we say 'without prejudice' first,and then say just what we want to.""Well," said Sir James, still smiling, "without prejudice, then,if I had a young sister forced to earn her living, I should notlike to see her in Mrs. Vandemeyer's service. I felt it incumbenton me just to give you a hint. It is no place for a young andinexperienced girl. That is all I can tell you.""I see," said Tuppence thoughtfully. "Thank you very much. ButI'm not really inexperienced, you know. I knew perfectly thatshe was a bad lot when I went there--as a matter of fact that'swhy I went----" She broke off, seeing some bewilderment on thelawyer's face, and went on: "I think perhaps I'd better tell youthe whole story, Sir James. I've a sort of feeling that you'dknow in a minute if I didn't tell the truth, and so you might aswell know all about it from the beginning. What do you think,Julius?""As you're bent on it, I'd go right ahead with the facts,"replied the American, who had so far sat in silence."Yes, tell me all about it," said Sir James. "I want to know whoTommy is."Thus encouraged Tuppence plunged into her tale, and the lawyerlistened with close attention."Very interesting," he said, when she finished. "A great deal ofwhat you tell me, child, is already known to me. I've hadcertain theories of my own about this Jane Finn. You've doneextraordinarily well so far, but it's rather too bad of--what doyou know him as?--Mr. Carter to pitchfork you two young thingsinto an affair of this kind. By the way, where did Mr.Hersheimmer come in originally? You didn't make that clear?"Julius answered for himself."I'm Jane's first cousin," he explained, returning the lawyer'skeen gaze."Ah!""Oh, Sir James," broke out Tuppence, "what do you think hasbecome of Tommy?""H'm." The lawyer rose, and paced slowly up and down. "When youarrived, young lady, I was just packing up my traps. Going toScotland by the night train for a few days' fishing. But thereare different kinds of fishing. I've a good mind to stay, andsee if we can't get on the track of that young chap.""Oh!" Tuppence clasped her hands ecstatically."All the same, as I said before, it's too bad of--of Carter toset you two babies on a job like this. Now, don't get offended,Miss--er----""Cowley. Prudence Cowley. But my friends call me Tuppence.""Well, Miss Tuppence, then, as I'm certainly going to be afriend. Don't be offended because I think you're young. Youth isa failing only too easily outgrown. Now, about this young Tommyof yours----""Yes." Tuppence clasped her hands."Frankly, things look bad for him. He's been butting insomewhere where he wasn't wanted. Not a doubt of it. But don'tgive up hope.""And you really will help us? There, Julius! He didn't want meto come," she added by way of explanation."H'm," said the lawyer, favouring Julius with another keenglance. "And why was that?""I reckoned it would be no good worrying you with a petty littlebusiness like this.""I see." He paused a moment. "This petty little business, asyou call it, bears directly on a very big business, biggerperhaps than either you or Miss Tuppence know. If this boy isalive, he may have very valuable information to give us.Therefore, we must find him.""Yes, but how?" cried Tuppence. "I've tried to think ofeverything."Sir James smiled."And yet there's one person quite near at hand who in allprobability knows where he is, or at all events where he islikely to be.""Who is that?" asked Tuppence, puzzled."Mrs. Vandemeyer.""Yes, but she'd never tell us.""Ah, that is where I come in. I think it quite likely that Ishall be able to make Mrs. Vandemeyer tell me what I want toknow.""How?" demanded Tuppence, opening her eyes very wide."Oh, just by asking her questions," replied Sir James easily."That's the way we do it, you know."He tapped with his finger on the table, and Tuppence felt againthe intense power that radiated from the man."And if she won't tell?" asked Julius suddenly."I think she will. I have one or two powerful levers. Still, inthat unlikely event, there is always the possibility of bribery.""Sure. And that's where I come in!" cried Julius, bringing hisfist down on the table with a bang. "You can count on me, ifnecessary, for one million dollars. Yes, sir, one milliondollars!"Sir James sat down and subjected Julius to a long scrutiny."Mr. Hersheimmer," he said at last, "that is a very large sum.""I guess it'll have to be. These aren't the kind of folk tooffer sixpence to.""At the present rate of exchange it amounts to considerably overtwo hundred and fifty thousand pounds.""That's so. Maybe you think I'm talking through my hat, but Ican deliver the goods all right, with enough over to spare foryour fee."Sir James flushed slightly."There is no question of a fee, Mr. Hersheimmer. I am not aprivate detective.""Sorry. I guess I was just a mite hasty, but I've been feelingbad about this money question. I wanted to offer a big rewardfor news of Jane some days ago, but your crusted institution ofScotland Yard advised me against it. Said it was undesirable.""They were probably right," said Sir James dryly."But it's all O.K. about Julius," put in Tuppence. "He's notpulling your leg. He's got simply pots of money.""The old man piled it up in style," explained Julius. "Now,let's get down to it. What's your idea?"Sir James considered for a moment or two."There is no time to be lost. The sooner we strike the better."He turned to Tuppence. "Is Mrs. Vandemeyer dining out to-night,do you know?""Yes, I think so, but she will not be out late. Otherwise, shewould have taken the latchkey.""Good. I will call upon her about ten o'clock. What time are yousupposed to return?""About nine-thirty or ten, but I could go back earlier.""You must not do that on any account. It might arouse suspicionif you did not stay out till the usual time. Be back bynine-thirty. I will arrive at ten. Mr. Hersheimmer will waitbelow in a taxi perhaps.""He's got a new Rolls-Royce car," said Tuppence with vicariouspride."Even better. If I succeed in obtaining the address from her, wecan go there at once, taking Mrs. Vandemeyer with us ifnecessary. You understand?""Yes." Tuppence rose to her feet with a skip of delight. "Oh, Ifeel so much better!""Don't build on it too much, Miss Tuppence. Go easy."Julius turned to the lawyer."Say, then. I'll call for you in the car round aboutnine-thirty. Is that right?""Perhaps that will be the best plan. It would be unnecessary tohave two cars waiting about. Now, Miss Tuppence, my advice toyou is to go and have a good dinner, a really good one, mind. Anddon't think ahead more than you can help."He shook hands with them both, and a moment later they wereoutside."Isn't he a duck?" inquired Tuppence ecstatically, as she skippeddown the steps. "Oh, Julius, isn't he just a duck?""Well, I allow he seems to be the goods all right. And I waswrong about its being useless to go to him. Say, shall we goright away back to the Ritz?""I must walk a bit, I think. I feel so excited. Drop me in thepark, will you? Unless you'd like to come too?""I want to get some petrol," he explained. "And send off a cableor two.""All right. I'll meet you at the Ritz at seven. We'll have todine upstairs. I can't show myself in these glad rags.""Sure. I'll get Felix help me choose the menu. He's some headwaiter, that. So long."Tuppence walked briskly along towards the Serpentine, firstglancing at her watch. It was nearly six o'clock. She rememberedthat she had had no tea, but felt too excited to be conscious ofhunger. She walked as far as Kensington Gardens and then slowlyretraced her steps, feeling infinitely better for the fresh airand exercise. It was not so easy to follow Sir James's advice,and put the possible events of the evening out of her head. Asshe drew nearer and nearer to Hyde Park corner, the temptation toreturn to South Audley Mansions was almost irresistible.At any rate, she decided, it would do no harm just to go and lookat the building. Perhaps, then, she could resign herself towaiting patiently for ten o'clock.South Audley Mansions looked exactly the same as usual. WhatTuppence had expected she hardly knew, but the sight of its redbrick stolidity slightly assuaged the growing and entirelyunreasonable uneasiness that possessed her. She was just turningaway when she heard a piercing whistle, and the faithful Albertcame running from the building to join her.Tuppence frowned. It was no part of the programme to haveattention called to her presence in the neighbourhood, but Albertwas purple with suppressed excitement."I say, miss, she's a-going!""Who's going?" demanded Tuppence sharply."The crook. Ready Rita. Mrs. Vandemeyer. She's a-packing up,and she's just sent down word for me to get her a taxi.""What?" Tuppence clutched his arm."It's the truth, miss. I thought maybe as you didn't know aboutit.""Albert," cried Tuppence, "you're a brick. If it hadn't been foryou we'd have lost her."Albert flushed with pleasure at this tribute."There's no time to lose," said Tuppence, crossing the road."I've got to stop her. At all costs I must keep her hereuntil----" She broke off. "Albert, there's a telephone here,isn't there?"The boy shook his head."The flats mostly have their own, miss. But there's a box justround the corner.""Go to it then, at once, and ring up the Ritz Hotel. Ask for Mr.Hersheimmer, and when you get him tell him to get Sir James andcome on at once, as Mrs. Vandemeyer is trying to hook it. If youcan't get him, ring up Sir James Peel Edgerton, you'll find hisnumber in the book, and tell him what's happening. You won'tforget the names, will you?"Albert repeated them glibly. "You trust to me, miss, it'll beall right. But what about you? Aren't you afraid to trustyourself with her?""No, no, that's all right. But go and telephone. Be quick."Drawing a long breath, Tuppence entered the Mansions and ran upto the door of No. 20. How she was to detain Mrs. Vandemeyeruntil the two men arrived, she did not know, but somehow or otherit had to be done, and she must accomplish the tasksingle-handed. What had occasioned this precipitate departure?Did Mrs. Vandemeyer suspect her?Speculations were idle. Tuppence pressed the bell firmly. Shemight learn something from the cook.Nothing happened and, after waiting some minutes, Tuppencepressed the bell again, keeping her finger on the button for somelittle while. At last she heard footsteps inside, and a momentlater Mrs. Vandemeyer herself opened the door. She lifted hereyebrows at the sight of the girl."You?""I had a touch of toothache, ma'am," said Tuppence glibly. "Sothought it better to come home and have a quiet evening."Mrs. Vandemeyer said nothing, but she drew back and let Tuppencepass into the hall."How unfortunate for you," she said coldly. "You had better goto bed.""Oh, I shall be all right in the kitchen, ma'am. Cook will----""Cook is out," said Mrs. Vandemeyer, in a rather disagreeabletone. "I sent her out. So you see you had better go to bed."Suddenly Tuppence felt afraid. There was a ring in Mrs.Vandemeyer's voice that she did not like at all. Also, the otherwoman was slowly edging her up the passage. Tuppence turned atbay."I don't want----"Then, in a flash, a rim of cold steel touched her temple, andMrs. Vandemeyer's voice rose cold and menacing:"You damned little fool! Do you think I don't know? No, don'tanswer. If you struggle or cry out, I'll shoot you like a dog."The rim of steel pressed a little harder against the girl'stemple."Now then, march," went on Mrs. Vandemeyer. "This way--into myroom. In a minute, when I've done with you, you'll go to bed as Itold you to. And you'll sleep--oh yes, my little spy, you'llsleep all right!"There was a sort of hideous geniality in the last words whichTuppence did not at all like. For the moment there was nothingto be done, and she walked obediently into Mrs. Vandemeyer'sbedroom. The pistol never left her forehead. The room was in astate of wild disorder, clothes were flung about right and left,a suit-case and a hat box, half-packed, stood in the middle ofthe floor.Tuppence pulled herself together with an effort. Her voice shooka little, but she spoke out bravely."Come now," she said. "This is nonsense. You can't shoot me.Why, every one in the building would hear the report.""I'd risk that," said Mrs. Vandemeyer cheerfully. "But, as longas you don't sing out for help, you're all right--and I don'tthink you will. You're a clever girl. You deceived me all right.I hadn't a suspicion of you! So I've no doubt that you understandperfectly well that this is where I'm on top and you'reunderneath. Now then--sit on the bed. Put your hands above yourhead, and if you value your life don't move them."Tuppence obeyed passively. Her good sense told her that therewas nothing else to do but accept the situation. If she shriekedfor help there was very little chance of anyone hearing her,whereas there was probably quite a good chance of Mrs.Vandemeyer's shooting her. In the meantime, every minute of delaygained was valuable.Mrs. Vandemeyer laid down the revolver on the edge of thewashstand within reach of her hand, and, still eyeing Tuppencelike a lynx in case the girl should attempt to move, she took alittle stoppered bottle from its place on the marble and pouredsome of its contents into a glass which she filled up with water."What's that?" asked Tuppence sharply."Something to make you sleep soundly."Tuppence paled a little."Are you going to poison me?" she asked in a whisper."Perhaps," said Mrs. Vandemeyer, smiling agreeably."Then I shan't drink it," said Tuppence firmly. "I'd much ratherbe shot. At any rate that would make a row, and some one mighthear it. But I won't be killed off quietly like a lamb."Mrs. Vandemeyer stamped her foot."Don't be a little fool! Do you really think I want a hue andcry for murder out after me? If you've any sense at all, you'llrealize that poisoning you wouldn't suit my book at all. It's asleeping draught, that's all. You'll wake up to-morrow morningnone the worse. I simply don't want the bother of tying you upand gagging you. That's the alternative--and you won't like it, Ican tell you! I can be very rough if I choose. So drink thisdown like a good girl, and you'll be none the worse for it."In her heart of hearts Tuppence believed her. The arguments shehad adduced rang true. It was a simple and effective method ofgetting her out of the way for the time being. Nevertheless, thegirl did not take kindly to the idea of being tamely put to sleepwithout as much as one bid for freedom. She felt that once Mrs.Vandemeyer gave them the slip, the last hope of finding Tommywould be gone.Tuppence was quick in her mental processes. All thesereflections passed through her mind in a flash, and she saw wherea chance, a very problematical chance, lay, and she determined torisk all in one supreme effort.Accordingly, she lurched suddenly off the bed and fell on herknees before Mrs. Vandemeyer, clutching her skirts frantically."I don't believe it," she moaned. "It's poison--I know it'spoison. Oh, don't make me drink it"--her voice rose to ashriek--"don't make me drink it!"Mrs. Vandemeyer, glass in hand, looked down with a curling lip atthis sudden collapse."Get up, you little idiot! Don't go on drivelling there. How youever had the nerve to play your part as you did I can't think."She stamped her foot. "Get up, I say."But Tuppence continued to cling and sob, interjecting her sobswith incoherent appeals for mercy. Every minute gained was tothe good. Moreover, as she grovelled, she moved imperceptiblynearer to her objective.Mrs. Vandemeyer gave a sharp impatient exclamation, and jerkedthe girl to her knees."Drink it at once!" Imperiously she pressed the glass to thegirl's lips.Tuppence gave one last despairing moan."You swear it won't hurt me?" she temporized."Of course it won't hurt you. Don't be a fool.""Will you swear it?""Yes, yes," said the other impatiently. "I swear it."Tuppence raised a trembling left hand to the glass."Very well." Her mouth opened meekly.Mrs. Vandemeyer gave a sigh of relief, off her guard for themoment. Then, quick as a flash, Tuppence jerked the glass upwardas hard as she could. The fluid in it splashed into Mrs.Vandemeyer's face, and during her momentary gasp, Tuppence'sright hand shot out and grasped the revolver where it lay on theedge of the washstand. The next moment she had sprung back apace, and the revolver pointed straight at Mrs. Vandemeyer'sheart, with no unsteadiness in the hand that held it.In the moment of victory, Tuppence betrayed a somewhatunsportsmanlike triumph."Now who's on top and who's underneath?" she crowed.The other's face was convulsed with rage. For a minute Tuppencethought she was going to spring upon her, which would have placedthe girl in an unpleasant dilemma, since she meant to draw theline at actually letting off the revolver. However, with aneffort Mrs. Vandemeyer controlled herself, and at last a slowevil smile crept over her face."Not a fool, then, after all! You did that well, girl. But youshall pay for it--oh, yes, you shall pay for it! I have a longmemory!""I'm surprised you should have been gulfed so easily," saidTuppence scornfully. "Did you really think I was the kind ofgirl to roll about on the floor and whine for mercy?""You may do--some day!" said the other significantly.The cold malignity of her manner sent an unpleasant chill downTuppence's spine, but she was not going to give in to it."Supposing we sit down," she said pleasantly. "Our presentattitude is a little melodramatic. No--not on the bed. Draw achair up to the table, that's right. Now I'll sit opposite youwith the revolver in front of me--just in case of accidents.Splendid. Now, let's talk.""What about?" said Mrs. Vandemeyer sullenly.Tuppence eyed her thoughtfully for a minute. She was rememberingseveral things. Boris's words, "I believe you would sell--us!"and her answer, "The price would have to be enormous," givenlightly, it was true, yet might not there be a substratum oftruth in it? Long ago, had not Whittington asked: "Who's beenblabbing? Rita?" Would Rita Vandemeyer prove to be the weakspot in the armour of Mr. Brown?Keeping her eyes fixed steadily on the other's face, Tuppencereplied quietly:"Money----"Mrs. Vandemeyer started. Clearly, the reply was unexpected."What do you mean?""I'll tell you. You said just now that you had a long memory. Along memory isn't half as useful as a long purse! I dare say itrelieves your feelings a good deal to plan out all sorts ofdreadful things to do to me, but is that practical? Revenge isvery unsatisfactory. Every one always says so. Butmoney"--Tuppence warmed to her pet creed--"well, there's nothingunsatisfactory about money, is there?""Do you think," said Mrs. Vandemeyer scornfully, "that I am thekind of woman to sell my friends?""Yes," said Tuppence promptly. "If the price was big enough.""A paltry hundred pounds or so!""No," said Tuppence. "I should suggest--a hundred thousand!"Her economical spirit did not permit her to mention the wholemillion dollars suggested by Julius.A flush crept over Mrs. Vandemeyer's face."What did you say?" she asked, her fingers playing nervously witha brooch on her breast. In that moment Tuppence knew that thefish was hooked, and for the first time she felt a horror of herown money-loving spirit. It gave her a dreadful sense of kinshipto the woman fronting her."A hundred thousand pounds," repeated Tuppence.The light died out of Mrs. Vandemeyer's eyes. She leaned back inher chair."Bah!" she said. "You haven't got it.""No," admitted Tuppence, "I haven't--but I know some one whohas.""Who?""A friend of mine.""Must be a millionaire," remarked Mrs. Vandemeyer unbelievingly."As a matter of fact he is. He's an American. He'll pay youthat without a murmur. You can take it from me that it's aperfectly genuine proposition."Mrs. Vandemeyer sat up again."I'm inclined to believe you," she said slowly.There was silence between them for some time, then Mrs.Vandemeyer looked up."What does he want to know, this friend of yours?"Tuppence went through a momentary struggle, but it was Julius'smoney, and his interests must come first."He wants to know where Jane Finn is," she said boldly.Mrs. Vandemeyer showed no surprise."I'm not sure where she is at the present moment," she replied."But you could find out?""Oh, yes," returned Mrs. Vandemeyer carelessly. "There would beno difficulty about that.""Then"--Tuppence's voice shook a little--"there's a boy, a friendof mine. I'm afraid something's happened to him, through your palBoris.""What's his name?""Tommy Beresford.""Never heard of him. But I'll ask Boris. He'll tell me anythinghe knows.""Thank you." Tuppence felt a terrific rise in her spirits. Itimpelled her to more audacious efforts. "There's one thingmore.""Well?"Tuppence leaned forward and lowered her voice."Who is Mr. Brown?"Her quick eyes saw the sudden paling of the beautiful face. Withan effort Mrs. Vandemeyer pulled herself together and tried toresume her former manner. But the attempt was a mere parody.She shrugged her shoulders."You can't have learnt much about us if you don't know thatnobody knows who Mr. Brown is....""You do," said Tuppence quietly.Again the colour deserted the other's face."What makes you think that?""I don't know," said the girl truthfully. "But I'm sure."Mrs. Vandemeyer stared in front of her for a long time."Yes," she said hoarsely, at last, "I know. I was beautiful, yousee--very beautiful--""You are still," said Tuppence with admiration.Mrs. Vandemeyer shook her head. There was a strange gleam in herelectric-blue eyes."Not beautiful enough," she said in a soft dangerous voice."Not--beautiful--enough! And sometimes, lately, I've beenafraid.... It's dangerous to know too much!" She leaned forwardacross the table. "Swear that my name shan't be brought intoit--that no one shall ever know.""I swear it. And, once's he caught, you'll be out of danger."A terrified look swept across Mrs. Vandemeyer's face."Shall I? Shall I ever be?" She clutched Tuppence's arm."You're sure about the money?""Quite sure.""When shall I have it? There must be no delay.""This friend of mine will be here presently. He may have to sendcables, or something like that. But there won't be anydelay--he's a terrific hustler."A resolute look settled on Mrs. Vandemeyer's face."I'll do it. It's a great sum of money, and besides"--she gave acurious smile--"it is not--wise to throw over a woman like me!"For a moment or two, she remained smiling, and lightly tappingher fingers on the table. Suddenly she started, and her faceblanched."What was that?""I heard nothing."Mrs. Vandemeyer gazed round her fearfully."If there should be some one listening----""Nonsense. Who could there be?""Even the walls might have ears," whispered the other. "I tellyou I'm frightened. You don't know him!""Think of the hundred thousand pounds," said Tuppence soothingly.Mrs. Vandemeyer passed her tongue over her dried lips."You don't know him," she reiterated hoarsely. "He's--ah!"With a shriek of terror she sprang to her feet. Her outstretchedhand pointed over Tuppence's head. Then she swayed to the groundin a dead faint.Tuppence looked round to see what had startled her.In the doorway were Sir James Peel Edgerton and JuliusHersheimmer.