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It was fairly obvious," said the other.

Perhaps the doctor's in it too," suggested Tuppence.

Julius shook his head.

I don't think so. I took to him at once. No, I'm pretty sure Dr. Hall's all right."

Hall, did you say?" asked Sir James. "That is curious--really very curious."

Why?" demanded Tuppence.

Because I happened to meet him this morning. I've known him slightly on and off

for some years, and this morning I ran across him in the street. Staying at the

Metropole, he told me." He turned to Julius. "Didn't he tell you he was coming up

to town?"

Julius shook his head.

"Curious," mused Sir James. "You did not mention his name this afternoon, or I

would have suggested your going to him for further information with my card as

introduction."

"I guess I'm a mutt," said Julius with unusual humility. "I ought to have thought

of the false name stunt."

How could you think of anything after falling out of that tree?" cried Tuppence.

I'm sure anyone else would have been killed right off."

Well, I guess it doesn't matter now, anyway," said Julius. "We've got Mrs.

Vandemeyer on a string, and that's all we need."

"Yes," said Tuppence, but there was a lack of assurance in her voice.

A silence settled down over the party. Little by little the magic of the night began

to gain a hold on them. There were sudden creaks of the furniture, imperceptible

rustlings in the curtains. Suddenly Tuppence sprang up with a cry.

I can't help it. I know Mr. Brown's somewhere in the flat! I can FEEL him."

Sure, Tuppence, how could he be? This door's open into the hall. No one could

118

The Secret Adversary