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CHAPTER II. MR. WHITTINGTON'S OFFER

TUPPENCE turned sharply, but the words hovering on the tip of her tongue

remained unspoken, for the man's appearance and manner did not bear out her

first and most natural assumption. She hesitated. As if he read her thoughts, the

man said quickly:

I can assure you I mean no disrespect."

Tuppence believed him. Although she disliked and distrusted him instinctively,

she was inclined to acquit him of the particular motive which she had at first

attributed to him. She looked him up and down. He was a big man, clean shaven,

with a heavy jowl. His eyes were small and cunning, and shifted their glance

under her direct gaze.

Well, what is it?" she asked.

The man smiled.

"I happened to overhear part of your conversation with the young gentleman in

Lyons'."

Well--what of it?"

Nothing--except that I think I may be of some use to you."

Another inference forced itself into Tuppence's mind:

You followed me here?"

I took that liberty."

And in what way do you think you could be of use to me?"

The man took a card from his pocket and handed it to her with a bow.

Tuppence took it and scrutinized it carefully. It bore the inscription, "Mr. Edward

Whittington." Below the name were the words "Esthonia Glassware Co.," and the

address of a city office. Mr. Whittington spoke again:

The Secret Adversary