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dropped his eyes the young man had the feeling that the other had read him

through and through like an open book. He could not but wonder what the final

judgment was, but there was little chance of learning that. Sir James took in

everything, but gave out only what he chose. A proof of that occurred almost at

once.

Immediately the first greetings were over Julius broke out into a flood of eager

questions. How had Sir James managed to track the girl? Why had he not let

them know that he was still working on the case? And so on.

Sir James stroked his chin and smiled. At last he said:

"Just so, just so. Well, she's found. And that's the great thing, isn't it? Eh! Come

now, that's the great thing?"

Sure it is. But just how did you strike her trail? Miss Tuppence and I thought

you'd quit for good and all."

Ah!" The lawyer shot a lightning glance at him, then resumed operations on his

chin. "You thought that, did you? Did you really? H'm, dear me."

But I guess I can take it we were wrong," pursued Julius.

Well, I don't know that I should go so far as to say that. But it's certainly

fortunate for all parties that we've managed to find the young lady."

"But where is she?" demanded Julius, his thoughts flying off on another tack. "I

thought you'd be sure to bring her along?"

That would hardly be possible," said Sir James gravely.

Why?"

Because the young lady was knocked down in a street accident, and has

sustained slight injuries to the head. She was taken to the infirmary, and on

recovering consciousness gave her name as Jane Finn. When--ah!--I heard that, I

arranged for her to be removed to the house of a doctor--a friend of mine, and

wired at once for you. She relapsed into unconsciousness and has not spoken

since."

"She's not seriously hurt?"

178

The Secret Adversary