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CHAPTER XXIII. A RACE AGAINST TIME
AFTER ringing up Sir James, Tommy's next procedure was to make a call at
South Audley Mansions. He found Albert discharging his professional duties, and
introduced himself without more ado as a friend of Tuppence's. Albert unbent
immediately.
"
Things has been very quiet here lately," he said wistfully. "Hope the young lady's
keeping well, sir?"
"
"
"
"
"
"
That's just the point, Albert. She's disappeared."
You don't mean as the crooks have got her?"
They have."
In the Underworld?"
No, dash it all, in this world!"
It's a h'expression, sir," explained Albert. "At the pictures the crooks always have
a restoorant in the Underworld. But do you think as they've done her in, sir?"
"I hope not. By the way, have you by any chance an aunt, a cousin, a
grandmother, or any other suitable female relation who might be represented as
being likely to kick the bucket?"
A delighted grin spread slowly over Albert's countenance.
"I'm on, sir. My poor aunt what lives in the country has been mortal bad for a
long time, and she's asking for me with her dying breath."
Tommy nodded approval.
"Can you report this in the proper quarter and meet me at Charing Cross in an
hour's time?"
"
I'll be there, sir. You can count on me."
As Tommy had judged, the faithful Albert proved an invaluable ally. The two took
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