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overheard. There's a small hole, high up in the wall.

"But on the Sunday afternoon a message was brought to the house. They were all

very disturbed. Without their knowing, I listened. Word had come that he was to

be killed. I needn't tell the next part, because you know it. I thought I'd have time

to rush up and get the papers from their hiding-place, but I was caught. So I

screamed out that he was escaping, and I said I wanted to go back to Marguerite.

I shouted the name three times very loud. I knew the others would think I meant

Mrs. Vandemeyer, but I hoped it might make Mr. Beresford think of the picture.

He'd unhooked one the first day--that's what made me hesitate to trust him."

She paused.

"Then the papers," said Sir James slowly, "are still at the back of the picture in

that room."

"Yes." The girl had sunk back on the sofa exhausted with the strain of the long

story.

Sir James rose to his feet. He looked at his watch.

Come," he said, "we must go at once."

To-night?" queried Tuppence, surprised.

To-morrow may be too late," said Sir James gravely. "Besides, by going to-night

we have the chance of capturing that great man and super-criminal--Mr. Brown!"

There was dead silence, and Sir James continued:

"You have been followed here--not a doubt of it. When we leave the house we

shall be followed again, but not molested, FOR IT IS MR. BROWN'S PLAN THAT

WE ARE TO LEAD HIM. But the Soho house is under police supervision night

and day. There are several men watching it. When we enter that house, Mr.

Brown will not draw back--he will risk all, on the chance of obtaining the spark to

fire his mine. And he fancies the risk not great--since he will enter in the guise of

a friend!"

Tuppence flushed, then opened her mouth impulsively.

"But there's something you don't know--that we haven't told you." Her eyes dwelt

on Jane in perplexity.

236

The Secret Adversary