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What is that?" asked the other sharply. "No hesitations, Miss Tuppence. We need

to be sure of our going."

But Tuppence, for once, seemed tongue-tied.

"It's so difficult--you see, if I'm wrong--oh, it would be dreadful." She made a

grimace at the unconscious Jane. "Never forgive me," she observed cryptically.

You want me to help you out, eh?"

Yes, please. YOU know who Mr. Brown is, don't you?"

Yes," said Sir James gravely. "At last I do."

At last?" queried Tuppence doubtfully. "Oh, but I thought----" She paused.

You thought correctly, Miss Tuppence. I have been morally certain of his identity

for some time--ever since the night of Mrs. Vandemeyer's mysterious death."

"Ah!" breathed Tuppence.

"For there we are up against the logic of facts. There are only two solutions.

Either the chloral was administered by her own hand, which theory I reject

utterly, or else----"

"Yes?"

Or else it was administered in the brandy you gave her. Only three people

touched that brandy--you, Miss Tuppence, I myself, and one other--Mr. Julius

Hersheimmer!"

Jane Finn stirred and sat up, regarding the speaker with wide astonished eyes.

"At first, the thing seemed utterly impossible. Mr. Hersheimmer, as the son of a

prominent millionaire, was a well-known figure in America. It seemed utterly

impossible that he and Mr. Brown could be one and the same. But you cannot

escape from the logic of facts. Since the thing was so--it must be accepted.

Remember Mrs. Vandemeyer's sudden and inexplicable agitation. Another proof,

if proof was needed.

"I took an early opportunity of giving you a hint. From some words of Mr.

237

The Secret Adversary