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no clue as to his real personality. It is reported that even his own followers are
ignorant of it. Where we have come across his tracks, he has always played a
secondary part. Somebody else assumes the chief role. But afterwards we always
find that there has been some nonentity, a servant or a clerk, who has remained
in the background unnoticed, and that the elusive Mr. Brown has escaped us
once more."
"
"
"
Oh!" Tuppence jumped. "I wonder----"
Yes?"
I remember in Mr. Whittington's office. The clerk--he called him Brown. You
don't think----"
Carter nodded thoughtfully.
"Very likely. A curious point is that the name is usually mentioned. An
idiosyncrasy of genius. Can you describe him at all?"
"
I really didn't notice. He was quite ordinary--just like anyone else."
Mr. Carter sighed in his tired manner.
That is the invariable description of Mr. Brown! Brought a telephone message to
"
the man Whittington, did he? Notice a telephone in the outer office?"
Tuppence thought.
"No, I don't think I did."
"
Exactly. That 'message' was Mr. Brown's way of giving an order to his
subordinate. He overheard the whole conversation of course. Was it after that
that Whittington handed you over the money, and told you to come the following
day?"
Tuppence nodded.
"Yes, undoubtedly the hand of Mr. Brown!" Mr. Carter paused. "Well, there it is,
you see what you are pitting yourselves against? Possibly the finest criminal
brain of the age. I don't quite like it, you know. You're such young things, both of
you. I shouldn't like anything to happen to you."
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