www.freeclassicebooks.com

"I'm not so sure about that," replied Tuppence thoughtfully. "I've often noticed

that once coincidences start happening they go on happening in the most

extraordinary way. I dare say it's some natural law that we haven't found out.

Still, as you say, we can't rely on that. But there ARE places in London where

simply every one is bound to turn up sooner or later. Piccadilly Circus, for

instance. One of my ideas was to take up my stand there every day with a tray of

flags."

What about meals?" inquired the practical Tommy.

How like a man! What does mere food matter?"

That's all very well. You've just had a thundering good breakfast. No one's got a

better appetite than you have, Tuppence, and by tea-time you'd be eating the

flags, pins and all. But, honestly, I don't think much of the idea. Whittington

mayn't be in London at all."

That's true. Anyway, I think clue No. 2 is more promising."

Let's hear it."

It's nothing much. Only a Christian name--Rita. Whittington mentioned it that

day."

"Are you proposing a third advertisement: Wanted, female crook, answering to the

name of Rita?"

"I am not. I propose to reason in a logical manner. That man, Danvers, was

shadowed on the way over, wasn't he? And it's more likely to have been a woman

than a man----"

"I don't see that at all."

"I am absolutely certain that it would be a woman, and a good-looking one,"

replied Tuppence calmly.

On these technical points I bow to your decision," murmured Mr. Beresford.

Now, obviously this woman, whoever she was, was saved."

How do you make that out?"

The Secret Adversary