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"I wonder... or is it indeed true that he is with us and amongst us, unknown to all

but a chosen few? If so, he keeps his secret well. And the idea is a good one, yes.

We never know. We look at each other--ONE OF US IS MR. BROWN--which? He

commands--but also he serves. Among us--in the midst of us. And no one knows

which he is...."

With an effort the Russian shook off the vagary of his fancy. He looked at his

watch.

"Yes," said Whittington. "We might as well go."

He called the waitress and asked for his bill. Tommy did likewise, and a few

moments later was following the two men down the stairs.

Outside, Whittington hailed a taxi, and directed the driver to go to Waterloo.

Taxis were plentiful here, and before Whittington's had driven off another was

drawing up to the curb in obedience to Tommy's peremptory hand.

"Follow that other taxi," directed the young man. "Don't lose it."

The elderly chauffeur showed no interest. He merely grunted and jerked down his

flag. The drive was uneventful. Tommy's taxi came to rest at the departure

platform just after Whittington's. Tommy was behind him at the booking-office.

He took a first-class single ticket to Bournemouth, Tommy did the same. As he

emerged, Boris remarked, glancing up at the clock: "You are early. You have

nearly half an hour."

Boris's words had aroused a new train of thought in Tommy's mind. Clearly

Whittington was making the journey alone, while the other remained in London.

Therefore he was left with a choice as to which he would follow. Obviously, he

could not follow both of them unless----Like Boris, he glanced up at the clock,

and then to the announcement board of the trains. The Bournemouth train left at

3.30. It was now ten past. Whittington and Boris were walking up and down by

the bookstall. He gave one doubtful look at them, then hurried into an adjacent

telephone box. He dared not waste time in trying to get hold of Tuppence. In all

probability she was still in the neighbourhood of South Audley Mansions. But

there remained another ally. He rang up the Ritz and asked for Julius

Hersheimmer. There was a click and a buzz. Oh, if only the young American was

in his room! There was another click, and then "Hello" in unmistakable accents

came over the wire.

The Secret Adversary