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won't find it so easy to get another."

Won't she?" said Tuppence thoughtfully. "I wonder----"

An idea was dawning in her brain. She thought a minute or two, then tapped

Albert on the shoulder.

"See here, son, my brain's got busy. How would it be if you mentioned that you'd

got a young cousin, or a friend of yours had, that might suit the place. You get

me?"

"I'm there," said Albert instantly. "You leave it to me, miss, and I'll fix the whole

thing up in two ticks."

"Some lad!" commented Tuppence, with a nod of approval. "You might say that

the young woman could come in right away. You let me know, and if it's O.K. I'll

be round to-morrow at eleven o'clock."

Where am I to let you know to?"

Ritz," replied Tuppence laconically. "Name of Cowley."

Albert eyed her enviously.

It must be a good job, this tec business."

It sure is," drawled Tuppence, "especially when old man Rysdale backs the bill.

But don't fret, son. If this goes well, you shall come in on the ground floor."

With which promise she took leave of her new ally, and walked briskly away from

South Audley Mansions, well pleased with her morning's work.

But there was no time to be lost. She went straight back to the Ritz and wrote a

few brief words to Mr. Carter. Having dispatched this, and Tommy not having yet

returned--which did not surprise her--she started off on a shopping expedition

which, with an interval for tea and assorted creamy cakes, occupied her until well

after six o'clock, and she returned to the hotel jaded, but satisfied with her

purchases. Starting with a cheap clothing store, and passing through one or two

second-hand establishments, she had finished the day at a well-known

hairdresser's. Now, in the seclusion of her bedroom, she unwrapped that final

purchase. Five minutes later she smiled contentedly at her reflection in the glass.

With an actress's pencil she had slightly altered the line of her eyebrows, and

The Secret Adversary