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incapable of either mercy or pity. I feel that you probably underestimate the

danger, and therefore warn you again that I can promise you no protection. You

have given us valuable information, and if you choose to withdraw now no one

could blame you. At any rate, think the matter over well before you decide.

"If, in spite of my warnings, you make up your mind to go through with it, you

will find everything arranged. You have lived for two years with Miss Dufferin, The

Parsonage, Llanelly, and Mrs. Vandemeyer can apply to her for a reference.

"May I be permitted a word or two of advice? Stick as near to the truth as

possible--it minimizes the danger of 'slips.' I suggest that you should represent

yourself to be what you are, a former V.A.D., who has chosen domestic service as

a profession. There are many such at the present time. That explains away any

incongruities of voice or manner which otherwise might awaken suspicion.

Whichever way you decide, good luck to you.

Your sincere friend,

MR. CARTER."

Tuppence's spirits rose mercurially. Mr. Carter's warnings passed unheeded. The

young lady had far too much confidence in herself to pay any heed to them.

With some reluctance she abandoned the interesting part she had sketched out

for herself. Although she had no doubts of her own powers to sustain a role

indefinitely, she had too much common sense not to recognize the force of Mr.

Carter's arguments.

There was still no word or message from Tommy, but the morning post brought a

somewhat dirty postcard with the words: "It's O.K." scrawled upon it.

At ten-thirty Tuppence surveyed with pride a slightly battered tin trunk

containing her new possessions. It was artistically corded. It was with a slight

blush that she rang the bell and ordered it to be placed in a taxi. She drove to

Paddington, and left the box in the cloak room. She then repaired with a handbag

to the fastnesses of the ladies' waiting-room. Ten minutes later a metamorphosed

Tuppence walked demurely out of the station and entered a bus.

It was a few minutes past eleven when Tuppence again entered the hall of South

Audley Mansions. Albert was on the look-out, attending to his duties in a

somewhat desultory fashion. He did not immediately recognize Tuppence. When

The Secret Adversary