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Anyway, Tuppence decided, with her usual shake of the shoulders, it was worth

trying, and try it she would. Sunday was her afternoon out. She would meet

Julius, persuade him to her point of view, and they would beard the lion in his

den.

When the day arrived Julius needed a considerable amount of persuading, but

Tuppence held firm. "It can do no harm," was what she always came back to. In

the end Julius gave in, and they proceeded in the car to Carlton House Terrace.

The door was opened by an irreproachable butler. Tuppence felt a little nervous.

After all, perhaps it WAS colossal cheek on her part. She had decided not to ask if

Sir James was "at home," but to adopt a more personal attitude.

Will you ask Sir James if I can see him for a few minutes? I have an important

message for him."

The butler retired, returning a moment or two later.

Sir James will see you. Will you step this way?"

He ushered them into a room at the back of the house, furnished as a library.

The collection of books was a magnificent one, and Tuppence noticed that all one

wall was devoted to works on crime and criminology. There were several deep-

padded leather arm-chairs, and an old-fashioned open hearth. In the window was

a big roll-top desk strewn with papers at which the master of the house was

sitting.

He rose as they entered.

You have a message for me? Ah"--he recognized Tuppence with a smile--"it's you,

is it? Brought a message from Mrs. Vandemeyer, I suppose?"

Not exactly," said Tuppence. "In fact, I'm afraid I only said that to be quite sure

of getting in. Oh, by the way, this is Mr. Hersheimmer, Sir James Peel Edgerton."

Pleased to meet you," said the American, shooting out a hand.

Won't you both sit down?" asked Sir James. He drew forward two chairs.

Sir James," said Tuppence, plunging boldly, "I dare say you will think it is most

awful cheek of me coming here like this. Because, of course, it's nothing whatever

to do with you, and then you're a very important person, and of course Tommy

The Secret Adversary