couldn’t read it because it was in cipher–but we know that the draft treaty
wasn’t in cipher–couldn’t be in the nature of things–so that won’t wash. But
there’s SOMETHING. Of course, Jane Finn may be dead for all we know–but I
don’t think so. The curious thing is that THEY’RE TRYING TO GET INFORMATION
ABOUT THE GIRL FROM US”
“What?”
“Yes. One or two little things have cropped up. And your story, little
lady, confirms my idea. They know we’re looking for Jane Finn. Well, they’ll
produce a Jane Finn of their own–say at a pensionnat in Paris.” Tuppence
gasped, and Mr. Carter smiled. “No one knows in the least what she looks like,
so that’s all right. She’s primed with a trumped-up tale, and her real business
is to get as much information as possible out of us. See the idea?”
“Then you think”–Tuppence paused to grasp the supposition fully–“that it
WAS as Jane Finn that they wanted me to go to Paris?”
Mr. Carter smiled more wearily than ever.
“I believe in coincidences, you know,” he said.
CHAPTER V
MR. JULIUS P. HERSHEIMMER
“WELL,” said Tuppence, recovering herself, “it really seems as though it
were meant to be.”
Carter nodded.
“I know what you mean. I’m superstitious myself. Luck, and all that sort
of thing. Fate seems to have chosen you out to be mixed up in this.”
Tommy indulged in a chuckle.
“My word! I don’t wonder Whittington got the wind up when Tuppence plumped
out that name! I should have myself. But look here, sir, we’re taking up an
awful lot of your time. Have you any tips to give us before we clear out?”
“I think not. My experts, working in stereotyped ways, have failed. You
will bring imagination and an open mind to the task. Don’t be discouraged if
that too does not succeed. For one thing there is a likelihood of the pace being
forced.”
Tuppence frowned uncomprehendingly.
“When you had that interview with Whittington, they had time before them. I
have information that the big coup was planned for early in the new year. But
the Government is contemplating legislative action which will deal effectually
with the strike menace. They’ll get wind of it soon, if they haven’t already,
and it’s possible that that may bring things to a head. I hope it will myself.
The less time they have to mature their plans the better. I’m just warning you
that you haven’t much time before you, and that you needn’t be cast down if you
fail. It’s not an easy proposition anyway. That’s all.”
Tuppence rose.
I think we ought to be businesslike. What exactly can we count upon you
for, Mr. Carter?” Mr. Carter’s lips twitched slightly, but he replied
succinctly: “Funds within reason, detailed information on any point, and NO
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION. I mean that if you get yourselves into trouble with the
police, I can’t officially help you out of it. You’re on your own.”
Tuppence nodded sagely.
“I quite understand that. I’ll write out a list of the things I want to
know when I’ve had time to think. Now–about money—-”
“Yes, Miss Tuppence. Do you want to say how much?”
“Not exactly. We’ve got plenty to go with for the present, but when we
want more—-”
“It will be waiting for you.”
“Yes, but–I’m sure I don’t want to be rude about the Government if you’ve
got anything to do with it, but you know one really has the devil of a time
getting anything out of it! And if we have to fill up a blue form and send it
in, and then, after three months, they send us a green one, and so on–well,
that won’t be much use, will it?”
Mr. Carter laughed outright.
“Don’t worry, Miss Tuppence. You will send a personal demand to me here,
and the money, in notes, shall be sent by return of post. As to salary, shall we
say at the rate of three hundred a year? And an equal sum for Mr. Beresford, of
course.”
Tuppence beamed upon him.
“How lovely. You are kind. I do love money! I’ll keep beautiful accounts
of our expenses all debit and credit, and the balance on the right side, and red