The Secret Adversary (Tommy & Tuppence 1)

CHAPTER V. MR. JULIUS P. HERSHEIMMER

“WELL,” said Tuppence, recovering herself, “it really seems as though itwere meant to be.”

Carter nodded.

“I know what you mean. I’m superstitious myself. Luck, and all that sortof 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 Tuppenceplumped out that name! I should have myself. But look here, sir, we’retaking up an awful lot of your time. Have you any tips to give us beforewe 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 bediscouraged if that too does not succeed. For one thing there is alikelihood of the pace being forced.”

Tuppence frowned uncomprehendingly.

“When you had that interview with Whittington, they had time beforethem. I have information that the big _coup_ was planned for early inthe new year. But the Government is contemplating legislative actionwhich will deal effectually with the strike menace. They’ll get wind ofit soon, if they haven’t already, and it’s possible that that may bringthings to a head. I hope it will myself. The less time they have tomature their plans the better. I’m just warning you that you haven’tmuch 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 youfor, Mr. Carter?” Mr. Carter’s lips twitched slightly, but he repliedsuccinctly: “Funds within reason, detailed information on any point,and _no official recognition_. I mean that if you get yourselves intotrouble with the police, I can’t officially help you out of it. You’reon your own.”

Tuppence nodded sagely.

“I quite understand that. I’ll write out a list of the things I want toknow 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 wewant more----”

“It will be waiting for you.”

“Yes, but--I’m sure I don’t want to be rude about the Government ifyou’ve got anything to do with it, but you know one really has the devilof a time getting anything out of it! And if we have to fill up a blueform and send it in, and then, after three months, they send us a greenone, 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 forMr. Beresford, of course.”

Tuppence beamed upon him.

“How lovely. You are kind. I do love money! I’ll keep beautiful accountsof our expenses all debit and credit, and the balance on the right side,and red line drawn sideways with the totals the same at the bottom. Ireally know how to do it when I think.”

“I’m sure you do. Well, good-bye, and good luck to you both.”

He shook hands with them, and in another minute they were descending thesteps of 27 Carshalton Terrace with their heads in a whirl.

“Tommy! Tell me at once, who is ‘Mr. Carter’?”

Tommy murmured a name in her ear.

“Oh!” said Tuppence, impressed.

“And I can tell you, old bean, he’s IT!”

“Oh!” said Tuppence again. Then she added reflectively,

“I like him, don’t you? He looks so awfully tired and bored, and yet youfeel that underneath he’s just like steel, all keen and flashing. Oh!” She gave a skip. “Pinch me, Tommy, do pinch me. I can’t believe it’sreal!”

Mr. Beresford obliged.

“Ow! That’s enough! Yes, we’re not dreaming. We’ve got a job!”

“And what a job! The joint venture has really begun.”

“It’s more respectable than I thought it would be,” said Tuppencethoughtfully.

“Luckily I haven’t got your craving for crime! What time is it? Let’shave lunch--oh!”

The same thought sprang to the minds of each. Tommy voiced it first.

“Julius P. Hersheimmer!”

“We never told Mr. Carter about hearing from him.”

“Well, there wasn’t much to tell--not till we’ve seen him. Come on, we’dbetter take a taxi.”

“Now who’s being extravagant?”

“All expenses paid, remember. Hop in.”

“At any rate, we shall make a better effect arriving this way,” saidTuppence, leaning back luxuriously. “I’m sure blackmailers never arrivein buses!”

“We’ve ceased being blackmailers,” Tommy pointed out.