The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online Page B

all.”
    Tommy applauded.
    â€œDon’t jeer. We can only find out through Whittington. We must discover where he lives, what he does—sleuth him, in fact! Now I can’t do it, because he knows me, but he only saw you for a minute or two in Lyons’. He’s not likely to recognize you. After all, one young man is much like another.”
    â€œI repudiate that remark utterly. I’m sure my pleasing features and distinguished appearance would single me out from any crowd.”
    â€œMy plan is this,” Tuppence went on calmly. “I’ll go alone tomorrow. I’ll put him off again like I did today. It doesn’t matter if I don’t get any more money at once. Fifty pounds ought to last us a few days.”
    â€œOr even longer!”
    â€œYou’ll hang about outside. When I come out I shan’t speak to you in case he’s watching. But I’ll take up my stand somewhere near, and when he comes out of the building I’ll drop a handkerchief or something, and off you go!”
    â€œOff I go where?”
    â€œFollow him, of course, silly! What do you think of the idea?”
    â€œSort of thing one reads about in books. I somehow feel that in real life one will feel a bit of an ass standing in the street for hours with nothing to do. People will wonder what I’m up to.”
    â€œNot in the city. Everyone’s in such a hurry. Probably no one will even notice you at all.”
    â€œThat’s the second time you’ve made that sort of remark. Never mind, I forgive you. Anyway, it will be rather a lark. What are you doing this afternoon?”
    â€œWell,” said Tuppence meditatively. “I had thought of hats! Or perhaps silk stockings! Or perhaps—”
    â€œHold hard,” admonished Tommy. “There’s a limit to fifty pounds! But let’s do dinner and a show tonight at all events.”
    â€œRather.”
    The day passed pleasantly. The evening even more so. Two of the five-pound notes were now irretrievably dead.
    They met by arrangement the following morning, and proceeded citywards. Tommy remained on the opposite side of the road while Tuppence plunged into the building.
    Tommy strolled slowly down to the end of the street, then back again. Just as he came abreast of the buildings, Tuppence darted across the road.
    â€œTommy!”
    â€œYes. What’s up?”
    â€œThe place is shut. I can’t make anyone hear.”
    â€œThat’s odd.”
    â€œIsn’t it? Come up with me, and let’s try again.”
    Tommy followed her. As they passed the third floor landing a young clerk came out of an office. He hesitated a moment, then addressed himself to Tuppence.
    â€œWere you wanting the Esthonia Glassware?”
    â€œYes, please.”
    â€œIt’s closed down. Since yesterday afternoon. Company being wound up, they say. Not that I’ve ever heard of it myself. But anyway the office is to let.”
    â€œTh—thank you,” faltered Tuppence. “I suppose you don’t know Mr. Whittington’s address?”
    â€œAfraid I don’t. They left rather suddenly.”
    â€œThank you very much,” said Tommy. “Come on, Tuppence.”
    They descended to the street again where they gazed at one another blankly.
    â€œThat’s torn it,” said Tommy at length.
    â€œAnd I never suspected it,” wailed Tuppence.
    â€œCheer up, old thing, it can’t be helped.”
    â€œCan’t it, though!” Tuppence’s little chin shot out defiantly. “Do you think this is the end? If so, you’re wrong. It’s just the beginning!”
    â€œThe beginning of what?”
    â€œOf our adventure! Tommy, don’t you see, if they are scared enough to run away like this, it shows that there must be a lot in this Jane Finn business! Well, we’ll get to the bottom of it. We’ll run them down! We’ll be sleuths in earnest!”
    â€œYes,