The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection by Agatha Christie Page B

drumming on the table.
    â€œAnd—the date, my friend?” said Number One.
    â€œThe 29th.”
    The Russian seemed to consider.
    â€œThat is rather soon.”
    â€œI know. But it was settled by the principal Labour leaders, and we cannot seem to interfere too much. They must believe it to be entirely their own show.”
    The Russian laughed softly, as though amused.
    â€œYes, yes,” he said. “That is true. They must have no inkling that we are using them for our own ends. They are honest men—and that is their value to us. It is curious—but you cannot make a revolution without honest men. The instinct of the populace is infallible.” He paused, and then repeated, as though the phrase pleased him: “Every revolution has had its honest men. They are soon disposed of afterwards.”
    There was a sinister note in his voice.
    The German resumed:
    â€œClymes must go. He is too farseeing. Number Fourteen will see to that.”
    There was a hoarse murmur.
    â€œThat’s all right, guv’nor.” And then after a moment or two: “Suppose I’m nabbed.”
    â€œYou will have the best legal talent to defend you,” replied the German quietly. “But in any case you will wear gloves fitted with the fingerprints of a notorious housebreaker. You have little to fear.”
    â€œOh, I ain’t afraid, guv’nor. All for the good of the cause. The streets is going to run with blood, so they say.” He spoke with a grim relish. “Dreams of it, sometimes, I does. And diamonds and pearls rolling about in the gutter for anyone to pick up!”
    Tommy heard a chair shifted. Then Number One spoke:
    â€œThen all is arranged. We are assured of success?”
    â€œI—I think so.” But the German spoke with less than his usual confidence.
    Number One’s voice held suddenly a dangerous quality:
    â€œWhat has gone wrong?”
    â€œNothing; but—”
    â€œBut what?”
    â€œThe labour leaders. Without them, as you say, we can do nothing. If they do not declare a general strike on the 29th—”
    â€œWhy should they not?”
    â€œAs you’ve said, they’re honest. And, in spite of everything we’ve done to discredit the Government in their eyes, I’m not sure that they haven’t got a sneaking faith and belief in it.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI know. They abuse it unceasingly. But, on the whole, public opinion swings to the side of the Government. They will not go against it.”
    Again the Russian’s fingers drummed on the table.
    â€œTo the point, my friend. I was given to understand that there was a certain document in existence which assured success.”
    â€œThat is so. If that document were placed before the leaders, the result would be immediate. They would publish it broadcast throughout England, and declare for the revolution without a moment’s hesitation. The Government would be broken finally and completely.”
    â€œThen what more do you want?”
    â€œThe document itself,” said the German bluntly.
    â€œAh! It is not in your possession? But you know where it is?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDoes anyone know where it is?”
    â€œOne person—perhaps. And we are not sure of that even.”
    â€œWho is this person?”
    â€œA girl.”
    Tommy held his breath.
    â€œA girl?” The Russian’s voice rose contemptuously. “And you have not made her speak? In Russia we have ways of making a girl talk.”
    â€œThis case is different,” said the German sullenly.
    â€œHow—different?” He paused a moment, then went on: “Where is the girl now?”
    â€œThe girl?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œShe is—”
    But Tommy heard no more. A crashing blow descended on his head, and all was darkness.

Nine
    T UPPENCE E NTERS D OMESTIC S ERVICE
    W hen Tommy set forth on the trail of the two men, it took all