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Автор: Agatha Christie
Издательство: Bookwire
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Жанр произведения: Языкознание
Год издания: 0
isbn: 4057664153128
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       Agatha Christie

      The Secret Adversary

      Published by Good Press, 2019

       [email protected]

      EAN 4057664153128

       PROLOGUE

       CHAPTER I. THE YOUNG ADVENTURERS, LTD.

       CHAPTER II. MR. WHITTINGTON’S OFFER

       CHAPTER III. A SET BACK

       CHAPTER IV. WHO IS JANE FINN?

       CHAPTER V. MR. JULIUS P. HERSHEIMMER

       CHAPTER VI. A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN

       CHAPTER VII. THE HOUSE IN SOHO

       CHAPTER VIII. THE ADVENTURES OF TOMMY

       CHAPTER IX. TUPPENCE ENTERS DOMESTIC SERVICE

       CHAPTER X. ENTER SIR JAMES PEEL EDGERTON

       CHAPTER XI. JULIUS TELLS A STORY

       CHAPTER XII. A FRIEND IN NEED

       CHAPTER XIII. THE VIGIL

       CHAPTER XIV. A CONSULTATION

       CHAPTER XV. TUPPENCE RECEIVES A PROPOSAL

       CHAPTER XVI. FURTHER ADVENTURES OF TOMMY

       CHAPTER XVII. ANNETTE

       CHAPTER XVIII. THE TELEGRAM

       CHAPTER XIX. JANE FINN

       CHAPTER XX. TOO LATE

       CHAPTER XXI. TOMMY MAKES A DISCOVERY

       CHAPTER XXII. IN DOWNING STREET

       CHAPTER XXIII. A RACE AGAINST TIME

       CHAPTER XXIV. JULIUS TAKES A HAND

       CHAPTER XXV. JANE’S STORY

       CHAPTER XXVI. MR. BROWN

       CHAPTER XXVII. A SUPPER PARTY AT THE SAVOY

       CHAPTER XXVIII. AND AFTER

      PROLOGUE

       Table of Contents

      It was 2 p.m. on the afternoon of May 7, 1915. The Lusitania had been struck by two torpedoes in succession and was sinking rapidly, while the boats were being launched with all possible speed. The women and children were being lined up awaiting their turn. Some still clung desperately to husbands and fathers; others clutched their children closely to their breasts. One girl stood alone, slightly apart from the rest. She was quite young, not more than eighteen. She did not seem afraid, and her grave, steadfast eyes looked straight ahead.

      “I beg your pardon.”

      A man’s voice beside her made her start and turn. She had noticed the speaker more than once amongst the first-class passengers. There had been a hint of mystery about him which had appealed to her imagination. He spoke to no one. If anyone spoke to him he was quick to rebuff the overture. Also he had a nervous way of looking over his shoulder with a swift, suspicious glance.

      She noticed now that he was greatly agitated. There were beads of perspiration on his brow. He was evidently in a state of overmastering fear. And yet he did not strike her as the kind of man who would be afraid to meet death!

      “Yes?” Her grave eyes met his inquiringly.

      He stood looking at her with a kind of desperate irresolution.

      “It must be!” he muttered to himself. “Yes—it is the only way.” Then aloud he said abruptly: “You are an American?”

      “Yes.”

      “A patriotic one?”

      The girl flushed.

      “I guess you’ve no right to ask such a thing! Of course I am!”

      “Don’t be offended. You wouldn’t be if you knew how much there was at stake. But I’ve got to trust some one—and it must be a woman.”

      “Why?”

      “Because of ‘women and children first.’ ” He looked round and lowered his voice. “I’m carrying papers—vitally important papers. They may make all the difference to the Allies in the war. You understand? These papers have got to be saved! They’ve more chance with you than with me. Will you take them?”

      The girl held out her hand.

      “Wait—I must warn you. There may be a risk—if I’ve been followed. I don’t think I have, but one never knows. If so, there will be danger. Have you the nerve to go through with it?”

      The girl smiled.

      “I’ll go through with it all right. And I’m real proud to be chosen! What am I to do with them afterwards?”

      “Watch the newspapers! I’ll advertise in the personal column of the Times, beginning ‘Shipmate.’ At the end of three days if there’s nothing—well, you’ll know I’m down and out. Then take the packet to the American Embassy, and deliver it into the Ambassador’s own hands. Is that clear?”

      “Quite clear.”

      “Then be ready—I’m going to say good-bye.” He took her hand in his. “Good-bye. Good