"Oh, Sir James," broke out Tuppence, "what do you think has
become of Tommy?"

"H'm." The lawyer rose, and paced slowly up and down. "When you
arrived, young lady, I was just packing up my traps. Going to
Scotland by the night train for a few days' fishing. But there
are different kinds of fishing. I've a good mind to stay, and
see if we can't get on the track of that young chap."

"Oh!" Tuppence clasped her hands ecstatically.

"All the same, as I said before, it's too bad of--of Carter to
set you two babies on a job like this. Now, don't get offended,
Miss--er----"

"Cowley. Prudence Cowley. But my friends call me Tuppence."

"Well, Miss Tuppence, then, as I'm certainly going to be a
friend. Don't be offended because I think you're young. Youth is
a failing only too easily outgrown. Now, about this young Tommy
of yours----"

"Yes." Tuppence clasped her hands.

"Frankly, things look bad for him. He's been butting in
somewhere where he wasn't wanted. Not a doubt of it. But don't
give up hope."

"And you really will help us? There, Julius! He didn't want me