an hour later when Tuppence opened her eyes and found a doctor and Tommy bending over her.
Over the events of the next quarter of an hour a decent veil had better be drawn, but after that period the doctor departed with the assurance that all was now well.
“ Mon ami , Hastings,” said Tommy fondly. “How I rejoice that you are still alive.”
“Have we got No. 16?”
“Once more have I crushed him like an egg shell—In other words, Carter’s got him. The little grey cells! By the way, I’m raising Albert’s wages.”
“Tell me all about it.”
Tommy gave her a spirited narrative, with certain omissions.
“Weren’t you half frantic about me?” asked Tuppence faintly.
“Not particularly. One must keep calm, you