Carter nodded.

"I know what you mean.  I'm superstitious myself.  Luck, and all
that sort of thing.  Fate seems to have chosen you out to be
mixed up in this."

Tommy indulged in a chuckle.

"My word!  I don't wonder Whittington got the wind up when
Tuppence plumped out that name!  I should have myself. But look
here, sir, we're taking up an awful lot of your time. Have you
any tips to give us before we clear out?"

"I think not.  My experts, working in stereotyped ways, have
failed. You will bring imagination and an open mind to the task.
Don't be discouraged if that too does not succeed. For one thing
there is a likelihood of the pace being forced."

Tuppence frowned uncomprehendingly.

"When you had that interview with Whittington, they had time
before them. I have information that the big coup was planned for
early in the new year. But the Government is contemplating
legislative action which will deal effectually with the strike
menace.  They'll get wind of it soon, if they haven't already,
and it's possible that that may bring things to a head. I hope it
will myself.  The less time they have to mature their plans the
better.  I'm just warning you that you haven't much time before
you, and that you needn't be cast down if you fail.  It's not an
easy proposition anyway.  That's all."

Tuppence rose.

"I think we ought to be businesslike.  What exactly can we count
upon you for, Mr. Carter?"  Mr. Carter's lips twitched slightly,
but he replied succinctly:  "Funds within reason, detailed
information on any point, and NO OFFICIAL RECOGNITION.  I mean
that if you get yourselves into trouble with the police, I can't
officially help you out of it. You're on your own."

Tuppence nodded sagely.

"I quite understand that.  I'll write out a list of the things I
want to know when I've had time to think.  Now--about money----"

"Yes, Miss Tuppence.  Do you want to say how much?"

"Not exactly.  We've got plenty to go with for the present, but
when we want more----"

"It will be waiting for you."

"Yes, but--I'm sure I don't want to be rude about the Government
if you've got anything to do with it, but you know one really has
the devil of a time getting anything out of it! And if we have to
fill up a blue form and send it in, and then, after three months,
they send us a green one, and so on--well, that won't be much
use, will it?"

Mr. Carter laughed outright.

"Don't worry, Miss Tuppence.  You will send a personal demand to
me here, and the money, in notes, shall be sent by return of
post. As to salary, shall we say at the rate of three hundred a
year? And an equal sum for Mr. Beresford, of course."

Tuppence beamed upon him.

"How lovely.  You are kind.  I do love money!  I'll keep
beautiful accounts of our expenses all debit and credit, and the
balance on the right side, and red line drawn sideways with the
totals the same at the bottom. I really know how to do it when I
think."

"I'm sure you do.  Well, good-bye, and good luck to you both."

He shook hands with them, and in another minute they were
descending the steps of 27 Carshalton Terrace with their heads in
a whirl.

"Tommy!  Tell me at once, who is 'Mr. Carter'?"

Tommy murmured a name in her ear.

"Oh!" said Tuppence, impressed.

"And I can tell you, old bean, he's IT!"

"Oh!" said Tuppence again.  Then she added reflectively,

"I like him, don't you?  He looks so awfully tired and bored, and
yet you feel that underneath he's just like steel, all keen and
flashing.  Oh!"  She gave a skip.  "Pinch me, Tommy, do pinch me.
I can't believe it's real!"

Mr. Beresford obliged.

"Ow!  That's enough!  Yes, we're not dreaming.  We've got a job!"