Tuppence smiled, gratified at the success of her efforts.

“We haven’t exactly proved it yet.  But we’re after her.  And”—­she produced a long-drawn-out wink—­“I guess she won’t get away with the goods this time.”

Albert uttered another ejaculation indicative of delight.

“Mind you, sonny, not a word of this,” said Tuppence suddenly.  “I guess I oughtn’t to have put you wise, but in the States we know a real smart lad when we see one.”

“I’ll not breathe a word,” protested Albert eagerly.  “Ain’t there anything I could do?  A bit of shadowing, maybe, or such like?”

Tuppence affected to consider, then shook her head.

“Not at the moment, but I’ll bear you in mind, son.  What’s this about the girl you say is leaving?”

“Annie?  Regular turn up, they ’ad.  As Annie said, servants is some one nowadays, and to be treated accordingly, and, what with her passing the word round, she won’t find it so easy to get another.”

“Won’t she?” said Tuppence thoughtfully.  “I wonder——­”

An idea was dawning in her brain.  She thought a minute or two, then tapped Albert on the shoulder.

“See here, son, my brain’s got busy.  How would it be if you mentioned that you’d got a young cousin, or a friend of yours had, that might suit the place.  You get me?”

“I’m there,” said Albert instantly.  “You leave it to me, miss, and I’ll fix the whole thing up in two ticks.”

“Some lad!” commented Tuppence, with a nod of approval.  “You might say that the young woman could come in right away.  You let me know, and if it’s O.K.  I’ll be round to-morrow at eleven o’clock.”

“Where am I to let you know to?”

“Ritz,” replied Tuppence laconically.  “Name of Cowley.”

Albert eyed her enviously.

“It must be a good job, this tec business.”

“It sure is,” drawled Tuppence, “especially when old man Rysdale backs the bill.  But don’t fret, son.  If this goes well, you shall come in on the ground floor.”

With which promise she took leave of her new ally, and walked briskly away from South Audley Mansions, well pleased with her morning’s work.

But there was no time to be lost.  She went straight back to the Ritz and wrote a few brief words to Mr. Carter.  Having dispatched this, and Tommy not having yet returned—­which did not surprise her—­she started off on a shopping expedition which, with an interval for tea and assorted creamy cakes, occupied her until well after six o’clock, and she returned to the hotel jaded, but satisfied with her purchases.  Starting with a cheap clothing store, and passing through one or two second-hand establishments, she had finished the day at a well-known hairdresser’s.  Now, in the seclusion of her bedroom, she unwrapped that final purchase.  Five minutes later she smiled contentedly at her reflection in the glass.  With an actress’s pencil