IV
It was not until the next day that Tuppence was able to have a confer-ence with Tommy. They had agreed never to attempt to communicatewith each other under the roof of Sans Souci.
Mrs. Blenkensop met Mr. Meadowes as the latter, his hay fever some-what abated¹, was taking a gentle stroll on the front. They sat down on oneof the promenade² seats.
“Well?” said Tuppence.
Slowly, Tommy nodded his head. He looked rather unhappy.
“Yes,” he said. “I got something. But Lord, what a day. Perpetually withan eye to the crack of the door. I’ve got quite a stiff neck.”
“Never mind your neck,” said Tuppence unfeelingly. “Tell me.”
“Well, the maids went in to do the bed and the room, of course. AndMrs. Perenna went in—but that was when the maids were there and shewas just blowing them up about something. And the kid ran in once andcame out with a woolly dog.”
“Yes, yes. Anyone else?”
“One person,” said Tommy slowly.
“Who?”
“Carl von Deinim.”
“Oh!” Tuppence felt a swift pang³. So, after all—“When?” she asked.
“Lunch time. He came out from the dining room early, came up to hisroom, then sneaked⁴ across the passage and into yours. He was there abouta quarter of an hour.”
He paused.
“That settles it, I think?”
Tuppence nodded.
Yes, it settled it all right. Carl von Deinim could have had no reason forgoing⁵ into Mrs. Blenkensop’s bedroom and remaining there for a quarterof an hour save one. His complicity was proved. He must be, Tuppencethought, a marvellous actor. .?.?.
His words to her that morning had rung so very true. Well, perhaps theyhad been true in a way. To know when to use the truth was the essence ofsuccessful deception⁶. Carl von Deinim was a patriot⁷ all right; he was anenemy agent working for his country. One could respect him for that. Yes—but destroy him too.

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