N or M_ - Agatha Christie [52]
All this passed through Tommy’s mind in a few seconds. He knew, only too well, that he was, that he must necessarily be, in deadly peril. If only he could act the part of the credulous thick-headed Englishman well enough.
He turned to Haydock with what he hoped was a natural-sounding laugh.
‘By Jove, one never stops getting surprises at your place. Was this another of Hahn’s little gadgets? You didn’t show me this the other day.’
Haydock was standing still. There was a tensity about his big body as it stood there blocking the door.
‘More than a match for me,’ Tommy thought. ‘And there’s that confounded servant, too.’
For an instant Haydock stood as though moulded in stone, then he relaxed. He said with a laugh:
‘Damned funny, Meadowes. You went skating over the floor like a ballet dancer! Don’t suppose a thing like that would happen once in a thousand times. Dry your hands and come into the other room.’
Tommy followed him out of the bathroom. He was alert and tense in every muscle. Somehow or other he must get safely away from this house with his knowledge. Could he succeed in fooling Haydock? The latter’s tone sounded natural enough.
With an arm round Tommy’s shoulders, a casual arm, perhaps (or perhaps not), Haydock shepherded him into the sitting-room. Turning, he shut the door behind them.
‘Look here, old boy, I’ve got something to say to you.’
His voice was friendly, natural–just a shade embarrassed. He motioned to Tommy to sit down.
‘It’s a bit awkward,’ he said. ‘Upon my word, it’s a bit awkward! Nothing for it, though, but to take you into my confidence. Only you’ll have to keep dark about it, Meadowes. You understand that?’
Tommy endeavoured to throw an expression of eager interest upon his face.
Haydock sat down and drew his chair confidentially close.
‘You see, Meadowes, it’s like this. Nobody’s supposed to know it but I’m working on Intelligence MI42 BX–that’s my department. Ever heard of it?’
Tommy shook his head and intensified the eager expression.
‘Well, it’s pretty secret. Kind of inner ring, if you know what I mean. We transmit certain information from here–but it would be absolutely fatal if that fact got out, you understand?’
‘Of course, of course,’ said Mr Meadowes. ‘Most interesting! Naturally you can count on me not to say a word.’
‘Yes, that’s absolutely vital. The whole thing is extremely confidential.’
‘I quite understand. Your work must be most thrilling. Really most thrilling. I should like so much to know more about it–but I suppose I mustn’t ask that?’
‘No, I’m afraid not. It’s very secret, you see.’
‘Oh yes, I see. I really do apologise–a most extraordinary accident–’
He thought to himself, ‘Surely he can’t be taken in? He can’t imagine I’d fall for this stuff?’
It seemed incredible to him. Then he reflected that vanity had been the undoing of many men. Commander Haydock was a clever man, a big fellow–this miserable chap Meadowes was a stupid Britisher–the sort of man who would believe anything! If only Haydock continued to think that.
Tommy went on talking. He displayed keen interest and curiosity. He knew he mustn’t ask questions but–He supposed Commander Haydock’s work must be very dangerous? Had he ever been in Germany, working there?
Haydock replied genially enough. He was intensely the British sailor now–the Prussian officer had disappeared. But Tommy, watching him with a new vision, wondered how he could ever have been deceived. The shape of the head–the line of the jaw–nothing British about them.
Presently Mr Meadowes rose. It was the supreme test. Would it go off all right?
‘I really must be going now–getting quite late–feel terribly apologetic, but can assure you will not say a word to anybody.’
(‘It’s now or never. Will he let me go or not? I must be ready–a straight to his jaw would be best–’)
Talking amiably and with pleasurable excitement, Mr Meadowes edged towards