The Man in the Brown Suit - Agatha Christie [19]
One day later.
Several very suprising things have occurred. To begin with, I met Augustus Milray, the most perfect example of an old ass the present Government has produced. His manner oozed diplomatic secrecy as he drew me aside in the Club into a quiet corner. He talked a good deal. About South Africa and the industrial situation there. About the growing rumours of a strike on the Rand. Of the secret causes actuating that strike. I listened as patiently as I could. Finally, he dropped his voice to a whisper and explained that certain documents had come to light which ought to be placed in the hands of General Smuts.
‘I’ve no doubt you’re quite right,’ I said, stifling a yawn.
‘But how are we to get them to him? Our position in the matter is delicate–very delicate.’
‘What’s wrong with the post?’ I said cheerfully. ‘Put a twopenny stamp on and drop ’em in the nearest letter-box.’
He seemed quite shocked at the suggestion.
‘My dear Pedler! The common post!’
It has always been a mystery to me why Governments employ King’s Messengers and draw such attention to their confidential documents.
‘If you don’t like the post, send one of your own young fellows. He’ll enjoy the trip.’
‘Impossible,’ said Milray, wagging his head in a senile fashion. ‘There are reasons, my dear Pedler–I assure you there are reasons.’
‘Well,’ I said rising, ‘all this is very interesting, but I must be off–’
‘One minute, my dear Pedler, one minute, I beg of you. Now tell me, in confidence, is it not true that you intend visiting South Africa shortly yourself? You have large interests in Rhodesia, I know, and the question of Rhodesia joining in the Union is one in which you have a vital interest.’
‘Well, I had thought of going out in about a month’s time.’
‘You couldn’t possibly make it sooner? This month? This week, in fact?’
‘I could,’ I said, eyeing him with some interest. ‘But I don’t know that I particularly want to.’
‘You would be doing the Government a great service–a very great service. You would not find them–er–ungrateful.’
‘Meaning, you want me to be the postman?’
‘Exactly. Your position is an unofficial one, your journey is bona fide. Everything would be eminently satisfactory.’
‘Well,’ I said slowly, ‘I don’t mind if I do. The one thing I am anxious to do is to get out of England again as soon as possible.’
‘You will find the climate of South Africa delightful–quite delightful.’
‘My dear fellow, I know all about the climate. I was out there shortly before the war.’
‘I am really much obliged to you, Pedler. I will send you round the package by messenger. To be placed in General Smuts’s own hands, you understand? The Kilmorden Castle sails on Saturday–quite a good boat.’
I accompanied him a short way along Pall Mall, before we parted. He shook me warmly by the hand, and thanked me again effusively. I walked home reflecting on the curious by-ways of Governmental policy.
It was the following evening that Jarvis, my butler, informed me that a gentleman wished to see me on private business, but declined to give his name. I have always a lively apprehension of insurance touts, so told Jarvis to say I could not see him. Guy Pagett, unfortunately, when he might for once have been of real use, was laid up with a bilious attack. These earnest, hard-working young men with weak stomachs are always liable to bilious attacks.
Jarvis returned.
‘The gentleman asked me to tell you, Sir Eustace, that he comes to you from Mr Milray.’
That altered the complexion of things. A few minutes later I was confronting my visitor in the library. He was a well-built young fellow with a deeply tanned face.