Postern of Fate tat-5
Page 24
Colonel Pikeaway coughed and suddenly took over. 'But history repeats itself, Mrs Beresford. Everyone learns that sooner or later. A nucleus recently reformed in Hollowquay. People who knew about it set things up again. Perhaps that's why Miss Mullins returned. Certain hiding-places were used again. Secret meetings took place. Once more money became significant - where it came from, where it went to. Mr Robinson here was called in. And then our old friend Beresford came along and started giving me some very interesting information. It fitted in with what we had already suspected. Background scenery, being set up in anticipation. A future being prepared to be controlled and run by one particular political figure in this country. A man with a certain reputation and making more converts and followers every day. The Confidence Trick in action once again. Man of Great Integrity - Lover of Peace. Not Fascism - oh no! Just something that looks like Fascism. Peace for all - and financial rewards to those who cooperate.'
'Do you mean it's still going on?' Tuppence's eyes opened wide.
'Well, we know more or less all we want and need to know now. And that's partly because of what you two have contributed - the operation of a surgical nature on a rocking-horse was particularly informative -'
'Mathilde!' exclaimed Tuppence. 'I am glad! I can hardly believe it. Mathilde's stomach!'
'Wonderful things, horses,' said Colonel Pikeaway. 'Never know what they will do, or won't do. Ever since the wooden horse of Troy.'
'Even Truelove helped, I hope,' said Tuppence. 'But, I mean, if it's all going on still. With children about -'
'It isn't,' said Mr Crispin. 'You don't need to worry. That area of England is purified - the wasps' nest cleared up. It's suitable for private living again. We've reason to believe they've shifted operations to the neighbourhood of Bury St Edmunds. And we'll be keeping an eye on you, so you needn't worry at all.'
Tuppence gave a sigh of relief. 'Thank you for telling me. You see, my daughter Deborah comes to stay from time to time and brings her three children -'
'You needn't worry,' said Mr Robinson. 'By the way, after the N and M business, didn't you adopt the child that figured in the case - the one that had the nursery rhyme books, Goosey Gander and all the rest of it?'
'Betty?' said Tuppence. 'Yes. She's done very well at university and she's gone off now to Africa to do research on how people live - that sort of thing. A lot of young people are very keen on that. She's a darling - and very happy.'
Mr Robinson cleared his throat and rose to his feet. 'I want to propose a toast. To Mr and Mrs Thomas Beresford in acknowledgement of the service they have rendered to their country.'
It was drunk enthusiastically.
'And if I may, I will propose a further toast,' said Mr Robinson. 'To Hannibal.'
'There, Hannibal,' said Tuppence, stroking his head 'You've had your health drunk. Almost as good as being knighted or having a medal. I was reading Stanley Weyman's Count Hannibal only the other day.'
'Read it as a boy, I remember,' said Mr Robinson. '"Who touches my brother touches Tavanne," if I've got it right. Pikeaway, don't you think? Hannibal, may I be permitted to tap you on the shoulder?'
Hannibal took a step towards him, received a tap on the shoulder and gently wagged his tail.
'I hereby create you a Count of this Realm.'
'Count Hannibal. Isn't that lovely?' said Tuppence. 'What a proud dog you ought to be!'
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