The Secret Adversary

by Agatha Christie

Miss Prudence Cowley, known to her intimate friends for some mysterious reason as "Tuppence."

"Mr. Edward Whittington." Below the name were the words "Esthonia Glassware Co.,"

The Bolshevists are behind the Labour unrest—but this man is behind the Bolshevists. Who is he? We do not know. He is always spoken of by the unassuming title of 'Mr. Brown.'

"I've often noticed that once coincidences start happening they go on happening in the most extraordinary way.

It is curious—but you cannot make a revolution without honest men. The instinct of the populace is infallible." He paused, and then repeated, as though the phrase pleased him: "Every revolution has had its honest men. They are soon disposed of afterwards."

"Never tell all you know—not even to the person you know best." And like a flash there came into her mind another memory. Julius before the safe in the flat, her own question and the pause before his reply, "Nothing." Was there really nothing? Or had he found something he wished to keep to himself? If he could make a reservation, so could she.

"Come at once, Moat House, Ebury, Yorkshire, great developments—TOMMY."

'Never underestimate your adversary.'

What on earth was a photograph of the French girl Annette doing in Julius Hersheimmer's writing-table?

Sir James nodded again. "You feel—as we all feel—the presence of Mr. Brown. Yes"—as Tuppence made a movement—"not a doubt of it—Mr. Brown is here...." "In this house?" "In this room.... You don't understand? I am Mr. Brown...."

No—the power I dreamed of was absolute! An autocrat! A dictator! And such power could only be obtained by working outside the law. To play on the weaknesses of human nature, then on the weaknesses of nations—to get together and control a vast organization, and finally to overthrow the existing order, and rule! The thought intoxicated me....