'No. I put it in the top drawer,' Guido said, frowning.
As he got to his feet Dixon came in.
'I beg your pardon, sir, but you haven't moved the tortoise, have you?'
Don felt the atmosphere suddenly tighten.
'Of course not,' Guido said sharply.
'I'm sorry, sir, but it's no longer in the box.'
'Perhaps it has crawled out,' Don said quietly.
'It couldn't have done that, sir. I put a lid on the box. Someone must have taken it.'
'All right, Dixon. It doesn't matter,' Guido said. 'Just make sure it isn't crawling about the house.'
'Yes, sir,' Dixon said and went out.
Don glanced at Julia who was sitting motionless, her face pale.
'Well, this is a turn up for the book,' said Guido who prided himself on his grasp of idiomatic English. 'It looks as if the evidence has been pinched.'
Although he spoke lightly, Don could see he was startled.
'Someone's been here,' Julia said breathlessly. 'What do you think, Don?' Guido asked. 'I think your practical joker is carrying this much too far,' Don said. 'It might be an idea, Guido, to have a word with the police now.'
Guido hesitated, then shook his head.
'No, I'm not going to do that. I can't afford the stupid publicity that is bound to follow. I've got the new board to think of No, I'm not going to call the police.'
'But you must!' Julia cried. 'You should have told them in the first place. You're in danger...'
'Don't get excited, Julia,' Don said quietly. 'I can see Guido's point. The newspapers would love a set-up like this.
After all, Guido is quite safe here. He's not alone. I'm here, and Dixon's within call. Besides, you forget Guido can more than look after himself. Hairy's outside watching the house. I told him what was in the wind, and he is keeping his eyes open. If we did call the police, they couldn't do any more than we are doing now...'
He broke off as the clock on the mantelpiece struck nine. Julia caught her breath sharply.
'The note said the messenger would come at nine!' she said, catching hold of Guido's hand.
'Darling Julia,' Guido said. 'There's nothing to be scared about. Of course no one will come.'
Even as he spoke they heard the front door bell ring, and Julia jumped to her feet.
Guido put his arm around her. He glanced across at Don who had stiffened to attention.
The three stood motionless, listening. They heard Dixon cross the hall and open the front door. They heard a murmur of voices, then Dixon came into the room.
'There's a district messenger here, sir,' he said to Guido. 'He says he has come for a sealed package. What package would that be?'
Julia recoiled, her face going white.
'Well, I'll be damned!' Guido said angrily, and he took a step forward, but Don was before him.
'Stay with Julia,' he said. 'I'll handle this,' and before Guido could argue, he walked into the hall, followed by Dixon.
Standing under the hall light was a sixteen-year-old boy, wearing a District Messenger's uniform.
'Sure you haven't made a mistake, son?' Don asked.
'I don't think so, sir,' the boy returned and brought out his book. 'Mr Ferenci, The Crest, Spaniards Avenue, Hampstead. One package to be collected. This is The Crest, isn't it?'
'That's right. What are your instructions? Where are you supposed to take the package?'
'To the Piccadilly Hotel, sir. A gentleman of the name of Montgomery will be waiting for it. I'm to give it to him and get a signature for it,' the boy said.
Don studied him. He decided he was telling the truth.
'How are you to identify Mr Montgomery?'
The boy began to look bewildered.
'He will be wearing a white mackintosh and a black hat. Is there something up?'
Don shook his head.
'No. I'll get the package for you. Just wait here.' He beckoned to Dixon. 'Let's go into the kitchen,' he said.
Looking as bewildered as the boy, Dixon led Don into the kitchen.
When Don had shut the door, he said, 'Wrap up some folded newspapers in brown paper: about the size of a book.'
His face blank with surprise, Dixon quickly made up the parcel and gave it to Don.
