But Flannery thought those clippings meant nothing, and I believehe was right.
One which stretches out like an elastic, nodded Chan.
He can act in a sort of
advisory capacity. Postman on his holiday, theytell me, takes long walk. He
repeated his conversation with the great man. Chan had felt himself
greatlyattracted to his genial host of the night before. He made a deep bow,
and went through the reception-room into the hall. I shall protect you as much
as possiblefrom the annoyance of further questioning.
Souvenir of that unhappy
case,they adorned his feet when he came down. We had better go, said the girl,
and tell the others. Well, that was some little affair up at theKirk Building
last night. Butfor myself, I have keen eagerness to note how this news is taken
in theroom above. Will you kindlydeliver same to my oldest son, who will call
for it when you have dockedat Honolulu? Yet without question of doubt, Sir
Frederic kept records. Im afraid we shall, admitted Miss Morrow. You know
moreabout the case than he does.
So fortunate you still hang on, headded to the
girl.
Very interestingcase, but as I have heard my slanging cousin Willie say,
I am not takingany of it.
Well, a newspaper man, Rankin of the Globe, came to
see me a few minutesago. Iknew something would happen when the lights were
turned off. At thoughtof your kindness, he remarked, I am choking. Again that
stubborn look in Charlies eyes. Well, that was some little affair up at theKirk
Building last night.
Except for one interval of about ten minutes, whenyou
allowed it to run itself.
Let us ride away into the face ofour problems.
Not
more than half an hour, replied the doctor. They were silent for a moment,
pondering the servants story.
Charlie Chan also got his hat and coat, while
Miss Morrowwatched him inquiringly. Easy said, but hard to do, suggested Chan.
If I am suiting my own taste, thistime I look elsewhere. I havent had time to
investigate, said Kirk. He signed his check, left agenerous tip, and joined
Rankin in the lobby. Good-bys andfinal admonitions filled the air.
Even in
moment of passing, his dying hand would seekto leave behind essential clue. If
he seeks to proceed beyondHonolulu, rough hands will restrain him.
The
detective stood for a moment, undecided. A stout,middle-aged man led the
procession; he was Mr.
Sir Frederic was still working on one, or maybe both,
ofthose cases. That is one of the points I shall take up with you later.
|