Your old friends will be willing to swear toall
this?
For a moment only, he replied, and left the
room.
After Jaynes left me and started down the beach,
Isat in one of the hotel swings near the water. So Shelah Fane was seen alive at
twelve minutes past eight? Charlie crossed over and laid his hand onFyfes
shoulder.
And if you find anything thatlooks like money, in
heavens name let me know about it at once.
You wrecked me along with them when you smashedthat
eight-two theory. I strolled in here and smoked a cigarette he gave me. No other
woman ever meant anything to me after Shelah left. For a moment he stood staring
about thatinnocent-appearing little group.
It was eight-twenty-five, so I went to my room to
brush up and getmy hat. I ask that you remain on scenea brief time. We stage people
are inclined to be overlydramatic. I ask that you remain on scenea brief time. No
other woman ever meant anything to me after Shelah left. Very interesting indeed,
Charlie continued.
With a puzzled frown, Charlie glanced at Robert
Fyfe.
Bradshaw disported gaily in breakers, visiting
beach occasionally.
Then hour oftragedy was thought certain at two
minutes past eight. Ballou sat and idly passed time until dinner.
The Chinese are at their best at night; it is their
favorite time. You were, you say, at one time husband ofMiss Shelah Fane. Detectives
were practically extinct at station house when they sent youout to-night, he said.
Three years ago I was touring witha company that did not reach the
coast.
To put it crudely, officer, Im afraid Im on
thebeach.
His manner was calm, unperturbed, andseemingly he
was in the frankest of moods.
Thisweek, you see, I happen to be playing the role
of a French ambassador.
Hes a little mixed on what hes beendoing
to-night.
Jessop, restraining a yawn but firmly politeas
always, saw them out. After Jaynes left me and started down the beach, Isat in one
of the hotel swings near the water.
When you telephoned me,Chan added, I was about to
begin serious operation on a small fish.
I find it hard to understand myself, Inspector.
Smith looked back at him, and a speculative, cunning look flashedinto his pale gray
eyes.
During thoseeighteen minutes, I was wandering along
the beach, alone. The door slammed behindhim, and a second later, the two policemen
and Smith also departed. But I should say, things need explanation. Hes a little
mixed on what hes beendoing to-night. What would Waikiki bewithout
beach-comber?
I was planning to make the sand in the shelter of
the pavilion mylodging for the night.