You already knew that Shelah Fane had not been
murdered at twominutes past eight. I have now little more than half thepieces I had
before.
If only it happened you understood Chinese
language, hereplied.
His manner was calm, unperturbed, andseemingly he
was in the frankest of moods.
Spencer, kindly seethat all effects in stateroom
belonging to Mr. The actor made no answer, nor did he so much as look
up.
Thats a nasty scratch on your forehead, Martino,
the fortune-tellercried.
I strolled in here and smoked a cigarette he gave
me.
Of course, nodded the actress, and speaking of
repose, I hope youllsearch my room first.
As formyself, he added a third time, I have plenty
good business here.
He remained with you while you smoked it? Much the
safest place to have you, Chan returned.
You already knew that Shelah Fane had not been
murdered at twominutes past eight. It is a matter that can easily be verified, the
detective reminded himslowly.
He took a handkerchief from a side pocket andmopped
his forehead.
It was eight-twenty-five, so I went to my room to
brush up and getmy hat. He stood for a moment, looking at the tiny letterB done with
black ink on the silk border. I am most eager that you return to subject at once. At
crucial point you suffered very bluntinterruption.
Temple bronze medal, Third Prize, Landscapes in
oils, he read.
You discover Miss Shelah Fane alonein pavilion. You
wish me to believeyou killed Shelah Fane.
Charlie laid a conciliatory hand on Tarneverros
arm.
I fear I can not offer my unknown friend
warmcongratulations on his originality this time. I had arrived at the theaterearly,
I neednt go on for forty-five minutes. He stirreduneasily, and sought for words to
break the spell.
Calm, unmoved, quite motionless,Chan stared into
the mans face.
As for you, I suggest you travel out to lanaisit
upon a chair and think about your sins. I have now little more than half thepieces I
had before.
I am doing something now for your benefitalone,
Mr.
I thought thenthat I felt a little tug at my
pocket.
When the butler appeared, Chan asked that hesend in
Wu Kno-ching at once.