Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/108

A delegation it was, evidently. Ballou began to speak, in his most commanding tone.

“See here, Inspector—we’ve talked it over and there’s no earthly reason why you should keep us here any longer. We've all been questioned, we’ve told you what we know, and now we propose to leave.”

Charlie tossed down the as yet unplaced bits of the photograph and rose. He bowed politely.

“I recognize you are impatient with good reason,” he said.

“Then you’re willing for us to go along?” inquired Ballou.

“I am—and I say it with extreme pain—quite unwilling,” Chan replied. “Unfortunately, new developments keep popping off like firecrackers on New Year holiday, and I have something still to talk about with you.”

“An outrage!” Ballou cried. “I'll have your badge for this.”

Charlie rewarded him with a maddening smile. “That may happen—to-morrow. But looking only at to-night, I am placed in charge of this case, and I say—you will remain here until I tell you to depart.”

Jaynes pushed forward. “I have important business on the mainland, and I intend to sail at midnight. It is now long past ten. I warn you that you must call out your entire force if you propose to keep me here———”

“That also can be done,” answered Charlie amiably.

“Good lord!” The Britisher looked helplessly at Wilkie Ballou. “What kind of place is this? Why don’t they send a white man out here?”

A rare light flared suddenly in Charlie’s eyes. “The