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man who is about to cross a stream should not revile the crocodile’s mother,” he said in icy tones.

“What do you mean by that?” Jaynes asked.

“I mean you are not yet safely on the farther bank.”

“You know damn’ well I’ve got an alibi,” cried the Britisher angrily.

Chan’s little eyes surveyed him from head to foot. “I am not so sure I do,” he remarked calmly.

“You said yourself you had fixed the time of this affair———”

“How sad,” cut in Charlie, “that we pass through this life, making so many errors as we go. Me, I am stupid blunderer. Your alibi, Mr. Jaynes, has been punctured like bubble with a pin.”

“What!” cried Jaynes.

Van Horn and Martino stirred with sudden interest.

“Back off and cool down,” Chan continued. “And accepting my advice, speak no more of alibis. You have already said too much.”

Like a man dazed, Jaynes almost literally obeyed Chan’s orders. Charlie turned to Rita Ballou.

“Madam, my humblest apologies and regrets. I hold you here with the utmost grief. It has occurred to me that there is a dinner long prepared—I fear the passage of time has wrecked most of it now. But if I might suggest———”

“Oh, I couldn’t eat a thing,” Rita told him.

“No, of course, the very thought is horrifying,” Chan nodded. “Such heartlessness would be quite out of place.” Julie and Bradshaw came in. “Nevertheless I urge that you all go out to your positions at the table and at least partake of one cup of coffee. The event will shatter strain, and make easier the period of