Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/129

“Yes. Then she ordered you to get out and not annoy her with your bothers. So you went back to kitchen. That's what you told me before, isn’t it?”

“Yes, boss.”

“All same true, eh, Wu?”

“Yes, boss. Wha’ foah my tell lie to you?”

“All right. You can go now.”

“My go, boss.”

As the old man moved silently away on his velvet slippers, Charlie turned to meet the penetrating gaze of Tarneverro. “All of which is very interesting,” the fortune-teller said coldly. “I perceive that when I pointed out to you the matter of the watch, I was merely wasting my breath. You already knew that Shelah Fane had not been murdered at two minutes past eight.”

Charlie laid a conciliatory hand on Tarneverro’s arm. “Pray do not take offense. I knew Miss Fane had been seen at that later hour, yes; but I was still uncertain of how watch had been manipulated. I listened, curious and then entranced, to your logical explanation. Could I, at its finish, rudely cry thanks for nothing? A gentleman is always courteous. Much better I shower you with well-deserved words of praise, so you go forward with vigorous and triumphant mood of heart.”

“Is that so?” remarked Tarneverro, moving off.

Charlie stepped up to the beach-comber. “Mr. Smith,” he said.

“Right here, Officer,” Smith answered. “I was afraid you were going to forget me. What can I do for you now?”

“A moment ago you began interesting recital of