Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/132

This page has been validated.
128
THE BLACK CAMEL

“One other thing. Pause a moment while I introduce to you all people in this room.” Gravely he went through that somewhat lengthy ceremony. “You have also seen butler and cook. There is in addition a maid, whom I ask that you pause and make note of on your way out. You will speed from station without delay to Pier Seven, from which the boat Oceanic sails for coast at midnight. No person you have seen in this house is to sail on that boat. You understand?”

“Sure, Charlie—I’ll attend to it,” Spencer nodded.

Jaynes stepped forward. “I’d like to remind you that my luggage is aboard that ship—some of it in the hold———”

Charlie nodded. “How fortunate you spoke of that. Mr. Spencer, kindly see that all effects in state-room belonging to Mr. Jaynes are put ashore in your care. Arrange for such as lie in hold to be guarded for the gentleman at San Francisco dock. Explain he is detained by important business and may be in Honolulu for some time. Is that satisfactory, Mr. Jaynes?”

“It’s damned unsatisfactory,” the Britisher growled, “but I presume I shall have to make the best of it.”

“All you can do,” nodded Charlie. “Kashimo, you will accompany Mr. Spencer down-town. Your passionate labors in this house are ended for the night. You retire in glory—and if you come back through unexpected window, you retire for ever. Keep same in mind.”

The apprentice detective nodded, and went out after Spencer and the beach-comber. Robert Fyfe stepped forward.

“Is there any necessity for my staying any longer?” he inquired.