Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/139

“What do you mean, secretly? I’ve done it openly, and you know it. I've told them to keep away from you———”

“Why?”

“I don’t like the look in your eyes, my friend. What was it you told poor Shelah this morning? What did she tell you?”

“That is something I’d not be likely to discuss with you. So you sat on the beach by the water, did you?”

“Oh, don’t get too cocky over that alibi of yours,” Martino cried. “How did you happen to have it so pat and ready? Reading the future again, eh?”

“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” Charlie protested. “We are arriving precisely nowhere by this. I perceive that nerves are very much up on edge, and I am glad to push open doors and put quick end to investigation. You are all free to depart.”

There was an instant dash for the hall. Chan followed.

“Just one word to add,” he said, “though I am certain that by now the buzz of my voice in your ears must be most tiresome sound. But please remember—you rest on small island in the midst of broad Pacific Ocean. Attempt by any one of you to go aboard ship will be instantly known to us, and regarded with dark suspicious eye. Stay on, I beg of you, and enjoy beauties of spot, on which subject Mr. Bradshaw will be happy to make oration for you any time, any place.”

“That’s right,” the boy nodded. “Loaf on a palm-fringed shore and forget your troubles. Somewhere winter is raging———”

“In July?” Van Horn inquired.