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honor of the force is at stake. If these people are going to come over here to our quiet little city and murder each other at Waikiki, we've got to prove to them that they can’t get away with it. I rely on you.”

Chan bowed. I’m afraid you do. “Appreciate the distinction, and will do all my humble talents permit. Now I will wish you good night. The evening has worn on me like some prolonged dispute.”

He went out into the battered old hall, just as Spencer entered from the street. Chan looked at his watch.

“The Oceanic has sailed?” he inquired.

“Yeah—she’s out.”

“With none of our friends aboard, I trust?” Chan said.

“None that I saw goin’ aboard—and I guess I was there first. One of ’em showed up, though.”

“Which one?”

“That Alan Jaynes. He came in a car from the Grand Hotel, an’ collected his baggage. I heard him swearin’ under his breath when the ship backed away from the pier. I helped him load up, an’ he went back to the beach. He give me a message for you.”

“What was that?”

“He said he was sailing on the next ship, and all hell couldn’t stop him.”

Charlie smiled. “None the less, I shall see that the province he mentions breaks loose at the dock if he tries it.”

He went down the flight of steps to the street. Through the moonlight he saw approaching him the jaunty figure of Smith, the beach-comber.

“This is a pretty idea, Officer,” that gentleman said.