Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/197

“I arrive again,” he remarked to the clerk. “For a non-paying guest, | am plenty much in evidence around this place. Will you give me number of room occupied by Mr. Alan Jaynes, if you will be so good?”

The clerk smilingly gave it to him, and pointed out the house telephones at the right of the desk. Charlie was relieved to hear the Britisher’s answering voice. He politely requested a moment’s conversation, and Jaynes replied that he would come down immediately.

Charlie walked with unaccustomed speed to the lounge. A small Filipino bell-boy was there alone, and the detective summoned him.

“I wish to be served with two of your delicious orange-juice drinks,” he announced.

“Yes, sir,” replied the boy.

“I will also accompany you while you secure same.” The boy appeared taken back, but it was not his rôleto argue. From out of the jungle he had come to learn that the guest is always right.

Charlie followed his small guide to the serving pantry, where they encountered a man in a white apron.

“Inspector Chan, of the Honolulu police,’ Charlie explained briefly. “I have just engaged to purchase two juices of the orange. Will you hand me the glasses in which you propose to place same, please?”

The servant was too weary to be surprised. The climate, as he often explained to his wife, had got him. He produced the glasses and Charlie, removing an immaculate handkerchief from his pocket, began to polish them briskly.

“This action, I hasten to say, involves no criticism of you,” he remarked. “But I am reading lately about germs.” He grinned. “A very dangerous form of