Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/224

Charlie repeated Jessop’s story about the ring, which, he pointed out, might mean merely the repayment of an old grudge. He showed his Chief the letter which Van Horn had offered in explanation of his visit to the library. Finally he told of the mutilation of the bound volume of the newspaper, and ended with the mention of Ballou and his wife in the story of the Denny Mayo murder case.

For a long time, when he had finished, his Chief sat in silence. “Well,” he said at length, “according to your investigation, they’re all in it, I guess. Good heavens, can’t you draw any deductions from all this?”

“Kindly state what are your deductions,” answered Chan with gentle malice.

“Me? I don’t know. I’m stumped. But you—the pride of the force——”

“Kindly recall—I have never been demon for speed. While I stumble about this way, I am fiercely thinking. Large bodies arrive late. Grant me time.”

“What do you propose to do now?”

“I consider a little social visit with Mrs. Ballou.”

“Great Scott, Charlie,—watch your step. Ballou’s an important man in this town, and he’s never been very friendly to me.”

“I plan to use all possible diplomacy.”

“You'll need it, and then some. Don’t offend him, whatever you do. You know—these old families——”

Charlie shrugged. “I have not lived in Honolulu all these years in state of blindness. Do not worry. I move now on feet shod with velvet, and my voice drips oil and honey.”

Kashimo came in. He walked with dragging step and had a discouraged air.