Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/234

“Must admit feeling of friendship would suffer a notable increase,” Chan nodded. “Miss Julie, it is not true that Miss Fane gave you that ring yesterday to obtain cash for it?”

“Oh, yes, it is,” the girl insisted. “That much is true.”

“Then she took it back later?”

“Yes—just after she returned from her interview with Tarneverro, about noon.”

“Took it back, and wore it when she died?”

“Yes.”

“After the tragedy, you again obtained possession?”

“I did. When Jimmy and I found her, I went in and knelt beside her. It was then I took the ring.”

“Why?”

“I—I can’t tell you.”

“You mean you won't.”

“I can’t, and I won’t. I’m sorry, Mr. Chan.”

“I also get deep pain from this.” Charlie was silent for a moment. “Can it happen you removed the ring because name of ‘Denny’ was engraved inside?”

“Wh—what do you know about Denny?”

Chan sat up with sudden interest. “I will tell you, and perhaps you will grow frank. I have learned that Shelah Fane was in Los Angeles house the very night Denny Mayo was murdered there. Consequently, she knew name of killer. It was scandal in her past she was eager to conceal. Perhaps, to aid that concealment, you yourself wished name of Denny Mayo kept out of all discussions. A natural desire to shield your friend’s reputation. But as you see, your actions have not availed. Now you may speak, with no injury to your dear benefactor.”