Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/314

and Rita left first, followed by Martino, Van Horn and Jaynes. The latter stopped to shake Charlie’s hand.

“Thanks,” he remarked in a low voice. “I shall make my boat. And on this boat—and all others in the future—I shall try to keep my head.”

Diana went quietly up to her room. Chan turned to Julie.

“Go back to beach,” he said gently. “Look up at stars, breathe clean fresh air and think of future happiness.”

The girl gazed at him, wide-eyed. “Poor Shelah,” she whispered.

“Shelah Fane’s troubles over now,” Chan reminded her. “Do poor lady great kindness, and forget. Jimmy here will help you.”

Bradshaw nodded. “I certainly will.” He put his arm about the girl. “Come on, Julie. One more look at the coco-palms, and then we’re off for the coast, where trees are trees.” They moved toward the French window. Bradshaw smiled at Chan over his shoulder. “So long, Charlie. I’ve got to go now and tone down my adjectives so they'll fit California.”

They went out, ands Chan turned back into the room to find his Chief staring speculatively at Tarneverro. “Well, Charlie,” he remarked. “What are we going to do with our friend here?”

Chan did not answer, but thoughtfully rubbed his cheek. Tarneverro, seeing the gesture, smiled.

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I’ve made you a lot of trouble, Inspector. But I was in a horrible position—you can realize that. Should I have handed Anna over to you at once? Perhaps; but as I told you last night, I saw immediately that I was responsible for the whole