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“Precisely.”

“But in what manner did this person discover she was hovering on a point of revealment?”

“I can’t tell you,” Tarneverro replied. “There is a balcony outside my room. That’s a possibility, but not a likely one, I fear. Or it may be that Shelah consulted the killer, told him—or her—that she could no longer remain silent. It would have been like her. She was indiscreet, impulsive.” They moved toward the steps. “I hope that what I have told you will prove helpful, Inspector. It gives you the motive, at least, and it narrows your search. Believe me, I shall be at your side through this investigation. You are going to have all the help I can possibly give you. I want, even more than you, the name of Shelah’s murderer.”

“Your help will be valuable indeed,” Chan told him. “What did I say to you this morning—you are number one detective yourself. I did not dream that so soon we would be working side by side.”

Jessop admitted them, and they went into the living-room where the two Ballous and Van Horn sat in gloomy silence. Charlie stood gazing at this small group with thoughtful deliberation. Jimmy Bradshaw entered behind him, his bathing-suit abandoned for dinner clothes.

“Hello, Charlie,” he said in a low voice. ‘“You’re needed here, all right. In the pavilion—clear over to the right on the lawn. I locked the door as soon as we found what had happened. Here’s the key.”

“You are bright boy,” said Charlie, pleased. “That fact has long been apparent as the morning sun.” He turned to the others. “It will naturally be understood