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“As an important witness in present case,” Chan replied. “I will go to extreme length of swearing out warrant, if necessary.”

“I can at least go back to the hotel,” Jaynes suggested.

“When I permit it,” Charlie said gently. “Meanwhile, I hope you will find for yourself a comfortable chair.”

Jaynes glared at him, then receded into the background. The door-bell rang, and Jessop admitted two men. One was a tall angular American with a deputy sheriff’s badge, the other a small anxious-looking Japanese.

“Ah, Mr. Coroner,” Chan greeted the deputy, who doubled in that rôle. “And Kashimo. As usual, Kashimo, you are demon for speed to get on job. Is it too much to assume that you arrive here with horse and carriage?”

The deputy spoke. “They sent him to fetch me, and he finally managed it. Where did this thing happen, Charlie?”

“In a moment I lead you to the place,” Charlie said.

“Maybe I search house,” suggested Kashimo.

Chan regarded him sadly. “It would appear that there was great shortage of detectives at station house to-night,” he said. “No, Mr. Kashimo, please do not search house—at least, not until somebody tells you what you are searching for.” He turned to the deputy. “If you will follow me———”

Diana Dixon came into the room. She wore a white evening gown, and her elaborate make-up was sufficient explanation of the long delay in her appearance. Chan looked at her with interest.