Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/86

smiling tropics, even over evening dress, is unaccustomed garb.” He turned to Julie. “And what, please, is name of man servant in this house?”

“You mean Jessop?” she inquired.

“I mean the butler. Will you summon him—if I am not getting too obnoxious?”

Julie went into the hall, and Charlie turned to the deputy sheriff. “I find it impossible to accompany you to scene of crime just yet. Same took place in small beach house at right of lawn—please accept this key. You may begin examination, and I will join you when I have interrogated servants here.”

“Did you find the weapon, Charlie?” asked the coroner.

“I did not. That was, I think, carried off by the assailant. He was person, you will find, who had wits in good control.” Charlie turned to the Japanese. “Kashimo, you may enjoy yourself by keen observation of the neighborhood. But if you repeat one former performance and spoil any footprints for me, I will at once arrange for you to return to former position as janitor of fish market.”

The coroner and the little Japanese went out. At the same moment Jessop held open the curtains and followed Julie into the room. The butler was pale and agitated.

“The name is Jessop?” Charlie inquired.

“Yes—ah—sir.”

“You understand who it is that I am?”

“I take it you represent the local constabulary, sir.”

Chan grinned. “If it will help you to endure society of person like me, Jessop, I offer statement that my humble efforts on one occasion met with the complete approval of a gentleman from Scotland Yard.”