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self, but she knew her duties as a hostess. So Wu Kno-ching, the cook, arranged with a friend to deliver a bit of liquor just out of the laboratory, and a wine of the most recent vintage.”

“I am deeply shocked,” Chan replied. “Wu's friend was late?”

“He was indeed, sir. As I say, I was busy with my duties from the moment I gave Miss Fane the flowers. At two minutes past eight———”

“Why do you make selection of two minutes past eight?”

“I could not help but overhear your questions to these others, sir. At that moment I was in the kitchen———”

“Alone?”

“No, sir. Wu was there, of course. And Anna, the maid, had dropped in for a cup of tea to sustain her until dinner. I called Wu’s attention to the fact that it was already past eight o’clock, and we had a few words about the bootlegger’s tardiness. The three of us remained there together until ten after eight, when Wu’s friend made a rather sheepish appearance, and I immediately set about to do what I could with the ingredients he brought. At fifteen past eight, I came out to admit Mr. Van Horn. From that point on I was in and out of this room, sir, but I did not leave the house until I went to the beach and sounded the dinner gong.”

“I am obliged to you for a most complete account,” Charlie nodded. “That is all, Jessop.”

The butler hesitated. “There is one other matter, Constable.”

“Ah, yes. What is that?”