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“I do not know whether or not it has any significance, sir, but it came back to me when I heard this terrible news. There is a small library up-stairs, and to-day, when I had cleared away the luncheon things, I went in there to secure a book, planning to take it to my room as a recreation during my siesta. I came suddenly upon Miss Fane. She was looking at a photograph and weeping most bitterly, sir.”

“A photograph of whom?”

“That I couldn’t say, sir, save that it was of some gentleman. She held it so I could not obtain a better view of the face, and hurriedly left the room. All I can tell you is that it was a rather large photograph, and was mounted on a mat that was Nile green in color.”

Chan nodded. ‘“Thank you so much. Will you be kind enough to dispatch heathen cook into my presence, Jessop?”

“I will indeed, sir,” replied Jessop, and withdrew.

Charlie looked about the circle. “The matter lengthens itself out,” he remarked kindly. “I observe beyond windows a cool lanai crowded with nice Hong-kong chairs. Any who wish to do so may stroll to more airy perch. One thing only I ask—please do not leave these grounds.”

There followed a general movement, and amid a low buzz of comment all save Bradshaw, Julie, Tarneverro and Chan went out on the dim lanai. The fortune-teller looked keenly at Charlie.

“What have you accomplished?” he wanted to know.

Charlie shrugged. “Up to the present moment, I seem to have been setting off fireworks in the rain.”

“That’s precisely what I thought,” Tarneverro said impatiently.