Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/94

“Yes, sir. I recall the hour because there was a great deal of talk between Jessop and the cook about the bootlegger.”

“You were still in the kitchen when this bootlegger came, at ten minutes past eight?”

“I was, sir. A little later I went back to my room.”

“You did not see your mistress again?”

“No, sir, I did not.”

“One other thing.” Chan looked at her thoughtfully. “Kindly speak of her manner during the day. Was it same as always?”

“I noticed nothing unusual.”

“You did not note that she was seen with a portrait—the portrait of a gentleman—during the afternoon?”

“I was not here this afternoon. It was our first day ashore, and Miss Fane kindly gave me a few hours off.”

“Have you ever seen, among Miss Fane’s possessions, portrait of gentleman mounted on Nile-green mat?”

“Miss Fane always carried with her a large portfolio, containing many pictures of her friends. It may be such a one is among them.”

“But you never saw it?”

“I have never opened the portfolio. That would seem too much like prying—if I may say so, sir.”

“Do you know where portfolio is now?” Charlie asked.

“I believe it is lying on a table in her room. Shall I fetch it for you?”

“A little later, perhaps. Just now I would inquire—you are familiar with jewelry usually worn by Miss