I have brought a physician, cried Willie Li
triumphantly. He restored the clipping to hispocketbook. He told me toturn them over
to the British consul.
Profuse in thanks, Chan followed him into an
astonishing living-room.
It was a clear, cool world he looked upon, and the
sight wasinvigorating. Kee Lims eyes narrowed, and he stroked his thin gray
beard.
We must go into thepast, unearthing here and there.
The gentleman hasturned his ankle on our detestable stairs.
I dont hearany very illuminating deductions from
you. All the work of our good friend, Colonel Beetham. His cousin would have no part
in whatever heproposed. Hes tickled pinkbut he wont admit it, even to
himself.
No sooner isSir Frederic low on the floor than my
thoughts fly back to thatmysterious face.
Lets get together for a conference very
soon.
Enderby nodded, and began to speak with obvious
reluctance. I have remained to assist CaptainFlannery, much to his well-concealed
delight.
Condescend to enter my contemptiblehouse. Please
sit here, invited Henry Li, indicating a huge chair of greenplush.
Eileen Enderby, even before she spoke, seemed
flustered and nervous. Chans a stranger here, and I dontwant him to get
lost.
I hope it doesnt have that effect on
you.
Mainland enjoys spectacle of weary postman plodding
onhis holiday walk, he replied. I remarked the injury was of the slightest, Chan
said. If hes in it, thestorys even better than I thought. Of course we came, Eileen
Enderby replied.
Condescend to enter my contemptiblehouse. Ihave
lost my footing on these slippery stairs.
Francis the day before, MissMorrow read one of Sir
Frederics treasured clippings.
He knew now that heneed not investigate the
fingerprints of Carrick Enderby. I hope it doesnt have that effect on
you.
Which point of character no doubt increases his
value to a man like theColonel, suggested Chan. His offhand manner vanished,and he
cried excitedly: Great Scott!
But from neitherSir Frederic nor the clipping did I
obtain the exact date, and for it Iam yearning. He leaned back in his chair with a
puzzled frown. Still, the reward in this other matter would have been great.
Questions that I know youll be glad to answer.
Calm and unhurried, he prepared himself for another
day, and left hisbedroom.
I am, as you must surmise, thevictim of my
despicable calling.