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I shall intakegreat breaths of frigid air. Please use it as your own, his host
said. But I note flattened, calloused finger-tips. Swift dark had fallen
outside thewindows, the snow was blotted from view. Chan did not answer, but
thoughtfully rubbed his cheek. She will flirt with me, once she hashooked this
boy.
Some people, said the girl, find the snow boresome.
Then he laid the
precise sum on thesilver tray.
He opened the nearer one, and pushed it
towardChan. I wasin the kitchen from twenty minutes before eight until ten
after the hour.
An excellent concoction, he said, holding the glass aloft. I
stood only a few feet away when youentered the building.
You are not, then,on
trail of some wrong-doer?
I, who devoted everywaking hour to her voice, to
coaching her.
In another moment the train had stopped, and Charlie was out on
the snowyplatform.
I aminspector Charlie Chan, of the Honolulu Police.
And put
it in my pocket, remarked Martino. Ive made you a lot of trouble, Inspector.
The train was climbing more slowly now; thelandscape, wherever he looked, was
white. Restaurants withsigns that advertised only the softer drinks, a bank, a
post-office.
No other, Ibelieve, could be more appropriate at this time. I had
known she was in Reno,of course, but I hadnt wanted particularly to see her.
The young woman who was bound for Reno felt somehow rathergrateful toward him.
I must release flood of enthusiasm or burst.
But I can assure you its important
to me. But I note flattened, calloused finger-tips.
He stood for a moment
looking about him at the bright room where his workwas pau at last. He buried
his head emotionally in his hands.
The need to speak words assails me
withunbearable force. Romano dashed for the door, evidently bound for the
Pullman and hisbaggage. LUIS ROMANO, KILARNEY HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO: DELIGHTED
YOU ARE COMINGTO TAHOE TO VISIT ME.
LUIS ROMANO, KILARNEY HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO:
DELIGHTED YOU ARE COMINGTO TAHOE TO VISIT ME. Shelah Fanes troubles over now,
Chan reminded her. Receiving the lattersorder, he stood erect and cast one look
in the direction of Charlie Chan.
Please contact us beforehand to let us know
your plans and to work out the details.
He who is cautious by nature is a safe
companion incrossing a bridge.
I followed hisinstructions, but it was an
unnecessary precaution.
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