“You lie!” he exclaimed. “I saw you with—”
“Well,” demanded a voice, interrupting, “what’s all this? What has Mito been doing?”
It was Shelby Maddox, who had been attracted from the lobby by the loud voices.
“Doing enough,” returned Burke. “Some one’s taken a shot at Mr. Jameson in the garage. Now, look here, you little brown brother. Do you mean to tell me that you haven’t been with any one all the evening? Think—think hard.”
Mito protested, but Burke was not satisfied.
“Don’t try to hide it,” he urged. “This lady saw you.”
Shelby gave a quick glance at Winifred. Then he turned to Mito. “Tell him,” he commanded.
“Only Miss Paquita passed me once,” replied the Jap. “She did not say anything. I saw Mr. Jameson, too, before, on the shore by the Casino.”
It was clever, whatever else it might be. No matter what either Paquita or I might say later, Mito had protected himself. He had admitted everything and confessed nothing.
Burke was far from satisfied. He was about to turn to Winifred when her brother interposed.