"Thank you, Alexander. You are quick. So your father came from Devonshire?"
"Yes, Devonshire. He often spoke to me of that country. I had forgotten. The yawl was built there—at Tops Ham, the Home of the Toppys, my father's home. He sailed straight away from the Home of the Toppys to Baru. It is Baru in the native speech," explained Willatopy. "But we often call it Tops Island."
The murder was out now. Madame stared at Ewing, opening her eyes very wide, and Ewing stared at her.
"What is all this?" exclaimed the puzzled Chief. "The Home of Toppys—Tops Island. I don't clearly comprehend. What is your name, boy?"
"Willatopy."
"I know. But what is your real name, your English name?"
"Willie Toppys."
"And who the blue blazes was your father?" roared Ewing, rising up in excitement. Madame did her best to affect an equally excited interest.
"My father," said Willatopy with dignity, "was the Honourable William Toppys. He was a Great Chief in England."
Ewing fell into his chair so suddenly that its revolution nearly pitched him out again.