Outside, John Quincy directed the chauffeur to return alone to Waikiki with the limousine. "You're riding out with me," he told his aunt. "I want to talk with you."
She turned to Charlie Chan. "I congratulate you. You've got brains, and they count."
He bowed low. "From you that compliment glows rosy red. At this moment of parting, my heart droops. My final wish—the snowy chilling days of winter and the scorching windless days of summer—may they all be the springtime for you."
"You're very kind," she said softly.
John Quincy took his hand. "It's been great fun knowing you, Charlie," he remarked.
"You will go again to the mainland," Chan said. "The angry ocean rolling between us. Still I shall carry the memory of your friendship like a flower in my heart." John Quincy climbed into the car. "And the parting may not be eternal," Chan added cheerfully. "The joy of travel may yet be mine. I shall look forward to the day when I may call upon you in your home and shake a healthy hand."
John Quincy started the car and slipping away, they left Charlie Chan standing like a great Buddha on the curb.
"Poor Barbara," said Miss Minerva presently. "I dread to face her with this news. But then, it's not altogether news at that. She told me she'd been conscious of something wrong between her and Jennison ever since they landed. She didn't think he killed her father, but she believed he was involved in it somehow. She is planning to settle with Brade to-morrow and leave the next day, probably for ever. I've persuaded her to come to Boston for a long visit. You'll see her there."
John Quincy shook his head. "No, I shan't. But thanks for reminding me. I must go to the cable office at once."
When he emerged from the office and again entered the car, he was smiling happily.