"Who is he?"
"A retired Army man--South American Army--who stops at Bristol Hotel. He is much respected here. I went to the cloak room, and found him talking to Tung-yu. Both, saw me place the tie in my coat."
Rodgers sat up. "Oh," said he opening his eyes widely, "then Tung-yu saw you place the tie in the coat."
"He did, but if you suspect he took it out again, I think you are wrong. He left the room and I exchanged a few words with Major Tidman."
"What about?"
"About this fan. Major Tidman told me to leave it alone. But of course I never intended to meddle with it. Miss Wharf had it, and she hated me too much to let me handle it, though she did give me the chance of making the money," said Rupert, with an after thought.
"Eh, how was that?"
"She offered to let me have the fan if I gave up my claim to Miss Rayner, whom she desired should marry Mr. Burgh, I refused."
"Humph," said Rodgers again, "and how does Major Tidman come to know about the fan?"
"I refer you to him for an answer."