"Do you mean to arrest me?" asked Rupert rising angrily.
"Not at present. But no doubt at the inquest you can prove an alibi."
Rupert turned away, "I can't," he said in a low voice, "I was walking outside smoking between eleven and twelve--on the beach."
"That's a pity, Mr. Ainsleigh, I may have to arrest you after all. But who is this gentleman. Major Tidman!--quite so. Good-day Major."
[CHAPTER XI]
The Canton Adventure
Major Tidman who was standing at the foot of the terrace stared at the man before him. "How do you know my name?" he asked, and looked towards Rupert for a reply.
Mr. Rodgers produced a red silk handkerchief and wiped his face for it was noon and very warm. "A guess on my part," he answered, "Mr. Ainsleigh said you might come here, to tell him of your Canton adventure, and I fancied it might be you, Major Tidman."
"I am not aware," said the Major loftily, "why you should interest yourself in my private affairs."
"I interest myself in everybody's private affairs, when they have to do with murder," said Rodgers quietly.