"Do you know how he died?"
"No I do not." The Major wiped his face, "I can safely say I do not."
"But you know he was murdered."
The Major started. "Who told you that?"
"Tung-yu, and you know Tung-yu, who might have explained the circumstances of my father's death to you."
"He did not," said Tidman earnestly, "but I heard that Mr. Ainsleigh did die by violence. I don't know under what circumstances."
"This is all very well gentlemen," said the detective, "but it does not help me."
"It may help you, Mr. Rodgers. The murder of Miss Wharf is connected with this fan, and the Major can tell you about his Canton adventure which has to do with it also."
Major Tidman turned grey and his face looked fearful, "I came to tell you, Rupert," he said trying to be calm, "but it won't help this man," he nodded towards Rodgers, "to find the assassin."
"We'll see about that," replied Rodgers briskly, "let us go in and sit down. The fan is at the bottom of this business, and when I learn all about it, I may know how to act."