"He valued it at five thousand pounds and more," said the Doctor dryly, "how it was lost I can't say. I may find out when I go to China again, in a few months. Lo-Keong is in Pekin, and, as we are friends, he will tell me, and show me the fan again."
"Ah. Then you believe----"
"I believe it is on its way to Lo-Keong, and that Tung-yu and Hwei came together down here to get it. When only one was on the spot this god business of alternate days made the matter difficult. With both together, the owner of the fan was bound to be killed or made rich. Unfortunately for Miss Wharf the day or night was Hwei's and he carried out the order of the god Kwang-ho by strangling her."
"Well," said Rodgers rising, "all I can say is that I'm glad I do not live in China. How much of this is to be made public."
"My advice to you is to make nothing public, or as little as you can," said Dr. Forge dryly, "you see how persistent these Chinamen are. You make trouble and you may be killed also. Your being in England won't save you any more than it saved Miss Wharf, poor soul."
"I shall do my duty in spite of all," said Rodgers coolly, "I am not going to be frightened by a couple of Chinese brutes."
"Very clever brutes," said Forge softly, but Rodgers took no notice and marched away with his head in the air. Come what may, he was determined to punish the assassin of Miss Wharf and if it was Hwei, the man would have to be caught.
"I'll go to Pekin myself for him," said Rodgers angrily, "I'm not going to be bested by these barbarians."
Little that was new came to his hand before the inquest, which was a comparatively tame affair. The jury inspected the body and then adjourned to the Bull's Head to hear the case. Rodgers set forth what evidence he had gained, but touched as lightly as possible on the Chinese business. He called Dr. Forge who deposed to having examined the body and asserted that Miss Wharf had been killed between eleven and twelve. She must have been strangled almost instantaneously as, had she cried out, she would have been overheard by those on the terrace. This evidence caused but little sensation.
When Rupert was called however, all were excited. He deposed as to the scarf which he had received from Olivia, and said what he had done with it. He declared that he had been walking on the beach smoking, and only returned to the ball-room shortly before midnight when the body was discovered. He stated that he had spoken to Major Tidman on the beach. And thus proved an alibi clearly enough.