"Tung-yu did not take it," said the Major producing a letter. "I thought he did, if you remember, for you and I saw him on the beach on that night."
"Yes. He was talking to a boatman."
"Arranging for his flight," said Tidman grimly, "and then he went back, as I thought, and murdered that woman. But he didn't," the Major paused to give full dramatic effect. "He thinks I did it."
"Oh, rubbish," said Rupert. "If you can prove an alibi on my behalf, I can prove one on yours. We walked and talked on the beach, till nearly twelve. Then you went back to your bed, and I returned to the ball-room. Immediately afterwards the body was found. What makes Tung-yu accuse you, and why do you get a letter from China?"
"It's not from China, but from London."
"Is Tung-yu there?" asked Ainsleigh, quickly.
"Yes. In some place in Rotherhithe. He writes from there, in this letter. Read it," and he passed it to his host.
Rupert glanced over the few lines which were very neatly written on yellow paper. The letter was to the effect that if Major Tidman would bring the fan to a certain place in Rotherhithe, he would receive the money. "Humph," said Ainsleigh, handing it back, "so it seems that Tung-yu has not got the fan."
"Yes, confound him, and he thinks I have it, in which case he must believe that I murdered Miss Wharf."
Rupert nodded. "It looks like it," said he, "what will you do?"