"No. If I'd known I shouldn't have passed the article along to old Wharf. But I'm hunting for the secret, and when I find it out, I'll shake old Forge's life out for that fan."
"But Tung-yu has the fan?"
"Ho!" snorted the buccaneer, "and Tung-yu's gone to China with Hwei and the fan. Shucks! They gassed that at the inquest, but the poppy-cock don't go down along o' me. No Sir. I guess old Forge has the article. Now you sail in with me, and find out."
"How can I?"
"Well," said the buccaneer reflectively, "your father was a friend of the doctor's and he's chums with you. Just you get him to be confidential like, and then----"
"Forge is the last man to be confidential with anyone," said Rupert coldly, "and if this be your scheme I can't help you. There is not a shred of evidence to prove that Forge killed Miss Wharf."
"No. That's a frozen fact; but I guess I'm going to straighten out Forge to pay out Aunty. Then both will have to part with cash for my going on the long trail. I'm in the dark now, but later----"
An end was put to Mr. Burgh's chatter by the stoppage of the train at a station, and by the entrance of a joyful party of father, mother and three children. These last returning from a happy day in the country made themselves agreeable by crying. Clarence closed his mouth, and only bent forward to say one last word to Rupert, "I reckon we'll talk of this to-morrow when I get back to Marport," said he, "I'm putting up at the Bristol, and aunty's footing the bill."
Ainsleigh nodded and buried himself in his own thoughts. He did not see how Clarence could bring the crime home to Dr. Forge, but the buccaneer evidently had his suspicions. Rupert resolved to keep in with Burgh on the chance that something might come of the matter. He saw well enough that Clarence, in desperate want of money, would do all in his power to prove Forge guilty and would then blackmail him and Miss Pewsey, or, as she would then be, Mrs. Forge. This last design which Rupert suspected Burgh entertained, he resolved should not be put into practice: but if Forge was guilty, he would be arrested and tried. Therefore when Clarence parted with Ainsleigh at the Liverpool street station, the latter was moderately friendly.
"'Night," said the buccaneer wringing Ainsleigh's hand. "See you to-morrow at Marport. Keep it dark," and he winked and disappeared.