"No," said Rupert who was addressed. "He received your note,--or rather Tung-yu's letter,--and asked me to come here on his behalf."
"And I guess Hwei," drawled Clarence, "that I have come to see the business through."
"That will not take long," said the Chinaman cheerfully, yet with an unpleasant stare, "where is the fan of the Mandarin?"
"I have not got it," replied Ainsleigh shortly.
"Major Tidman did not send it perhaps."
"No. For the simple reason that it is not in his possession."
"That," said Hwei grimly, "is a lie,"
"It's the truth," chipped in Burgh suddenly, "old man Tidman didn't choke that woman!"
"You mean Miss Wharf."
Burgh nodded. "That's so," said he in a curt way, but with a watchful eye on the one-eyed Chinaman.