"We thought so, Mr. Burgh, but it came to the ears of Lo-Keong that it was in England. So then I came here."
"Ah, I saw you in China also," said Clarence.
"You did, and learned much about the fan--too much," growled Hwei.
Rupert who was growing weary of all this hinted mystery sat down again, and threw the revolver on the table. "I wish you would make a clean breast of this," he said calmly. "I don't care about the fan, but I do want to know who killed Miss Wharf."
"Major Tidman did."
"No. He was with me on the beach. I went out to smoke and we strolled up and down till nearly twelve. He was with me shortly after eleven, so he could not have killed the woman."
Hwei pointed a long finger at the young man. "I saw Major Tidman speaking to a boatman on the beach--the boat came from the Stormy Petrel--"
"Your boat," said Burgh quickly.
"No. The boat of Tung-yu. It was my day, but Tung-yu hoped to get the fan after twelve at night and then would have had the right to take it away in the boat. Major Tidman killed Miss Wharf and gave the knowledge of his crime to Tung-yu. He would not part with the fan till the money was paid. Tung-yu went away in the boat so that the police might not get him. He was wise," added Hwei with a queer smile, "as he is accused of the murder."
"Which you committed."