"That's what I want to find out. Denham may know something. For instance, he mentioned the name of Balkis, as I told you."
"What's the use of that?" asked Frank, gloomily.
"This much. Starth had her portrait, and Berry is in touch with her. I want to learn why Berry calls at an opium shop at the docks. He's going there, I'm sure, to see Balkis."
The two were standing by the window chatting in this way. As Eustace repeated the name of Balkis there sounded a low moan, which made the speakers turn. Miss Cork, with the tablecloth over her arm, stood at the open door, her thin face as white as the linen she bore. Apparently she had entered silently, as was her wont, to lay the table for luncheon, and had overheard the name. Like a statue she stood, her vacant eyes fixed on Jarman.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Miss Cork's lips moved. "Balkis!" she said in a whisper.
"What about Balkis. Do you know the name?"
"Balkis!" said Miss Cork again. Then she threw down the cloth and ran back to the kitchen. Eustace followed and found her moaning in a chair. Rather brutally he shook her.
"What's all this?" he asked.
Miss Cork went on moaning. "I had a child--" she began; then shut up, and not another word could he get out of her.