"Yes; hush."
The voices ceased.
Chinese never hold continuous conversation like other people.
They say what they have to say and let it go at that.
This time the voices seemed to come from a greater distance.
"What are they talking about?" the old detective asked.
"They are trying to find the Islais Channel," whispered Alice. "They think they have missed their bearings."
"Therein they are quite mistaken. The Islais Channel is right here. Didn't catch the name of any street or warehouse?"
"No."
"Or person?"