“Explain.”
“Your young men”—with a sweep of the hand that indicated the three chums—“overheard words not intended for their ears on the Flyer from the East. They sat on the observation platform while I was in conversation with a companion.”
“Well?”
“No, it’s far from well,” said the other menacingly. “You called Inspector Burton to your apartment at the Palace.”
He paused and looked fixedly at Mr. Temple.
“Now,” he resumed, “I want to know just how much of my conversation these boys overheard, and just what they told Inspector Burton.”
Further pretence of innocence was useless.
“And if we refuse to tell?” queried Mr. Temple.
“Black George” grinned evilly. He looked long at Mr. Temple and the boys in turn. Then he addressed the silent old Chinaman.
“Would your men like to play with them?” he asked.