"It will explain some things, no doubt."
"Some things!" The Japanese bent his head forward inquiringly. "Then you do not think it will explain all?"
"What I personally think," said Ashton-Kirk, "is of no great consequence."
The other laughed quietly.
"You are modest," remarked he. "And sometimes, if the real truth were known, the knowledge of the man who says little is of great value." He stood back a trifle, the yellow, finely-kept hands softly clasped; the round, lineless face beaming like that of a child. "And for all I know," he added, purringly, "you may know a great deal."
"You are very kind to think so," said Ashton-Kirk, and the tone was so open and pleasant that Fuller wondered if he had been at fault when he had fancied that he had caught a second meaning in the words of the Oriental.
"I am only a student," resumed Okiu, "but I may be of assistance here. And since there is nothing that I can do for you, perhaps the police would——" A gesture finished the sentence.
"Mr. Osborne, who has charge of the matter, is at the gate—or was a few moments ago," returned the secret agent.
"Thank you. I will speak to him."