"And when you reasoned that the English doctor must have what you desired," said the smooth voice of Okiu, "you began your operations?"
"At once," answered Karkowsky. "We took ship to England, located him at Sharsdale, and went to work on the matter. We tried everything, but with the same lack of success."
"From what you said a few moments ago," said Matsadi, "you think that Dr. Morse was unaware of the document's existence."
"At first I did not dream of such a thing," said Karkowsky, "and, indeed, it was not until after he had come to America that it occurred to me. On going to Sharsdale I tried to open negotiations with him; I tried the same here. But in neither case did he rise to the bait. But now I am convinced that he never knew the thing was in his possession."
Matsadi laughed.
"Then, Okiu," said he, "all your planning was wasted."
"So it would seem," replied Okiu, gently.
"We suspected that you had some hand in the queer communications which Dr. Morse received from time to time," said Karkowsky. "We knew that it was not by chance that you took the house directly behind him. Drevenoff," with a laugh, "tried to get your man to talk many times, but could not."
"Humadi," said the Japanese agent, "never talks."
Here there was a sort of rustling sound; the swish-swish of silken skirts over the floor; then a new voice spoke, a voice which made Ashton-Kirk breathe a quiet sigh of content.