Again the glances of the yellow men met, and again did a rapid intelligence pass between them.
"Two days," repeated Okiu, softly. "That is odd, is it not?"
"Acquaintances must begin some time," protested the secret agent.
"To be sure. But that your acquaintance with Dr. Morse should begin last night, and that he should die to-night——"
"Well?" The keen eyes of Ashton-Kirk met the peering ones of Okiu inquiringly.
"Fate seemed determined that the friendship should not grow," answered the Japanese, gently. "It is strange how things come about, is it not?"
Ashton-Kirk also got upon his feet.
"Fate seldom consults us," he said, drily. "If it did, perhaps things would happen differently."
Just then there came the growing sound of voices without; the shuffle of feet was heard upon the walk and then more noisily upon the porch. The bell rang in long streams of sound.
"The police," said Ashton-Kirk, looking at his watch. "Their methods are as distinguishable as their uniforms."