“I think that is all,” announced Penfield. “Stay a moment, are you quite sure that none of the other guests saw this Japanese, Yoshida Ito?”
“They did not mention it to me after the fire,” replied Barclay, pausing at the edge of the platform. “It may not be of any consequence, but I saw Ito talking to James Patterson before the dinner in front of the Ogden residence.”
“Indeed?” Penfield regarded Barclay attentively. “And what were Patterson and Ito discussing?”
“I did not overhear their conversation,” Barclay hesitated. “I only mention the meeting because you seemed to want corroboration of my having seen Ito around the Ogden premises, and because——”
“Well?” The interrogation shot from Penfield as Barclay paused.
“Because I was surprised at seeing James Patterson conversing with a Japanese when I was aware of his well-known animosity to that nation.”
“Did the conversation appear to be of a friendly character?”
“Apparently so. Patterson did most of the talking.”
“And what became of the Japanese?”
“He disappeared up the street.”