You can all go now. I may want to see some of you later.” Flannery strode past them into the garden.

One by one they said their strained farewells and departed - Mrs. Kirk and her companion, Miss Gloria Garland, then the Enderbys, and finally the explorer. Charlie Chan also got his hat and coat, while Miss Morrow watched him inquiringly.

“Until dark deed shaded the feast,” said Chan, “the evening was an unquestioned joy. Mr. Kirk -“

“Oh, but you’re not leaving,” cried Miss Morrow. “Please. I want to have a talk with you.”

“Tomorrow I am sea-going man,” Chan reminded her. “The experience weakens me considerably. I have need of sleep, and relaxing -“

“I’ll keep you only a moment,” she pleaded, and Chan nodded.

Captain Flannery appeared from the garden. “Dark out there,” he announced. “But if I’m not mistaken, any one could have reached the floor below by way of the fire-escape. Is that right?”

“Undoubtedly,” replied Kirk.

“An important discovery,” approved Chan. “On the gown of one of the lady guests were iron rust stains, which might have been suffered by - But who am I to speak thus to keen man like the Captain? You made note of the fact, of course?”

Flannery reddened. “I - I can’t say I did. Which lady?”

“That Mrs. Enderby, who witnessed fleeing man. Do not mention it, sir. So happy to be of slightest service.”

“Let’s go back downstairs,” growled Flannery. On the floor below, he stood for a long moment, looking about. “Well, I got to get busy here.”

“I will say farewell,” remarked Chan.

“Going, eh?” said Flannery, with marked enthusiasm.

“Going far,” smiled Chan. “Tomorrow I am directed toward Honolulu. I leave you to the largest problem of your life, Captain. I suffer no envy for you.”

“Oh, I’ll pull through,” replied Flannery.

“Only the witless could doubt it. But you will travel a long road. Consider. Who is great man silent now on couch? A famous detective with a glorious record. The meaning of that? A thousand victories - and a thousand enemies. All over broad world are scattered men who would do him into death with happy hearts. A long road for you, Captain.