“What Chinese business, Bates?”

“Well, sir, Miss Beale will ’ave it that Mrs. Lester was killed by a Chinaman, an’ one of the police on duty in this district told me a little while ago that he saw no less than three Chinamen prowlin’ round here last Monday between dusk and dark.”

Theydon drew a deep breath.  If there was gossip going on about “Chinamen” in connection with the murder in No. 17 the newspapers would soon be getting hold of it.  The arrest of Len Shi by Furneaux must be reported.  Possibly some newspaper correspondent in Eastbourne would hear of the kidnaping exploit, and describe the Eastern aspect of its chief actor, Mrs. Forbes’s name would “transpire” in the paragraph, and, by putting two and two together the lynx-eyed journalism of London would ferret out a good deal of the truth.

“Ladies very often talk nonsense about such things,” he said sharply.  “Why should any Chinaman single out poor Mrs. Lester as a victim?  I think the inquiry may be left safely to Scotland Yard.  Have you seen the evening papers?  I’ll bet you sixpence nothing was said at the inquest concerning Chinamen?”

“No, sir.  That’s true.  However, Mrs. Paxton wants you to ring her up.”

“Why?”

“She wants to be sure you are safe home.”

Theydon laughed.  “How can I?” he cried.  “She is not on the telephone.”

“Mrs. Paxton left a number, sir.  If you give them a call it will be taken to her.”

Theydon shook his head good-humoredly but obeyed.  A voice at the other end answered: 

“Will you oblige me by telling Mrs. Paxton that I took an American friend to Eastbourne this afternoon and returned by a late trains” he said.

“Who is it, please?”

“Mr. Theydon, Mrs. Paxton’s brother.”

“O, I have a message for you.  Miss Beale is staying with Mrs. Paxton tonight.  There was a Chinaman in her hotel, and she didn’t like it.”

Theydon controlled his feelings sufficiently to thank his informant.  He really wanted to say something crude.

“Gad!” he muttered, when he had rung off, “these women have Chinamen on the brain.  Look here Bates,” he added emphatically, “I hope you won’t lend an ear to this nonsense.  You’ve seen no Chinamen, I supposed?”

“No, sir.”

“If you do see one, tell me, and I’ll get to know his business, pretty quick.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Any letters?”

“Three, sir, and a small parcel.  I put them on your table.  Shall I get you something, sir?”

“No, thanks.  I’ve just had a huge supper.  Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sir.  Any orders for the morning?”

“Let me sleep as long as I like, unless I’m wanted.”