Rodgers of course recognised that Tung-yu and Hwei in their queer partnership had hired the yacht--which it seems was a public boat anyone could take for a period,--and he knew also that the den, where Rupert and Clarence had met with their adventures, was in Rotherhithe. He learned of this from no less a person than Mr. Burgh himself, for the buccaneer called at the police office in London to ask if the Chinamen had been caught. Rodgers had extracted a full account of the adventures, and had gone to the den only to find it empty, and the Chinamen conspicuous by their absence. Burgh himself had not returned as he promised, and the detective was annoyed at this, after he heard Rupert's story. Had he known what this was, he certainly would have arrested Burgh there and then, for participation in the murder. But the astute Clarence in telling his Penter's Alley adventure, had taken care not to incriminate himself. On arrival the detective was shown into the drawing-room where Rupert was sitting with the stately Mandarin. Olivia was not present as she had heard quite enough about the fan, and wished to hear no more, not even the end of Lo-Keong's very interesting story. Rodgers recognised that Lo-Keong was of a different type of Celestial to Tung-yu and Hwei, and paid him great deference. He explained to Rupert his ill-success with the yacht Stormy Petrel, and detailed the interview with Clarence. "I wish I had told you about him in my letter," said Rupert jumping up, much annoyed with himself, "you could have arrested him." And when Rodgers heard the story, he blamed Ainsleigh, as much as he blamed himself for not having risked an arrest on suspicion. "But you know, sir," said he, huffily, "Burgh really didn't give himself away. I could do nothing to him--or to the Captain of the Stormy Petrel either on what evidence I hear. As to those Chinamen--" "Ah," said Lo-Keong, "you must let me deal with them Mr. Rodgers." "Can you deal with Tung-yu." The Mandarin drew down the corners of his mouth. "I think so," said he, "it is my belief that he has the papers." "What papers, sir?" Lo-Keong, seeing it was absolutely necessary to make things plain, if he wanted to secure his precious packet, related almost word for word the story he had told on the previous night. "So you see," he observed, "Tung-yu probably strangled Miss Wharf as formerly he strangled Mr. Markham Ainsleigh. I discussed this with Hwei, and he, knowing that Tung-yu had betrayed him once, was much of the same opinion." "But if Tung-yu has the papers, why did he write to Tidman?" argued Rupert, not inclined to take this view. "Probably to throw Hwei off the scent. Tung-yu knows well enough that if he started for China, Hwei would suspect he had the papers, and would follow him to get them." "By murder?"