"A retired Army man--South American Army--who stops at Bristol Hotel. He is much respected here. I went to the cloak-room, and found him talking to Tung-yu. Both saw me place the tie in my coat." Rodgers sat up. "Oh," said he opening his eyes widely, "then Tung-yu saw you place the tie in the coat." "He did, but if you suspect he took it out again, I think you are wrong. He left the room and I exchanged a few words with Major Tidman." "What about?" "About this fan. Major Tidman told me to leave it alone. But of course I never intended to meddle with it. Miss Wharf had it, and she hated me too much to let me handle it, though she did give me the chance of making the money," said Rupert, with an after thought. "Eh, how was that?" "She offered to let me have the fan if I gave up my claim to Miss Rayner, whom she desired should marry Mr. Burgh, I refused." "Humph," said Rodgers again, "and how does Major Tidman come to know about the fan?" "I refer you to him for an answer." "And how did he come to know Tung-yu?" "I believe he met him in Canton," replied Rupert restlessly, "he had some adventure there--?" "Connected with this ubiquitous fan?" asked Rodgers sharply. "Yes. He promised to tell me the adventure to-day, but I had not seen him yet." "Humph. He may come after all. I'll call on this gentleman. At the Bristol you say. Quite so," Rodgers took a note. "Now then Mr. Ainsleigh, tell me how you came to go up about the advertisement?" Rupert related his father's dealings with Lo-Keong, and referred to the secret said to be connected with the fan. The detective heard him in silence, and appeared to be struck by his frankness. "I think it's one of the most complicated cases I ever had to do with, Mr. Ainsleigh, and will take a lot of searching into." "I hope you don't suspect me?" "Humph, the tie is, strangely enough, the rope used to strangle this woman, and you admit that it is yours. But Tung-yu saw you put it in your overcoat pocket, and he wanted the fan--" "For five thousand pounds remember. Hwei was the one who threatened to gain the fan, by killing." "Don't defend Tung-yu too much," said the detective dryly, "your position is not a pleasant one and--" "Do you mean to arrest me?" asked Rupert rising angrily. "Not at present. But no doubt at the inquest you can prove an alibi." Rupert turned away, "I can't," he said in a low voice, "I was walking outside smoking between eleven and twelve--on the beach." "That's a pity, Mr. Ainsleigh, I may have to arrest you after all. But who is this gentleman. Major Tidman!--quite so. Good-day Major." CHAPTER XI THE CANTON ADVENTURE Major Tidman who was standing at the foot of the terrace stared at the man before him. "How do you know my name?" he asked, and looked towards Rupert for a reply.