oom where we had met him, and that was locked. I opened it
with a key, but it was in darkness, and I knew nobody was there. Then
I went along a passage very carefully, because there was a light at the
other end, and I came to an office."

"Empty, of course?"

"It was empty," said the Chinaman, "but a light was burning, and the desk
cover was open. I thought he must be there, and I slipped behind the
bureau, taking the pistol from my pocket. Presently I heard a footstep.
I peeped out and saw the big white-faced man."

"Milburgh!" said Tarling.

"So he is called," replied the Chinaman. "He sat at the young man's desk.
I knew it was the young man's desk, because there were many pictures upon
it and flowers, such as he would have. The big man had his back to me."

"What was he doing?" asked Tarling.

"He was searching the desk, looking for something. Presently I saw him
take from one of the drawers, which he opened, an envelope. From where I
stood I could see into the drawer, and there were many little things such
as tourists buy in China. From the envelope he took the _Hong_."

Tarling started. He knew of the _Hong_ to which the man referred. It was
the little red slip of paper bearing the Chinese characters which was
found upon Thornton Lyne's body that memorable morning in Hyde Park.

"Yes, yes," he said eagerly. "What happened then?"

"He put the envelope in his pocket and went out. I heard him walking
along the passage, and then I crept out from my hiding place and I also
looked at the desk. I put the revolver down by my side, because I wanted
both hands for the search, but I found nothing--only one little piece
book that the master uses to write down from day to day all that happens
to him."

"A diary?" thought Tarling. "Well, and what next?" he asked.

"I got up to search the room and tripped over a wire. It must have been
the wire attached to the electric light above the desk, for the room
suddenly became dark, and at that moment I heard the big man's footsteps
returning and slipped out of the door. And that is all, master," said
Ling Chu simply. "I went back to the roof quickly for fear I should be
discovered and it should bring dishonour to you."

Tarling whistled.

"And left the pistol behind?" he said.

"That is nothing but the truth," said Ling Chu. "I have dishonoured
myself in your eyes, and in my heart I am a murderer, for I went to that
place to kill the man who had brought shame to me and t