“A terribly vain man. But a likable one.”
“Thank you. I’ll remember that. Good-bye.”
He left them. Eden sank wearily into a chair. “Well, that’s that. He rather wears one out. I wanted to stick for a higher figure, but it looked hopeless. Somehow, I knew he always wins.”
“Yes,” said Madame Jordan, “he always wins.”
“By the way, Sally, I didn’t want you to tell that secretary who was bringing the pearls. But you’d better tell me.”
“Why, of course. Charlie’s bringing them.”
“Charlie?”
“Detective-Sergeant Chan, of the Honolulu police. Long ago, in the big house on the beach, he was our number-one boy.”
“Chan. A Chinese?”
“Yes. Charlie left us to join the police force, and he’s made a fine record there. He’s always wanted to come to the mainland, so I’ve had it all arranged—his leave of absence, his status as a citizen, everything. And he’s coming with the pearls. Where could I have found a better messenger? Why—I’d trust Charlie with my life—no, that isn’t very precious any more. I’d trust him with the life of the one I loved dearest in the world.”
“He’s leaving tonight, you said.”
“Yes—on the President Pierce. It’s due late next Thursday afternoon.”
The door opened, and a good-looking young man stood on the threshold. His face was lean and tanned, his manner poised and confident, and his smile had just left Miss Chase day-dreaming in the outer office. “Oh, I’m sorry, dad—if you’re busy. Why—look who’s here!”
