Bliss and the constable got into their car and rode away. Madden returned to the house.
“Oh, excellent Chan,” said Will Holley softly. “Where in Sam Hill did he get that chock-gee?”
“It looked as though we were done for,” Eden admitted. “But good old Charlie thinks of everything.”
Holley climbed into his car. “Well, I guess Madden isn’t going to invite me to lunch. I’ll go along. You know, I’m keener than ever to get the answer to this puzzle. Louie was my friend. It’s a rotten shame.”
“I don’t know where we’re going, but we’re on our way,” Eden answered. “I’d feel pretty helpless if I didn’t have Charlie with me.”
“Oh, you’ve got a few brains, too.” Holley assured him.
“You’re crazy, boss,” Eden laughed, as the editor drove away.
Returning to his room, he found Ah Kim calmly making the bed.
“Charlie, you’re a peach,” said the boy, closing the door. “I thought we were sunk without warning. Whose chock-gee did you have, anyhow?”
“Ah Kim’s chock-gee, to be sure,” smiled Chan.
“Who’s Ah Kim?”
“Ah Kim humble vegetable merchant who drive me amidst other garden truck from Barstow to Eldorado. I make simple arrangement to rent chock-gee short while. Happy to note long wear in pockets make photograph look like image of anybody. Came to me in bright flash Madden might ask for identification certificate before engaging me for honorable tasks. Madden did not do so, but thing fit in plenty neat all the same.”
