“I must,” said Chan.
“Very good. You’ll have all day tomorrow. When I come back, I won’t bother with that bunk about Draycott. I’ll simply say:’Mr. Madden, the pearls will be here at eight o’clock.’At that hour, if nothing has happened, we’ll hand them over and go. On our way home we’ll put our story before the sheriff, and if he laughs at us, we’ve at least done our duty.” Eden sighed with relief. He stood up. “Thank heaven, that’s settled.”
Gloomily Chan picked up the pearls. “Not happy position for me,” he said, “that I must come to this mainland and be sunk in bafflement.” His face brightened. “But another day. Much may happen.”
Eden patted his broad back. “Lord knows I wish you luck,” he said. “Good night.”
When Eden awakened to consciousness the following morning, the sun was gleaming on the tracks outside his window. He took the train for Eldorado and dropped in at Holley’s office.
“Hello,” said the editor. “Back at last, eh? Your little pal is keener on the job than you are. He went through here early this morning.”
“Oh, Chan’s ambitious,” Eden replied. “You saw him, did you?”
“Yes.” Holley nodded toward a suitcase in the corner. “He left his regular clothes with me. Expects to put’em on in a day or two, I gather.”
“Probably going to wear them to jail,” replied Eden glumly. “I suppose he told you about Bliss.”
“He did. And I’m afraid it means trouble.”
“I’m sure it does. As you probably know, we dug up very little down the valley.”
