The books have been taken away this morning--which reminds me that your friend, Mr.Milburgh--I think that is his name--is giving every assistance to the police to procure a faithful record of the firm's financial position." He looked up at Tarling and scratched his nose.
"So it was committed with your pistol, Tarling ?" he said with a little smile.

"That sounds bad." "It sounds mad," laughed Tarling.

"I'm going straight back to discover what happened to my pistol and how it got into that room.

I know that it was safe a fortnight ago because I took it to a gunsmith to be oiled." "Where do you keep it as a rule ?" "In the cupboard with my colonial kit," said Tarling.

"Nobody has access to my room except Ling Chu, who is always there when I'm out." "Ling Chu is your Chinese servant ?" "Not exactly a servant," smiled Tarling.