Fu-Manchu, to the dark-eyed, seductive Karamaneh. Nayland Smith
was watching me keenly.
"You recognize it--yes?"
I placed the piece of silk upon the table, slightly shrugging my
shoulders.
"It was sufficient evidence in itself," continued my friend, "but I
thought it better to seek confirmation, and the obvious way was to
pose as a new lessee of The Gables...."
"But, Smith--" I began.
"Let me explain, Petrie. The history of The Gables seemed to be
susceptible of only one explanation; in short it was fairly evident to
me that the object of the manifestations was to ensure the place being
kept empty. This idea suggested another, and with them both in mind, I
set out to make my inquiries, first taking the precaution to disguise
my identity, to which end Weymouth gave me the freedom of Scotland
Yard's fancy wardrobe. I did not take the agent into my confidence,
but posed as a stranger who had heard that the house was to let
furnished and thought it might suit his purpose. My inquiries were
directed to a particular end, but I failed to achieve it at the time.
I had theories, as I have said, and when, having paid the deposit and
secured possession of the keys, I was enabled to visit the place
alone, I was fortunate enough to obtain evidence to show that my
imagination had not misled me.
"You were very curious the other morning, I recall, respecting my
object in borrowing a large brace-and-bit.
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