17. THE GREAT EASTERN LABEL
At a little before ten, Lofton appeared in front of the chair where Chan was sitting. He still had the air of a much-abused man.
“Well, Inspector,” he announced, “I’ve got my people together in the smoking-room. I chose that spot because it’s always deserted at this hour. A bit odoriferous, perhaps—I trust you won’t hold them there long. I suggest you come at once. Keeping a touring party intact in one place for any length of time is, I have discovered, a difficult feat.”
Chan rose. “Will you also come, Miss Pamela?” he suggested. As they walked along, he added to the doctor: “Am I to understand that all members of band are present?”
“All except Mrs. Luce,” Lofton told him. “She prefers to sleep late. But I’ll have her roused, if you say so.”
“Not at all,”
