6. THE GUEST DETECTIVE
Barry Kirk tossed Chan’s suitcase into the luggage compartment of his roadster, and the trio crowded again onto its single seat. The car swung about in the pier shed and emerged into the bright sunlight of the Embarcadero.
“You are partially consumed with wonder at my return?” suggested Chan.
The girl shrugged. “You’re back. That’s enough for me.”
“All the same, I will confess my shame. It seems I have circulated so long with mainland Americans I have now, by contagion, acquired one of their worst faults. I too suffer curiosity. Event comes off on boat which reveals, like heavenly flash, my hidden weakness.”
“Something happened on the boat?” Miss Morrow inquired.
“You may believe it did. On my supposed farewell ride through city, I inform you of Li Gung. I tell
