The Mask of Sumi Read Online Free Page A

usually made; Bristow was giving warning of his approach. Mannering closed the file and twisted it round. The door opened and Bristow ushered in an Oriental who stood barely as high as his shoulder. He was dressed immaculately in dark grey. He smiled. He shook hands. He said he had heard of Mr. Mannering and also that Mr. Toji had planned to come to see Mr. Mannering. He, the Thai Consul, had known Mr. Toji well. He, the Consul, as well as Mr. Toji and all Thais of any standing, felt the loss of such a venerable relic as the Mask of Sumi a great blow to the integrity and to the reputation of Thailand. If Mr. Mannering could do anything at all to assist the police to recover this priceless treasure, which had been entrusted to Mr. Toji by Prince Asri, then he, the Consul, would be forever grateful. Mr. Mannering might not be aware that Prince Asri had in fact been acting on behalf of the Sumi Government, who had wished the sale of the crown jewels to be kept secret. Otherwise it would be suggested that the Government was in a desperately bad economic plight. In fact, the Consul understood, the sale was to remove all danger of an attempt to restore the Sumi Dynasty.
    â€œWas that why Prince Asri was used as the agent?” asked Mannering.
    â€œThe Prince is well known for his democratic principles,” the Consul said. “He could safely be entrusted with such a delicate mission. However, his wife, Princess Kana, persuaded him to work through Mr. Toji, whose reputation for integrity is rivalled only by his knowledge. The Princess had worked with Mr. Toji before and knew how fully he could be trusted. Now my Government feels that it owes the Government of Sumi a great debt. We wish to repay it by finding the crown jewels.”
    Mannering said sharply: “Don’t you mean the Mask of Sumi?”
    The Consul said gravely: “It is now known that all the jewels are missing, not only the mask. You see how great is our moral obligation?”
    After a long pause, Mannering said: “I do indeed.”
    â€œAnd you will help?”
    â€œIn every way I can,” promised Mannering.
    â€œI am most grateful.” The Consul shook hands again, bowed, and allowed Bristow to usher him into the arms of a detective inspector, who took him away.
    Mannering looked at Bristow and said flatly: “Did you know about the rest of the jewels?”
    â€œOnly from the Consulate,” said Bristow. “That’s what makes the problem so acute. It’s a lot of money for a tiny independent country, and it could make the difference between economic prosperity and disaster. You know what the Consul thinks, don’t you?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThat Toji knew where the jewels were, and told you before he killed himself out of shame at being robbed of the mask.”
    â€œIt’s possible,” Mannering conceded. “But it isn’t right, Bill. I know exactly what I’ve told you and no more. Have you any clues at all?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œNo known fingerprints?”
    â€œNothing. The blonde who called herself Yates has vanished. She might now be a red-head, a brunette, or an ash-blonde, and be anywhere in London. Have you any ideas?” Bristow asked, in turn.
    â€œNot yet,” Mannering said, grimly.
    That was really the moment when he decided to keep the matter of the British India Line label to himself. Bristow hadn’t specifically warned him not to investigate on his own. There was little doubt that the Yard man expected him to. Probably Bristow felt that it would be virtually impossible for Mannering to resist the temptation of going after the missing jewels himself. Certainly he would know that if any of them came on the market, Mannering was likely to find out, for the trade had a remarkable information system.
    â€œIf you hear anything at all about it, let me know at once, won’t you?” Bristow said. “Whether you hear of anyone who wants to sell