CHAPTER V

JOHN KI’S “What is the meaning of Si-Fan?” asked Detective-sergeant Fletcher. He stood looking from the window at the prospect below; at the trees bordering the winding embankment; at the ancient monolith which for unnumbered ages had looked across desert sands to the Nile, and now looked down upon another river of many mysteries. The view seemed to absorb his attention. He spoke without turning his head. Nayland Smith laughed shortly. “The Si-Fan are the natives of Eastern Tibet,” he replied. “But the term has som…