MADDEN: Bring him into the house!

He strides off into the darkness towards house, carrying the flashlight.

SCENE 313
AT BOB AND CHAN - CLOSE SHOT
Chan stares after him, his eyes narrow.

CHAN: Man's soul is lost who does not grieve the death of faithful servant.

DISSOLVE TO:

SCENE 314
LIVING ROOM - MEDIUM SHOT - NIGHT
Louie's body lies on a davenport. A small town coroner is examining it. Constable Brackett, a burly, blustering small town official is questioning the four men. He is speaking respectfully to Madden as we come to scene.

BRACKETT:...and you were both in the house when it happened? MADDEN: Yes...I can account for Thorne. BRACKETT: (Turning to Bob) And you're sure you didn't see anyone by the gate when you drove in?

Bob nods. Brackett turns and crosses toward Chan, glaring at him belligerently.

SCENE 315
AT BRACKETT AND CHAN - MEDIUM CLOSE

BRACKETT: You're the new cook here, eh? CHAN: (Nodding meekly) Thas light, boss. BRACKETT: Where'd you work before this? CHAN: (Mildly) All places, boss. Bid town, litta town. BRACKETT: (Bellowing angrily) I mean...where'd you work last? CHAN: (Serenely) Lailload, boss. Santa Fe Lailload. Lay sticks on glound. BRACKETT:(His eyes narrow) Had to work hard, eh? CHAN: Thas light.

Brackett triumphantly thumps his finger on Chan's chest, moving him backward.

BRACKETT: So when you got an easy job here, you wanted to hang on to it? When Louie came back, you knew you'd lose it, so you killed him!

SCENE 316
AT GROUP - MEDIUM SHOT

BOB: (Angrily) That's nonsense! I told you he was at the garage!

Brackett turns pompously to him.

BRACKETT: You don't know these Chinese guys. They think nothin' of sneakin' around and stickin' knives in each other. (Turning to Chan) How'd you get into this country? CHAN: (Blandly) Melican citizen. Boahn San Flancisco. BRACKETT: (Sneering) Is that so? Let's see your chock-gee.

SCENE 317
AT BOB, CHAN, BRACKETT - MEDIUM CLOSE
Bob is completely dismayed. Chan stalls for time.

CHAN: What you say, boss? BRACKETT: (Bellowing triumphantly) I thought so! You know what I said! Your chock-gee...the certificate that shows you're a citizen. Come on! CHAN: (Understanding) Oh, boss, ce'tiflicate...all light, boss.

He pulls a worn piece of paper from his sleeve and hands it to Brackett. Bob shows amazement. Brackett inspects it in complete discomforture. He hands it back uncertainly.