It might give a clue to what investigations were being made.
After Kong Hung-Li's and Wong Ping's statements had been made the reward $2000 in Hume I recommended that $500 should be increased to $2000 in order to endeavour to induce one of the accomplices to come forward as witnesses:
It was with great difficulty that Kong Hung-Li was induced to come forward. He was living at home with a broken leg which prevented him from walking and was attended to by a Chinese doctor at the Civil Hospital, and later by a doctor at the Police Hospital where he is at present.
A few men have from time to time been tripping over those who entered the house, to cover the actual murderer's retreat.
Word has been received from them today that for fear of the Canton police, who got wind of their presence and obliged them to clear out, they had to flee to Hong Kong.
He is still prevented from walking, and C.D. J. Hanson had to be sent with Lumy-hi and another (who had fetched Kory Kuny-hi up from Bangkok) in a steamer to bribe the man's family and the elders of the village to let him come away.
Kory Kung-hi was brought here on the 5th April.
All hope of getting Chan Lam-Isai or ... has been given up.
It must therefore be decided whether a prosecution be undertaken.
The evidence attached shall ...
(Signed) Cecil May 14/6/1907.