Seated there in that Limehouse attic, a smoky lamp burning on the
table between them, and one gripping the stump of a cheroot between
his teeth, while the other chewed steadily, they presented a
combination which none but a fool would have lightly challenged.
"Sin Sin Wa is cunning," said Seton suddenly. "He is a very clever
man. Watch him as closely as you like, he will never lead you to the
'store.' In the character of John Smiles I had some conversation with
him this morning, and I formed the same opinion as yourself. He is
waiting for something; and he is certain of his ground. I have a
premonition, Chief Inspector, that whoever else may fall into the net,
Sin Sin Wa will slip out. We have one big chance."
"What's that?" rapped Kerry.
"The dope syndicate can only have got control of 'the traffic' in one
way--by paying big prices and buying out competitors. If they cease to
carry on for even a week they lose their control. The people who bring
the stuff over from Japan, South America, India, Holland, and so forth
will sell somewhere else if they can't sell to Kazmah and Company.
Therefore we want to watch the ships from likely ports, or, better
still, get among the men who do the smuggling. There must be resorts
along the riverside used by people of that class.
Pages:
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311