But he who watches a
Chinaman watches an illusionist. He must approach his task in the
spirit of a psychical inquirer who seeks to trap a bogus medium. The
great Robert Houdin, one of the master wizards of modern times,
quitted Petrograd by two gates at the same hour according to credible
witnesses; but his performance sinks into insignificance beside that
of a Chinese predecessor who flourished under one of the Ming
emperors. The palace of this potentate was approached by gates, each
having twelve locks, and each being watched by twelve guards.
Nevertheless a distinguished member of the wizard family not only
gained access to the imperial presence but also departed again unseen
by any of the guards, and leaving all the gates locked behind him! If
Detective-Sergeant Coombes had known this story he might not have
experienced such complete confidence.
That door of Sin Sin Wa's establishment which gave upon a little
backyard was oiled both lock and hinge so that it opened noiselessly.
Like a shadow, like a ghost, Sin Sin Wa crept forth, closing the door
behind him. He carried a sort of canvas kit-bag, so that one observing
him might have concluded that he was "moving."
Resting his bag against the end wall, he climbed up by means of holes
in the neglected brickwork until he could peer over the top.
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