Meanwhile the dog, whining and scratching furiously, had
exposed the greater part of a stone slab somewhat larger than those
adjoining it, and having a large crack or fissure in one end.
"For the last time," said Kerry, drawing the man's head back so that
his breath began to whistle through his nostrils, "open that trap."
As he spoke he released Ah Fung, and Ah Fung made one wild leap
towards the stairs. Kerry's fist caught him behind the ear as he
sprang, and he went down like a dead man upon a small heap of coal
which filled the angle of the cellar.
Breathing rapidly and having his teeth so tightly clenched that his
maxillary muscles protruded lumpishly, Kerry stood looking at the
fallen man. But Ah Fung did not move. The dog had ceased to scratch,
and now stood uttering short staccato barks and looking up at the
Chief Inspector. Otherwise there was no sound in the house, above or
below.
Kerry stooped, and with his handkerchief scrupulously dusted the stone
slab. The spaniel, resentment forgotten, danced excitedly beside him
and barked continuously.
"There's some sort of hook to fit in that crack," muttered Kerry.
He began to hunt about among the debris which littered one end of the
cellar, testing fragment after fragment, but failing to find any piece
of scrap to suit his purpose.
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