Although I believe 'The Pidgin House' to be open to
ordinary opium-smokers, it may not be open on 'lodge nights.' Do you
follow me? Very well. I have the golden scorpion--which I suppose to
be a sort of passport."
Stuart wondered more and more at the reasoning powers of this
remarkable man, which could lead him to such an accurate conclusion.
"The existence of such a passport," continued Max, "would seem to
point to the fact that all the members of this organisation are not
known personally to one another. At the same time those invited or
expected at present _may_ be known to Ah-Fang-Fu or to whoever acts
as concierge. You see? Expected or otherwise, I assume that 'Le
Balafre' would be admitted--and at night I shall pass very well for
'Le Balafre'--somewhat damaged as a result of my encounter with the
late Charles Malet, but still recognisable!"
"And I?"
"You will be 'franked' in. The word of 'Le Balafre' should be
sufficient for that! Of course I may be conducted immediately into
the presence of the Chief--'The Scorpion'--and he may prove to be
none other than Miguel, for instance--or my Algerian acquaintance--
or may even be a 'she'--the fascinating Zara el-Khala! We do not
know. But I _think_--oh, decidedly I think--that the cowled one is a
male creature, and his habits and habitat suggests to me that he is a
Chinaman."
"And in that event how shall you act?"
"At once! I shall hold him, if I can, or shoot him if I cannot hold
him! Both of us will blow police-whistles with which we shall be
provided and Inspectors Dunbar and Kelly will raid the premises.
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