The occupant concealed in its shadow
did not rise and follow her, however. She seemed to be speaking to
him. Stuart and Max watched intently.
The head of Ah-Fang-Fu reappeared in the doorway behind them.
"Now is our time!" whispered Max tensely. "As I rush for the curtains,
you run to the shop door and get it unbolted, whistling for Dunbar----"
Ah-Fang-Fu, fully opening the door behind them, crept out stealthily.
"Have your pistol ready," continued Max, "and first put the whistle
between your teeth----"
Ah-Fang-Fu silently placed his bowler hat upon the floor, shook down
his long pigtail, and moving with catlike tread, stooping, drew nearer.
_"Now, doctor!"_ cried Max.
Both sprang to their feet. Max leapt clear of the matting and other
litter and dashed for the curtain. He reached it, seized it and tore
bodily from its fastenings. Behind him the long flat note of a police
whistle sounded--and ended abruptly.
_"Ah! Nom d'un nom!"_ cried Max.
A cunningly devised door--looking like a section of solid brick and
plaster wall--was closing slowly--heavily. Through the opening which
yet remained he caught a glimpse of a small room, draped with Chinese
dragon tapestry and having upon a raised, carpeted dais a number of
cushions forming a _diwan_ and an inlaid table bearing a silver snuff
vase. A cowled figure was seated upon the dais. The door closed
completely. Within a niche in its centre sat a yellow leering idol,
green eyed and complacent.
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