was
occasioned by the slow and cautious opening of that sunken, heavy door
near to which they lay--the door which communicated with the labyrinth
of cellars. Inch by inch from the opening protruded the head of
Ah-Fang-Fu!

"If the Chinaman offers any resistance," Max went on, speaking very
rapidly--_"morbleu!_ you have the means to deal with him! In a word,
admit the police. _Sh!_ what is that!"

A moaning voice from one of the bunks came.

_"Cheal kegur-men, mas ka dheer!"_

"A native adage," whispered Stuart. "He is dreaming. 'There is always
meat in a kite's nest.'"

_"Eh bien!_ very true--and I think the kite is at home!"

The head of Ah-Fang-Fu vanished. A moment later the curtains opened
again slightly and the old woman came out, ushering the brown man. He
saluted her and unbarred the door, going out.

"Fo-Hi," came dimly.

There was no definite answer--only the sound of a muttered colloquy;
and suddenly the brown man returned and spoke to the old woman in a
voice so low that his words were inaudible to the two attentive
listeners in the distant corner.

"Ah!" whispered Max--"what now?"

"Shall we rush the curtain!" said Stuart.

"No!" Max grasped his arm--"wait! wait! See! he is going out. He has
perhaps forgotten something. A second fish in the net."

The Oriental went up the steps into the shop. The old woman closed
and barred the door, then opened the matting curtain and disappeared
within.

"I was right," said Max.

But for once in his career he was wrong.

She was out again almost immediately and bending over a bunk close to
the left of the masked opening. 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