"I can spare an hour, but what for?"
"For Kwen Lung!"
Four minutes later we were speeding in the direction of
Limehouse, and not a word of explanation to account for this
sudden journey could I extract from my friend. Therefore I
beguiled the time by telling him of my adventure with Captain
Dan.
Harley listened to the story in unbroken silence, but at its
termination he brought his hand down sharply on my knee.
"I have been almost perfectly blind, Knox," he said; "but not
quite so perfectly blind as you!"
I stared at him in amazement, but he merely laughed and offered
no explanation of his words.
Presently, then, I found myself yet again in the familiar room of
the golden joss. Ma Lorenzo, in whom some hidden anxiety seemed
to have increased since I had last seen her, stood at the top of
the stairs watching us. Upon what idea my friend was operating
and what he intended to do I could not imagine; but without a
word to the woman he crossed the room and grasping the great
golden idol with both arms he dragged it forward across the
floor!
As he did so there was a stifled shriek, and Ma Lorenzo,
stumbling down the steps, threw herself on her knees before
Harley! Raising imploring hands:
"No, no!" she moaned.
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