They entered and were greeted with a profound bow by the
proprietor. He was the new Tong leader, and this up-town shop was
his cover. In actual fact, he was what might have been called a
Chinese fence for stolen goods.

In their interest in the wealth of strange and curious ornaments
displayed in the shop they did not notice that the Chinaman's
wrist was bound tightly under his flowing sleeve.

Elaine explained what it was she wanted, and with Kennedy's aid
selected a number of Chinese hangings and decorations. They were
about to leave the shop when Elaine's eye was attracted by a
little show case in which were many quaint and valuable Chinese
ornaments in gold and silver and covered ivory.

"What an odd looking thing," she said, pointing out a nobbed ring
which reposed on the black velvet of the case.

"Quite odd," agreed Kennedy.

The subtle Chinaman stood by the pile of hangings on the counter
which Elaine had bought, overjoyed at such a large sale. Praising
the ring to Elaine, he turned insinuatingly to Kennedy. There was
nothing else for Craig to do--he bought the ring, and the Chinaman
proved again his ability as a merchant.

From the curio shop where Elaine had completed her purchases they
drove to Kennedy's laboratory.

I had been at work on a story for the Star when they entered.