quickly. She ran to the door. It was locked.

Long Sin, motionless, smiled. "There is no way to get out," he
murmured.

Aunt Josephine was standing now with her back to the door leading
into another room. She happened to look up and saw the secretary,
who was near her and half turned away. From where she was standing
she could see the murderous dirk up his sleeve.

She acted instantly. Without a word she summoned all her strength
and struck him. The secretary stumbled.

"Elaine," she cried, "look out! they have knives."

Before Elaine knew it Aunt Josephine had taken her by the arm, had
pulled her into the back room, and, although Long Sin and the
others had rushed forward, managed to slam the door and lock it.

The Chinamen set to work immediately to pry it open.

While they were at work on the doer, which was already swaying,
Aunt Josephine and Elaine were running about, trying to find an
outlet from the room.

There seemed to be no way out. Even the windows were locked.

"I don't know why they want the ring," whispered Aunt Josephine,
"but they won't get it. Give it to me, Elaine."