It was a critical moment.

Just then Long Sin entered. "One of the five millions waits
outside," he reported simply, with a bow.

Wu understood. It had been a pleasant fiction of his that although
he did not, of course, absolutely control such a stupendous
organization he could, by his subtle power, force almost unlimited
allegiance from the simple coolies in that district of China from
which he came.

Out in the front room, just a moment before, a knock at the door
had disturbed Long Sin, and a Chinese servant had announced a
visitor. Long Sin had waved to the servant to usher him in and a
poorly clad coolie had entered.

He bowed as Long Sin faced him. "Where is the master?" he had
asked.

Long Sin had not deigned to speak. With a mere wave of his hand,
he indicated that he would be the bearer of the message, and had
followed Wu through the door of the back room.

So, almost by chance, Wu was interrupted in the brutal vengeance
which had first come to his mind. He sheathed the knife and, still
without a word, went back into the main room, giving a nod to
Weepy Mary to guard Elaine closely.

Wu eyed the coolie until the newcomer could almost feel the