The two constables standing beside the Coroner made a move forward, as
though to show they meant to enforce the law without any palaver.

The Chinaman raised the palms of both hands at them. "Not yet," he said.
Then he looked at the Coroner. "You are master. Will you not prevent
them?"

The Coroner motioned the constables back. "All right," he said. "You
seem to speak good English."

"I come from England-from Oxford University," answered the Chinaman with
dignity. "I have learned English for many years. I am the son of Duke
Ki. I came to see my uncle, the brother of Duke Ki. He is making
sacrifice before you take him."

"Well, I'm blasted," said Jonas Billings from the crowd. "Chinese dukes,
eh! What's it all about?" "Reg'lar hocus-pocus," remarked the vagabond
brother of Rigby the chemist.

At that moment little coloured lights suddenly showed in the darkness of
the root-house, and there was the tinkling of a bell. Then a voice
seemed calling, but softly, with a long, monotonous, thrilling note.

"Many may not come," said the Chinaman at the door to the Coroner, as he
turned and entered the low doorway.

A minute afterwards the two constables held back the crowd from the
doorway of the root-house, from the threshold of which a few wooden steps
descended to the ground inside.