They were conversing eagerly and laughing and did not hear a noise
in the back room.
A sinister figure had made its way by means of a fire-escape to a
rear window that was not barred, and silently he had stolen in on
them.
Cat-like, he advanced, but instead of striking at them, he quietly
took a seat in a chair close behind them, a magazine revolver in
his hand.
They turned at a slight noise and saw him. Genuine fright was now
on their faces as they looked at him, open mouthed.
"What's all this?" he growled. "I am known as the Clutching Hand.
I allow no interferences with my affairs. Tell me what you are
doing here with Elaine Dodge."
Their beady almond eyes flashed fear. Clutching Hand moved
menacingly. There was nothing for the astute Long Sin to do but to
submit. Cowed by the well-known power of the master criminal, he
took Clutching Hand into his confidence.
With a low bow, Long Sin spread out his hands in surrender and
submission.
"I will tell you, honorable sir," he said at length.
"Go on!" growled the criminal.
Quickly Long rehearsed what had happened, from the moment the idea
of blackmail had entered his head.
"How about Mary Carson?" asked Clutching Hand. "I saw her here."
Long gave a glance of almost superstitious dread at the man, as if
he had an evil eye.
"She will be back--is here now," he added, opening the door at a
knock and admitting her.
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