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 knew that I was bluffing; I had no lawyer; I had, in fact, no case against him.

“You’re quite right, my boy,” he said. “To-night is no time for.business. Let us eat, drink and be merry, for to-morrow—to-morrow I see your lawyer.”

He laughed outright now, an unkind sneering laugh, and once more hatred of him blazed in my heart. Why had I been such a fool as to come?

The door-bell rang, a loud peal, and Drew ran to the hall, where Hung Chin-chung was already opening the outer door. Through the curtains I saw a huge rosy-cheeked policeman outlined against the fog.

“Hello, Mr. Drew,” he said cheerily.

“Hello, Riley,” cried the old man. Running forward he seized the policeman’s hand. “I’m back again.”

“And glad I am to see you,” said Riley. “I knew the house was closed, and seein’ all the lights I thought Id look in and make sure was everything O. K.” Rh