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It was good to have a friend so close at hand. The mystery of the house was nerve-racking.

As Dick leaned from the window, Wing Lo whispered softly, "Master can sleep. Through the night I will watch the approach to your window. I can easily lie hidden in the garden. The shadow tapestries will conceal me."

The next moment Wing Lo was gone. In the distance a dog howled dismally as though it were crying for the moon. It had been a wild, exciting day and Dick was exhausted. He had not been in bed many minutes before he was asleep. How long he slept fie did not know, but the next thing he knew he was sitting bolt upright in bed. He scarcely realized what had awakened him, although he was vaguely conscious that he had heard a scream. Even as he endeavored to get his scattered wits together, the scream was repeated. He sprang from his bed and rushed to the window. By the light of the moon which flooded the garden he beheld Wing Lo gripped in the powerful arms of Yeh Ming Hsin. In the eery light the latter looked like a misshapen baboon.

In a moment Dick had sprung through the window and was climbing down the vines. When he was about ten feet from the ground he jumped, landing full force on the shoulders of Yeh Ming Hsin. So terrific was the impact that Wing Lo was released. Yeh Ming Hsin was somewhat dazed by the unexpected interference and Dick Varney made the most df his bewilderment. He struck him flush on the chin with all his might and followed up with a frightful left jab in the stomach which sent the Chinaman sprawling. All the fight was taken out of him. He lay on the ground scarcely breathing. Wing Lo sprang forward. He drew a rope from his clothing and bound Yeh Ming Hsin hand and foot. Then together they carried the subdued Chinaman to a small building at the foot of the garden, a small pump-house that had been discarded. Wing Lo examined his bonds to see that there was no chance of his escaping. Then together they returned to the house and climbed up the vines to Dick Varney's room.

" not scream," explained Wing Lo, "until I knew that I was overpowered. I feared for your life." He paused for a moment, then he continued speaking rather hurriedly. "The time for action has come. When Mortimer Davga discovers that Yeh Ming Hsin is missing, his wrath will be uncheckable. Up till now he has at least shown exceeding courtesy toward you. I know, for I watched by the window while you were eating. But now all restraint will be cast aside. It will be a finish fight. The prize is enormous. John Cravat, my old master, was one of the wealthiest tea-merchants in the East. To gain control of his fortune, Davga will stop at nothing. I know that in the wilder quarters of Singapore he is known as Mr. Isaacs. But I have not worried my little mistress with my suspicions. She does not know. In her interest I have followed him many limes. Some unsavory tales have been whispered about the strange Mr. Isaacs. He seems to be a power here in the underworld. But Davga enjoys a reputation without a blemish. In meeting him, you have a sly and clever foe. It is much like fighting the wind. But you must 