“Be seated, I pray you, Captain Hastings," he said, with a wave of his hand. “You acceded to my request to come immediately, I am glad to see."
“Who are you I asked. “Li Chang Yen?”
“Indeed no; I am but the humblest of the Master's servants. I carry out his behests, that is all, as do other of his servants in other countries- in South America, for instance."
I advanced a step. “Where is she? What have you done with her out there?”
“She is in a place of safety where none will find her. As yet, she is unharmed. You observe that I say-- as yet!”
Cold shivers ran down my spine as I confronted this smiling devil. “What do you want?” I cried. “Money?”
“My dear Captain Hastings, we have no designs on your small savings, I can assure you. Not- pardon me- a very intelligent suggestion on your
