Men were running from the detachment guarding the rear of the premises to say that a fierce fire was raging on the first floor back of No.

412.
"Smash in those three doors!" cried Winter to his helpers.

"Drag out every Chinaman you meet! Handcuff them in threes and fours! Arrest these fellows standing outside, but keep the two lots separate!" "Why are we, your friends, to be arrested ?" demanded Li Chang's dignified voice.
"I'll soon tell you why, you slim demon!" shouted the chief inspector, roused to anger by the consciousness that he had been duped.

"What fiendish trick have you played on those wretches penned up inside there?
But I'll soon know." He turned to the local officer.
"Better march this crowd of Chinamen straight to your station," he said.
"I'll follow soon, and lay a charge." He felt a claw-like hand on his arm, and wild with vexation though he was, forced himself to listen.
"We are ready to go where you wish," said Li Chang calmly.

"But spare your own men.