The murdered man, as I suppose you have heard, was Sen Lu, one of the Prince's secretaries." "The whole thing seems strange," Nigel remarked.

"Do you suppose Prince Shan knew that an attempt upon his life was likely to-night ?" Karschoff shook his head doubtfully.
"It is difficult to say.

These Orientals contrive to surround themselves with such an atmosphere of mystery.

But from what I know of Prince Shan," he went on, "I do not think that he is one to shirk danger--even from the assassin's dagger." A milk cart drew up with a clatter outside.

There was the sound of the area gate being opened.