Sax Rohmer

“ Latham watched him to the door.
“It sounds a silly question,” he said, “but do you think Van Dean is safe alone?”
“No,” snapped Harley, “I don't. That's why I banged on his door a while ago. Hang it all! I'll smoke a pipe with him while he writes.”
He turned toward the door, when Joyce, breaking away from Jim, ran toward him.
“What! Are you deserting us, too, Mr. Harley!” she cried. “We were just going to ask you to dance.”
“Oh!” said Harley, pausing. “Might I suggest, without upsetting the party, that you have the gramophone taken into the library and continue the ball there?” ”

“ No one is wholly immune from the curious influence of a thunder storm, and it seemed a jest of fate that this party, already wrought upon by a series of uncanny events, should be further tried by a natural phenomenon at no time pleasant.
Mohammed Khán had retired, and Jim, in his capacity of orchestra leader, was about to start the gramophone when Harley came in with Van Dean and crossed in the direction of the study stairs. Joyce looked up. ”

“ He is a clever man, who thoroughly understands his business. We must allow him to know best, I suppose.”
He paused as Harley entered with Van Dean. Joyce, giving a quick glance at Latham, accepted a silent invitation from Jim Westbury to dance. ”