Sax Rohmer

“ Harley nodded shortly and, turning away, walked up the study stair and into the study. A few moments later he returned, carrying a bunch of keys. No one had spoken during his absence, but all three men had stood staring, as if petrified, at the lacquer cabinet at the stair-foot.
Excited voices could plainly be heard in the lobby, outside the room, and recognizing what their state of mind must be, Latham would have given much to have been enabled to speak words of comfort to soothe the mind of one at least among them. ”

“ But, forcing his muscles to action, he staggered down the darkened stair and reached the lobby.
At the same moment, the dining room door burst open. There came the click of an electric switch. And there was Jim Westbury; revolver in hand, wild-eyed, running toward the library door. Westbury looked at Latham.
“Latham!” he cried. “You heard it?”
“My God! Of course I heard it!”
They reached the door almost together, threw it open and leaped into the room.
“The switch!” gasped Westbury. “It's on your side.” Then, “Harley! Harley!” he cried. ”

“ Chapter XII THE SOUND UP ON the first landing, Latham waited in a state of indescribable suspense. Seated on the top stair, he watched for he knew not what, listening intently, yet not knowing for what he listened. ”