Sax Rohmer

“ Conversation was spasmodic.
“Do you think this nameless Mandarin is operating the thing personally?” asked Latham.
“I am inclined to think he is,” Harley cried back. “Van Dean had news, tonight, from a reliable source, that the Mandarin K, who was known to be in London, had left, yesterday.”
“Why was he not arrested, if he was known to be in London?”
“My dear fellow!” Harley laughed unmirthfully. “If you knew how many clever men all over the world have tried to capture the Mandarin K, you would be more sympathetic toward Scotland Yard!” ”

“ Moody.
“It's the alarm,” said Van Dean. “I reset it after Harley went. It will go on ringing all night, unless I stop it now.”
“Oh, good gracious!” said Joyce, who had sprung to her feet. “Of course! How foolish we are. I will stop it, Mr. Van Dean; sit down.”
“But, my dear,” exclaimed Phil, “you are surely not going into the library!”
“It's the shortest way into the study where the bell is ringing,” was the reply. “Therefore, why not? My dear, a dead man can't hurt one. It was when he was alive that we should have been afraid of him!” ”

“ If it were light we could see it.”
“Then don't talk any more. We must proceed cautiously, now. Make as little noise as possible.”
In silence they trekked on, until Latham paused and grasped Harley's arm. ”