Part 9 (1/2)
”Speak to her, or let those men speak. I am sure she is in trouble.
After the first she would not answer me.”
”She is drugged. I suppose for the moment she came out from under the influence. I am surprised that she did.”
”But, doctor, I heard some one say before we captured the boat that if they didn't hurry up the princess would die. What about that?”
”The man didn't know what he was talking about. I am an expert chemist.
It is no morphine sleep the woman is in. I have used a Chinese drug of which chemists in this country know nothing. I should hate to have to use it on you.”
”Don't you dare try it, doctor.”
”Listen. We have to leave this auto soon. I warn you, Alice, not to attempt to make me trouble. Just so sure as you do, you will get your dose.”
Alice was silent.
She preferred Dr. Garshaski's threats to his love-making. It was a relief to find that he was not disposed to try the latter now.
They were rapidly approaching Chinatown.
At last they hit Dupont street and ran on to Was.h.i.+ngton, where they turned up the hill, stopping in front of China alley.
The Chinamen jumped out and stood for a moment.
”All right, the coast is clear, doctor,” one said in Chinese.
”Take the box out and be quick,” replied the doctor.
This was done.
Staggering under their load, the two Chinamen disappeared down the alley.
”Now, Alice!” said the doctor, when presently they returned.
”Dr. Garshaski, be sensible and let me go about my business,” said Alice, in her calmest fas.h.i.+on, for she realized that it would be more than useless to display excitement now.
”No,” replied the doctor. ”No, it cannot be. I have begun, and I am going to see the thing through. That's all there is about it.”
He got out and extended his hand to Alice, who accepted it and alighted.
The two c.h.i.n.ks closed in behind her.
In a few seconds they had vanished down China alley, where there was no hope of rescue, for although the alley is not the dark, mysterious affair it used to be before the great fire, it still retains much of its old character, and is a mighty dangerous place at night.
They did not have far to go; the doctor retained his hold on Alice's arm.
She had heard the click of c.o.c.king revolvers behind her, so knew what to expect.
Suddenly the doctor turned in at a dark doorway and hurried Alice up an equally dark flight of stairs.