They turned at a slight noise and saw him. Genuine fright was now on their faces as they looked at him, open mouthed.
"What's all this?" he growled. "I am known as the Clutching Hand. I allow no interferences with my affairs. Tell me what you are doing here with Elaine Dodge."
Their beady almond eyes flashed fear. Clutching Hand moved menacingly. There was nothing for the astute Long Sin to do but to submit. Cowed by the well-known power of the master criminal, he took Clutching Hand into his confidence.
With a low bow, Long Sin spread out his hands in surrender and submission.
"I will tell you, honorable sir," he said at length.
"Go on!" growled the criminal.
Quickly Long rehearsed what had happened, from the moment the idea of blackmail had entered his head.
"How about Mary Carson?" asked Clutching Hand. "I saw her here."
Long gave a glance of almost superstitious dread at the man, as if he had an evil eye.
"She will be back—is here now," he added, opening the door at a knock and admitting her.