It was just as Mary was led in threatening and pleading by turns that he stepped off in the lobby.
There was, however, still just enough excitement to cover a little pantomime. Long Sin had been about to slip out of a side door, thinking all was well, when he caught sight of Mary being led back. She had also seen him, and began to struggle again.
Quickly he shook his head, indicating for her to stop. Then slowly he secretly made the sign of the Clutching Hand at her. It meant that she must not snitch.
She obeyed instantly, and he quietly disappeared.
"Here," cried Kennedy, "take her up in the elevator. I'll prove the case."
With the house detective and Kennedy, Mary was hustled into the elevator and whisked back as she had escaped.
In the meantime I had gathered up what stuff we had in the room we had entered and had returned with Kennedy's bag.
"Wh—what's it all about?" inquired Elaine excitedly.
I tried to explain.
Just then, out in the hall we could hear loud voices, and that of Mary above the rest. Kennedy, a man who looked like a detective, and some bell-boys were leading her toward us.