"It is empty."
"Sure? Some one may have come in."
"I'll look and see."
Ah Lung did so and reported the alcove empty.
"Go on!" he said eagerly. "You are interesting me greatly. What became of this woman of high rank?"
"Ah! That I do not know, my friend, but I do know that she did not land openly. Then she must have been smuggled ashore. Probably she is concealed somewhere in Chinatown now."
"I must find out. I will employ detectives."
"Do nothing of the sort. If the woman is here, if she really is the Princess Skeep Hup, then I am the man who can get her for you. What will you pay, Ah Lung?"
"Pay! I thought you were my friend."
"I am out for the dollars, brother. Out for the dollars every time."