“When Albert is away, that burner contains a dangerous explosive. The telephone, should one handle it, emits a poison gas. Yet this I know: if you do not touch a single object in that room, nothing can harm you.”
“The Chinese throne?”
“It carries no danger.”
“That statue of bronze—”
“No one should touch it. Albert received it one day when I was there. He said it was shipped to him from China. It may now be another trap.”
Clarendon considered the girl thoughtfully. She seemed eager to tell the truth. He continued his questions.
“Where does Palermo keep his stolen goods?”
“In the corner of the Chinese room. The taboret in the corner opens. In it are securities and other papers, some of which I–I helped him to obtain.”
“Is the taboret dangerous?”
“Yes. It’s secret is a simple one but very dangerous. You must turn a little knob to open it.