"No. They must be forced. But there are only small locks. The bolts are drawn."
"The places are apparently in complete darkness. My men must use their lamps, and may be attacked."
"No," said Li Chang simply. "There will be no fighting. Those Manchu dogs are helpless. We have seen to that."
"But how? Do you mean that they are stupefied?"
"Bound," said the Chinaman. "Tied hand and foot."
"Again then, may I ask, why wait?"
"It will be in order," was the calm reply. "I entered into an arrangement with you. I want to abide by it."
Winter breathed heavily. The ways of the Oriental were not his ways, but a bargain was a bargain, so what more could be said?
Suddenly, about two minutes to one o'clock, a curious crackling noise was heard, a column of sparks burst high above the steep roof of No. 412, and the upper windows of the opposite houses reflected a red glare.
"Good heavens! the place is on fire!" cried Winter.