The detectives lost no time. They at once set out for Mott street. Ah Ling was a character very familiar to them. There was no shrewder character, no deeper scoundrel in Chinatown than Ah Ling. The Bradys knew that it would be folly to attempt to gain admittance to his place in their own character. So they went thither in a clever disguise. And Harry, for the first time in a long while dressed up as a very handsome young lady. As men and women both frequented the opium joints, this was not deemed strange. Old King Brady made himself up as a country jay, and Harry took him in tow. He steered him into Mott street and Harry led the way into Ah Ling’s shop. That urbane Celestial came up smiling and bowing. “Ah, Melican lady buy fine handkerchief,” he simpered “Sellee cheap! Comee allee way China.” Harry punched his rustic partner in the ribs and in true Bowery-girl style said: “Come, buy me that, cully! Don’t you see I’m your steady now?” “B’gosh! Haow much money do ye want fer the durned thing, Mister Chineeman?” asked Old King Brady. “Sellee cheap. Allee same one dollar!” said the Celestial, winking at Harry. “All right! Hyars yer dollar. Now take it gal, an’ I say, what’s that you told me about? I want to see all the sights. But I’ll be gol-blamed if I haven’t forgotten.” “Oh, you mean hit the pipe,” said Harry. “Yas, yas! That’s it. I dunno what it is, but b’gosh I’m reddy fer it.” Harry winked at Ah Ling, who bit readily enough. “Yeppee, me slee!” he said. “Hittee pipe. Heap fine tlime. Comee dis lay.” The detectives followed the Chinaman through various corridors and down stairs until finally they were in the opium den. About on bunks and rugs lay the half-stupefied devotees of the pipe. The Bradys almost instantly singled out their men. Collins lay completely stupefied. Van was still smoking and Burke was getting ready for the same. The Bradys were elated. The birds were at last in their hands. Escape was out of the question. The detectives took in the full situation at a glance. Not one of the gang was capable of offering much resistance. The Bradys quickly planned their coup. After Ah Ling had gone, the two detectives laid their plans. Nobody in the place noticed them. Old King Brady whispered: “Everything is coming our way. Now, I’ll first slip over and put the handcuffs on Collins.” “Yes.” “He’ll never know it for he is too deeply asleep.” “Exactly.” “Then together we will tackle the other two.” “Capital!” “That will place them hors du combat. We must trust to a bold dash to get them out of here.” “If Ah Ling is wise he will not offer resistance.” “He may not.” “Very good.” “I’ll spring it now!” “All right!” Old King Brady crept over to where Collins lay. He snapped the handcuffs on him and the fellow never moved. Then Harry took the signal. Van and Burke were both half dazed. They fought like tigers, however, but were finally overpowered.