Her words ended in a sob, and Stuart held her to him convulsively, his heart filled with such helpless, fierce misery and bitterness as he had never known. "Go, please go!" she whispered. "It is my only chance--there is no other. There is not a moment to wait. Listen to me! You will go by that door by which I come in. There is a better way, through a tunnel he has made to the river bank; but I cannot open the door. Only _he_ has the key. At the end of the passage some one is waiting----" "Chunda Lal!" Miska glanced up rapidly and then dropped her eyes again. "Yes--poor Chunda Lal. He is my only friend. Give him this." She removed an amulet upon a gold chain from about her neck and thrust it into Stuart's hand. "It seems to you silly, but Chunda Lal is of the East; and he has promised. Oh! be quick! I am afraid. I tell you something. Fo-Hi does not know, but the police Inspector and many men search the river bank for the house! I see them from a window----" "What!" cried Stuart--"Dunbar is here!" _"Ssh! ssh!"_ Miska clutched him wildly. _"He_ is not far away. You will go and bring him here. No! for me do not fear. I put the keys back and he will think you have opened the lock by some trick----" "Miska!" "Oh, no more!" She slipped from his arms, crossed and reopened the lacquered door, revealing a corridor dimly lighted. Stuart followed and looked along the corridor. "Right to the end," she whispered, "and down the steps. You know"-- touching the amulet which Stuart carried--"how to deal with--Chunda Lal." But still he hesitated; until she seized his hand and urged him. Thereupon he swept her wildly into his arms. "Miska! how can I leave you! It is maddening!" "You must! you must!" He looked into her eyes, stooped and kissed her upon the lips. Then, with no other word, he tore himself away and walked quickly along the corridor. Miska watched him until he was out of sight, then re-entered the great room and closed the door. She turned, and: "Oh, God of mercy," she whispered. Just within the second doorway stood Fo-Hi watching her. CHAPTER III THE FIFTH SECRET OF RACHE CHURAN Stricken silent with fear, Miska staggered back against the lacquered door, dropping the keys which she held in her hand. Fo-Hi had removed the cowled garment and was now arrayed in a rich mandarin robe. Through the grotesque green veil which obscured his features the brilliant eyes shone catlike. "So," he said softly, "you speed the parting guest. And did I not hear the sound of a chaste salute?" Miska watched him, wild-eyed.