Just as the young man was half way down, a dark figure, which had crept up behind him, darted forward and aimed a blow at him. Rupert dodged and tried to close: but at that moment another figure dashed between the two men and delivered a right-hander. There was a stifled cry of rage and the clash of a knife on the wet pavement. Then the first assailant cleared off, and Rupert found himself facing his rescuer. "Just in time," said Clarence Burgh. "What, you here," said Rupert surprised. "I left you at the station. "I guess that's so, but I followed you--" "And by what right--" "That's square enough," replied Burgh, "you'd agreed to work along with me on this racket." "Not altogether. I had not made up my mind." "Well I guess you'll make it up now Mr. Ainsleigh. It was a good job I came after you as I did, or this would have been into your ribs," and he held up a long knife which he had picked up. "I am much obliged," said Ainsleigh, "but--" "Well if you're obliged, let me go along with you and see you through this game. I don't know what it is, but I'm on for larks." Ainsleigh reflected, and on the impulse of the moment trusted the man. Clarence had undoubtedly saved his life, and it would be just as well to take him. Also Clarence could do no harm, as Tung-yu and Hwei would see to that. "Very good," said Ainsleigh, "come along. I'm going to where that Chinese lantern is." Clarence gave a long whistle and smote his leg, "Gad," said he between his teeth, "you're on the Chinese racket again." "Oh, behalf of Major Tidman," and Rupert rapidly gave details. Burgh whistled again, "Ho," he laughed, "so they think Tidman's the strangler. Well I guess not. Forge for my money. Let's heave ahead Ainsleigh, and see what the Chinkeys have to say." The two moved on and stopped under the lantern. A sharp knock at a closed door brought forth a Chinese boy, who was dressed--queerly enough--all in red. Rupert recalled Tidman's adventure at Canton, and did not like the look of things. But Clarence pushed past him and addressed the boy. "We've come to see Tung-yu," said he, "give this brat the letter, Ainsleigh." The boy took the letter and instead of looking at it by the light of the lantern, smelt it carefully. Then Ainsleigh remembered that it was strongly perfumed with some queer scent. Clarence cackled. "Rummy coves these Chinese beasts," said he politely.