I'm exceedingly sorry that our acquaintance, begun so happily, should involve you in personal risk--" "As for that," broke in Theydon, "I would not change places with any man in England at this moment." He feared instantly that he might have said too much, and added with a laugh: "Don't forget, Mr.Forbes, that I write books, some of them--the most popular ones, I am afraid--being of a sensational type.

When this tornado has died down, and Wong Li Fu is carefully hanged, and you and your family are recuperating in Sutherlandshire, I shall resume work with a new inspiration.

Never again shall I say to myself, 'Oh, that is too far-fetched,' or fear that I am straining my readers' credulity beyond bounds.

If a small gang of Chinamen and Japanese can hold up London, bamboozle the best men in Scotland Yard, and keep a man of your position a prisoner in his own house, I need have no fear of adopting any situation my fertile brain can evolve, because four days ago I would have scoffed at the things which have actually happened as quite impossible and therefore unbelievable." "Japanese, you say?
Why do you mention Japanese ?" "The American, Mr.Handyside, tells me the skulls are of Japanese workmanship.

He argues also that the wrestling tricks of which Winter and I, and Mrs.Forbes in lesser degree, have had some experience, are Japanese.