The fire, too, had gained hold with a phenomenal rapidity which argued the use of petrol, or some kindred agent of irresistible potency when ignited.
Winter and Furneaux, accompanied by the commissioner and Mr.Handyside, walked to the local police station.

The American was the only one who spoke.
"Queer ducks, the Chinese!" he said, seemingly musing aloud rather than inviting comment.

"They like to settle their own differences.

I guess we'd feel pretty much like that if we lived in China." No one took up the point thus raised.

Winter bent a searching, almost sorrowful glance at Furneaux, but the little man's eyes were fixed on the ground, as though he were deep in thought.
In the charge room of the police station the twenty-five Chinamen awaited them.