The Bradys After a Chinese Princess (Paperback)

Excerpt: ...the door out of which the others came. Again Old King Brady thought he had got his chance, but once more he was balked in the same way. At last his chance really did come and finding that they had the corridor to themselves he and Leggett pushed on. Now at the start the old detective had been at particular pains to identify that door. But did he still remember it? was the question. He could not feel by any means certain and the worst of it was a quick decision was absolutely necessary. "I think this is it," he said, pausing before a certain door. "You want to be sure," replied Leggett. "I am as sure as I can be. Yes. I think this is it." The door was locked and the old detective getting out his skeleton keys went at the job of opening it vigorously. He quickly succeeded. A narrow, dark staircase leading up lay beyond; leaving the door unlocked, Old King Brady pressed on to the top flight, no great distance, coming out upon a semi-circular platform where there were three doors. There was no light here. The old detective flashed his electric lantern around. "Your Chinese puzzle isn't it, Mr. Brady," whispered Leggett. "Is there any end to the mysteries with which these Chinks like to surround themselves?" "None, absolutely none," replied the old detective. "It makes one tired to try to follow their curves. But listen a moment. We may catch on to something." "It's a blame sight more likely that someone will catch on to us," growled Leggett. "Hush Hush Listen " He had scarcely spoken when someone behind the middle door called out in a loud voice in English: "Now, Ah Lung, I've got you. You scoundrel It was I myself who kidnapped your princes The secret of Gong Schow's hidden treasure is mine Now you die " Bang Bang Bang Three shots were instantly fired. "This is murder " cried Old King Brady, and he threw himself against the middle door from behind which the shots came. CHAPTER IX. THE BRADYS GET TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN. BUT THE PRINCESS SLIPS...