"The inspector and myself," continued Dr. Cumberly, "attached altogether
a different significance to the circumstances. I am pleased to tell you
that Debnam's unpleasant theories are already proved fallacious; the
case goes deeper, far deeper, than a mere intrigue of that kind. In
short, I am now assured--I cannot, unfortunately, name the source of
my new information--but I am assured, that Mrs. Leroux, as well as Mrs.
Vernon, was addicted to the opium vice."...
"Oh, my God! how horrible!" whispered Helen.
"A certain notorious character," resumed Dr. Cumberly...
"Soames!" snapped Denise Ryland. "Since I heard... that man's name I
knew him for... a villain... of the worst possible... description...
imaginable."
"Soames," replied Dr. Cumberly, smiling slightly, "was one of the group,
beyond doubt--for I may as well explain that we are dealing with an
elaborate organization; but the chief member, to whom I have referred,
is a greater one than Soames. He is a certain shadowy being, known as
Mr. King."
"The name on the paper!" said Helen, quickly. "But of course the police
have been looking for Mr. King all along?"
"In a general way--yes; but as we have thousands of Kings in London
alone, the task is a stupendous one. The information which I received
this morning narrows down the search immensely; for it points to Mr.
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