🚀 go-pugleaf

leaving
    for our guidance a roughly sketched diagram of alley and house
    where the little captive could be found. There followed much
    planning and plotting. Our staunch friend, Sergeant Ross of the
    Chinatown squad, was summoned and consulted. The place was a
    difficult one to reach, but at last satisfactory plans were made,
    the day and hour set. There were three officers and three Chinese
    girls from the Mission. It was a good-sized rescue party and
    divided into three companies, we guarded well the three exits from
    the low-roofed house on Spofford alley. With Sergeant Ross leading
    and our courageous young interpreter at our side, we stealthily
    ascended the dark, narrow stairs to the second floor, where a
    heavy door barred the way, but for such obstacles our good officer
    was prepared. A few blows of his strong hammer made bolts and bars
    yield. We passed through into a small dark passage. From there
    could be heard on all sides sounds of excitement; light feet
    running hither and thither to places of escape, only to be turned
    back by the sight of our guards, who stood on watch. As we
    cautiously felt our way further in we were met by the baffled and
    angry keeper of the den--a woman, but not worthy the name. She
    fiercely demanded our business--there was no need t