The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer.

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Chapter 1
Chapter I
Nayland Smith unexpectedly arrives at Dr. Petrie's home, revealing he is on a secret mission against a deadly foe who attempted to kill him with a venom-tipped arrow. He insists they must warn Sir Crichton Davey, but they arrive too late: Sir Crichton has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, with a strange red mark on his hand and a dying gasp of 'The red hand.' Smith and Petrie begin their investigation.
Chapter 2
II
Nayland Smith reveals to Dr. Petrie the existence of a diabolical mastermind, Dr. Fu-Manchu, whom he describes as the 'yellow peril incarnate.' Smith explains that Fu-Manchu is responsible for a series of mysterious deaths, including that of Sir Crichton Davey, and is part of a larger conspiracy to awaken the East against the West. The chapter follows Smith and Petrie as they investigate Sir Crichton's study, discovering a scented envelope and other clues. Smith's examination is cut short when he warns Petrie not to touch anything, fearing hidden dangers. Later, Petrie encounters a mysterious, beautiful woman outside the house who inquires about Sir Crichton's death and claims to have information for the police.
Chapter 3
The Zayat Kiss
Nayland Smith reveals to Dr. Petrie that Sir Crichton Davey was killed by a giant venomous centipede, which he calls the 'Zayat Kiss.' He explains his theory that Fu-Manchu uses a rare green orchid's scent to attract the creature, and that a dacoit lowered it down the chimney using a weighted line. Smith and Petrie set a trap in Petrie's rooms, using a perfumed envelope as bait. At 2:15 AM, a dacoit appears at the window and drops a box containing the centipede. Smith kills it with a golf club, confirming the mechanism of the Zayat Kiss.
Chapter 4
IV
Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie learn of the murder of Detective Cadby, whose body is found in the Thames with a false Chinese pigtail and wig. Smith identifies the victim as a dacoit. Petrie later visits Cadby's lodgings, where he confronts Karamanèh, who has been searching Cadby's room. She pleads for mercy, claiming she is a slave forced to serve Fu-Manchu, and offers to reveal information if Petrie will hide her from her master.
Chapter 5
V
Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie, disguised as seamen, plan to infiltrate Shen-Yan's opium den in search of Dr. Fu-Manchu. Inspector Weymouth and Ryman coordinate a police operation, with a launch waiting on the Thames and officers positioned near the den. Smith reconstructs clues from burned notes left by the murdered detective Cadby, linking a hunchback, a lascar, and a 'booming sound' to Shen-Yan's. The chapter ends as the party approaches the Stone Stairs by the riverside.

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Chapter I

II

The Zayat Kiss

IV

V