“Very. It would embarrass our government and put an additional strain on relations that are strained enough already. In the eyes of the world, the Chinese could use such a paper to further discredit our country. They would aim the propaganda at those countries that are wavering in their opinion of the U.S.”
“Just why did you come into China? I think I know, but I’d like to be sure,” Biff said.
“It goes back to Indianapolis and to my friendship with Ling Tang.”
“I thought so.”
“Ling Tang is a grandson of the Ancient One here. Before I left to come out to Burma, Ling Tang asked me if I would help him and members of the House of Kwang if the occasion should arise. Naturally, I told my old friend that I would. Didn’t know then, though, how much I was letting myself in for.”
The Ancient One, although unable to understand English, pricked up his ears at mention of Ling Tang and the House of Kwang.
“I’d been out here about three months when I got a letter from Tang telling me one of his brothers was going to try to escape from China. He was going to try to cross into Burma. He would seek me out, identifying himself with the ring which bears the seal of the House of Kwang.”
“Like the ring that came through my window?”
“That’s right, Biff. Tang’s brother did get out. He gave me the ring. I, in turn, sent it on to Tang in the States. Whenever another escape was about to take place, the ring was to be sent me to alert me of the fact. A lot safer than putting such information in writing.”
“Then it was Ling Tang himself who got the ring to me so mysteriously!” Biff said.