“That is good. You would like to travel to China, perhaps?”
“I prefer New York, but—” Harry paused.
“Not now,” said Loy Rook hastily, “not for a long time yet, perhaps. But I have much to do with China. You know that, from the work you have done for me. I will need, some day, a man like yourself to go there.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“China is a wonderful country,” declared Loy Rook. “A very wonderful place. When I, Loy Rook, say that, it is because I understand. These Chinese in New York — they do not know their native land! When they wish to find out how things are done in China, where do they come? To Loy Rook!”
Harry nodded.
“That is why I tell you about my Chinese friends. They may ask me many things, but that I do not tell them. I have my own reasons for that. But when I speak to you of them, and tell you what they ask, it is because I wish you to understand how the Chinese think. You see?”
Harry nodded again.
“‘There is none so wise as Loy Rook,’” said the Chinaman solemnly. “That is what the others say! Perhaps Ching Foo has said that also?”
“He said words to that effect.”