“Yes,” explained Darley. “We haven’t bothered the police with this, because it may all be a false alarm. That’s the Civilian Committee’s work — to look into matters before they become serious.”
As they reached the center of the deck, Darley turned to see a crouching Chinaman advancing from the side. He recognized the face of Foy. He knew that Ling Soo’s servant was to be here tonight, as chief of the watchers.
As Foy spoke no English, and Joseph Darley did not discourse in Chinese, Darley merely acknowledged his presence with a slight nod.
“We can go, now,” he said to the revenue man. “This fellow knows whom to let on the ship.”
THE Americans went over the side. Darley was following when he saw the squat form of Ling Soo coming in his direction.
The presence of the chief of the Wu-Fan was important. It had been arranged that Ling Soo would come only if he chose. Darley stopped and called to the boat below:
“Wait a few minutes. I’ll come along. I want to speak to a man who has just arrived.”
There was a response from beneath. Darley turned to Ling Soo. The Chinaman’s face was serene. He spied Foy, and beckoned to the servant. He spoke a few words in Chinese, and Foy responded.
Ling Soo’s question was pertaining the death of Cleve Branch. He wanted to know if all had gone well. Foy had replied in the affirmative. Ling Soo beamed pleasantly.
He spoke now in English.