It was he who was speaking; and he was choosing his words as he uttered them.
“I have come to you, Mr. Darley,” he said, “because you are a man who keeps confidence. You may be surprised by my visit. You may wonder what it is about. But you will quickly understand.
“I told you that my work concerned the Civilian Committee of San Francisco, of which you are the head; but I must explain that it is also of a nature that will make it a private matter between you and myself.”
Joseph Darley nodded slowly. He knew that this was an important meeting. He had received a telephone call that afternoon, from this man, who called himself Cleve Branch. Darley had arranged the appointment for midnight.
As chairman of the Civilian Committee, Darley held a most important executive position, and special meetings of this type were not foreign to his work. Therefore, he was definite in his reply.
“Whatever your purpose,” he said, “you can rely fully upon my keeping it confidential, Mr. Branch. I understand that you seek my cooperation in a certain enterprise. Whether or not I can give that cooperation, you have my absolute promise that whatever you may tell me shall reach no other person.”
“Very well,” said Branch. “My work, Mr. Darley, is in behalf of the Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice of the United States government.
Darley leaned forward in his chair. He realized now the prime importance of this visit. On former occasions, Darley had supplied valuable data to the government. Now, he understood, his services were to be sought.
“I have come to San Francisco,” continued Branch, “to make a thorough investigation of the activities of the Wu-Fan — and to learn more about its organizer, the Chinaman, Ling Soo.”
DARLEY leaned back in his chair. He considered the ceiling thoughtfully. When he spoke, it was plain that his mind was reverting to facts which he knew well, and was seeking to give in detail.