“Ah,” said Darley, nodding. “That is an important point. It brings up other elements. I may be able to offer a possible solution. Nevertheless, this theory comes as a surprise to me. Tell me, have you seen any other cases that resemble that of Laird?”
“No,” said Branch.
“You know nothing more about the Wu-Fan?”
“Nothing of importance.”
“Then,” said Darley, tapping the arm of his chair, “it is time that I told you what I know. You have seen only the confusing angles of the Wu-Fan situation.
“If you understand the Chinese nature, you will know that every individual has a habit of interpreting all important matters in his own way. That is one reason why centralized government has never been highly effective in China. It is the reason why a clear idea of the Wu-Fan and its purposes can be gained only by a study of Ling Soo himself.”
“And you know Ling Soo?”
“I do. The Wu-Fan, Mr. Branch, is primarily a San Francisco problem. It began here; it took hold here; and the Civilian Committee looked into it. I made the acquaintance of Ling Soo himself.”
“What did you find out about him?”
“I found him to be a cultured Chinese gentleman, an Oriental idealist, whose plans are as astounding as they are absurd.