“In turn, the tongs see loss of power threatening them. So they are hostile, and the only thing that has prevented an outburst has been the fact that the Wu-Fan is large enough in San Francisco to protect itself if openly attacked.
“So, when you speak of death from the Wu-Fan, I know that you are mistaken. There have been deaths because of the Wu-Fan, but the Wu-Fan itself is free from blame.”
“I’m getting the point of it now,” said Branch. “This fellow Laird, who was undoubtedly doing some work for the Wu-Fan, may have crossed some tong leaders.”
“Exactly,” declared Darley. “If I had known more about the traveling activities of the Wu-Fan, I would have informed the government long ago — just as I have done in certain other matters.
“But I should state emphatically that if the Wu-Fan can be considered as a menace, all that lies in the distant future, and to oppose it at the present would be making great oaks out of newly planted acorns.”
“WELL, Mr. Darley,” said the Bureau of Investigation agent, “you’ve given me a real slant on this affair. You seem to know the inside workings; and from what you say, the Wu-Fan won’t cause us any worry.
“However, I’m here for one important purpose — to get a report at first hand. I want to see how the Wu-Fan works. I want to know all I can about Ling Soo. I want to get the real lowdown on Stephen Laird’s death.
“That’s a State affair — not a government proposition — unless it’s directly traceable to a widely working organization. I can use a complete report from your committee. But I won’t need it until after I’ve made my own.
“That’s what I’m out to get now — facts on the Wu-Fan. I want to know the best way to go at it. You’ve done your bit, but you can probably suggest the way for me to proceed.”
“By seeing Ling Soo,” responded Darley. “That takes you right to the source. He is quite willing to talk. Why not see him?”