In fact, the government man was somewhat at a loss. He wondered how one began to treat with so unusual a character as Ling Soo.
Darley, as an act of courtesy, raised one forefinger and tapped his forehead. Ling Soo responded with the same motion. Now the Chinaman’s eyes were upon Cleve, gently questioning.
Cleve responded in the manner that Darley had done. The Chinaman returned the friendly salute.
This ceremony ended, Darley became businesslike. He drew one of the near-by chairs toward Ling Soo’s low throne, and motioned to Cleve to do the same.
LING SOO was the first to speak. Cleve, despite his previous contact with intellectual Chinese, rather expected Ling Soo to talk in pidgin English, for the man, Cleve knew, was one who upheld Chinese customs.
But here Cleve was surprised. Ling Soo, when he talked, displayed a marvelous facility with the English language.
“Greetings, gentlemen,” he said, in calm, easily enunciated words. “Greetings, to my friend, Joseph Darley — and greetings to his friend — who shall be my friend.”
“Good evening, Ling Soo,” said Darley politely. “This is Mr. Branch, one of my associates. I deemed it wise to see you tonight, and Mr. Branch kindly consented to accompany me.”
“His kindness does me honor,” commented Ling Soo. “He shall be welcome here whenever he may choose to come. Your friends, Mr. Darley, are pleasant ones to meet. They are what you say” — he paused only momentarily — “regular fellows. Am I not right?”
Darley laughed, and Branch joined in. Ling Soo beamed with pleasure. He seemed to pride himself upon his knowledge of American expressions.