“It is friendly,” he declared. “Friendly, because it protects the Wu-Fan. In China, the Wu-Fan would be impossible now, because our native land is ruled by those who conflict, who will not allow those who believe in the past to have their say.
“The jackals, there, have found the dragon weary. The jackals, here, are afraid to attack the young and healthy dragon. For if they so do, they shall find themselves departing from the law of this land, which allows to all the right to think and act with peace.”
Darley threw a sidelong glance toward Cleve. The description that he had given of Ling Soo was being proven. It was evident that the Chinaman himself had vague ideas regarding the present purpose of the Wu-Fan, and that the society constituted no menace.
Yet there was a suavity in Ling Soo’s bearing that placed Cleve on his guard. He felt that it would be necessary for him to know more of this order before passing final judgment.
Joseph Darley was a keen individual, but it was quite possible that he had been deceived by Ling Soo’s honeyed expressions.
There was one important question that had not been answered. What was the attitude of Ling Soo’s underlings toward their chief? That, Cleve was determined to discover.
As the interview drew toward its close, the Bureau of Investigation agent was already looking toward the future. He was vaguely planning an independent course of action.
“We of the Wu-Fan have a high ideal,” Ling Soo was reiterating. “You have seen the Wu-Fan here, Mr. Darley. It exists beyond San Francisco.
“Throughout this country, we have many followers who feel it their duty to contribute liberally toward the future of our cause. I have my representatives who travel here and there on their mission of friendship.
“Some day” — Ling Soo swelled with pride — “the Wu-Fan will be known. It will bring to this country a new era. Perhaps that day will be distant. It has not yet come. But when it is here, my friends, the Wu-Fan will be ready.”