That was to be his next destination. From what his Chinese informant had said, something was taking place there tonight. Whatever it might be, the Wu-Fan was concerned, and the badge which Cleve had received would be a token of recognition.
Cleve slipped the badge from his coat and surreptitiously fastened it to his vest.
Ling Soo, so Cleve understood, had delegated a man to be present at the Sun Kew. That man, for some reason, had presented an excuse. It was assumed that Ling Soo had sent one — or more — of the followers in his stead.
Who was to know which ones had received the order? Ling Soo had talked privately with each departing member. Could he not have told Hugo Barnes to go, also? That seemed likely enough; but another thought occurred to Cleve.
Ling Soo had assured him that all privileges were his. Ling Soo could not become angry if his new follower took advantage of this one and appeared at the Sun Kew, tonight.
To incense Ling Soo would, of course, be to jeopardize his newly gained standing. Cleve realized that; but he saw no risk. Everything appeared advantageous.
Cleve’s mind was settled. Hugo Barnes would be a visitor to the Sun Kew.
Cleve had not been idle during the past three days. As Hugo Barnes, he had been gaining a wide acquaintance with the ins and outs of Chinatown. Many portions of that labyrinthic region were still unknown to him; but he had seen the Sun Kew more than once.
It was a dilapidated place that appeared to be a decadent Chinese restaurant. Ten minutes would take him to that obscure portion of Chinatown where the building that housed the Sun Kew was located.
Wending his way along the street, Cleve so guided his course that he had opportunity to glance behind him.