“Visit Ling Soo,” said Moy Chen quietly. “But do not go to that place where you did go — to the Sun Kew.”
“No, thanks,” grinned Cleve.
Moy Chen had explained that the Sun Kew was a gathering place for members of the Tiger Tong — a secret society that had often wreaked havoc in Chinatown. For some years, now, the Tiger Tong had been quiet; but its members did not relish intrusion by Americans, at any time. That, to Moy Chen, was the probable explanation of the trouble Cleve had encountered.
Cleve had mentioned that he had shown the badge of the Wu-Fan. That, Moy Chen presumed, had caused the Chinese ruffians to class him as an impostor.
Moy Chen, Cleve had discovered, played a very passive part in the affairs of Chinatown, and seldom paid attention to the business of his neighbors. As an undercover man, it was wise for the Chinese merchant to avoid all conflicts.
Since Cleve had signified his readiness to depart, Moy Chen guided him. They went into the passage, and at the end, Cleve found the open door that took him to the head of the obscure stairway. He did not enter the Hoang-Ho Cafe. Instead, he made his way to the side street.
While recovering from his wound Cleve had lost all contact with outside affairs. He had resumed his normal personality for the definite purpose of visiting Joseph Darley. He knew that the chairman of the Civilian Committee was constantly feeling the pulse-beats of Chinatown; and through Darley, Cleve might learn new facts now.
HE arrived at Darley’s apartment shortly before six o’clock. Cleve found Darley at home. The committeeman welcomed him.
“Well, well,” said Darley. “I’ve been looking for you. Tried to communicate with you before I went to Los Angeles. Where have you been?”
“In and out of Chinatown,” replied Cleve, with a smile. “Browsing about the district.”