“Whether or not Ling Soo’s followers rendered a good accounting and escaped, is a matter of speculation. It seems evident, however, that the disturbance was made by the members of the Tiger Tong themselves.”
“It happened in their bailiwick,” agreed Cleve.
“Yes,” resumed Darley, “and it would be extremely unlikely that Ling Soo would have ordered an attack at that place. The Wu-Fan is not admired by the other tongs. If the Wu-Fan should start trouble with the Tiger Tong, it would place itself in a very dangerous position.”
“This may be important,” said Cleve.
“It is important,” declared Darley. “Important to you as well as to me.”
“Why to me, particularly?”
“Because it proves that any member of the Wu-Fan is in danger. It settles — in my mind — the question of Stephen Laird’s death on the Mountain Limited.”
“You believe that he was murdered by Chinese opposed to the Wu-Fan?”
“Without a doubt.”
Cleve reflected. Joseph Darley’s theory appeared correct. Stephen Laird had died from a knife thrust. The members of the Tiger Tong had been knife-wielders. They had attacked Cleve — an American and a member of the Wu-Fan.