Banners were waving in the lighted streets. Exotic music was sounding with rhythmic beat. But Cleve scarcely saw or heard. A brilliant plan was forming in his mind.
Ling Soo had said that Hugo Barnes, as a new member of the Wu-Fan, would be welcome at headquarters any time. Cleve had never accepted the standing invitation.
Now was the time to do so! Perhaps, by visiting Ling Soo, he might be introduced to Darley and hear what the Chinaman was telling the chairman of the Civilian Committee!
A great idea, especially as Cleve’s disguise had proven its worth already, so far as Joseph Darley was concerned.
Acting upon the impulse, Cleve threaded his way past solemn Chinamen who were watching the parade. He reached the door to Ling Soo’s quarters and entered. The elevator came to the ground floor when he pushed the control button. Two minutes later, Cleve Branch was standing in Ling Soo’s anteroom.
A pull of the tasseled cord beside the door would summon Foy. But Cleve hesitated before performing the action. He noted that the door was ajar. Foy must have failed to close it tightly.
Softly, Cleve opened the door and stepped into Ling Soo’s hallway. The place was deserted.
It gave Cleve an idea for an excuse, should he be discovered. He could claim that he received no response to his ring — that he supposed it would be all right to enter. In character with Hugo Barnes, such an explanation might easily satisfy Ling Soo.
Cleve went forward to the brass-faced doors that bore the Chinese dragons. These portals, too, were slightly open. Not enough for Cleve to peer through, but sufficient for him to listen.
Pressing his ear to the crack, Cleve scanned the side wall and noted a hanging curtain in the hallway. It would afford a hiding place, should he need it.