The buzz of conversation reached his cars. English words were distinguishable. As Cleve listened, they became clearer, and he caught snatches of the talk.
“It is wise to wait,” came Ling Soo’s voice. “But it is not wise to wait too long—”
The words became inaudible. Perhaps the man was speaking in a lower voice. Cleve thought he heard the words “Wu-Fan” and “Tiger Tong.”
Then came Darley’s response.
“Los Angeles… next week…” These were the words that Cleve heard plainly.
“Last night…” This was only a snatch of Ling Soo’s statement “It has been settled… Green Eyes.”
There was an impressive sound to the final words. They were uttered as one would speak a name.
Green Eyes!
Dying, Stephen Laird had spoken of green eyes. Had he been telling of a living person? Of his murderer? The thought was startling!
WHY did Ling Soo name Green Eyes? There was something sinister in the title. It brought a chain of wild, fantastic ideas.