Something important had taken place tonight. Ling Soo had discussed unusual affairs with Joseph Darley.
Whatever the meaning might be, it was certain that the presence of an intruder was something that Ling Soo would doubtless resent. For Cleve to burst in now as Hugo Barnes would be a grave mistake. It would be preferable to reserve a visit with Ling Soo for a later occasion.
Joseph Darley was gone. Foy was in the anteroom. That indicated that the servant had also made his departure.
Foy had been present during the discussion between Ling Soo and Darley. That meant nothing, for Foy could not talk English.
It was imperative that Cleve should learn the facts regarding this unexpected conference between Ling Soo and Joseph Darley,
As Hugo Barnes, Cleve could meet Ling Soo, but it was certain that he could learn nothing from the impassive Chinaman.
To question Darley — say tomorrow — would mean a reversion to the character of Cleve Branch. How could that be avoided? A sudden thought came to Cleve.
A paper — an expected symbol — safely hidden — in the bottom drawer of a table — at Joseph Darley’s apartment — where no one would be tonight—
THESE disjointed thoughts burst upon Cleve Branch. They were the answer to his problem!
Darley had evidently received the paper from Ling Soo. It probably referred to something that concerned the Wu-Fan.