“One which the world will survive,” he said with humor. “It is only important that I still have my han yu, which can return to its origins with me.”
“If there is any way in which I can be of assistance,” I said, “I will be honored to do so.”
“It is I who am honored,” he said.
I returned his bow, backing toward the door. “May Kuan Yin once more smile on you.”
I left, and the Inspector followed me out into the hallway. “Where’d you learn to speak the language like that?” he asked.
“There was a war, remember? Somebody in Washington had the bright idea of sending me to China.”
“Did you learn anything from him?”
“Nothing that you haven’t or won’t, I’m sure. Most of our conversation was over which one of us was being honored. Where are you stationed, Inspector? I may drop in on you later.
