18. RANKIN DROPS A BOMB
A boat for China! Charlie could not see the face of the old man who sat at his side in the car that sped along the road to Truckee, but he heard a tremendous sigh. Of relief?
“All light, Boss,” Sing said.
“All right?” repeated Chan with some bitterness. “Is that the extent of your remarks? We are doing you a great favor, a tremendous kindness, and you reply, all right. The courteous man, Ah Sing, would not permit his tongue to stop at that.”
“My velly much obliged.”
“That is better. It still appears inadequate, but it is slightly better.”
They traveled along the wet road in silence. Chan’s face was grim and determined. This next hour, he reflected, was not to be the happiest of his career. All those years on the Honolulu force, beset with temptations, but alwa
