Kee Lim nodded. “I have not met him, but I have heard talk at the Tong House. He is one who has traveled much in foreign lands. For some time he has been domiciled with his cousin Henry Li, the basket importer, who lives American style in the big apartment-house on Jackson Street. The Oriental Apartments, I believe. I have not been inside, but I understand there are bathrooms and other strange developments of what the white devil is pleased to call his civilization.”
“You are an acquaintance of Henry Li?” Charlie asked.
Kee Lim’s eyes hardened. “I have not the honor,” he replied.
Charlie understood. His cousin would have no part in whatever he proposed. He rose from his ebony stool.
“You are extremely kind,” he said. “That was the extent of my desire. Duty says I must walk my way.”
Ke
