“Because,” said Cheung. “Because Colonel Noma of the Kempeitai himself is coming. If I lock it, the soldiers will break down those beautiful oak doors. Why let them be ruined? The club is already defenceless. You should go, unless you want to become part of the permanent Chinese staff.”

“You should go yourself,” said Lee. “The British have surrendered and the invader is merciless. I’ve seen them down at the docks. They load Chinese people onto boats, shoot them down for target practice, then sink the boats. They’ve been beheading people on the wharves. Just hope they don’t come here to rape your wife.”

“So it’s true then,” said Cheung, casting his eyes to the floor. “I have heard the stories of this happening in Nanking. I sent Yim-Fong home to her parents to keep her safe. Did you see anybody we know?”

“I didn’t get too close,” said Lee. “I value my own life.”

“You want to stay and have a shot of brandy?” said Cheung. “No cricketers around today to stop you from sitting at the bar.”

“Nah,” said Lee. “I should get back to Chek Keng before things get any worse. And also to stop that crazy son of yours from joining the Kuomintang. If he wants to join the army, that’s not the one. You want to come with me? It might be safer, though I can’t offer you any guarantees.”

“No guarantees anywhere in Hong Kong. I think I’ll stay here in case any of the other workers come back. This club is the only home I’ve got, and someone’s got to take care of it. Are Tak-Tam and Ting-Yan doing okay?”

“They’re both full of fighting spirit,” said Lee. A glimmer of light flashed up in his eyes. “Are you sure you won’t come to Chek Keng? I heard the Kempeitai are going to use the Supreme Court Building for interrogations. This place might not be the safest.”

“I’m sure,” Cheung said.

“Okay. I’ve given you my best intelligence. See you next Tuesday.”

“Don’t risk your life. I told you, there’s no cricketers to eat your crab anyway.”

“I’m leaving the baskets with you. I’ll pick them up when I drop off the new batch.”

“Be careful, Brother.”

The crabs writhed unpleasantly in the battered baskets. Cheung picked them up, one in each hand. They were heavy. How could that skinny Lee be so strong? He lurched downstairs on unsteady feet.

At the bottom of the stairs, young Yan was already mopping.

“You might want to get the foyer first, just in case the colonel arrives.”