J. Allan Dunn

“ Chalmers,” said Tuan Yuck, “am in the deal primarily for the money it offers. So that's understood. Frankly, while I admire your impulsiveness, from my standpoint it is Quixotic. A man places himself in a false position. I see no reason why I should sacrifice the opportunity his bad move has opened up to me. Life is a good deal like a game of chess. Some of us may be born pawns and others outrank us in opportunity for action, but even a pawn can work its way across the board to supremacy if it is not too self-sacrificing.”
“You talk as if we make our own moves, Tuan Yuck,” said Sayers. ”

“ I'd like to know more about the inside workings of Tuan Yuck. He is the original Mongolian Sphinx. He might be either a pirate or a philosopher—or both. His eyes are a thousand years old in experience. He made me feel like my first day at kindergarten.”
He yawned, completed his work on the chart and went to dream that his head was a pink pearl and that Tuan Yuck and Sayers were throwing dice for the possession of it, a vision that was not altogether as remote from the truth as nightmares usually are. ”

“ Sayers shrugged his shoulders as Tuan Yuck replied:
“I'll give you that amount in cash now, Mr. Chalmers. How about crew?”
“Sayers can act as mate. We should have a good man to help steer, and at least one more—natives preferred. Do you know anything about sailing, Tuan Yuck.” ”