noon
In his expansive frock coat and bowler hat Wong might easily have excited mirth had it not been for the extreme dignity of his demeanor . They were there , he stated , to request Mr. Tutt to protect the interests of Mock Hen , and they were prepared to pay a cash retainer and sign a written contract binding themselves to a balance -- so much if Mock should be convicted ; so much if acquitted ; so much if he should die in the course of the trial without having been either convicted or acquitted . It was , said Wong Get gently , a matter of grave importance and they would be glad to give Mr. Tutt time to think it over and decide upon his terms . Suppose , then , that they should return at noon ? With this understanding , accordingly , they departed . `` There 's no point in skinning a Chink just because he is a Chink , '' said the junior Tutt when his partner had explained the situation to him . `` But it is n't the highest-class practise and they ought to pay well . ''