Summary

Chapter Three takes place in Penang in 1922 and is told from the perspective of Willie. Willie looked around the library at Cassowary House and was surprised to discover a large collection of books about the history of China, all inscribed to Lesley around the year 1910. Willie informed Lesley that he intended to write a book about Sun Yat Sen and Lesley gave him a copy of a book about Sun’s activities in Penang. Lesley was anxious about whether Willie would treat Sun fairly in his book.

Later, Willie recalled leaving his wife and child in London in order to travel around Asia with his lover Gerald. His wife Syrie was angry and upset with him for leaving her alone.

At Cassowary House, Gerald told Willie about the people he had met while playing poker in Penang. He shared...