Quote 1
"Just because a man's chief of police doesn't mean he's chief. Maybe you're a lot of trouble to somebody that can be a lot of trouble to me. Don't make any difference if I think you're a right guy. I got to play with them that play with me." (12.87)
Noonan admits to the Op that it's all about the "game." To avoid being played for a sucker, you have to be the one pulling the strings. So Noonan might think that the Op is a pretty nice guy, but he still won't let his guard down. Why is Hammett's portrayal of the police force so cynical? Does Noonan have any redeeming qualities?
Quote 2
"Come on, man, this is the kill."
I followed him down to the department garage, where the engines of half a dozen cars were roaring. […] Machine guns were unwrapped. Arm-loads of rifles and riot-guns were distributed, and packages of ammunition. (15.51)
The Op gets ready to go with Noonan to Whisper's supposed hideout. The cop cars are loaded with guns and rifles. Hammett gets us ready for the impeding gunfight scene by drawing our attention to all the heavy ammunition.