The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 102: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

———_— . = om mob, now and then.” The millionaire pushed back from the table, and looked at his watch. "Ought to hear from San Francisco any minute now," he added hopefully. Eden glanced toward the telephone in a far corner. "Did you put the call in for my father, or just for the office?” he asked. "Just for the office," Madden replied. "I figured that if he was out, we could leave a message.” Thorn came forward. "Chief, how about that interview for Holley?" he inquired. "Oh, the devil!" Madden said. "Why did I let myself in for that?” "I could bring the typewriter in here," began the secretary. "No—we'll go to your room. Mr. Eden, if the telephone rings, please answer it." The two went out. Ah Kim arrived on noiseless feet to clear away the breakfast. Eden lighted a cigarette, and dropped into a chair before the fire, which the blazing sun outside made rather superfluous. Twenty minutes later, the telephone rang. Eden leaped to it, but before he reached the table where it stood, Madden was at his side. He had hoped to be alone for this ordeal, and sighed wearily. At the other end of the wire he was relieved to hear the cool, melodious voice of his father's well-chosen secretary. 102 comiicboeoe S CO