The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

———_— . = on "You made a lot of progress with your father, didn't you?" The boy smiled. "What did you expect me to do? Spill the whole thing in front of that bird?" "No—but you needn't have rung off so quick. I was going to get him out of the room. Now you can go over there and call your father again.” "Nothing of the sort," answered Eden. "He's gone to bed, and I won't disturb him till morning." Madden's face purpled. "I insist. And my orders are usually obeyed.” "Is that so?" remarked Eden. "Well, this is one that won't be.” Madden glared at him. "You young—you—er—young—" "I know," Eden said. "But this was all your fault. If you will insist on cluttering up the ranch with strangers, you must take the consequences." "Who cluttered up the ranch?" Madden demanded. "I didn't invite that poor fool here. Where the devil did Thorn pick him up, anyhow? You know, the secretary of a man like me is always besieged by a lot of four- flushers—tip hunters and the like. And Thorn's an idiot, sometimes." The secretary entered and laid the flashlight on the desk. His employer regarded him with keen distaste. "Well, your little playmate certainly queered things,” he said. 157 comiicboeoe S CO