The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 158: what you’re looking at

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

= ——— Thorn shrugged. "I know. I'm sorry, Chief. But I couldn't help it. You saw how he horned in." "Your fault for knowing him. Who is he, anyhow?” "Oh, he's a broker, or something like that. I give you my word, Chief, I never encouraged him. You know how those fellows are." "Well, you go out tomorrow and tie a can to him. Tell him I'm busy here and don't want any visitors. Tell him for me that if he calls here again, I'll throw him out.” "All right. I'll go down to the doctor's in the morning and let him know—in a diplomatic way." "Diplomatic nothing," snorted Madden. "Don't waste diplomacy on a man like that. I won't, if I see him again.” "Well, gentlemen, I think I'll turn in," Eden remarked. "Good night," said Madden, and the boy went out. In his bedroom he found Ah Kim engaged in lighting the fire. He closed the door carefully behind him. "Well, Charlie, I've just been in a poker game.” "A fact already noted by me,” smiled Chan. "Shaky Phil has made a start on us, anyhow. He got forty-seven precious iron men this quiet evening." "Humbly suggest you be careful," advised Chan. 158 comiicboeoe S CO