The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

———_ . = on "I'm talking about the desert. Look at those snowcapped peaks." "Lovely. But if you don't mind, I prefer to look closer. No doubt he's told you you're beautiful.” "Who?" "Wilbur, your fiance." "His name is Jack. Don't jump on a good man when he's down." "Of course he's a good man, or you wouldn't have picked him." They plowed along the sandy road. "But even so— look here, lady. Listen to a man of the world. Marriage is the last resort of feeble minds." "Think so?" "I know it. Oh, I've given the matter some thought. I've had to. There's my own case. Now and then I've met a girl whose eyes said, ‘Well, I might.’ But I've been cautious. Hold fast, my lad—that's my motto." "And you've held fast?" "You bet. Glad of it, too. I'm free. I'm having a swell time. When evening comes, and the air's full of zip and zowie, and the lights flicker round Union Square, I just reach for my hat. And who says, in a gentle patient voice, ‘Where are you going, my dear? I'll go with you." "Nobody." 167 comiicboeoe S CO