The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 196: what you’re looking at

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

ae Holley shrugged. "No," he said. "It was not. Somebody has been out here with a broom, my boy, and obliterated every trace of footsteps about that car." Eden nodded. "You're right. Somebody—but who? Our old friend Thorn, of course.” They stepped aside as an automobile swung by them and entered Madden's yard. "There's Bliss, now, with the constable," Holley remarked. "Well, they get no help from us, eh?" "Not a bit," replied Eden. "Encourage them off the ranch at earliest possible moment. That's Charlie's suggestion." They returned to the yard and waited. Inside the living- room they heard Thorn and Madden talking with the two officers. After a time, Bliss came out, followed by the millionaire and Constable Brackett. He greeted Holley as an old friend, and the editor introduced Bob Eden. "Oh, yes, Mr. Eden," said the captain. "Want to talk to you. What's your version of this funny business?" Bob Eden looked at him with distaste. He was a big, flat- footed policeman of the usual type, and no great intelligence shone in his eyes. The boy gave him a carefully edited story of the night before. "Humph," said Bliss. "Sounds queer to me." 196 comiicboeoe S CO