The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 209: what you’re looking at

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

a standing ready for action, and remembered. The millionaire was no doubt about to meet his daughter in town, and the haughty Evelyn was not to be affronted with the flivver. But when he reached the living-room, Eden saw that it was evidently Thorn who had been selected for the trip to Eldorado. The secretary stood there in his gloomy clothes, a black slouch hat accentuating the paleness of his face. As Eden entered, what was obviously a serious conversation between Thorn and the millionaire came to a sudden halt. "Ah, good evening,” said Eden. "Not leaving us, Mr. Thorn?” "Business in town," returned Thorn. "Well, Chief, I'll go along." Again the telephone rang. Madden leaped to it. For a moment he listened and history repeated itself on his face. "Bad news all the time," Eden thought. Madden put his great hand over the mouthpiece, and spoke to his secretary. "It's that old bore down the road, Doctor Whitcomb," he announced, and Eden felt a flash of hot resentment at this characterization. "She wants to see me this evening—says she has something very important to tell me." "Say you're busy," suggested Thorn. "I'm sorry, Doctor," Madden began over the phone, "but I am very much occupied—" 209 comiicboeoe S CO