The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 227: what you’re looking at

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

———_ - oo: on to coddle there now, those Phillimore pearls, happy and content. Humbly suggest you take this aimless journey to Barstow." Eden looked at his watch. "I suppose I might as well. Bit of city life never did anybody any harm. But I warn you that when I come back, I want a little light. If any more dark, mysterious things happen at that ranch, I certainly will run right out into the middle of the desert and scream." Taking the train proved an excellent plan, for on the station platform he met Paula Wendell, who evidently had the same idea. She was trim and charming in riding togs, and her eyes sparkled with life. "Hello," she said. "Where are you bound?” "Going to Barstow, on business," Eden explained. "Is 1t important?" "Naturally. Wouldn't squander my vast talents on any other kind." A dinky little train wandered in, and they found a seat together in one of its two cars. "Sorry to hear you're needed in Barstow," remarked the girl. "I'm getting off a few stations down. Going to rent a horse and take a long ride up into Lonely Canyon. It wouldn't have been so lonely if you could have come along.” 227 comiicboeoe S CO