The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

a. "It's what you need. It's what all young men need." "What for?” "As an incentive. Something to spur you on to get the most out of life." Bob Eden laughed. "Listen, my dear. When the fog begins to drift in through the Gate, and the lights begin to twinkle on O'Farrell Street—well, I don't want to be hampered by no incentive, lady. Besides, the girls aren't what they were when you were breaking hearts." "Rot," she answered. "They're very much nicer. The young men are growing silly. Alec, I'll go along." "T'll get in touch with you next Thursday,” the elder Eden said. "By the way—I'm sorry it wasn't more, for your sake.” "It was an amazing lot," she replied. "I'm very happy." Her eyes filled. "Dear dad—he's taking care of me still,” she added, and went quickly out. Eden turned to his son. "I judge you haven't taken a newspaper job yet?" "Not yet." The boy lighted a cigarette. "Of course, the editors are all after me. But I've been fighting them off." "Well, fight them off a little longer. I want you to be free for the next two or three weeks. I've a little job for you myself." 23 comiicboeoe S CO