The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 256: what you’re looking at

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

———_ :. oo om "Certainly don't,” said Eden. "Glad to have you. We've had a bit of luck already." He explained about Gamble's departure. Holley nodded wisely. "Of course Gamble went to Pasadena," he remarked. "He's not going to let Madden out of his sight. You know, I've had some flashes of inspiration about this matter out here." "Good for you," replied Eden. "For instance—" "Oh, just wait a while. I'll dazzle you with them at the proper moment. You see, I used to do a lot of police reporting. Little bright eyes, I was often called." "Pretty name," laughed Eden. "Little bright eyes is here to look about," Holley continued. "First of all, we ought to decide what we're looking for." "I guess we know that, don't we?" Eden asked. "Oh, in a general way, but let's be explicit. To go back and start at the beginning—that's the proper method, isn't it, Chan?" Charlie shrugged. "Always done—in books," he said. "In real life, not so much so.” Holley smiled. "That's right—dampen my young enthusiasm. However, I am now going to recall a few facts. We needn't stress the side issues at present—the pearls, the activities of Shaky Phil in San Francisco, the 256 comiicboeoe S CO