The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 277: what you’re looking at

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

———_ Se oe "Sounds good," admitted the detective. "However, here and there objections arise." "For example?" Holley demanded. "Madden is big man. Delaney and these others, nobody much. He could announce he killed blackmailer in self- defense." "So he could—if Thorn were friendly and would back him up. But the secretary is hostile and might threaten to tell a different story. Besides, remember it isn't only the killing of Delaney they have against him. There's the information Delaney has been holding over his head." Chan nodded. "So very true. One other fact, and then I cease my brutal faultfinding. Louie, long in confidence of Chinese parrot, is killed. Yet Louie depart for San Francisco on Wednesday morning, twelve hours before tragic night. Is not his murder then a useless gesturing?” Holley considered. "Well, that is a point. But he was Madden's friend, which was a pretty good reason for not wanting him here. They preferred their victim alone and helpless. A rather weak explanation, perhaps. Otherwise I'm strong for my theory. You're not so keen on it." Chan shook his head. "For one reason only. Long experience has taught fatal consequence may follow if I get too addicted to a theory. Then I try and see, can I make everything fit. I can, and first thing I know theory explodes in my countenance with loud bang. Much better I have found to keep mind free and open." 277 comiicboeoe S CO