The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 316: what you’re looking at

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

a —— XVIII. — THE BARSTOW TRAIN A few moments later they left Peter Fogg standing on the neatly manicured lawn beside P.J. Madden's empty palace. In silence they rode down the avenue, then turned toward the more lively business district. "Well, what did we get out of that?" Bob Eden wanted to know. "Not much, if you ask me." Chan shrugged. "Trifles, mostly. But trifles sometimes blossom big. Detective business consist of one unsignificant detail placed beside other of the same. Then with sudden dazzle, light begins to dawn.” "Bring on your dazzle," said Eden. "We've learned that Madden visited his house here on Wednesday, but did not go inside. When questioned about his daughter, he replied that she was well and would be along soon. What else? A thing we knew before—that Madden was afraid of Delaney.” "Also that Delaney followed queer profession." "What profession? Be more explicit." Chan frowned. "If only I could boast expert knowledge of mainland ways. How about you? Please do a little speculating.” 316 comiicboeoe S CO