The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 336: what you’re looking at

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

ae "Thorn and Gamble away all day in big car," the Chinese replied. "Nothing more." It was obvious he was still sunk in bafflement. In the living-room Eden found the millionaire sitting aimless and lonely. Madden perked up at the boy's arrival. "Back safe, eh?" he said. "Did you find Draycott? You can speak out. We're alone here." Eden dropped into a chair. "It's all set, sir. I'll give you the Phillimore pearls at eight o'clock tonight." "Where?" "Here at the ranch." Madden frowned. "I'd rather it had been at Eldorado. You mean Draycott's coming here—" "No, I don't. I'll have the pearls at eight o'clock, and I'll give them to you. If you want the transaction kept private, that can be arranged." "Good." Madden looked at him. "Maybe you've got them now?" he suggested. "No. But I'll have them at eight.” "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear it," Madden replied. "But I want to tell you right here that if you're stalling again—" "What do you mean—stalling?" 336 comiicboeoe S CO