The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 347: what you’re looking at

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

———_ . =- on "T don't know. But I'm worried. Paula Wendell—" Eden's heart sank. "What about Paula Wendell?" "You haven't heard from her—or seen her?" "No, of course not.” "Well, she never came back from the Petticoat Mine. It's only a short run up there, and she left just after breakfast. She should have been back long ago. She promised to have dinner with me, and we were going to see the picture at the theater tonight. It's one she's particularly interested in." Eden was moving toward the road. "Come along—in heaven's name—hurry—" Chan stepped forward. Something gleamed in his hand. "My automatic," he explained. "I rescued it from suitcase this morning. Take it with you—" "I won't need that,” said Eden. "Keep it. You may have use for it—" "T humbly beg of you—" "Thanks, Charlie. I don't want it. All right, Holley—" "The pearls," suggested Chan. "Oh, I'll be back by eight. This is more important—" As he climbed into the flivver by Holley's side, Eden saw the front door of the ranch house open, and the huge figure of Madden framed in the doorway. 347 comiicboeoe S CO