The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 357: what you’re looking at

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

a —— XXI. END OF THE POSTMAN'S JOURNEY in the taxi that he and Holley passed on their way to the mine, it is possible that, despite his concern for Paula Wendell, he would have turned back to Madden's ranch. But he drove on unknowing; nor did the passenger, though he stared with interest at the passing flivver, recognize Eden. The car from the Eldorado station went on its appointed way, and finally drew up before the ranch house. I Bob Eden had known the identity of the passenger The driver alighted and was fumbling with the gate, when his fare leaped to the ground. "Never mind that,” he said. "I'll leave you here. How much do I owe you?” He was a plump little man, about thirty-five years old, attired in the height of fashion and with a pompous manner. The driver named a sum and, paying him off, the passenger entered the yard. Walking importantly up to the front door of the house, he knocked loudly. 307 comiicboeoe S CO