The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 358: what you’re looking at

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

———_— . =- on Madden, talking with Thorn and Gamble by the fire, looked up in annoyance. "Now who the devil—" he began. Thorn went over and opened the door. The plump little man at once pushed his way inside. "I'm looking for Mr. P.J. Madden," he announced. The millionaire rose. "All right—I'm Madden. What do you want?" The stranger shook hands. "Glad to meet you, Mr. Madden. My name is Victor Jordan, and I'm one of the owners of those pearls you bought in San Francisco." A delighted smile spread over Madden's face. "Oh—I'm glad to see you,” he said. "Mr. Eden told me you were coming—" "How could he?" demanded Victor. "He didn't know it himself." "Well, he didn't mention you. But he informed me the pearls would be here at eight o'clock—" Victor stared. "Be here at eight o'clock?” he repeated. "Say, Just what has Bob Eden been up to down here, anyhow? The pearls left San Francisco a week ago, when Eden did." "What!" Purple again in Madden's face. "He had them all the time! Why, the young scoundre!! I'll break him in two for this. I'll wring his neck—" He stopped. "But he's gone. I just saw him driving away." 358 comiicboeoe S CO