The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

= —— the roads, of crops, of politics. Bob Eden felt like a visitor from Mars. Presently Chan passed, swung round in the street, and halted the little touring car opposite the boy. As Eden climbed in, he saw the detective's keen eyes fixed on the hotel doorway. Seating himself, he followed Chan's gaze. A man had emerged from the Desert Edge Hotel—a man who looked strangely out of place among the roughly- clad ranchers. He wore an overcoat buttoned tightly about his throat, and a felt hat was low over his eyes, which were hidden by dark spectacles. "See who's here," said Eden. "Yes, indeed,” answered Chan, as they moved down the street. "I think the Killarney Hotel has lost one very important guest. Their loss our gain—maybe." They left the all-too-brief pavement of Main Street, and a look of satisfaction spread slowly over Charlie Chan's face. "Much work to do," he said. "Deep mysteries to solve. How sweet, though far from home, to feel myself in company of old friend." Surprised, Bob Eden looked at him. "An old friend,” he repeated. Chan smiled. "In garage on Punchbowl Hill lonesome car like this awaits my return. With flivver shuddering 138 comiicboeoe S CO