The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 163: what you’re looking at

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

= "There—that's better," said the secretary, smoothing the sand over the recent excavation. "You know—I've always had a passion for neatness." He picked up the basket. "By the way," he added, "if you don't mind, I'd like to give you a little advice." "Glad to have it," Eden replied, walking along beside him. "I don't know how anxious you people are to sell that necklace. But I've been with the chief fifteen years, and I can tell you he's not the sort of man you can keep waiting with impunity. The first thing you know, young man, that deal for the pearls will be off." "I'm doing my best,” Eden told him. "Besides, Madden's getting a big bargain, and he must know it—if he stops to think—" "Once P.J. Madden loses his temper," said Thorn, "he doesn't stop to think. I'm warning you, that's all." "Mighty kind of you," answered Eden carelessly. Thorn dropped his spade and basket by the cookhouse, from which came the pleasant odor of bacon on the stocks. Walking slowly, the secretary moved on toward the patio. Ah Kim emerged from his work-room, his cheeks flushed from close juxtaposition to a cook-stove. "Hello, boss," he said. "You takee look-see at sunrise thisee mawnin'?” "Up pretty early, but not as early as that," the boy replied. He saw the secretary vanish into the house. 163 comiicboeoe S CO