The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

ae Doctor," said the girl. "I've brought some one to call on " you. The woman rose, and her smile seemed to fill the room. "Hello, young man," she said, and took Bob Eden's hand. "You—you're the doctor," he stammered. "Sure am," the woman replied. "But you don't need me. You're all right." "So are you,” he answered. "I can see that." "Fifty-five years old," returned the doctor, "but I can still get a kick out of that kind of talk from a nice young man. Sit down. The place is yours. Where are you staying?” "I'm down the road, at Madden's.” "Oh yes—I heard he was here. Not much of a neighbor, this P.J. Madden. I've called on him occasionally, but he's never come to see me. Stand-offish—and that sort of thing doesn't go on the desert. We're all friends here.” "You've been a friend to a good many," said Paula Wendell. "Why not?” shrugged Doctor Whitcomb. "What's life for, if not to help one another? I've done my best—I only wish it had been more." Bob Eden felt suddenly humble in this woman's presence. 169 comiicboeoe S CO