The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 203: what you’re looking at

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

a, "Very kind of you, I'm sure," remarked Gamble suavely. "T shall try to make as little trouble as may be. Luncheon impends, I take it. Not unwelcome, either. This—er— this desert air, sir—er—I'll return in a moment." He followed Ah Kim out. Madden glared after him, his face purple. Bob Eden realized that a new puzzle had arrived. "The devil with him,” cried Madden. "But I had to be polite. That letter." He shrugged. "Gad, I hope I get out of here soon.” Bob Eden continued to wonder. Who was Mr. Gamble? What did he want at Madden's ranch? XI. — THORN GOES ON A MISSION Whatever Mr. Gamble's mission at the ranch, Bob Eden reflected during lunch, it was obviously a peaceful one. Seldom had he encountered a more mild-mannered little chap. All through the meal the newcomer talked volubly and well, with the gentle, cultivated accent of a scholar. Madden was sour and unresponsive; evidently he still resented the intrusion of this stranger. Thorn as usual sat silent and aloof, a depressing figure in the black suit he had today donned to replace the one torn so mysteriously the night before. It fell to Bob Eden to come to Mr. Gamble's aid and keep the conversation going. 203 comiicboeoe S CO