The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 206: what you’re looking at

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

a, the operator to find out—without rousing suspicion, of course?" "Sure," Holley replied. "That kid will tell me anything. Are you alone there? Can I call you back in a few minutes?" "I'm alone just now," Eden responded. "If I shouldn't be when you call back, I'll pretend you want Madden and turn you over to him. You can fake something to say. But if you hurry, that may not be necessary. Speed, brother, speed!" As he turned away, Ah Kim came in to gather up the luncheon things. "Well, Charlie," Eden remarked. "Another guest at our little hotel, eh?” Chan shrugged. "Such news comes plenty quick to cookhouse,” he said. Eden smiled. "You're the one who wanted to watch and wait," he reminded the detective. "If you're threatened with housemaid's knee, don't blame me." "This Gamble,” mused Chan. "Seems harmless like May morning, I think." "Oh, very. A Bible student. And it strikes me there's a fair opening for a good Bible student round here." 206 comiicboeoe S CO