The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 271: what you’re looking at

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

a, answers. Now I ask you, is that any way to greet a hardworking, honest real-estate man? Wait a minute— don't try to be funny." "IT won't,” Eden laughed. "But Madden—" "Well, just then Madden drove into the yard with that secretary of his. I knew the old man right away from his pictures. He looked tired and ugly, and he needed a shave. 'What are you doing here?’ he wanted to know. ‘Mr. Madden,’ I said, 'have you ever stopped to consider the possibilities of this land round here?' And I waltzed right into my selling talk. But I didn't get far. He stopped me, and then he started. Say—the things he called me. I'm not used to that sort of thing—abuse by an expert, and that's what it was. I saw his psychology was all wrong, so I walked out on him. That's the best way—when the old psychology ain't working." "And that's all?" Eden inquired. "That's my story, and I'll stick to it," replied Mr. DeLisle. "I'm very much obliged," Eden said. "Of course, this is all between ourselves. And I may add that if I ever do decide to buy a lot on the desert—" "You'll consider my stuff, won't you?” "IT certainly will. Just at present, the desert doesn't look very good to me.” Mr. DeLisle leaned close. "Whisper it not in Eldorado," he said. "I sometimes wish I was back in good old Chi 271 comiicboeoe S CO