The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 281: what you’re looking at

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

Rash teal folks," came Miss Fitzgerald's greeting. "I certainly am glad to be back in good old L.A.” "Hello, Norma," Eden said, "never mind the songs. Two gentlemen out on the desert would like a word with you. Tell us about Jerry Delaney.” She couldn't have heard him, for she began to sing in a clear, beautiful soprano voice. Chan and the boy listened in silence. "More of the white man's mysteries," Charlie remarked when she had finished. "So near to her, and yet so far away. Seems to me that we must visit this lady soon.” "Ah yes—but how?" inquired Eden. "It will be arranged," Chan said, and vanished. Eden tried a book. An hour later he was interrupted by the peal of the telephone bell, and a cheery voice answered his hello. "Still pining for the bright lights?” "IT sure am,” he replied. "Well, the movies are in town," said Paula Wendell. "Come on in.” He hurried to his room. Chan had built a fire in the patio, and was sitting before it, the warm light flickering on his chubby impassive face. When Eden returned with his hat, he paused beside the detective. 281 comiicboeoe S CO