The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

Ra tecced When this young man and I encounter proper person, pearls will be delivered. Until then, I guard them well." "I'm sure you will,” smiled Madame Jordan. "Well, that's settled," said Eden. "Mr. Chan, you and my son will take the eleven o'clock ferry to Richmond, which connects with the train to Barstow. There you'll have to change to another train for Eldorado, but you should reach Madden's ranch tomorrow evening. If he is there and everything seems in order—" "Why should everything be in order?” broke in Victor. "If he's there—that's enough." "Well, of course, we don't want to take any undue risk," Eden went on. "But you two will know what to do when you reach there. If Madden's at the ranch, give him the string and get his receipt. That lets us out. Mr. Chan, we will pick you up here at ten-thirty. Until then, you are free to follow your own inclination.” "Present inclination," smiled Chan, "means tub filled with water, steaming hot. At ten-thirty in entrance hall of hotel I will be waiting, undigestible pearls on stomach, as before. Good-bye. Good-bye." He bobbed to each in turn and went out. "I've been in the business thirty-five years," said Eden, "put I never employed a messenger quite like him before.” "Dear Charlie,” said Sally Jordan. "He'll protect those pearls with his life." 38 comiicboeoe S CO