The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 387: what you’re looking at

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

a, country—well, it's got me, I guess. I'll have to take my New York in pictures from this on." Far off across the dreary waste of sand the whistle of the Barstow train broke the desert silence. Charlie came around the corner; the coat and vest of Sergeant Chan had replaced the Canton crepe blouse of Ah Kim. "Hoarse voice of railroad proclaims end of our adventure," he remarked. He took Paula Wendell's hand. "Accept last wish from somewhat weary postman. May this be for you beginning of life's greatest adventure. And happiest." They crossed the empty street. "Good-bye," Eden said, as he and the girl paused in the shadow of the station. Something in the warm clasp of her slender strong fingers told him all he wanted to know, and his heart beat faster. He drew her close. "I'm coming back soon," he promised. He transferred the emerald ring to her right hand. "Just by way of a reminder,” he added. "When I return I'll bring a substitute—the glittering pick of the finest stock on the coast. Our stock." "Our stock?" "Yes." The branch-line train had clattered in, and Chan was calling to him from the car steps. "You don't know it yet, but for you the dream of every woman's life has come true. You're going to marry a man who owns a jewelry store." 387 comiicboeoe S CO