The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

a. Chan was busy at the curtains. "Favor me by taking a look from windows," he remarked. "On every side desert stretches off like floor of eternity. Plenty acres of unlimitable sand.” Bob Eden glanced out. "Yes, it's the desert, and there's plenty of it, that's a fact. But look here—we ought to talk fast while we have the chance. Last night you made a sudden change in our plans.” "Presuming greatly—yes.” "Why? " Chan stared at him. "Why not? You yourself hear parrot scream out of the dark. 'Murder. Help. Help. Put down my gun. Eden nodded. "I know. But that probably meant nothing.” Charlie Chan shrugged. "You understand parrot does not invent talk. Merely repeats what others have remarked.” "Of course," Eden agreed. "And Tony was no doubt repeating something he heard in Australia, or on a boat. I happen to know that all Madden said of the bird's past was the truth. And I may as well tell you, Charlie, that looking at things in the bright light of the morning, I feel we acted rather foolishly last night. I'm going to give those pearls to Madden before breakfast." 96 comiicboeoe S CO