"I seek only to narrow search," Chan explained. "That will be all, thank you. Can you name hour of next boat to mainland?"
"I certainly can," answered the Britisher. "There's one tomorrow at noon. I hope to heaven - "
"I will extend myself to the utmost," smiled Chan. "Though, to look at me, many might remark that I had already done so."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
"My perusal was of a necessity hurried," Chan replied. "Imagine it covered the ground."
"Is that the best you can say for it?" the boy complained.
Charlie shrugged. "Always think twice before you scatter tributes," he answered. "If no one had praised the donkey's song, he would not still be singing."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
"Want to keep the poor kid cheered up," Bradshaw explained, as he and Chan walked toward the pavilion. "This has been a pretty tough shock for her. But in time I think I can convince her that all her troubles are over. That is - if she'll marry me."
"You possess excellent opinion of yourself," Charlie smiled.
"Why shouldn't I? I know myself so well."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
He went out and got his car, and as he drove down the hill he thought about his children. He had always been proud of the fact that they were all American citizens. But, perhaps because of this very fact, they seemed to be growing away from him - the gulf widened daily. They made no effort to remember the precepts and the odes; they spoke the English language in a manner that grated on Charlie's sensitive ear.
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
Today, however, he preferred to reflect on the problem that lay before him. Insoluble it had appeared when he went to bed, but he had slept soundly in the knowledge that what is to be will be, and now he felt a new energy stirring within him. Was he, then, a mainland policeman to be stumped and helpless in the face of a question that had, no doubt, some simple answer? It was a matter, however, that called for prompt and intelligent action on his part. He thought of the crane who, waiting for the sea to disappear and leave him dry fish to eat, died of starvation. Chan had no intention of emulating that stupid bird.
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
"How did you get here [Honolulu] in the first place?" the actor inquired.
"I went down to the South Seas to paint. Might be a good place for some people - but for me - well, the first thing I knew I was on the beach. After a long time, my people sent me money to come home. I managed to get aboard a boat, but unfortunately it stopped for a day at this port. And - have you tried any of the okolehau they call a drink in this paradise?"
Fyfe smiled. "I understand. You forgot to go back to your ship."
"My dear sir," Smith shrugged, "I forgot the world. When I woke up, the boat was two days out. Oddly enough, my father seemed annoyed. A rather impatient man."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
Charlie was getting into his flivver when the Chief came down the steps of Halekaua Hale.
"Thought you'd gone home, Charlie," he said.
"I was for a moment delayed," Chan explained.
His superior came up eagerly. "Anything new?"
"I remain just where I always have been," the detective sighed.
"You're not really as much in the dark on this case as you say you are?" asked the Chief anxiously.
Chan nodded. "The man who sits in a well sees little of the sky."
"Well, climb out, Charlie, climb out."
"I am planning swift ascent," the detective answered, and starting his engine, sped off at last in the direction of his house on Punchbowl Hill.
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
"You've got something on Tarneverro?" asked the Chief, looking at him keenly.
"With regard to killing - not one solitary thing. At moment when that took place, I believe he was most decidedly elsewhere. Gazing in another direction - kindly permit that I gaze that way a few hours longer before I divulge my thoughts." The plump detective put one hand to his head. "Haie, just now I wander, lost in maze of doubts and questionings."
"You'll have to cut that out, Charlie," his Chief told him in a kindly but somewhat worried tone. "The honor of the force is at stake. If these people are going to come over here to our quiet little city and murder each other at Waikiki, we've got to prove to them that they can't get away with it. I rely on you."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
"We mustn't let it stump us," replied the Chief briskly. He was an intelligent man, and he knew where to lean. He foresaw that he was going to do some heavy leaning in the next few days. With an appraising glance, he surveyed his assistant. Charlie looked sleepy and somewhat worn - nothing alert, nothing clever in his appearance now. The Chief consoled himself with memories. Chan, he reflected, was ever keener than he looked.
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
