reditors?"

"Nothing like that," laughed Mr. Nichols. "I'm just sick and tired of
the Nichols Detective Agency. For two weeks I intend to forget
everything remotely connected with investigation work. Why, if a thief
broke into the house tonight and stole our diamonds, I'd not interest
myself in the case!"

"That's what you say now," chuckled Penny. "Anyway, we haven't any
diamonds."

"Inspector Harris tried to tempt me with a case only today," the
detective went on, his face becoming serious again. "I told him I
couldn't take it."

"You've earned the right to your vacation," Penny declared.

Mr. Nichols glanced quickly at his daughter.

"You're not very anxious to go to Knob Hill, are you, Penny?" he asked.

"Why--what makes you think that?" Penny stammered. The question had
caught her off guard.

"I pride myself that I've learned a few simple things during my twenty
years as a detective. Faces aren't hard to read--especially yours."

"Dear me," said Penny, "I didn't suppose I was an open book. Just what
does my face tell you?"

"That you're bored at the thought of going to a dull place such as Knob
Hill. It's selfish of me to drag you along----"

"No, it isn't, Dad!" Penny broke in. "You've needed this rest for
years and I'd not think of letting you go off by yourself. Why, for
all your wonderful detective ability, you can never find your own
slippers!"

"That's so," Mr. Nichols chuckled. "Well, I hope the two weeks won't
turn out to be too monotonous for you."

Penny left her father to finish cleaning the car and ran into the
house. Mrs. Gallup, the kindly housekeeper who had looked after the
girl since the death of her mother, was preparing luncheon in the
kitchen.

"I've laid out all your things on the bed," she told Penny. "And your
suitcase is down from the attic."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gallup," said Penny. "I'll soon have everything
packed."

By the time she had completed the task, the housekeeper announced
luncheon. Throughout the meal Mr. Nichols laughed and carried on in a
high mood, declaring that he felt like a youngster let out of school.

"What shall I do about your mail, sir?" inquired Mrs. Gallup when it
was time for Penny and her father to leave.

"Forward letters to me at Knob Hill in care of Judd Kilkane," the
detective instructed. "But don't give anyone my address unless it is a
matter of great importance."

"I'll be careful about that," Mrs. Gallup promised. "