ioned the matter at all
only I realize my father will never turn a hand to defend himself
against unjust accusations."

The conversation shifted to less personal subjects. As Penny arose to
leave a half hour later she spoke casually of Betty's brother and was
surprised to notice a strained expression pass over the girl's face.

"You were going to show me his picture the other day when I was here,"
she reminded Betty.

"Oh, yes, so I was," the other agreed but with out enthusiasm. "Jimmie
is very good looking. I guess I told you he was a football player at
Waltham High last year."

"I'd like to meet him," Penny remarked.

"Jimmie isn't home very much of the time," Betty returned hastily.

"But at least I can see his picture," Penny said, watching the girl
closely.

"Why, yes," Betty stammered, ill at ease. "I'll get it."

She went into an adjoining room and did not return for some minutes.
She did not bring the photograph. Avoiding Penny's gaze, she said
apologetically:

"I can't seem to find it anywhere. I must have misplaced the photo."

"It doesn't matter," Penny returned politely.

She had guessed instantly that Betty had made no real effort to find
the photograph. For some reason the girl no longer wished her to see
it.

After chatting for a short while longer, Penny took her leave.

"Now I wonder why Betty was so reluctant to have me see the picture,"
she reflected as she walked slowly toward the street car line. "I'm
more interested in it now than I was before."

It occurred to Penny that if only she could find a copy of the previous
year's Waltham High School annual, Jimmie Davis' picture was almost
certain to appear in it.

"Margery Barclay's brother attended that school," she recalled. "I
might be able to get an annual from him. It won't be out of my way to
stop at their house on my way home."

When she called at the Barclay residence, Mrs. Barclay answered the
door. Upon learning that neither Margery nor her brother were at home,
Penny mentioned the purpose of her call.

"Why, yes, we have one of the annuals," Mrs. Barclay told her. "I am
sure you are very welcome to have it for a few days. I'll find it for
you."

She went to the bookcase and after searching through several shelves
found a thick, dusty volume which she gave to Penny.

"I'll bring it back tomorrow, Mrs. Barclay."

"Keep it as long as you like. No one ever looks at it any more."

Penny thanked Mrs. Barcl