returns," Penny
thought. "Still, I should be back by supper time."

As Penny backed from the garage, she caught a glimpse of Joe Franey's
familiar black coupe parked across the street.

"I'm afraid Dad's gasoline bill will take a big jump upward today," she
chuckled.

Penny dismissed the detective from her mind and became intent upon the
problem which faced her. She must be very cautious if she questioned
Jerome Davis for it might ruin all her plans if he suspected what she
was about.

Approaching the policeman's usual haunts, Penny slowed down. Presently
she caught sight of the officer at a street corner. He was talking
with someone.

"Why, it's Jerry Barrows!" she exclaimed, pulling up at the curbing to
watch. "The plot thickens!"

Penny made no attempt to interrupt the two. The policeman was talking
so earnestly with the boy that he had not even glanced in her
direction. She was too far away to hear what they were saying, but she
observed Jerome Davis take a small roll of bills from his pocket. He
peeled off three and gave them to the youth. The latter thanked him
and moved quickly away.

"I can't question Mr. Davis now or he would be suspicious," Penny
thought. "I'll come back a little later."

Recalling that she had never visited the Brunner garage to request
Jerry Barrows' address from the manager, she made that her next stop.
As she parked outside the building, she noticed that Joe Franey,
faithful to his trust, was still following.

"Poor man, he must think I am completely crazy," Penny laughed.
"Perhaps I am too!"

Upon requesting to see Mr. Brunner, she was informed that he was busy.
She was forced to wait nearly three-quarters of an hour before he would
see her.

"What can I do for you, Miss Nichols?" he inquired with forced
politeness as she entered.

Penny reminded him of his promise.

"Oh, yes!" He laughed apologetically. "You know, the matter
completely slipped my mind until this minute."

"Indeed?" Penny inquired. She had not been surprised at the answer.

"If you will come back in a few days----"

"Can't you get the address for me now? It is rather important that I
have it immediately."

The manager frowned. "I'll see what I can do. Wait here."

He left the office, returning a few minutes later.

"I can't seem to find it on our records at all, Miss Nichols. The boy
never worked here steadily. In fact, he has been discharged."

"So you refuse to give me the a