the police or to Father!" she thought
tensely. "By the time I drive back to Belton City for help it will be
too late."

The telephone! If she could but reach the antechamber it might be
possible to notify the authorities.

Watching her chance, she tiptoed across the open space to the little
room. The men were so occupied with their work that they did not
glance in her direction. No sound betrayed her.

Penny reached the chamber in safety, and quietly closed the door. It
was dark inside and at first she could not locate the telephone. But
after groping about, she found it on the wall.

"I'll try Father's office," she decided. "There's just a chance that
he may have returned."

Her hand trembled as she took down the receiver. She was fully aware
of the risk she was taking in attempting the telephone call.

Muffling her voice and speaking very low, she gave the number of her
father's office to the operator. There was a long wait. She could
hear a rhythmical buzz on the wire. The bell was ringing but no one
answered.

"I must try the police," Penny thought.

Just then she heard a click at the other end of the line. A receiver
had been taken from its hook.

"Hello, Christopher Nichols speaking," acknowledged the familiar voice
of her father.

In her excitement, Penny began an almost incoherent outpouring of what
she had witnessed.

"You say you've seen the tire thieves at work?" Mr. Nichols demanded.

"Yes, bring the police, and they can be trapped with the evidence! But
hurry or it will be too late!"

"Where are you now, Penny?" her father questioned tensely.

"At the old sawmill. Take the road----"

A slight sound directly behind caused Penny to turn her head. Rap
Molberg stood in the doorway!

CHAPTER XIX

Trapped

Before Penny could utter a sound, the man sprang toward her. A grimy
hand was clapped roughly against her mouth and the telephone receiver
jerked from her hand.

"Well, if it isn't the little Nichols girl!" the man leered, shoving
her away from the 'phone. "Trying to bring the police down on us, were
you?"

Penny could make no retort. Instead she savagely bit his hand.

With a cry of rage and pain, Molberg jerked it away. Penny sprang for
the door.

The man leaped after her, catching her by the shoulder. He pressed her
back against the wall. "No more of your little tricks," he warned.
From his pocket he drew forth a stout cord. Although Penny struggled