redulously.

"Why were the police searching for the boy?" he questioned.

"I didn't learn," Penny confessed. "I have only the boy's word."

"And yet you expect me to find him a job?" Mr. Nichols demanded
gruffly. "If he ever shows up--which he won't--I'll turn him over to
the authorities."

"Oh, Dad, you wouldn't, not after I gave my promise that you'd help
him!"

"Why should I assist you in thwarting justice?" Mr. Nichols questioned
severely. Penny could not see that his eyes were twinkling. "Are you
trying to ruin my reputation as a detective?"

"I didn't mean to do anything that might embarrass you, only I couldn't
bear the thought of turning the boy over to the police. He was so
young."

"I was only teasing," Mr. Nichols told her kindly. "If the boy does
come to my office I'll have a talk with him."

"But you don't really think he'll come?"

"I have no way of knowing, Penny. I must admit I'll be rather
surprised if he appears."

Penny relapsed into moody silence as she walked toward the house with
Mr. Nichols and her chum. She had begun to regret her hasty action.

"I left your roadster at a downtown garage," Mr. Nichols commented,
switching to a different subject. "I notified the police that the
wheels had been stolen but I did not have time to see the insurance
company. I can attend to it in the morning unless you care to do it
yourself."

"I may as well," Penny agreed listlessly.

She was feeling very gloomy indeed. Although her father had refrained
from blaming her, she knew that he was amused if not annoyed at her
behavior. Above all else, she coveted his admiration.

"Cheer up," he said lightly as the three entered the house. "What if
you did make a slight blunder? All detectives must learn by
experience."

"A fine detective I'd make!" Penny sniffed. "I fail at the very first
test. I'm just soft hearted I guess."

"Part of the blame should fall on me," Susan declared. "Jerry Barrows
didn't seem in the least like a criminal, Mr. Nichols. I was impressed
with his story too."

"I feel sure he must have been a very persuasive talker," the detective
smiled. "However, I don't consider that either of you committed any
great crime in permitting the boy to escape so I shouldn't worry about
it now that the deed is done."

Mr. Nichols regarded the incident as closed, but Mrs. Gallup had heard
enough of the conversation to surmise a little of what had happened.
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