"Let me see it," Mr. Nichols said eagerly.

She handed it to him.

"Penny, you've done a fine piece of work," he praised.

"But I let him get away."

"You couldn't help that. This license number may make it possible for
us to trace him. I'll telephone police headquarters right now and see
if they know anything about the car."

He sought a telephone in an adjoining room. Penny lingered by his
elbow while he made the call. After talking for some minutes, he hung
up the receiver.

"I was afraid we might run into this, Penny. The license number which
you noted down belongs to a stolen car."

"Then it won't be of any use to you."

"Probably not a great deal. But don't feel disappointed. It wasn't
your fault that the man got away. He has eluded some very clever
investigators."

"I had another queer experience when I went to meet Susan," Penny
related. "Did you ever hear of a policeman by the name of Jerome
Davis?"

"Yes, why?"

Briefly, Penny told of her meeting with the officer and his daughter.

"I can't comprehend why Betty tried to prevent her father from writing
out a report of the theft, Dad. If such information leaked out it
might cost him his position on the force."

"I can readily understand that," Mr. Nichols returned. "Jerome Davis
is in a bad spot already."

"Just how do you mean?"

"In the first place, he has never stooped to play politics. Some of
his superiors dislike him on that account, although until recently they
never questioned his honesty."

"Has anything ever been proven against him?"

"No, but he has been subjected to severe criticism because so many auto
accessory thefts have occurred in his district. The situation gives
his enemies a fine opportunity to shoot at him."

"I suppose that explains why Betty didn't want him to report another
theft. She was afraid it might cost him his job."

"That might be the reason."

"It won't be fair if they discharge him on account of something he
can't prevent."

"Life isn't always fair, Penny."

"What do you think about Jerome Davis, Dad? Is it your opinion that he
is honest?"

"Yes, I think he is." Mr. Nichols abruptly arose. "What you have told
me is very interesting, Penny. I believe I'll call Davis to the house
and have a talk with him. He should be off duty soon."

Telephoning the Davis home, the detective left a message that the
policeman was to call back at his earliest convenience.

"It's too late to g