father. I heard him
say that he had been threatened by the Molberg gang."

"Yes, Davis is in an awkward situation. However, he seems to be a man
of courage. I can use him."

"I'll be glad when you're through with this case," Penny sighed. "I'm
worried sick for fear something may happen to you. All these
threats----"

"Forget them," Mr. Nichols advised. "I've received plenty of them
before this and I'm still alive."

"But Rap Molberg----"

"Forget him too," the detective smiled. "Unless you do, I'll be sorry
I ever told you about the case. Run along to bed now--and pleasant
dreams."

"Nightmares to you!" Penny retorted.

She slowly mounted the stairs and disappeared into her own room.

CHAPTER VIII

A Revealing Clue

For the next few days Penny saw very little of her father. He left the
house early in the morning and often did not return at night until
after she had retired. Meals became something of an ordeal, for either
Mr. Nichols buried himself in a newspaper or allowed the conversation
to lapse.

"You're as talkative as the sphinx!" Penny accused. "Is the case going
badly?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Is it going well then?"

"Not especially."

"Have you found any clue as to the whereabouts of Rap Molberg?"

"Not yet."

"You're impossible!" Penny cried furiously. "It's no use trying to
learn a thing from you unless you're in exactly the right mood!"

In desperation she sought solace in the companionship of her chum,
Susan. They attended a great many moving picture shows and developed
an enviable tan by swimming outdoors and playing tennis for hours at a
time.

Although Penny was permitted complete freedom, Mr. Nichols had warned
her to use caution whenever she left the house at night. On more than
one occasion in going downtown or to the home of a friend, she half
suspected that she was being followed.

She refrained from mentioning her fear to Mr. Nichols lest he curtail
her freedom. But she became more alert and watchful.

One afternoon while Penny was mowing the yard, Susan drove up in her
coupe. It was the first time she had used it since the unfortunate
night of the theft. She hailed Penny joyously.

"The old bus is traveling again! It has a new generator and a fine new
wheel!"

Penny inspected the new purchases.

"See anything wrong with the wheel?" Susan demanded.

"Not a thing. Why?"

"I bought it for about half the regular price. I was a little a