r stolen merchandise found its way into the crowded
little shops which lined the narrow thoroughfare. Often wares were
piled upon the sidewalks to attract an unwary buyer. Stoves, cheap
tables, and all manner of hardware rubbed elbows with clever brass
jugs, imported vases and Oriental rugs.

Presently, Susan halted her car in front of a tire shop which was
located at the outskirts of "second hand" row.

"This is the place," she announced.

The owner of the shop, a short, squat little man with beady black eyes,
stood at the window. He eyed the girls sharply.

"Shall we go in?" Susan asked.

"Let's, but we mustn't act as if we suspect anything."

Assuming a casual attitude, they sauntered into the shop. The dealer
recognized Susan instantly. On her first visit he had been a trifle
too cordial, but now he regarded her shrewdly.

"Something?" he inquired.

"My friend wishes to buy a new wheel," Susan informed. "She'd like to
see one like I bought yesterday."

Again the dealer cast a sharp glance at Penny.

"Haven't I seen you in here before?" he asked.

Penny shook her head. "No, this is the first time I ever came into
your store."

"I've seen you somewhere," the man muttered. "Now, I know! You're
Christopher Nichols' daughter!" He pronounced the name of the
detective with a slight sneer.

"Yes, I am," Penny acknowledged reluctantly. "But I'm sure I've never
seen you before."

"That's quite likely."

"Then how did you know me?"

"That's my business," the dealer retorted shortly. "I am sorry, but I
can't do business with you. Good day."

Penny stood her ground.

"Haven't you any tires for sale?"

"Not for you, I haven't. You're a snooper just like your father! Get
out of here!"

Penny would have carried the argument further, but Susan tugged at her
sleeve. They hastily left the shop. As they drove away, they saw the
dealer standing at the plate glass window, watching.

"Such a horrible man!" Susan gasped. "I was actually afraid of him.
What made him act like that?"

"I think he must have guessed why we came," Penny told her. "As a
sleuth I seem to be a walking advertisement of my calling!"

"He recognized you the minute you stepped into the store. Didn't that
strike you as queer?"

"Yes, it did, Susan. I'm almost certain that man is dealing in stolen
tires. He's probably afraid of the law. It's to his advantage to
recognize plain clothesmen and persons who might cause