ordinary citizens. However, I do
not doubt that the girl is innocent. It does seem a little strange
that she succeeded in carrying a package out of the building without
being stopped by a guard, but probably she will be cleared of suspicion
within a day or so."

Mr. Nichols locked his desk for it was time to close. As he and Penny
were preparing to leave, the secretary appeared in the doorway.

"A man to see you, Mr. Nichols."

"A man did you say?" the detective asked with a twinkle. "Or a
gentleman?"

"A man," the secretary repeated firmly. "And an unpleasant appearing
one at that."

"Did you tell him that we are just closing the office?"

"I did, Mr. Nichols, but he insisted that his business was very urgent.
He refused to give his name."

The detective frowned and then asked: "Would you say the man is an
underworld character?"

"He looks it. Shall I tell him you cannot see him this afternoon?"

"No, I'll see him," Mr. Nichols decided. "You may send him in."

Penny arose to leave. "I suppose I'll have to go," she grumbled.

"Duck into the next room if you like," the detective said. "If the
conversation gets too interesting, stuff cotton in your ears."

Penny laughed and quickly secreted herself in the private study which
adjoined her father's office. She closed the door between the rooms
but was careful to leave a generous sized crack through which she could
both see and hear.

Scarcely had her father seated himself at his desk when the visitor
entered. The secretary's appraisal of the man had not prepared Penny
for his actual appearance. He was a stout person, prosperous looking,
with several glittering diamond rings on his stubby fingers. His
clothes were cut in the latest style, his shoes were brilliantly
shined, and he carried a sporty cane.

When Penny surveyed the visitor's face she knew why her father's
secretary had catalogued him as an underworld character. His
expression was hard and ruthless, his smile cold and sinister.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Nichols," the man said in a purring voice. "You
know my name I think."

The detective's eyes narrowed as he recognized the visitor but
otherwise his expression did not alter. He said evenly:

"Yes, I know you very well indeed--Max Lynch!"

Penny, crouching at the door, felt a chill of excitement pass over her
body as she heard the name. Max Lynch was a notorious crook, a
swindler and a gambler, a man who often had been accused of