came out of hiding.

"Dad, that was Max Lynch--the one they call 'Diamond Max,' wasn't it?"
she inquired anxiously.

"Yes," the detective responded soberly. "I guess I shouldn't have
permitted you to listen to the conversation."

"I'm glad you did. Only it made the chills run down my spine to hear
that man talk. He seemed so sinister."

"Max isn't a very pleasant character, Penny."

"What did he mean by that last remark? It sounded like a threat."

"I imagine it was a threat, Penny."

"Why don't you turn the man over to the police, Dad, for attempted
bribery?"

"I wish I could," her father answered. "Max is a slippery eel to
catch. The police have been trying for years to get evidence against
him--they always fail."

"But he deliberately tried to bribe you, Dad. Surely that ought to be
enough to land him in jail."

Mr. Nichols shook his head as he thoughtfully toyed with a penknife.

"Max surrounds himself with highly paid, crooked lawyers and hired
witnesses. He is clever and cagey. Several times he has been brought
to trial but always he escapes."

"Why do they call him 'Diamond Max'?" Penny questioned curiously.

"He's been known by that name ever since I can remember. Perhaps you
noticed that the man wore a number of diamonds?"

"He was loaded with them. Were they genuine?"

"Oh, yes. Max has always had a passion for jewels, especially
diamonds."

"I suppose he came by them dishonestly."

"Possibly, although he could easily afford to buy fine jewels with the
profit derived from his casino."

"The place is called the Red Rose, isn't it?" Penny remarked.

"Yes, it's a disgrace to the community."

"Then why hasn't it been closed?"

Mr. Nichols smiled tolerantly at his daughter. "The Red Rose is
located just over the county line," he explained. "It happens that the
sheriff has a very charitable attitude toward Lynch's gambling
enterprises."

"Then there's nothing to be done?"

"Not very much I fear. What we need is a new sheriff."

"Promise me you'll be careful," Penny urged anxiously. "I'm afraid of
what Max may attempt to do."

Mr. Nichols smiled confidently as he locked his desk.

"His threat was an idle one I think. Don't give it a moment's thought.
Your old Dad can take care of himself."

Penny sighed as she followed her father to the elevator. She knew that
she should dismiss the matter from her mind yet that was exactly what
she could not do. Ever since she