could remember Mr. Nichols had lived
a dangerous life. He had trailed and captured daring criminals and
during his lengthy career, first as a police officer and later as a
private detective, had received many threats. Several times he had
escaped violence by a narrow margin. Usually Penny did not worry, but
Max Lynch had impressed her as a man who would seek retaliation.

The girl was so preoccupied as they drove toward the Nichols' home that
the detective commented upon her silence.

"Forget it," he advised kindly. "I know how to deal with Max's
strong-arm squad."

Penny halted the car on the driveway and the detective alighted to open
the garage doors. She drove in and snapped off the ignition. Together
she and her father walked up the stepping-stone path to the rear
entrance of the house.

The Nichols' residence was not imposing in appearance but the
well-shrubbed grounds gave it a home-like air. A grass tennis court
occupied one part of the lot while the opposite side was devoted to
Mrs. Gallup's flowers. Since the death of Penny's mother, the kindly
woman had served as a faithful housekeeper.

Mrs. Gallup, her plump arms covered with flour, was making biscuits
when Penny and her father entered the neat kitchen.

"I'm slow tonight," she apologized. "All afternoon agents and peddlers
have been coming to the door. It was enough to drive a body crazy.
But I'll have dinner ready in about fifteen minutes."

"We're in no hurry," Penny assured her. "Has the evening paper come
yet?"

"Yes, I heard the boy drop it in the mailbox a few minutes ago."

Usually Penny had scant interest in the newspaper but she was curious
to learn what had been published concerning the stolen Rembrandt. She
ran to the mailbox and soon had the sheet spread out on the floor. As
she had expected, the story appeared on the front page. And there was
a slightly blurred picture of the painting which had been stolen.
Penny studied it carefully and read the story several times before
relinquishing the paper to her father.

"Well, has the thief been apprehended?" Mr. Nichols asked with a smile.

"No, the story just says the police are working on the case and expect
to make an arrest within a few days."

"Your young friend's name isn't mentioned?"

"Amy Coulter? No, but I don't like that statement about the police
expecting to make an arrest."

"It's probably just some reporter's idea," Mr. Nichols answered
carelessly.

"