Penny Nichols and the Black Imp

by Joan Clark

"This is too ridiculous!" Mrs. Dillon snapped. "I didn't come here to be insulted."

"Please don't consider my remarks in that light, Mrs. Dillon. I was merely explaining why I can't take the case. I expect to serve the Reliance Company."

"They have absolutely nothing to do with the necklace." Mrs. Dillon angrily arose. "I am sorry I wasted my time coming here!"

Haughtily, she left the house, and Penny, who watched from the window, saw her drive away with her chauffeur.

"Do you really intend to take the case for the Reliance people?" she questioned eagerly.

"Oh, I suppose I shall."

"What do you think of Mrs. Dillon, Dad?"

"She bores me," Mr. Nichols yawned. "Without a background of money and social position she would be nothing but a noisy phonograph record."

"I meant about her claim regarding the necklace. Were the pearls actually insured?"

"Oh, of course," Mr. Nichols returned, a trifle impatiently. He laughed. "I can't imagine the Reliance people turning over a cold fifteen thousand dollars if they didn't owe it."