Mr. Nichols did not reply as he surveyed the room. Nothing appeared to be out of place. He noted the open window instantly and crossed over to it.
"The thief entered here," he said.
"That was what I was trying to tell Mrs. Gallup," Penny cried triumphantly.
The detective picked up something from the window ledge. It was a strand of gray wool which had caught on a rough board.
He then stepped out on the top of the porch and crossed over to the place where the rose trellis projected.
"Be careful," Mrs. Gallup warned anxiously as she saw that the detective intended to climb down the fragile wooden framework.
"The trellis is strong enough to hold a man much heavier than myself," Mr. Nichols replied. "And I see the thief came this way too!"
"How can you tell?" Penny questioned eagerly.
"The rose bush has been broken off in several places."
Mrs. Gallup was somewhat disconcerted by the discovery. Fearing that other things besides the Black Imp might have been stolen she hastened downstairs to make a thorough search. Penny joined her father outside the house.