"The girl didn't look like a crook, Dad."
"Appearances often are deceitful, Penny. Some of our most dangerous criminals would pass on the street as 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?"