"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."