Giving no hint of what was in her mind, she politely thanked the guard for the information and returned home. After leaving her packages she called upon Susan to relate the adventures of the day.
"I think you were wise to tell Amy to hide," Susan approved. "We know her story is true, but it doesn't sound that way."
Penny was not certain that her father would take a similar viewpoint. She intended to tell him about Amy that evening and ask his advice regarding the situation, but directly after dinner Mr. Nichols isolated himself in his study, devoting himself to a new case upon which he was working.
In the morning at breakfast Penny did manage to bring up the subject, but Mr. Nichols listened inattentively as he sipped his coffee.
"I don't believe you heard a word I said," Penny complained finally.
"What was that? Oh, yes, I did. You were saying something about Amy Coulter."
"Never mind," Penny sighed. "I can tell your mind is a million miles away tracking down a wicked criminal."
"I hope the villain hasn't gone that far," Mr. Nichols chuckled. "Oh, by the way, you might tell Mrs. Gallup I'll not be home for dinner."
Penny regarded her father severely.
"Dad, have you forgotten what day this is."