"Tuesday the twentieth."
"This is the night of Mrs. Archibald Dillon's big reception."
The detective looked disconcerted. "I forgot all about it," he admitted. "How I hate those affairs unless I'm there on a salary watching for gem thieves! Mrs. Dillon is the worst social climber in Belton City."
"Just the same we accepted this invitation and we'll have to go," Penny said sternly.
"I can't make it. I have important work to do."
"But Dad——"
"You go alone, Penny, and do the honors for the family. Tell Mrs. Dillon that I came down with croup most unexpectedly. Tell her anything you like, only count me out."
"She'll never forgive you if you don't go. Can't you possibly make it?"
Mr. Nichols frowned in annoyance. "I suppose I might be able to drop around late in the evening. Possibly in time to take you home."
"That would be better than not attending at all."