CHAPTER XIX
Michael's Admission
"Bring the book and come on, Penny," Mr. Nichols ordered tersely. "We don't want Crocker to catch us here."
Penny snatched up the account book, slammed shut the desk and followed her father to the door. Susan was waiting there, nervously watching the entrance to the narrow lane. A car was just coming into view.
"Duck into the pine grove," commanded the detective.
The three disappeared behind the trees just as Herman Crocker's battered old car wheezed up the lane. Mr. Nichols and the girls remained motionless until the old man and his grandson had gone into the house. Then they moved noiselessly away, keeping to the evergreen grove until they reached the main road.
"Penny, what were you starting to tell me about an account book?" questioned Mr. Nichols as they paused.
"I'll show you," offered Penny.
She opened the account book to the item which had drawn her attention, but in the dim light it was difficult for Mr. Nichols to make out the fine writing.
"Michael Gladwin," he read slowly aloud. "I seem to be thick headed——"