"Yes, I'll be back in a few hours."
"Take me with you, Dad," Penny pleaded.
"All right," the detective agreed, "but I don't care to be influenced by any of your wild theories as to who committed the robbery."
"I'll be as quiet as a mouse," Penny promised.
During the ride to Benton Mr. Nichols told her what little he had learned about the case.
"It was the James Kirmenbach home which was robbed," he revealed. "You may have heard of the man. He formerly was the head of the Kirmenbach Chemical Company but retired a few years ago to live quietly in the country. The thieves broke into a wall safe, taking a box of money and jewels. The most valuable item was a diamond necklace."
"I suppose the local police made a routine investigation?"
"Yes, but they found no clues. Kirmenbach appealed to Inspector Harris and that's how I'm rung in on the deal."
It was a few minutes after nine o'clock when Mr. Nichols drew up in front of an imposing brick house at the outskirts of Benton.
Penny and her father presented themselves at the door and upon giving their names to the maid were promptly admitted. Mr. Kirmenbach, a bald headed man in his early sixties, came to greet the detective.