"No."
"Then we will go upon the assumption that the toy lantern is a clue left by the thief—a very interesting clue."
"It seems unbelievable!" exclaimed Mr. Kirmenbach. "What would a jewel thief—a grown man be doing with a toy lantern?"
"It does appear a bit unusual," Mr. Nichols admitted, "but I feel certain there is a logical explanation."
"I have great faith in your ability, Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Kirmenbach. "However, I must say that I am unable to see where this clue will lead."
"At the moment I have no idea myself," replied the detective, smiling. "But I think that this may develop into something."
He declined to amplify his statement further, and a few minutes later left the house with Penny. They drove slowly back toward Knob Hill.
"Dad, I'm inclined to agree with Mr. Kirmenbach," Penny remarked. "I don't see what good that toy lantern will do you."
"First I'll have it examined for finger prints," the detective explained. "However, so many persons have handled it that I don't look for anything on that score. Next I'll get in touch with Inspector Harris and have him check on the manufacturers of toy lanterns. I'll try to find out who bought it."
"But there must be hundreds of toys just like this," Penny protested. "It doesn't have a single distinguishing feature."