"I'll not do that either," replied Mr. Nichols. "You may have been mistaken about the prowler. You've taken such an imaginative turn this summer."
"Thanks, Dad," Penny drawled. She added mischievously: "Let me know when you've found the owner of the toy lantern."
"There's good common sense behind my theory," said Mr. Nichols seriously. "Inspector Harris seems to think I'm on the wrong track but I have a hunch——"
"In that case you should be generous with your daughter," Penny laughed. "She has a hunch too."
"We'll call a truce," Mr. Nichols smiled. "You're free to trace down all the mystery you can find at Kendon providing that you don't ask me to discharge Michael."
"Seriously, Dad, I think something is going on here that would bear investigation," Penny said soberly. "I'd like to delve into it but I need a sympathetic helper."
"I'm sorry, Penny, but I haven't time to play around."
"I didn't mean you at all, Dad," Penny laughed. "I was thinking about Susan Altman. Would you mind if I invited her down here for a few days?"
"Go ahead if you like. She'll be company for you while I'm working on the Kirmenbach case."
"I'll send a letter right away," Penny declared eagerly.