The detective did not hear for he was regarding Laponi with keen interest.
“Well, well, if it isn’t my old friend Leo Corley. Or possibly you have a new alias by this time.”
“He calls himself Max Laponi,” Penny informed. “Is he a known criminal?”
“Very well known, Penny. He’s wanted in three states for forgery, blackmail and robbery. His latest escapade was to steal a diamond ring from the Bresham Department Store.”
“Then you did get my wire?” Penny cried.
“Yes, that’s what brought me here. After I received it I got busy right off and with the information you furnished it was easy to look up this man’s record. The police have been after him for months.”
“You didn’t waste any time coming here,” Penny smiled.
“I was afraid you girls might be in more danger than you realized. Max here isn’t such a nice companion. By the way what’s in the box?”
Penny opened it to reveal Mr. Winters’ fine collection of ivory. The detective whistled in awe.
“That would have been a nice haul, Max,” he said. “Too bad we had to spoil your little game.”