“So do I,” Penny agreed. “By the way, what became of the newspaper today? I wanted to read up about the department store theft.”
“To see if your name was mentioned?” her father teased.
“No, I was just curious to learn if the thief was captured.”
“I can set your mind at rest on that point,” Mr. Nichols informed. “He wasn’t. If you’re interested in the details, you’ll find the paper on the front porch.”
Penny helped Mrs. Gallup clear the table of dishes, then went outside to get the paper. The story appeared on the front page. It was a slightly distorted version of what had happened and Penny was just as well pleased that her name was not mentioned. According to the account, the thief had escaped by means of a rear fire escape. The ring, valued at approximately nine hundred dollars, was fully covered by insurance.
While Penny was reading the story, Mr. Nichols came out and sat on the porch steps.
“How would you like to take a little trip?” he asked casually.
Penny dropped the newspaper. “With you?” she questioned eagerly.
“Yes, I’ve been working hard lately and I feel like taking a rest over the week end.”
“Where will we go?”