"My clues didn't prove of much value after all."
"It wasn't your fault that they didn't. A detective must learn to expect disappointments."
"So it seems," Penny sighed. "Now that Rap Molberg escaped the police net, what will be your next move?"
"I don't know yet, Penny."
"Perhaps Rap Molberg will leave the city."
"I don't think there's much chance of that. He'll remain in hiding for a few days or weeks, then strike again. You must have a constant bodyguard, Penny."
"Oh, Dad! If you knew how I hated it! I couldn't feel that even my thoughts were my own!"
"Sorry, Penny, but it's for your own safety."
"Oh, all right, I submit," Penny grumbled good-naturedly. "Only if I must have someone tagging at my heels all the time, please make him tall and handsome!"
"I don't usually select my men for their beauty," Mr. Nichols smiled. "But I'll do the best I can for you."