"It was issued in this county. Without the complete number it will be impossible to trace the car."
Mr. Nichols again turned to his newspaper and Penny permitted him to read undisturbed. She knew that he regarded her interest in the Molberg case with amusement. He was humoring her in her desire to play at being a detective. But while he listened politely to her questions and suggestions, he did not really believe that her contributions were of great value.
"I wish I could show him!" Penny thought determinedly. "Maybe I shall too!"
Mr. Nichols, blissfully unaware of what his daughter was thinking, left the breakfast table.
"I'll be out of the city all day," he informed. "I may get back late tonight but I can't be sure of it. I guess you'll be well looked after by Mrs. Gallup."
"And by Joe," Penny added. "Must he always trail me around, Dad? I'm getting so tired of it."
Mr. Nichols smiled broadly.
"From Joe's daily reports, I suspected he was the one who was growing tired. You seem to have led him a rapid-fire chase. He turned in a bill for nearly forty gallons of gasoline last week."
"He must be drinking it then!" Penny retorted. "I'm sure my old car couldn't have traveled any such distance. But seriously, can't you discharge him?"
"Not until the case is finished, Penny."