Penny decided upon a bold move.
"Susan, stand guard at the outside door," she directed.
As her chum took the position, Penny reached up and switched on the garage light.
"I have no weapon," she admitted, knowing that the youth had perceived the fact instantly. "But it will do you no good to try to escape for the police are combing the neighborhood."
Her words had the desired effect. Blinking in the unexpected glare of the light, the young fugitive shrank back against the wall, his face twisted by fear.
"Do they suspect I'm here?" he questioned. "Have they surrounded the district?"
"I talked with an officer only a few minutes ago," Penny answered truthfully. "He advised me that our property was being watched."
She was studying the boy with increasing interest. He was exceedingly well dressed and while his garments were in need of pressing they fitted him perfectly, disclosing a fine physique. He had broad shoulders and powerful muscles. It struck Penny that he looked more like a football player than a crook. Yet, as she studied his face, she realized that it lacked character.
"Don't turn me over to the police," the boy begged. "I've done nothing wrong."
"Then why were you hiding in my garage?"