With a thrill of joy, Penny recognized her father's voice. In some manner he had traced her telephone call and had brought help!
Two shots rang out, to be followed in quick succession by others from the driver's seat of the truck.
Then silence.
Penny, huddling against the wall of the dark van, decided to take a chance. She screamed loudly for help.
A moment later the canvas cover was jerked from the rear of the truck. Mr. Nichols' face loomed up behind the electric lantern which he carried.
"Penny! Are you hurt?"
"Not a bit, Dad. But I'm tied up."
"I'll have you out in a jiffy. Courage!"
Mr. Nichols leaped nimbly upon the truck, and with his pocket knife severed the cords which held her arms.
"What happened?" Penny questioned eagerly. "I heard the shots."