She did not have long to speculate for as the girls turned toward the house Mr. Nichols came down the walk.
"I can't get in at the front door," he complained good naturedly. "Has Mrs. Gallup locked up the place for the summer?"
Penny explained what had happened but as she repeated Jerry Barrows' story it sounded flat and a trifle ridiculous. She was not surprised that her father listened incredulously.
"Why were the police searching for the boy?" he questioned.
"I didn't learn," Penny confessed. "I have only the boy's word."
"And yet you expect me to find him a job?" Mr. Nichols demanded gruffly. "If he ever shows up—which he won't—I'll turn him over to the authorities."
"Oh, Dad, you wouldn't, not after I gave my promise that you'd help him!"
"Why should I assist you in thwarting justice?" Mr. Nichols questioned severely. Penny could not see that his eyes were twinkling. "Are you trying to ruin my reputation as a detective?"
"I didn't mean to do anything that might embarrass you, only I couldn't bear the thought of turning the boy over to the police. He was so young."
"I was only teasing," Mr. Nichols told her kindly. "If the boy does come to my office I'll have a talk with him."