"You might recover your stolen property," the policeman said optimistically, taking a notebook from his pocket. "Your name and address?"
Susan gave it and furnished such information as she could regarding the theft.
"Your car wasn't the only one that was stripped in this neighborhood tonight," the officer told her. "Not fifteen minutes ago I ran into a similar case."
"I think it's time the police did something about it," Susan said somewhat crossly.
"We're up against a tough gang, Miss. Our force is small and we can't place a man on every street corner."
As the officer continued to make out his report, a girl came running toward the little group. She was about Penny's age, though much thinner. Her black hair blew in the wind, unrestrained by hat or beret.
"Oh, Father!" she cried in agitation.
The policeman turned quickly around.
"Why, Betty, what brings you here?" he questioned in surprise.
"I've been following you for two blocks," the girl said breathlessly. "I wanted to——"