Briefly, Penny told of her meeting with the officer and his daughter.
"I can't comprehend why Betty tried to prevent her father from writing out a report of the theft, Dad. If such information leaked out it might cost him his position on the force."
"I can readily understand that," Mr. Nichols returned. "Jerome Davis is in a bad spot already."
"Just how do you mean?"
"In the first place, he has never stooped to play politics. Some of his superiors dislike him on that account, although until recently they never questioned his honesty."
"Has anything ever been proven against him?"
"No, but he has been subjected to severe criticism because so many auto accessory thefts have occurred in his district. The situation gives his enemies a fine opportunity to shoot at him."
"I suppose that explains why Betty didn't want him to report another theft. She was afraid it might cost him his job."
"That might be the reason."
"It won't be fair if they discharge him on account of something he can't prevent."