"I'll be glad when you're through with this case," Penny sighed. "I'm worried sick for fear something may happen to you. All these threats——"
"Forget them," Mr. Nichols advised. "I've received plenty of them before this and I'm still alive."
"But Rap Molberg——"
"Forget him too," the detective smiled. "Unless you do, I'll be sorry I ever told you about the case. Run along to bed now—and pleasant dreams."
"Nightmares to you!" Penny retorted.
She slowly mounted the stairs and disappeared into her own room.
CHAPTER VIII
A Revealing Clue
For the next few days Penny saw very little of her father. He left the house early in the morning and often did not return at night until after she had retired. Meals became something of an ordeal, for either Mr. Nichols buried himself in a newspaper or allowed the conversation to lapse.