"You're as talkative as the sphinx!" Penny accused. "Is the case going badly?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"Is it going well then?"
"Not especially."
"Have you found any clue as to the whereabouts of Rap Molberg?"
"Not yet."
"You're impossible!" Penny cried furiously. "It's no use trying to learn a thing from you unless you're in exactly the right mood!"
In desperation she sought solace in the companionship of her chum, Susan. They attended a great many moving picture shows and developed an enviable tan by swimming outdoors and playing tennis for hours at a time.
Although Penny was permitted complete freedom, Mr. Nichols had warned her to use caution whenever she left the house at night. On more than one occasion in going downtown or to the home of a friend, she half suspected that she was being followed.
She refrained from mentioning her fear to Mr. Nichols lest he curtail her freedom. But she became more alert and watchful.