"To think I'd buy a stolen wheel!" Susan exclaimed indignantly. "I'm going right back and tell that dealer a thing or two!"
"You can't very well do that. We would be in no position to prove anything."
"I suppose you're right," Susan admitted.
"I'd like to see the establishment where you bought the tire," Penny said after a moment's pause. "Could you point it out to me?"
"Yes, I'll take you there now if you like."
Penny rolled the lawn mower into the garage and climbed into the coupé beside her chum.
"How do you like your car by this time?" she inquired as they drove toward South Lake Street.
"Not so well. It starts hard and has a funny sound in the engine. In a few days I mean to take it back to the Brunner garage for a complete overhaul."
South Lake Street was located in the poorer section of Belton City. The neighborhood was noted for its second-hand stores and it was said that sooner or later stolen merchandise found its way into the crowded little shops which lined the narrow thoroughfare. Often wares were piled upon the sidewalks to attract an unwary buyer. Stoves, cheap tables, and all manner of hardware rubbed elbows with clever brass jugs, imported vases and Oriental rugs.
Presently, Susan halted her car in front of a tire shop which was located at the outskirts of "second hand" row.