"I recognized your car and knew you lived in the neighborhood. I thought I'd give you a friendly warning."
"A warning? I don't understand."
"We're on the lookout for a crook who vanished somewhere in this vicinity," the officer explained. "In fact, he ran through the hedge which borders your place."
"Did you search the grounds?" Penny asked with interest.
"Yes, but he made his get-away. I just thought I'd tip you off to be careful."
"We'll be on the lookout," Penny promised. "Thanks for telling us."
The officer moved aside and she drove on again.
"I've had almost enough excitement for one evening without encountering a desperado," Susan declared with a little shiver as they approached the Nichols residence. "I wonder why they're after the man?"
"He's probably a jail breaker," Penny returned carelessly.
Susan studied her chum admiringly.