As a dark colored cab stopped in front of the Nichols residence, Penny ran to the curbing before the driver could alight.
"You were sent here to take me to my father?" she asked.
"Yes, Miss."
The driver kept his head lowered so that Penny could not see his face clearly, but she was too troubled to notice anything wrong.
"Is Father badly hurt?" she questioned anxiously.
"I can't tell you, Miss. I was only told to come here for you."
The driver opened the door, and Penny stepped into the car. They sped away.
Presently Penny noticed that the taxi man seemed to be avoiding the main streets of the city. She thought little of it until she chanced to catch a glimpse of the driver's face in the mirror. She had never viewed such a hardened countenance. The man appeared to be watching her every move. It gave her a sudden chill.
"Where is my father?" she questioned abruptly.
"At a house out in the country," the driver returned gruffly.