Footsteps had sounded in the tunnel between the boxes. The next instant the door was flung open. Penny and her father stood face to face with Sam Burkholder.
CHAPTER
24
TRICKERY
“What d’you think you’re doing in here?” demanded Sam Burkholder harshly. “Snoopers, eh?”
“Call us that if you like,” retorted Mr. Parker. “How long have you been dealing in stolen tires?”
The shot hit its target. Sam started to speak but no words came. He looked badly frightened. Convinced that his suspicion was correct, Mr. Parker added sternly:
“Naturally, I’ll report this to the police. You and your partner will have to face charges.”
“Keep Mattie out of this,” growled Sam. “She had nothing to do with the tire business.”
“So you carried on crooked operations all by your lonesome?”
“I’ve bought and sold a few tires,” Sam said sullenly. “All these government regulations give me a pain. A guy can’t make any money these days.”
“So you admit you’ve been doing an illegal business?”