Sam Burkholder was silent a moment.
“Okay,” he said abruptly. “I’ve had enough of this business anyhow. I’ll tell you what I know, and it won’t take me long. I’ve never seen nor dealt direct with the big shots.”
“Then how do you get your tires?”
“A trucker by the name of Hank Biglow delivers them to me.”
“Louise and I know that man!” cried Penny. “For whom does he work?”
“I’ve never asked. But from something Hank dropped I kinda suspect the boys are having a meeting tonight.”
“Where?” Mr. Parker demanded eagerly.
“I’ll tell you on one condition. You’ve got to keep Mattie out of this. So far as she knows this garage has been run pretty much on the square.”
Mr. Parker was unwilling to make any sort of agreement with the man. Nevertheless, he realized that Sam had it within his power to withhold vital information.
“Very well,” he said, “I’ll take your word for it that Mattie is innocent. Now where is the meeting to be held?”