“That was only my guess. I assumed it from the lack of marking on the boxes.”
Penny paused beside the big truck. Pressing her face close to an opening between the slats, she counted ten large crates, all the same size and shape.
“Lou, maybe this isn’t defense plant merchandise,” she speculated. “Maybe it’s some sort of contraband....”
Penny’s words trailed off. Someone had touched her on the shoulder.
Whirling around, she faced the same policeman who a moment before had entered the cafe.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he inquired.
“Why, just looking,” stammered Penny. “We were wondering what’s inside these boxes.”
“Machinery,” replied the policeman. “Now skidoo! Behave yourselves or I’ll have to speak to your parents.”
CHAPTER
4
STOLEN TIRES
“We’re very sorry,” Louise apologized to the policeman. “We didn’t suppose it would do any harm to look at the outside of the boxes.”