“Then why don’t you try to get a little evidence against this man Joe, the Sweeper?” Penny proposed eagerly. “You visit the factory nearly every day. Keep your eyes and ears open and see what you can learn.”
“Everyone knows who I am,” Jack argued. “There wouldn’t be a chance—” Meeting Penny’s steady, appraising gaze, he broke off and finished: “Oh, okay, I’ll do what I can, but it’s useless.”
“Not if you have a plan.”
Jack stared at Penny with sudden suspicion. “Say, what are you leading up to anyhow?” he demanded. “Do you have one?”
“Not exactly. It just occurred to me that by watching at the gate of the factory when the employes leave, one might spot some of the men who are carrying off brass in their clothing.”
Jack gave an amused snort. “Oh, that’s been done. Company detectives made any number of checks.”
“That’s just the point,” Penny argued. “They were factory employes, probably known to some of the workers.”
“I’m even more widely recognized,” Jack said. “Besides, Clayton, our gateman, has instructions to be on the watch for anyone who might try to carry anything away. He’s reported several persons. When they were searched, nothing was found.”
“Your gateman is entirely trustworthy?”
“Why not? He’s an old employee.”