The restaurant door had opened, and a man of early middle age came outside. Immediately the couple in the gray sedan stiffened to alert attention. As the man passed their car they lowered their heads, but the instant he had gone on, they turned to peer after him.
The man who was being observed so closely seemed unaware of the scrutiny. Crossing the parking lot, he chose a trail which led into a dense grove of trees.
“Now’s our chance!” cried one of the men in the gray sedan. “Come on, we’ll get him!” Both alighted and likewise disappeared into the woods.
“Dad, did you hear what they said?” asked Penny.
“I did,” he answered grimly. “Tough looking customers too.”
“I’m afraid they mean to rob that first man. Isn’t there anything we can do?”
Mr. Parker barely hesitated. “I may make a chump of myself,” he said, “but here goes! I’ll tag along and try to be on hand if anything happens.”
“Dad, don’t do it!” Penny pleaded, suddenly frightened lest her father face danger. “You might get hurt!”
Mr. Parker paid no heed. Swinging open the car door, he strode across the parking lot, and entered the dark woods.