“I don’t need any help,” she said distinctly. “I’ve found the melon I want. It bears the Davis stamp.”
CHAPTER
16
A FAMILIAR NAME
“The melon you have selected is a very good one,” the market man declared, not understanding the significance of Penny’s remark. “Shall I put it in a sack for you?”
“I’m not interested in the melon—only in the stamp,” Penny replied. “Do you realize that you may be liable to arrest?”
“What d’you mean, liable to arrest?” the man demanded. “I’m an honest dealer and I have a license.”
“Look at these melons.” Penny held up one which bore the blurred stamp. “The trade name has been altered.”
The dealer took the cantaloupe from her, examining it briefly. She then offered him the single melon bearing the Davis stamp.
“Well, what about it?” he asked.
“Just this. A few nights ago a truck load of melons similar to these, was stolen from the Davis farm near Riverview. The thief was trailed right to this city.”
“You’re trying to say that I sell stolen melons!”