general, however, he seems to have operated his business honestly. He
has made a great deal of money, Penny, and is considered one of Belton
City's leading citizens."

"I don't see where he makes all his money," Penny complained.
"Whenever you go into his garage it's usually deserted, although he
keeps a horde of discourteous workmen."

"Brunner hasn't been doing so well of late," Mr. Nichols agreed.

"I think he'd bear watching," Penny said darkly.

"I'll turn the task over to you," Mr. Nichols chuckled. "I shouldn't
care for it myself. Digging up the black history of influential
citizens isn't the most profitable occupation in the world."

Realizing that she was being teased, Penny dropped the subject.
However, no sooner had her father buried himself in his newspaper again
than she thought of another question which she could not resist asking.

"What did you learn about that license number I gave you last night,
Dad?"

"It was issued in this county. Without the complete number it will be
impossible to trace the car."

Mr. Nichols again turned to his newspaper and Penny permitted him to
read undisturbed. She knew that he regarded her interest in the
Molberg case with amusement. He was humoring her in her desire to play
at being a detective. But while he listened politely to her questions
and suggestions, he did not really believe that her contributions were
of great value.

"I wish I could show him!" Penny thought determinedly. "Maybe I shall
too!"

Mr. Nichols, blissfully unaware of what his daughter was thinking, left
the breakfast table.

"I'll be out of the city all day," he informed. "I may get back late
tonight but I can't be sure of it. I guess you'll be well looked after
by Mrs. Gallup."

"And by Joe," Penny added. "Must he always trail me around, Dad? I'm
getting so tired of it."

Mr. Nichols smiled broadly.

"From Joe's daily reports, I suspected he was the one who was growing
tired. You seem to have led him a rapid-fire chase. He turned in a
bill for nearly forty gallons of gasoline last week."

"He must be drinking it then!" Penny retorted. "I'm sure my old car
couldn't have traveled any such distance. But seriously, can't you
discharge him?"

"Not until the case is finished, Penny."

"And when will that be?"

"I wish I knew. If all cases were as annoying as this one, I'd soon be
out of business. But we have several new leads. I'm hoping something
will develop w