working for
him long ago if I hadn't been such a coward."

"Just what did you do for Brunner, Jimmie?"

"I drove the truck. At first I thought it was a legitimate job. When
I discovered that I was hauling stolen tires I wanted to quit.

"Brunner wouldn't let you?"

"No, he made me keep on. You see I was heavily in debt--Father didn't
know that either. I needed the money the job brought in. I kept
getting in deeper and deeper. I hated to disgrace my father and my
sister."

"I can understand that, Jimmie."

"I didn't treat you right either, Miss Nichols. I lied to you about
why the police were after me."

"I suspected that," Penny acknowledged.

"I was driving a truck of stolen wheels to Chicago when I had a
blow-out," the boy went on. "A policeman came over to investigate. I
ducked out and hid in your garage."

"Why didn't you come to talk with my father as you promised, Jimmie?"

"I knew he had been assigned to catch the auto accessory thieves. I
couldn't afford to take any chance."

Before Penny could reply there came a screech of brakes as the truck
abruptly stopped. She was flung hard against the end-gate.

"Halt!" a voice rang out. "Halt or we'll fire!"

CHAPTER XX

Penny's Triumph

With a thrill of joy, Penny recognized her father's voice. In some
manner he had traced her telephone call and had brought help!

Two shots rang out, to be followed in quick succession by others from
the driver's seat of the truck.

Then silence.

Penny, huddling against the wall of the dark van, decided to take a
chance. She screamed loudly for help.

A moment later the canvas cover was jerked from the rear of the truck.
Mr. Nichols' face loomed up behind the electric lantern which he
carried.

"Penny! Are you hurt?"

"Not a bit, Dad. But I'm tied up."

"I'll have you out in a jiffy. Courage!"

Mr. Nichols leaped nimbly upon the truck, and with his pocket knife
severed the cords which held her arms.

"What happened?" Penny questioned eagerly. "I heard the shots."

"The battle didn't amount to much. We outnumbered them two to one.
Molberg was wounded in the leg when he leaped off the truck and took to
the fields."

"And Brunner?"

"He's handcuffed to one of the officers now."

"How did you know where to come?" Penny questioned. "I was overpowered
before I could give you directions."

"I suspected that. In fact, I was worried sick for fear I wouldn't get
to you in time.