fraid I
might have been gipped."

Penny examined the spare wheel more critically. "It looks exactly like
the one Dad bought me some time ago for nine ninety-eight. In fact,
I'd think it was the same tire--the one that was stolen from me--if I
didn't know better."

"I only paid four dollars," Susan informed proudly. "Wasn't it a
bargain?"

"It looks like it. Where did you buy the tire?"

"Oh, at a little place on South Lake Street. I don't remember the
name."

"South Lake isn't such a good location," Penny said thoughtfully, "I've
heard Father say that a great many disreputable firms operate there. I
know once he traced stolen furniture to a dealer on that street."

"I hope I didn't buy a stolen wheel," Susan declared. "Was that what
you had in mind, Penny?"

"I thought of it right off. But I haven't any reason for saying it.
For all I know, your tire may be a legitimate bargain."

"I wish there was some way of finding out for certain," Susan said
anxiously.

"Let's look for the serial number. The wheel should have one."

Penny moved closer to inspect the new purchase.

"The number is here all right," she acknowledged.

"Then the tire wasn't stolen," Susan said in relief.

Penny shook her head. "I'm not so sure of that, Sue. It looks to me
as if these numbers have been changed. Wait a minute!"

She darted into the house, returning with her father's magnifying
glass. Using it to study the figures upon the wheel, the girls could
plainly see that the numbers had been altered.

"To think I'd buy a stolen wheel!" Susan exclaimed indignantly. "I'm
going right back and tell that dealer a thing or two!"

"You can't very well do that. We would be in no position to prove
anything."

"I suppose you're right," Susan admitted.

"I'd like to see the establishment where you bought the tire," Penny
said after a moment's pause. "Could you point it out to me?"

"Yes, I'll take you there now if you like."

Penny rolled the lawn mower into the garage and climbed into the coupe
beside her chum.

"How do you like your car by this time?" she inquired as they drove
toward South Lake Street.

"Not so well. It starts hard and has a funny sound in the engine. In
a few days I mean to take it back to the Brunner garage for a complete
overhaul."

South Lake Street was located in the poorer section of Belton City.
The neighborhood was noted for its second-hand stores and it was said
that sooner or late