Part 28 (1/2)
”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 within the next week.”
”I may do a little sleuthing of my own just to hurry matters along,”
Penny warned with a laugh.
”Go as far as you like,” Mr. Nichols said, undisturbed. ”I depend upon Joe to see that you don't get into too hot water.”
After her father had left the house, Penny went to the Y.W.C.A. where she taught a Friday morning swimming cla.s.s. By eleven o'clock she was through her work and had the entire day before her.
Making her way to the business section of the city, she did a little shopping at one of the department stores. As she was buying a pair of gloves, she heard her name spoken. Turning, she found Betty Davis standing beside her.
”I saw you from across the aisle,” the girl smiled. ”I was just starting home.” She hesitated, then said hurriedly: ”I don't suppose you'd care to take luncheon with me?”
”Why, I'd love it,” Penny responded instantly.
”I'm not much of a cook,” Betty confessed modestly, ”but I can always scare up a sandwich or so.”
Penny welcomed an opportunity to visit the Davis home again for despite Betty's peculiar actions, she felt that the girl really liked her. As they boarded a street car, it occurred to her that she had been invited for a particular purpose. The girl grew increasingly ill at ease.
Conversation became difficult although Penny made a special effort to be agreeable.
Not until luncheon had been served and the dishes washed, did Betty bring up the matter which had been troubling her.
”I'm worried about Father,” she confessed. ”The truth is, he's in danger of losing his position and through no fault of his own.”
Penny remained silent and the girl went on with increasing embarra.s.sment.
”I don't know how to say it--you've been so kind to me. But I was wondering--do you think Mr. Nichols might be induced to intercede in behalf of my father?”
”I'll speak to him about it,” Penny promised, ”but I think perhaps it would be better if your father talked with him personally----”
”Oh, no,” Betty said hastily, ”he'd never do that! You see, he doesn't know that I have said anything to you. I'm sure he wouldn't like it.”
”I see,” Penny responded quietly. ”I'll talk with Father, but I am afraid it will do no good.”
Betty's shoulders slumped, although she tried to smile bravely.
”I shouldn't have made the request. Please forget it.”
”No, I mean to talk to Father about it,” Penny insisted.
”It's very kind of you. I'd never have mentioned the matter at all only I realize my father will never turn a hand to defend himself against unjust accusations.”
The conversation s.h.i.+fted to less personal subjects. As Penny arose to leave a half hour later she spoke casually of Betty's brother and was surprised to notice a strained expression pa.s.s over the girl's face.
”You were going to show me his picture the other day when I was here,”