Penny Nichols Finds a Clue

by Joan Clark

  CHAPTER XIX

  Trapped

  Before Penny could utter a sound, the man sprang toward her. A grimyhand was clapped roughly against her mouth and the telephone receiverjerked from her hand.

  "Well, if it isn't the little Nichols girl!" the man leered, shovingher away from the 'phone. "Trying to bring the police down on us, wereyou?"

  Penny could make no retort. Instead she savagely bit his hand.

  With a cry of rage and pain, Molberg jerked it away. Penny sprang forthe door.

  The man leaped after her, catching her by the shoulder. He pressed herback against the wall. "No more of your little tricks," he warned.From his pocket he drew forth a stout cord. Although Penny struggled,she could not prevent him from tying her hands behind her back. Hetook out a large handkerchief.

  "Not a gag!" Penny pleaded.

  "I suppose you'd like to make another telephone call," the man saidsarcastically. "I'm going to fix you so you won't make any moretrouble tonight!"

  The handkerchief was tied tightly across her mouth and her feet weresecurely trussed. Then Molberg placed her with her back against thewall and left her alone.

  Almost immediately he returned with Brunner. The two had brought alight.

  "This is luck!" the garage manager declared, his eyes sparkling. "WithChristopher Nichols' daughter in our hands I guess that snooper won'tmake us any more trouble. Did she get through to the police, do youthink?"

  "I doubt it. She had just begun to talk on the 'phone when I caughther," Rap informed.

  "We'll take no chance anyway. We're getting out of here as quickly aswe can."

  The two men went away, taking the light with them. Penny was leftalone in the dark. She twisted and turned but could not succeed inloosening her bonds. The gag became uncomfortable.

  "What a mess I've made of things now," she told herself in disgust."Here I am a prisoner, and there isn't a chance Dad or the police willget to me in time. If only I could have explained where I was beforeRap Molberg caught me!"

  Penny tried not to think of the possible fate which awaited her.Brunner would never permit her to go free. She had gleaned too muchvaluable information and would prove a damaging witness against him.She knew now that he alone directed the activities of the so-calledMolberg gang. Brunner was the arch criminal, the "master mind" whichhad baffled police and private investigators. Rap Molberg, although adangerous crook, merely carried out his chief's orders.

  "Brunner fooled everyone with his posing as a substantial citizen,"Penny mused. "All the time he was using his business as a front tohide his unlawful activities."

  Outside, in the main part of the sawmill, she could hear men workingfeverishly. In a few minutes the big truck would depart with all theevidence which could not be destroyed. Penny wondered if she would beleft tied up in the little room or taken along.

  Again she struggled to free herself but only succeeded in drawing theknots tighter. The gag was so tight across her mouth that she couldutter no sound. Spent from her effort to escape, she leaned backagainst the wall.

  Presently her eyes riveted upon the closed door. Was it imagination orhad it opened a tiny crack? Distinctly, she could notice a wideningstreak of light.

  She waited expectantly. Noiselessly, the door swung back on itshinges. At first Penny could not see who it was that had come in. Butas he moved toward her, she recognized Jerry Barrows.

  "Don't be afraid," he told her in a whisper. "I've come to help you."

  Penny was relieved to know that the boy had not been seriously injuredby the blow he had received from Brunner. She tried to speak but couldnot.

  Quickly, he bent and untied the cloth about her mouth.

  "Why are you doing this?" Penny whispered.

  "Because you helped me once when I was in trouble," the boy told herinstantly. "Besides, I hate Brunner."

  "He has forced you to continue in crime against your will?"

  "Yes."

  "Your real name is not Jerry Barrows," Penny stated.

  The boy paused in untying the cords about her wrists.

  "No, that isn't my own name," he admitted.

  "You are Jimmie Davis," Penny accused.

  The boy stared. "How did you know?"

  "From a photograph."

  "You haven't told my father?" he demanded nervously.

  "No, I've said nothing of it to anyone. But I think the only way outfor you is to make a clean breast of everything."

  "I mean to tell the truth if I ever get away from here alive."

  "You'll testify against Brunner and Molberg?" Penny questioned eagerly.

  "Yes, if we can manage to escape. The main door is guarded."

  "I came in through a window," Penny told him. "Perhaps we can get outthe same way."

  The instant her bonds had been cut, she sprang to her feet. They movednoiselessly to the door. Jimmie opened it a crack, then closed ithastily. Penny could hear footsteps.

  "It's Brunner!" the boy whispered. "I think he suspects."

  They braced themselves against the door. The knob turned slowly. Thena man's weight was hurled against the panel.

  "Open that door!" Brunner shouted furiously, "Open or I'll break itdown."

  There was no escape from the room for it was without windows. Pennyand her companion held the door as long as they could, but when RapMolberg had come in response to his chief's call, the result wasinevitable. A panel splintered and then the door gave way.

  Penny and her companion retreated against the wall.

  "So you thought you'd help her escape!" Brunner sneered, confrontingthe boy. "I thought I'd find you here. But you'll pay for yourtreachery, Jimmie Davis!"

  He turned to Molberg, tersely ordering him to tie the arms of theprisoners.

  As the man caught her by the wrist, Penny struggled furiously. Jimmiewas too battered from his recent encounter to put up a fight. Herecognized the futility of struggling against impossible odds.

  "What shall we do with 'em now?" Molberg asked gruffly when he hadsucceeded in overpowering Penny. "This girl is a little wildcat ifthere ever was one!"

  "We'll take them along with us," Brunner ordered tersely. "Theimportant thing is to get away from here while the getting is good. Wecan decide the fate of these two later on."

  Penny and her companion were forced to walk into the main room of thesawmill. They saw that everything was in readiness for a hurrieddeparture. The truck had been reloaded and stood waiting by the door.

  "Get in!" Molberg commanded sharply, pushing Penny toward the rear ofthe van.

  "How can I with my hands tied?" she demanded indignantly. "Unfastenthe cords."

  Instead, Molberg lifted her off her feet, dropping her unceremoniouslyamong the neat stacks of car wheels with which the truck was filled.Even less gently, Jimmie Davis was tossed in beside her.

  Then the back end of the van was dropped down and the canvas coverthrown over it. Penny and her companion were enveloped in darkness.

  "Where are they taking us?" she asked in a whisper.

  "Probably to a hideout in another state," Jimmie informed. "Our jig isup unless we can escape."

  "We may have a chance after the truck starts."

  "I doubt it," the boy returned gloomily. "We'll be watched everysecond. If we make a move, they'll shoot."

  Penny relapsed into a moody silence. It was hot and unpleasant in thecovered truck. Her arms hurt where the cords cut deeply into theflesh. Her head had begun to ache and she could think of no way toescape.

  Presently the truck began to move. From the manner in which it bumpedabout, Penny knew they were traveling down the rough side road to themain highway. Once there the van would be absorbed in the generalstream of traffic.

  "I guess Brunner was right when he called me yellow," Jimmie presentlysaid in a low tone. "I've betrayed my father, my sister and myfriends. I wanted to go straight, but Brunner had me in a stranglehold."

  "How
do you mean?" Penny asked.

  "He threatened to tell my father the truth. I'd have quit working forhim 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. WhenI 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'tknow that either. I needed the money the job brought in. I keptgetting in deeper and deeper. I hated to disgrace my father and mysister."

  "I can understand that, Jimmie."

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

  "I suspected that," Penny acknowledged.

  "I was driving a truck of stolen wheels to Chicago when I had ablow-out," the boy went on. "A policeman came over to investigate. Iducked 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. Icouldn't afford to take any chance."

  Before Penny could reply there came a screech of brakes as the truckabruptly 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 somemanner he had traced her telephone call and had brought help!

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

  Then silence.

  Penny, huddling against the wall of the dark van, decided to take achance. 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 hecarried.

  "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 knifesevered 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 tothe fields."

  "And Brunner?"

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

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

  "I suspected that. In fact, I was worried sick for fear I wouldn't getto you in time. Your note gave me a faint clue. Then I traced thetelephone call to the Somm Center exchange so I knew you were somewherein this vicinity. Yesterday we received an anonymous tip that anabandoned sawmill near here would bear investigation. Putting two andtwo together I thought perhaps the gangsters might be captured there."

  "But you came so quickly."

  "By plane to Somm Center," Mr. Nichols smiled. "The police werewaiting for me at the field with automobiles. We lost no time inbottling up all the roads approaching the old sawmill."

  During the hurried conversation, Jimmie Davis had remained quiet. NowMr. Nichols bent over him.

  "Who is this boy, Penny?"

  "It's all right, Dad. Set him free. I'll explain everything."

  The detective cut the bonds and Jimmie stepped down from the truck.

  "Hold on there," a policeman intervened, taking the boy by the arm."You're wanted at headquarters."

  Jimmie offered no resistance. Handcuffs were slipped over his wrists.

  "Oh, Dad, don't let them do that!" Penny pleaded. "He isn't really acriminal."

  "Who is this boy, Penny?" the detective asked again.

  "Jimmie Davis alias Jerry Barrows."

  "Davis! Not Jerome Davis' son!"

  "Yes, he is."

  "Now I begin to understand a few things which weren't clear to mebefore. Why our raid failed, for instance."

  "I don't believe Jerome Davis is implicated with the gang," Pennyinsisted. "Can't you let this boy go free? If it becomes generallyknown that he is the son of a policeman it will do so much harm."

  "We can't favor him on that account, Penny."

  "I realize that, but he's innocent. At least his worst crime was todrive the truck which contained the stolen tires. He only did thatbecause Brunner threatened him."

  "Are you certain?"

  "Yes, I am. I overheard Brunner quarreling with him."

  Penny then began a rapid account of all that she had witnessed at theold sawmill. Several of the policemen gathered near to hear the story.Brunner, handcuffed to an officer, listened intently to her words.

  "It's all a lie," he interrupted. "This Davis boy is the son of an oldfriend of mine. Because I thought so much of his father I came heretonight to try to save the boy from his own folly. I pleaded with himto give up his career of crime--"

  "And why were you found in the company of Rap Molberg?" Mr. Nicholsquestioned severely.

  "I was trying to think of some way----"

  "Never mind," the detective cut him short. "You can explain it to thejudge."

  While Brunner, Molberg and the men who had been captured with them werebeing loaded into police cars, an automobile was observed coming towardthe lane which led to the sawmill.

  "Block the road," Mr. Nichols ordered. "It may be more of the gang."

  A police car was turned crosswise in the highway. The oncomingautomobile stopped just in time to avoid a crash. Officers instantlysurrounded the car.

  Penny, crowding near recognized the driver as Jerome Davis. Beside himcrouched his daughter, Betty.

  "What is the meaning of this?" Mr. Davis demanded.

  His eyes swept the group and came to rest upon his own son who was inthe custody of an officer.

  "Jimmie!" he exclaimed. His shoulders sagged; his hands fell from thesteering wheel. "I see I am too late," he murmured.

  Betty sprang from the car and ran to her brother.

  "Oh, Jimmie, how could you do it?" she cried brokenly. "How could you?"

  Penny slipped her arm about the weeping girl and led her away.

  "Why did you come here tonight, Betty?" she asked gently.

  "We came because we knew Jimmie was in danger. We thought we might gethere ahead of the police and save him from arrest."

  "Then your father knows the truth?"

  "Yes, he's suspected for some weeks that Jimmie was implicated with thedreadful Molberg gang. Tonight he forced me to acknowledge it."

  "But how did you know, Betty?"

  "Once I saw Jimmie with Rap Molberg at the Blind Pig. I realized toothat my brother was deeply in debt. I made him tell me everything."

  "No wonder you were worried," Penny said sympathetically.

  "I didn't know what to do," Betty went on nervously. "I was afraid totell Father the truth because I thought it would just about kill him.He had pledged himself to the task of tracing down the Molberg gang."

  "And of course, if Jimmie's name were linked in any way with theautomobile thefts, it would have cost your father his position."

  "Yes, I was afraid too that Father would insist upon turning Jimmieover to the police. He is so upright and honest. He detests acriminal."

  "How did your father learn the truth, Betty?"

  "He guessed it but at first said nothing to me."

  "How long has he known?"

  "Since the night of the raid. At least that was when he first becamesuspicious. He thought Jimmie had tipped off the Molberg gang thattheir hideouts were to be raided."

  "But how did Jimmie learn that?"

  "Father unintentionally mentioned it at the breakfast table."

  "It was immediately after the raid that Mr. Davis seemed to loseinterest in the case," Penny said musingly.

  "Yes, he was bewildered by the turn of events.
I didn't know it untiltonight, but he quietly set about watching Jimmie. In a short while hehad learned the truth."

  "And how did you know that Jimmie would be here tonight?" Pennyquestioned.

  "He told me," Betty admitted. "For weeks I have pleaded with him togive up this dreadful life he has been leading. He promised me hewould. But he said there was a special reason why he must drive thetruck one more time."

  "That was because the leader of the gang had threatened to tell Mr.Davis," Penny commented.

  "Anyway, tonight Father forced me to admit everything. When he learnedthat Jimmie would be at the old sawmill, he determined to come here andtry to save him from his own folly. Oh, Miss Nichols, do you thinkthey'll keep Jimmie in jail?"

  "Not if I can prevent it," Penny returned firmly. "Come on, I want youto repeat to Father what you've just told me."

  The girls found Mr. Nichols and a group of policemen talking withJerome Davis. The latter looked completely discouraged.

  "I'm not asking you to believe my story or to let Jimmie go free," hesaid quietly. "My son has broken the law and he must be punished thesame as any other offender. Of course I shall resign my position onthe force immediately."

  "That may not be necessary," Mr. Nichols told him kindly. "In myopinion you've already proven that you had no hand in the affair."

  "It was my fault that the raid failed," the policeman accused himself.He turned to his son. "Jimmie, you were the one who tipped off thegang that it was to be staged?"

  "Yes, Father," the boy admitted. "I dropped it out before I thought.I didn't mean to do it."

  "I take all the blame," Jerome Davis said quietly. "I should neverhave mentioned the affair at home."

  He moved over to his son, placing his hand upon his shoulder for aninstant. Then he turned sternly back to the group of officers.

  "Do your duty, men," he directed.

  No one moved.

  "It isn't right to arrest this boy," Penny declared. "He was trying togo straight and he ought to have a chance."

  "He'll get it too!" Mr. Nichols added. "With you as a witness in hisfavor, Penny, I'm confident he'll be released."

  Brunner, Molberg and other members of the captured gang were loadedinto police cars and taken back to Belton City. Although technicallyunder custody, Jimmie Davis rode with Mr. Nichols and was nothandcuffed.

  Betty and her father took Penny home since Mr. Nichols found itnecessary to go to the police station.

  "I can't thank you enough for all you've done," Betty said gratefullyas Penny alighted at her own doorstep. "If Jimmie does go free, itwill be entirely through your efforts and your father's."

  "I think everything will come out right," Penny told her encouragingly."If there's any news I'll let you know the first thing in the morning."

  As the car drove away, Mrs. Gallup rushed out of the house to embracethe girl.

  "Penny, what has happened?" she cried. "Your clothes are dirty andmussed. You're a sight!"

  "I don't doubt it," Penny laughed. "I've had a wild night."

  "I didn't get home until an hour ago," Mrs. Gallup explained. "When Ifound you weren't here I was frantic. I was afraid you might have beenkidnapped again."

  "Rap Molberg won't trouble me after this, Mrs. Gallup. He's spendingthe night in jail."

  She then gave a glowing account of the capture at the Somm Centersawmill. The details left the housekeeper dumbfounded.

  "Penny Nichols, it's plain to see you're going to take after yourfather," she sighed. "One detective in the family is bad enough."

  "It was the most exciting experience of my life!" Penny declared, hereyes gleaming. "I suppose I shall never have another like it."

  In such a prediction, she was entirely mistaken. Without the power tolook into the future she could not know that an adventure of fardifferent character, though even more thrilling, awaited her. _TheMystery of the Lost Key_, the second volume in the Penny Nicholsseries, relates her escapades at Raven Ridge.

  Events had moved with such rapidity that until Mrs. Gallup brought atray of steaming food from the kitchen and set it before her, Penny hadnot realized how very hungry she was. She had just finished the supperwhen Mr. Nichols came home.

  "What news?" Penny asked eagerly.

  "Brunner and Molberg are both behind bars where they belong," herfather reported. "Brunner is trying to raise bail and may get out bymorning."

  "Oh, then he may escape the law after all."

  "No danger of that, Penny. He'll be watched from the instant he leavesthe jail and kept in sight until he appears for trial."

  "Do you think he will be convicted?"

  "I feel sure of it. If you testify against him he hasn't a chance.Will you mind going to court?"

  "I'd love it!" Penny returned instantly. "Nothing would give megreater satisfaction than to serve as a witness against both of thosemen."

  "Brunner was the real brains behind the gang," Mr. Nichols went on."He had everyone fooled, including myself. You did a fine piece ofwork to-night, my dear."

  Penny flushed at the praise.

  "If it hadn't been for your arrival at the critical moment, all myinformation would have been worthless. I guess I was very foolhardy."

  "Perhaps you were, a trifle," the detective smiled. "But aninvestigator must take certain chances. Not that I'd want you to dothe same thing again," he added hastily.

  "You didn't tell me what the police did about Jimmie Davis," Pennyreminded him. "I hope he wasn't sent to jail too."

  "No, he's been placed in the custody of his father for a year. If hestraightens up and doesn't violate his parole, nothing more will everbe said regarding his part in the affair."

  "Oh, I'm so glad! I knew you'd arrange it that way."

  "It wasn't entirely due to my efforts," the detective insisted. "Theboy really isn't bad at heart. The way he came to your rescue provedthat."

  "This will mean so much to Betty and her father," Penny declaredhappily. Her face clouded. "I suppose nothing can save Mr. Davis'position on the force?"

  "Quite the contrary," Mr. Nichols smiled. "It is already arranged thathe shall keep his job."

  "But the newspaper publicity?"

  "There will be none. At least, not regarding Mr. Davis and his son."

  It was long after midnight when Penny went to bed. She was so tiredand worn that she did not awaken until Mrs. Gallup rapped several timesupon her door.

  "What time is it?" Penny inquired drowsily.

  "Nearly noon," the housekeeper reported. "I shouldn't have awakenedyou, only the telephone has been ringing all morning and the yard iscluttered with newspaper men."

  "I'll be right down," Penny laughed, springing out of bed.

  It was a new experience for her to find herself occupying thelimelight. She enjoyed talking with the reporters but took care toreveal nothing which involved either Mr. Davis or his son. The morningpapers played up the story of the capture, and Penny's photograph, dugup from the morgue, appeared upon the front page.

  She was studying it with mingled feelings of pleasure anddisappointment when Susan Altman burst in upon her.

  "Congratulations!" she beamed. "I see by the morning paper that youare famous!"

  "Did you ever see such a horrible picture?" Penny complained. "It'sthree years old at least. Why, I look positively juvenile. Where theeditor found it I don't know."

  "You should worry about such a trifle as that!" Susan scoffed. "Tellme the entire story."

  "There's nothing to report except what's in the paper," Penny replied.

  Although she longed to relate the part which Jimmie had played, shewisely refrained from mentioning his name. If he were to have hisopportunity to begin life anew, the past must be forgotten.

  For days Penny found herself besieged by friends and acquaintances whowere eager to learn all the details of her adventure. When she walkeddowntown she was gazed upon with awe and admiration.

  At the trial o
f Rap Molberg and George Brunner, she appeared as thestate's star witness. The garage owner, well fortified withdishonestly acquired money, had employed one of the best criminallawyers in the state to defend him. Penny was put through a severetest when she took the stand, but although nervous, she answered allquestions calmly and clearly. Her testimony was largely responsiblefor the conviction of both Rap Molberg and Brunner. The two wereordered confined to the state penitentiary for a long term of years.

  Mr. Nichols was jubilant at the result of the trial.

  "This definitely clears up the case," he declared. "And I think itcalls for a big celebration."

  The victory event took the form of a gala dinner at Belton City'sleading hotel. Penny invited Susan and many of her high schoolfriends. In addition, policemen, detectives and all persons who hadaided in the capture of the thieves, were present.

  "We will have no speeches," Mr. Nichols had promised. "Only good foodand plenty of fun."

  Penny therefore was surprised when her father, who occupied the chairat the head of the table, arose and faced the expectant group.

  "I don't mean to break my promise about speech making," he smiled."For that reason, without any formality, I shall present to mydaughter, Penny, this token of merit from the officials of the RelianceInsurance Company for her splendid work in connection with the Molbergcase."

  Penny gasped as her father held up a tiny bejeweled wrist watch andplaced it in her hand. It was the daintiest and most exquisitetimepiece she had ever seen.

  "Oh, isn't it wonderful," chorused a bevy of friends as they gatheredabout.

  "It's the nicest thing that ever happened to me," Penny declared. "Ican't begin to say how grateful I am."

  "Aren't you going to look at the inscription?" her father inquired, hiseyes twinkling.

  In surprise she glanced down at the case. Her face flushed.

  "Read it aloud!" commanded her friends.

  Penny was too confused to obey. For engraved on the watch case, in thetiniest of letters, were the words:

  "TO PENNY NICHOLS FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICES AS AN AGENT OF JUSTICE."

  THE END