Penny Nichols Finds a Clue Part 35

"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 a.s.signed 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. Your note gave me a faint clue. Then I traced the telephone call to the Somm Center exchange so I knew you were somewhere in this vicinity. Yesterday we received an anonymous tip that an abandoned sawmill near here would bear investigation. Putting two and two 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 were waiting for me at the field with automobiles. We lost no time in bottling up all the roads approaching the old sawmill."

During the hurried conversation, Jimmie Davis had remained quiet. Now Mr. 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 a criminal."

"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 me before. Why our raid failed, for instance."

"I don't believe Jerome Davis is implicated with the gang," Penny insisted. "Can't you let this boy go free? If it becomes generally known 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 to drive the truck which contained the stolen tires. He only did that because 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 the old 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 old friend of mine. Because I thought so much of his father I came here tonight to try to save the boy from his own folly. I pleaded with him to give up his career of crime--"

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

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