"True, but to date the result of our investigation has been disappointing. This haul tonight has all the earmarks of Rap Molberg's hand, yet my men can find no trace of him in the city." Penny could not restrain her news an instant longer. She half expected that her father would scold her for the taxicab escapade, but to her surprise he became mildly excited. "Can you give me an accurate description of the man, Penny?" "He was about five and a half feet in height and wore workman's clothes." "Undoubtedly, a disguise," the detective interposed. "His eyes were dark. The expression of his mouth was sullen. His teeth were uneven." "Did you notice a scar on his cheek?" "No." "The mark isn't really significant, for Rap Molberg would be clever enough to hide it. Did you observe anything more?" "He seemed extremely nervous. And the telephone conversation made me suspicious. Oh, yes, when he drove away I copied down the license number." "Let me see it," Mr. Nichols said eagerly. She handed it to him. "Penny, you've done a fine piece of work," he praised. "But I let him get away." "You couldn't help that. This license number may make it possible for us to trace him. I'll telephone police headquarters right now and see if they know anything about the car." He sought a telephone in an adjoining room. Penny lingered by his elbow while he made the call. After talking for some minutes, he hung up the receiver. "I was afraid we might run into this, Penny. The license number which you noted down belongs to a stolen car." "Then it won't be of any use to you." "Probably not a great deal. But don't feel disappointed. It wasn't your fault that the man got away. He has eluded some very clever investigators." "I had another queer experience when I went to meet Susan," Penny related. "Did you ever hear of a policeman by the name of Jerome Davis?" "Yes, why?" Briefly, Penny told of her meeting with the officer and his daughter. "I can't comprehend why Betty tried to prevent her father from writing out a report of the theft, Dad. If such information leaked out it might cost him his position on the force." "I can readily understand that," Mr. Nichols returned. "Jerome Davis is in a bad spot already." "Just how do you mean?" "In the first place, he has never stooped to play politics. Some of his superiors dislike him on that account, although until recently they never questioned his honesty." "Has anything ever been proven against him?" "No, but he has been subjected to severe criticism because so many auto accessory thefts have occurred in his district. The situation gives his enemies a fine opportunity to shoot at him." "I suppose that explains why Betty didn't want him to report another theft. She was afraid it might cost him his job." "That might be the reason." "It won't be fair if they discharge him on account of something he can't prevent." "Life isn't always fair, Penny."