Penny occasionally had visited juvenile court sessions and in many respects the stories she had heard there corresponded to Jerry Barrows' account of his difficulties. Yet in some ways his tale did not ring true. Obviously, he was trying to convey the impression that he had never had a chance and yet he wore expensive clothing. She suspected too that he had been educated in a school fully as good as the one she attended. "I am sorry, but I must turn you over to the police," she told him. "I don't believe your story. It doesn't hang together." A strange change came over the boy's face. The last trace of arrogance left him as he turned pleading eyes upon the two girls. "I lied about my name," he admitted, "but I did it because I want to protect my mother. If she learns that I am in trouble again it will kill her. Please, won't you let me go free?" Even as the boy spoke, his eyes were roving to the door. It would not be difficult for him to overpower the two girls and escape if he really chose. "If I should let you go will you promise not to get into any more trouble?" Penny asked suddenly. The boy nodded. "I'll find a job and keep straight." "Would you really work if you had a position?" Penny questioned. "Would I? Just try me!" "Then I'm going to turn you loose," she decided. "Come to my father's office tomorrow at nine o'clock. I'll ask him to help you find a position." "Where is his office?" the boy inquired. "In room 305 of the Leader building. You'll see his name on the door. Christopher Nichols." "Nichols, the detective?" the boy questioned uneasily. "Yes, but you needn't be afraid he'll turn you over to the police. Wait now, and I'll see if the coast is clear." Opening the garage door a tiny crack, Penny peered out. As she had expected there were no officers lingering about the neighborhood. "It's safe to leave," she informed. He started away, then paused and offered his hand to Penny. "Thanks for giving me a break," he told her gratefully. "I really meant what I said about going straight." With that he darted through the open door and was lost in the night. CHAPTER III An Impulsive Act "I don't know why I let him escape," Penny said self-accusingly as she closed the garage doors. "I simply did it on the impulse of the moment." "One couldn't help liking the boy," Susan declared optimistically. "Do you suppose he'll keep his promise and come to see your father?" "If he doesn't I'll know I made a silly mistake. I hope they can't put me in jail for permitting criminals to escape!" "You might look very well in stripes," Susan teased. "They would never become me because I'm too plump." Penny was in no mood to respond to the attempted banter. "I wonder what Dad will say when he learns about it," she mused uncomfortably. She did not have long to speculate for as the girls turned toward the house Mr. Nichols came down the walk.