Mr. Nichols

“ The fruit of this marriage was two sons and one daughter, neither of whom is now living. His present wife has two living children. He has an humble home of his own.
Mr. Nichols is a man of energy, industry and decision of character; he has opinions and has the courage to express them. No man has any trouble in times of controversy to locate him, and yet in his rulings as presiding officer of the above named association, the writer has seen evidences of prudence and commendable flexibility. ”

“ Nichols examined the cloth very closely and then compared it with the wick of the toy lantern.
"The material looks exactly the same to me, Dad!" Penny declared excitedly.
"It is identical," her father agreed. "Where did you say you bought the goods?"
"At Hunters Store. Unfortunately, every woman in Kendon seems to have bought this same material."
Mr. Nichols reached for his hat. "I'm going down there now and talk with the storekeeper," he declared.
"Then you think the clue is important, Dad."
"Yes, I do, Penny. It may not lead to anything, but one can never be sure." ”

“ Kirmenbach. "What would a jewel thief—a grown man be doing with a toy lantern?"
"It does appear a bit unusual," Mr. Nichols admitted, "but I feel certain there is a logical explanation."
"I have great faith in your ability, Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Kirmenbach. "However, I must say that I am unable to see where this clue will lead."
"At the moment I have no idea myself," replied the detective, smiling. "But I think that this may develop into something."
He declined to amplify his statement further, and a few minutes later left the house with Penny. They drove slowly back toward Knob Hill. ”

“ Penny said teasingly.
"When a man commits a crime, then his actions become a matter of public concern," Mr. Nichols replied. "I had a long talk with Michael last night and if I'm any judge of character, he's a decent sort. I don't intend to pry into his personal affairs just for the pleasure of it."
"Well, if the tin spoons disappear don't blame me," Penny laughed, imitating the housekeeper's shrill voice.
"Young Michael will save me a great deal of petty annoyance," Mr. Nichols went on. "I mean for him to serve as a buffer between me and Mrs. Masterbrook." ”

“ Masterbrook hard at work. She had cleaned up all the rooms, and she came out to the car to help carry in the groceries.
"The electric company man was here while you were gone," she told Mr. Nichols. "The lights are on now."
"Fine," replied the detective. "And how about our supply of wood?"
"Herman sent over enough for today and to-morrow. He said he'd get busy and cut more. But I'd not count on it. Herman is as lazy as all get out."
Mr. Nichols laughed and told the housekeeper that he and Penny were going for a little walk before lunch. ”

“ It does seem a little strange that she succeeded in carrying a package out of the building without being stopped by a guard, but probably she will be cleared of suspicion within a day or so."
Mr. Nichols locked his desk for it was time to close. As he and Penny were preparing to leave, the secretary appeared in the doorway.
"A man to see you, Mr. Nichols."
"A man did you say?" the detective asked with a twinkle. "Or a gentleman?"
"A man," the secretary repeated firmly. ”

“ The living room had a large fireplace but no other item of comfort. The three chairs were all straight-backed, the carpet was moth-eaten and dusty, and a small table still bore a vase filled with shriveled flowers which someone had forgotten to throw away.
"Come along, Penny," said Mr. Nichols starting toward the door. "We'll not stay here."
"But where will we go?" Penny placed a detaining hand on his arm. "There's no hotel in the village."
"It would be more pleasant sleeping in the car."
"You know we'd be stiff in every muscle if we tried that, Dad. Let's open a few windows. ”

“ Penny stood on the sagging porch until her father returned with the lighted lantern. The bright beam illuminated a wide circle of barren kitchen. An old cook stove occupied one corner of the room; there was a plain table with four chairs and a make-shift sink with old-fashioned pump. The floors were without carpet or linoleum. Every piece of furniture was covered by several inches of dust.
"Wait until I see that man Kilkane!" said Mr. Nichols indignantly. "Why, the electricity hasn't even been turned on. We can't live in a place like this!"
"Let's look at the other rooms, Dad." ”

“ Gallup came from the kitchen with a tray of sandwiches and a tall pitcher of fruit juice. For a time Penny and her father confined their talk to less vital subjects. But when the housekeeper had gone from the room again, Mr. Nichols took up the matter where it had been dropped.
"If my raids tomorrow night are successful, it will end the case. We may need you, Penny, to show the officers how to get into the Hamilton building."
"I'd like to help," she assured him eagerly.
"Good," Mr. Nichols said warmly as he picked up the evening paper. "Until the appointed hour, don't go near the Plant. ”

“ As I say, he's something of a recluse."
"We met his nephew this evening."
"His nephew?" asked Mr. Kilkane raising his eyebrows. "That's a new one on me. I didn't know Herman had one. But then, he's close mouthed."
"We gave this fellow a ride in our car," Mr. Nichols said. "Then he went off somewhere. I suppose he's on his way to see his uncle."
"Did you say that Herman Crocker's home is close to our cottage?" inquired Penny.
"Yes, Miss. They're about a quarter of a mile apart on the Knob Hill road."
"Will we have many other neighbors?" asked the detective. ”

“ Were the pearls actually insured?"
"Oh, of course," Mr. Nichols returned, a trifle impatiently. He laughed. "I can't imagine the Reliance people turning over a cold fifteen thousand dollars if they didn't owe it."
"But if Mrs. Dillon expects to collect the money why should she lie?"
The detective shrugged. "Some women are funny."
Mrs. Gallup came to announce dinner and at the table the subject was not resumed. Penny sighed as she stole a glance at her father's immobile face. ”

“ Now as she entered her father's office, it did not occur to Penny that she had embarked upon a new adventure. She perched herself on the corner of the desk and swiftly gave an account not only of the daring theft at the art museum, but of her unpleasant meeting with Hanley Cron. Mr. Nichols was deeply interested in the details of the theft.
"A Rembrandt," he whistled softly. "That painting must represent quite a tidy sum of money." ”

“ Jerome Davis admitted hesitatingly.
"Have you another?" Mr. Nichols probed.
"It's this way," the officer informed, growing confidential. "The commissioner seems to think that I've sold out to Rap Molberg. At least he appears to suspect that I serve as a stool pigeon for the gang, and tip them off as to the best time to pull a job. I've been demoted twice. A self-respecting man would have resigned long ago." ”

“ Mr. Nichols chuckled. "I shouldn't care for it myself. Digging up the black history of influential citizens isn't the most profitable occupation in the world."
Realizing that she was being teased, Penny dropped the subject. However, no sooner had her father buried himself in his newspaper again than she thought of another question which she could not resist asking.
"What did you learn about that license number I gave you last night, Dad?"
"It was issued in this county. Without the complete number it will be impossible to trace the car." ”

“ She called me at once. The wall safe had been forced and my box of jewels was missing. My husband sent for the police at once."
"And they learned nothing," Mr. Kirmenbach said in a tone of disgust. "There were no finger-marks, no evidence of any kind."
"How many servants do you employ?" asked the detective.
"Only three," answered Mrs. Kirmenbach. "Ellen is the maid, and we have a colored woman who does the cooking. Jerry, a young college boy, serves as our chauffeur. I can vouch for them all."
"I'll talk with them later," Mr. Nichols said. ”

“ Penny relapsed into moody silence as she walked toward the house with Mr. Nichols and her chum. She had begun to regret her hasty action.
"I left your roadster at a downtown garage," Mr. Nichols commented, switching to a different subject. "I notified the police that the wheels had been stolen but I did not have time to see the insurance company. I can attend to it in the morning unless you care to do it yourself." ”

“ Penny thought. "I don't dare do that—yet."
She was relieved when her father came a few minutes later.
"I'm sorry to bother you at your home," Mrs. Dillon began nervously, "but I had to see you at once. My pearl necklace was stolen this afternoon."
"Yes, so I heard," Mr. Nichols replied.
"I want you to take the case. You must help me recover my pearls."
"I am afraid I can't take the case, Mrs. Dillon."
"But why not? You've helped others. Everyone says you are the best detective in the city. And I'll pay you well."
"It isn't a matter of money, Mrs. Dillon. ”

“ In the third volume of the Penny Nichols’ series, entitled, “The Secret of the Black Imp,” she encounters a mystery more baffling than any she has previously solved.
After Mrs. Leeds and her daughter left the house, the others took Mr. Nichols for a tour of the secret passageway. Jacob Winters explained in detail how the panel operated and entertained them by playing several selections on the pipe organ.
“I love music,” Rosanna remarked wistfully. “I’ve never even had an opportunity to learn to play the piano.” ”

“ Dillon. The detective smiled at the slighting reference made by the art critic but looked disturbed when he learned of the luncheon engagement.
"Before she gets through, Mrs. Dillon will have informed everyone that she is taking the necklace to the vault tomorrow," he said impatiently. "If she ends up by losing the pearls then perhaps she'll know better next time."
Mr. Nichols stopped at the police station for a few minutes to leave the revolver and the bullet which he had retrieved from the ballroom wall. When he returned to the car Penny questioned him regarding the holdup men. ”

“ Penny remarked.
"Naturally not," Mr. Nichols smiled. "If they came here to report, every crook in Belton City would be aware of it within an hour."
"Then how do you keep in touch with your men?" Penny asked curiously.
"There are a few secrets which I must keep to myself. Aren't you taking a rather sudden interest in my work, Penny?"
"Perhaps I am. Since my car wheels were stolen I feel personally concerned in the case. I wish I could do something to help."
Mr. Nichols became grave. "There is nothing you can do, Penny. ”

“ They turned to greet her.
"Aren't you an early bird this morning, Penny?" inquired her father.
"Oh, I just went for a little walk before breakfast, Dad."
Mrs. Masterbrook appeared in the doorway.
"You're lucky to get anything to eat this morning," she said stiffly. "There's something the matter with the stove. It doesn't draw properly and we're practically out of wood."
"Anything else wrong about the place?" Mr. Nichols asked with a sigh.
"There are enough odd jobs around here to keep a man busy for a week," replied the housekeeper. ”

“ Penny had risen to her feet. She moved quickly forward.
“There’s no need to do that,” she said pleasantly. “If Rosanna doesn’t mind, I am perfectly willing to exchange rooms with Mrs. Leeds.”
“Why, of course,” Rosanna agreed. “It doesn’t matter to me where I sleep.”
Satisfied at having her own way, Mrs. Leeds quieted down. She even thanked the girls graciously for the sacrifice they had made. The clerk gave out the keys.
“Why did you do that?” Mr. Nichols asked gruffly as he and the girls followed a bellboy to the elevator. “Your room up by the roof will be hot as blazes.” ”

“ Can you drive a car?"
"Yes."
"Then you could drive to town for our groceries, see that we have a daily wood supply, and repair all the things around here that are falling to pieces."
"Our landlord is expected to see that the place is in livable condition," Penny said quickly. She felt a little troubled because her father wished to engage the strange young man.
"If we wait for him to take care of things, we'll never be comfortable here," returned Mr. Nichols. He turned again to Michael Haymond. "Perhaps I have spoken out of turn. Probably you aren't in need of a job." ”

“ Dillon is the worst social climber in Belton City."
"Just the same we accepted this invitation and we'll have to go," Penny said sternly.
"I can't make it. I have important work to do."
"But Dad——"
"You go alone, Penny, and do the honors for the family. Tell Mrs. Dillon that I came down with croup most unexpectedly. Tell her anything you like, only count me out."
"She'll never forgive you if you don't go. Can't you possibly make it?"
Mr. Nichols frowned in annoyance. "I suppose I might be able to drop around late in the evening. Possibly in time to take you home." ”

“ I can't see why someone doesn't take an interest in his welfare."
During the next two days Penny found time heavy upon her hands. Mr. Nichols frequently was absent from the cottage and Mrs. Masterbrook and Michael proved very poor company. The housekeeper talked entirely too much about nothing while Michael scarcely spoke a word unless Penny asked him a direct question. ”