Penny told him what had transpired in the cafe, and revealed that she and Louise had been rebuked by the policeman. Salt, occupied with driving, did not consider the incident in any way significant.

“Oh, you know how some cops are,” he commented carelessly.

The car went into a wild skid and Salt thereafter devoted his attention strictly to driving.

Without further mishap, the party arrived safely at Riverview. Louise alighted at her own home, and then Salt took Penny to the Parker residence.

“Won’t you come in for a cup of chocolate?” she invited.

“Thanks, not tonight,” Salt replied. “I’m dead tired. Think I’ll hit the hay early.”

Only one light burned in the living-room as Penny stomped in out of the cold. Mrs. Weems, the plump housekeeper who had served the Parkers for many years, sat beside the hearth, sewing.

“I’m glad you’re home at last!” she exclaimed, getting up quickly. “You’ve no idea how worried I’ve been.”

“But Louise and I telephoned.”

“I couldn’t hear you very well. I barely was able to make out that something had happened to your car.”

“A major catastrophe, Mrs. Weems. Every tire was stolen!”

While the housekeeper bombarded her with questions, Penny stripped off overshoes and heavy outer clothing. Pools of water began to form on the rug.

“Take everything out to the kitchen,” Mrs. Weems said hastily. “Have you had your supper?”

“Not even a nibble. And I’m starving!”

As Mrs. Weems began to prepare a hot meal, Penny perched herself on the kitchen table, alternately talking, and chewing on a sugared bun.

“If you ever were lost in an Arctic blizzard you have a good picture of what Louise and I endured,” she narrated grandly. “Oh, it was awful!”

“Losing five practically new tires is a mere detail in comparison?”

“It’s nothing less than a tragedy! I was thinking—maybe you ought to break the sad news to Dad.”

“Indeed not. You’ll have to tell him yourself. However, he’s 

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