"No, he's been placed in the custody of his father for a year. If he straightens up and doesn't violate his parole, nothing more will ever be said regarding his part in the affair."
"Oh, I'm so glad! I knew you'd arrange it that way."
"It wasn't entirely due to my efforts," the detective insisted. "The boy really isn't bad at heart. The way he came to your rescue proved that."
"This will mean so much to Betty and her father," Penny declared happily. Her face clouded. "I suppose nothing can save Mr. Davis' position on the force?"
"Quite the contrary," Mr. Nichols smiled. "It is already arranged that he shall keep his job."
"There will be none. At least, not regarding Mr. Davis and his son."
It was long after midnight when Penny went to bed. She was so tired and worn that she did not awaken until Mrs. Gallup rapped several times upon her door.
"What time is it?" Penny inquired drowsily.
"Nearly noon," the housekeeper reported. "I shouldn't have awakened you, only the telephone has been ringing all morning and the yard is cluttered with newspaper men."
"I'll be right down," Penny laughed, springing out of bed.
It was a new experience for her to find herself occupying the limelight. She enjoyed talking with the reporters but took care to reveal nothing which involved either Mr. Davis or his son. The morning papers played up the story of the capture, and Penny's photograph, dug up from the morgue, appeared upon the front page.
She was studying it with mingled feelings of pleasure and disappointment when Susan Altman burst in upon her.
"Congratulations!" she beamed. "I see by the morning paper that you are famous!"
"Did you ever see such a horrible picture?" Penny complained. "It's three years old at least. Why, I look positively juvenile. Where the editor found it I don't know."
"You should worry about such a trifle as that!" Susan scoffed. "Tell me the entire story."
"There's nothing to report except what's in the paper," Penny replied.
Although she longed to relate the part which Jimmie had played, she wisely refrained from mentioning his name. If he were to have his opportunity to begin life anew, the past must be forgotten.
For days Penny found herself besieged by friends and acquaintances who were eager to learn all the details of her adventure. When she walked downtown she was gazed upon with awe and admiration.