"Not if I can prevent it," Penny returned firmly. "Come on, I want you to repeat to Father what you've just told me."
The girls found Mr. Nichols and a group of policemen talking with Jerome Davis. The latter looked completely discouraged.
"I'm not asking you to believe my story or to let Jimmie go free," he said quietly. "My son has broken the law and he must be punished the same as any other offender. Of course I shall resign my position on the force immediately."
"That may not be necessary," Mr. Nichols told him kindly. "In my opinion you've already proven that you had no hand in the affair."
"It was my fault that the raid failed," the policeman accused himself. He turned to his son. "Jimmie, you were the one who tipped off the gang that it was to be staged?"
"Yes, Father," the boy admitted. "I dropped it out before I thought. I didn't mean to do it."
"I take all the blame," Jerome Davis said quietly. "I should never have mentioned the affair at home."
He moved over to his son, placing his hand upon his shoulder for an instant. Then he turned sternly back to the group of officers.
"It isn't right to arrest this boy," Penny declared. "He was trying to go straight and he ought to have a chance."
"He'll get it too!" Mr. Nichols added. "With you as a witness in his favor, Penny, I'm confident he'll be released."
Brunner, Molberg and other members of the captured gang were loaded into police cars and taken back to Belton City. Although technically under custody, Jimmie Davis rode with Mr. Nichols and was not handcuffed.
Betty and her father took Penny home since Mr. Nichols found it necessary to go to the police station.
"I can't thank you enough for all you've done," Betty said gratefully as Penny alighted at her own doorstep. "If Jimmie does go free, it will be entirely through your efforts and your father's."
"I think everything will come out right," Penny told her encouragingly. "If there's any news I'll let you know the first thing in the morning."
As the car drove away, Mrs. Gallup rushed out of the house to embrace the girl.
"Penny, what has happened?" she cried. "Your clothes are dirty and mussed. You're a sight!"
"I don't doubt it," Penny laughed. "I've had a wild night."