"Not so well. It starts hard and has a funny sound in the engine. In a few days I mean to take it back to the Brunner garage for a complete overhaul."
South Lake Street was located in the poorer section of Belton City. The neighborhood was noted for its second-hand stores and it was said that sooner or later stolen merchandise found its way into the crowded little shops which lined the narrow thoroughfare. Often wares were piled upon the sidewalks to attract an unwary buyer. Stoves, cheap tables, and all manner of hardware rubbed elbows with clever brass jugs, imported vases and Oriental rugs.
Presently, Susan halted her car in front of a tire shop which was located at the outskirts of "second hand" row.
The owner of the shop, a short, squat little man with beady black eyes, stood at the window. He eyed the girls sharply.
"Let's, but we mustn't act as if we suspect anything."
Assuming a casual attitude, they sauntered into the shop. The dealer recognized Susan instantly. On her first visit he had been a trifle too cordial, but now he regarded her shrewdly.
"My friend wishes to buy a new wheel," Susan informed. "She'd like to see one like I bought yesterday."
Again the dealer cast a sharp glance at Penny.
"Haven't I seen you in here before?" he asked.
Penny shook her head. "No, this is the first time I ever came into your store."
"I've seen you somewhere," the man muttered. "Now, I know! You're Christopher Nichols' daughter!" He pronounced the name of the detective with a slight sneer.
"Yes, I am," Penny acknowledged reluctantly. "But I'm sure I've never seen you before."
"That's my business," the dealer retorted shortly. "I am sorry, but I can't do business with you. Good day."
"Not for you, I haven't. You're a snooper just like your father! Get out of here!"
Penny would have carried the argument further, but Susan tugged at her sleeve. They hastily left the shop. As they drove away, they saw the dealer standing at the plate glass window, watching.
"Such a horrible man!" Susan gasped. "I was actually afraid of him. What made him act like that?"
"I think he must have guessed why we came," Penny told her. "As a sleuth I seem to be a walking advertisement of my calling!"
"He recognized you the minute you stepped into the store. Didn't that strike you as queer?"