Penny Nichols and the Black Imp

A resourceful young woman whose father is a noted detective becomes involved when a prized gallery statuette is stolen and a young sculptress is suspected. She pursues leads through rooming houses, chance encounters, and interviews, confronting anonymous threats, mysterious agents, and staggered alibis. The investigation includes stakeouts, a hold-up, a missing workman, and a daring capture, followed by a destructive fire and the eventual disclosure of a hidden secret. The plot blends investigative procedure with personal loyalties and artistic settings as the protagonist pieces together clues to expose the scheme.