papers to
that effect."

"The masquerading Walter Crocker is merely a blackmailer," the
detective continued. "Undoubtedly, he knew that he could never
establish a court claim to the fortune. But with the letters in his
possession, he was able to frighten Herman Crocker into dealing with
him privately."

"What finally became of the letters?" inquired Michael.

"Dad has them," said Penny. "And we have other evidence which should
help your cause. At Crocker's house we found an account book showing
that the old man paid the Glenhaven Home various amounts of money."

"I can't understand why a man would do such a thing," Michael said
slowly. "Why did my uncle hate me?"

"Probably he didn't," replied the detective. "You merely stood in Mr.
Crocker's way. Greed leads many a person astray."

"It was queer that for years Herman Crocker fooled everyone in Kendon,"
Penny remarked. "And then someone must have discovered his secret."

"I am puzzled by the anonymous letter," Mr. Nichols admitted, turning
to Michael again. "I don't suppose you have it with you?"

"Yes, I do. You may read it if you wish."

Michael took a crumpled envelope from his inside coat pocket and
offered it to the detective. Mr. Nichols scanned it briefly.

"The letter was postmarked at Kendon," he said.

"May I see it, Dad?" requested Penny.

He gave the letter to her and she studied it for a moment in silence.
The communication contained no new information. As Michael had said,
it merely hinted that he was the true heir to the Crocker fortune, and
that he would find evidence to support his claim at the Knob Hill
cottage. Penny was more interested in the handwriting than in the
message. It seemed to her that it looked strangely familiar.

"Why, I've seen this writing before!" she exclaimed.

"Do you know who sent the letter?" asked her father quickly.

"I can make a very shrewd guess," replied Penny. "It was our all-wise
housekeeper, Mrs. Masterbrook!"

CHAPTER XX

Alias Jay Kline

"It would be in keeping with Mrs. Masterbrook's character to send an
anonymous letter," Mr. Nichols agreed quickly.

"I am just sure this is her handwriting," Penny insisted. "I'd not be
mistaken for she has made out so many grocery lists."

Mr. Nichols took the letter and put it in his pocket.

"Then Mrs. Masterbrook is the one person who should be able to clear up
this tangle," he said. "We'll go to the cottage and question her."

T