pecial trip to find Mrs. Masterbrook. However,
there seemed no other way since the landlord had proved himself to be
such an unaccommodating person.

"You'll likely be going in to town sometime to-day?" ventured Mr.
Crocker as Penny turned to leave.

"Why, I imagine so. We'll need supplies."

The man hesitated, and then said in a tone which he tried to make sound
casual: "It might be just as well for you not to mention to folks that
you saw my nephew. Not that I have any secrets to keep. I just don't
like folks nosing into my affairs. Anyway, Walter's gone now and it's
no one's business but my own."

"I am a stranger in the community," replied Penny. "I'd have no
occasion to speak of your nephew."

"That's what I thought," said Herman Crocker in a tone of relief.
"Well, if there's anything more you need, let me know. And I'll see
that you get a supply of wood before nightfall."

"Thank you," Penny responded.

She permitted herself a smile as she walked down the lane with the arm
load of bedding. It was easy enough to see why Mr. Crocker had become
so obliging. He expected a favor in return--her silence regarding
Walter Crocker.

"He acts almost as if he is ashamed of his nephew," she thought. "I
wonder why he doesn't wish folks to learn about him."

Mr. Nichols had finished shaving by the time Penny reached the cottage.

"Well, I hope you rounded up some breakfast for us," he remarked.

Penny shook her head as she dropped the pile of linen on the table.

"No such luck, Dad. I asked Mr. Crocker for so many things I didn't
try to get any food. He's the strangest man!"

"What's so strange about him?"

"I suspect he's a miser or something of the sort. Anyway, he keeps a
wicked looking dog and goes around the premises with a shotgun. He
won't let his grandson talk with strangers, either."

"You didn't learn much, did you?"

"Well, I didn't have a very good chance," Penny grinned. "You see, he
wouldn't let me into the house. I had to wait on the porch while he
brought the things."

"Penny, are you making all this up?"

"Of course not!" she retorted indignantly. "Wait until you meet Mr.
Crocker. He's a very mysterious character."

"Then I'd just as soon not meet him," laughed the detective. "In my
present mood he'd not interest me a bit."

"I'll tell you about the practical results of our talk," smiled Penny.
"We're to have all the wood we need and our electric lights should be
hook