will see to it that you're up to date on all the news."

"She'll probably appropriate the telephone too," said the detective
ruefully. "But I think I'll put one in anyway. Coming with me, Penny?"

"No, I'd rather stay here, Dad. I thought I'd write a letter to Susan."

After her father had driven away, Penny unpacked her suitcase. Then
she carried her writing materials to a pleasant nook not far from the
ravine, finding a flat rock which served as a desk.

The letter was soon finished. Penny sealed it and then sat for a long
time gazing at the distant trees which were waving gently in the breeze.

"It's nice here," she thought dreamily, "but rather dull. I wish Susan
could visit me. Together we might stir up a little excitement."

After a while Penny dozed off. When she awoke she gathered up her
writing things and walked back to the house. She chanced to be wearing
tennis shoes and so made very little noise as she entered.

Penny had no intention of trying to spy upon Mrs. Masterbrook. In
fact, she had forgotten all about the housekeeper as she made her way
toward her own bedroom.

The kitchen and living rooms were in order but quite deserted. The
significance of this did not dawn upon Penny.

Then she came to the doorway of her father's bedroom. She might have
passed it without a glance had she not heard a startled cry.

"Oh, I didn't hear you come in!" muttered Mrs. Masterbrook in confusion.

The woman had been caught in the act of examining letters and papers
contained in Mr. Nichols' suitcase. She straightened up quickly, a
deep flush spreading over her cheeks.

"Mrs. Masterbrook!" said Penny sternly. "Kindly explain the meaning of
this! Why are you prying into my father's private papers?"

CHAPTER V

A Night Visitor

"How dare you accuse me of such a thing!" exclaimed Mrs. Masterbrook
angrily. "I merely came into this bedroom to do the work for which I
was hired."

"Did my father employ you to read his private letters?" asked Penny
coldly.

"I was cleaning the room and I thought I would unpack the suitcase. I
had just come upon these letters when you walked in."

"I'll relieve you of them now," said Penny. "Hereafter, please don't
touch anything either in father's suitcase or my own."

Mrs. Masterbrook did not trust herself to reply. With an angry toss of
her head she marched back to the kitchen, slamming the door behind her.

"I don't care if she is out of sorts!" P