ate affairs."

"I thought that was the work of a detective," Penny said teasingly.

"When a man commits a crime, then his actions become a matter of public
concern," Mr. Nichols replied. "I had a long talk with Michael last
night and if I'm any judge of character, he's a decent sort. I don't
intend to pry into his personal affairs just for the pleasure of it."

"Well, if the tin spoons disappear don't blame me," Penny laughed,
imitating the housekeeper's shrill voice.

"Young Michael will save me a great deal of petty annoyance," Mr.
Nichols went on. "I mean for him to serve as a buffer between me and
Mrs. Masterbrook."

"For some reason she's taken an intense dislike to him, Dad."

"I noticed that, Penny. Mrs. Masterbrook isn't happy unless she is
reading the law to someone. With young Michael here, she'll vent her
spite on him and leave us to enjoy our vacation."

"How marvelously your mind works, Dad!"

"I do think of a smart idea now and then."

"Wouldn't it be wiser to discharge Mrs. Masterbrook?"

"She bakes wonderful biscuits," the detective answered. "Besides, she
amuses me. I'm curious to see how she gets on with young Michael."

"You're beyond my depth," Penny said with a shrug. "I don't understand
your whims at all."

She was forced to admit that from the standpoint of work her father had
made no mistake in hiring the young man. Michael put the cooking stove
in good order again, chopped a day's supply of wood and repaired the
pump. He worked quietly, yet effectively. Even the housekeeper could
find no complaint to voice.

"Michael, I suppose you'll be wanting to see Herman Crocker sometime
today," Mr. Nichols remarked to the young man.

"Why, yes, sir, I guess so," he replied uncertainly.

"You said that was why you came here," the detective reminded him.

"Yes, sir. I do want to see Mr. Crocker on a matter of business."

"Feel free to run down there whenever you like," Mr. Nichols told him.
"You've done enough work around here for one day."

"Thank you, sir."

Mr. Nichols went for a long walk in the woods but Penny chose to remain
at the cottage with a magazine. Michael worked about the yard, washing
the automobile. He did not seem in any hurry to make his call upon
Herman Crocker.

"I don't believe he's anxious to go there at all," Penny thought. "I
wonder if he didn't make up the entire story?"

She was somewhat surprised to observe that for the most part Mrs.
Maste