The girls emerged from the woods close to the Nichols' cottage. Observing that an automobile stood by the fence, they both halted.
"Why, that is Walter Crocker's car!" Susan exclaimed in an undertone.
"He must have driven straight over here from Herman's place," Penny added. "Now what do you suppose he wants?"
The girls walked slowly on. As they drew near the automobile, Walter Crocker alighted and tipped his hat politely.
"How do you do, Miss Nichols," he said with a forced smile. "I'm not sure if you remember me or not."
"I remember you perfectly," replied Penny, hiding her uneasiness.
She was afraid that the man might have seen Susan and herself peeping through the window of the barn.
"I feel very grateful for the ride which you and your father gave me some nights ago," said Walter Crocker. "I must apologize for running off the way I did without thanking you. I was in such a hurry to reach my uncle's home."
Penny and Susan drew a breath of relief. They were glad that the man did not intend to question them concerning their latest actions.
"Oh, that was quite all right," Penny replied. "We assumed that you had gone on to Mr. Crocker's place."