"I didn't know anyone was around," the housekeeper muttered. She turned and fled into the house.
Penny and Susan waited a minute or two before emerging from the garage with the flashlight.
"Sorry I was so long," apologized Penny.
"It doesn't matter," replied Walter Crocker crossly. "I've looked everywhere. The letters aren't here."
"You must have dropped them some other place," said Susan innocently.
"Yes," nodded Penny, "you might have left them at Mr. Crocker's place. Have you inquired there?"
"No, I haven't," the man replied shortly.
Without another word he climbed into his own car and drove away.
"That was a good quip—telling him to inquire of Herman Crocker!" Susan laughed after the man was out of sight. "I thought he would explode with rage!"
Penny was staring thoughtfully toward the house.