"But how did you know where to find Walter Crocker?"
"I suspected that he was a certain boy named Michael Gladwin," Mrs. Masterbrook answered. "From various bits of evidence which came my way while I worked for Herman, I gathered that Jenny's child had been placed in the Glenhaven Orphan's Home under that name."
"I must say you have shown a distinct talent for detective work," Mr. Nichols told her dryly. "You sent the anonymous letter to Michael at that address. Then what happened?"
"Nothing. There was no reply. That's all I know of the matter."
"Mrs. Masterbrook, I think you can tell us a great deal more," said Penny quietly. "For instance when did you first meet the man who calls himself Walter Crocker."
"I don't know what you're talking about," stammered the housekeeper.
"Either you explain everything or we'll take you to the police station," interposed Mr. Nichols.
"All right, I'll tell you exactly what happened," Mrs. Masterbrook agreed after a long moment of thought. "The man is a lawyer—his name is Jay Kline."
"Mr. Madden's missing partner!" exclaimed the detective.
"I don't know anything about him being missing," said the housekeeper crossly. "But he's made me plenty of trouble. I wish I had never set eyes on him."