"I can have these beds made up in just a few minutes," she said cheerfully. "And we can bring in our own blankets from the car."
"Maybe that would be best," the detective agreed. "But we'll leave in the morning."
Penny was abroad at daybreak the next morning. While her father still slept, she explored the grounds, discovering a deep and rather lovely ravine not far from the cottage door. To the right stretched a dense wood and only a short distance on up the road was the summit of Knob Hill.
"This place really isn't half bad by daylight," she told herself. "Dad would be certain to get a complete rest here."
Penny went back into the house and set about cleaning up the kitchen. She had just finished the task when Mr. Nichols appeared in the doorway.
"Are there any mirrors in this place?" he asked irritably. "I'd like to know how I'm to get my whiskers cut off!"
"Why not let them grow?" giggled Penny. "I think you'd look real cute with a beard!"
"Oh, you do?" demanded her father.
"There's a looking glass over the sink," Penny told him. "And plenty of water if you like it cold."
"Why not heat some on the stove?"