Herman Crocker studied the girl shrewdly.
"What is it you want of me?" he asked gruffly. "I told Kilkane he was to handle everything about the cottage. I don't want to be bothered."
"Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Crocker, but there are a few details which must be settled if my father and I are to remain."
"What's your complaint?"
"The electricity hasn't been turned on, Mr. Crocker. The cottage needs cleaning. There is no wood. I can't find half enough dishes or cooking pans. We'll need more linen and blankets."
"You can't expect me to fix up the place like it was a palace," complained the old man. "You're only paying fifteen dollars a week."
"If you're unwilling to do anything about it then we'll leave this morning." Penny turned to walk away.
"Here, wait," called the old man. "I'm willing to do anything that's reasonable. Come up to the house and I'll give you some clean linen."
Penny walked with Mr. Crocker up the lane, trying not to show that she felt uneasy. The old man caught her staring at his shotgun.
"I was hunting squirrels early this morning," he explained.