"Hello," answered the boy. He moved slowly toward her, staring rather blankly.
"You're not Mr. Crocker's little boy?" Penny asked, hoping to draw him into conversation.
"I'm his grandson."
"Oh, his grandson," repeated Penny, studying the lad with interest. He bore slight resemblance to Herman Crocker. "And is Rudy your dog?"
"No!" replied the lad bitterly. "I hate him. If I tried to go away from here he'd attack me. My grandfather has trained him to do that."
Penny was not certain that she had understood correctly. She could not believe that Herman Crocker deliberately kept his grandson a prisoner on the property.
"You don't mean——" she began, but the words died away.
The kitchen door had opened. Herman Crocker stood scowling at his grandson.
"Perry!" he said harshly. "Get inside! There's work to be done!"
"Yes, sir," replied the boy meekly.