With a frightened glance directed toward Penny he scuttled into the house. Mr. Crocker closed the door again.
"I do believe that old man was afraid to have me talk with his grandson!" Penny thought shrewdly. "How strange!"
She did not have long to reflect upon the queer actions of her new landlord, for in a very few minutes he reappeared with an armload of linen and blankets.
"I've telephoned the electric company for you," he told her. "Your lights ought to be on before night."
"And will you have the cottage cleaned for us?" Penny requested.
"I can't do the work myself," scowled the man. "But if you want to get Mrs. Masterbrook, I'll pay the bill."
"Who is she?" inquired Penny.
"I'll give you her address. She does cleaning work by the day."
Penny was not very well pleased with the arrangement because it meant that she must make a special trip to find Mrs. Masterbrook. However, there seemed no other way since the landlord had proved himself to be such an unaccommodating person.
"You'll likely be going in to town sometime to-day?" ventured Mr. Crocker as Penny turned to leave.