"I worked for Herman Crocker seven years," the woman said. "Precious little pay or thanks I ever got for it too!"
"We are staying in his cottage," Penny explained. "Mr. Crocker said we were to have you clean it up for us, and he would pay the bill."
"How do I know he'll keep his promise?"
"Does Mr. Crocker usually break his word?" asked the detective.
"Well, he's close," Mrs. Masterbrook replied. "A dollar looks as big as a mountain to Herman."
"If Mr. Crocker fails to settle the bill, I'll look after it myself," Mr. Nichols promised. "And another thing. Would you be willing to take a position as housekeeper for a couple of weeks?"
"What would it pay?" Mrs. Masterbrook demanded quickly.
"Well, I might let you name your price."
"Five dollars a week," the woman said firmly after a moment of thought. "I wouldn't come for a cent less."
Penny and Mr. Nichols glanced at each other. They had expected Mrs. Masterbrook to ask double the amount.