Before Penny could reach the telephone, Mrs. Masterbrook answered it. She appeared in the doorway and said primly to Mr. Nichols:
"Long distance is calling."
"Long distance!" exclaimed the detective. "That's queer. How did anyone get my number so soon?"
"I'm sure you can't blame that on me," replied the housekeeper maliciously.
Mr. Nichols went to answer the call. Penny noticed that Mrs. Masterbrook lingered not far away, evidently listening. Upon seeing that the girl was watching, she retreated to the kitchen.
In a few minutes Mr. Nichols returned to the living room.
"I hope nothing is wrong at home," Penny said in a low tone. She was afraid the call had been from Mrs. Gallup.
"No, everything is all right," returned the detective. "That was Inspector Harris who telephoned me."
"But how did he get your telephone number?"
"Oh, he plagued Mrs. Gallup into revealing our address, and then he found that we had a telephone installed today. Worse luck!"