"Is that you, Perry?" she called softly.
There was no answer, so she walked down to the car. Mr. Crocker's grandson sat hunched down in the front seat.
"Aren't you going to say hello to me?" asked Penny. "I do believe you're shy."
"I'm not shy," replied the little boy quickly. "But my grandpa says he'll whip me if I talk with you."
Penny was silent for a moment.
"Of course I don't wish you to get into trouble, Perry," she said quietly, "but why doesn't your grandfather like me?"
"Because you'll ask too many questions," the boy answered. "Please go away now, before grandpa finds you talking with me."
The cottage became flooded with light as Mr. Nichols and Herman Crocker replaced the old fuse. Penny knew that they would be coming up the steps in a moment. She did not wish Perry to be punished so she slipped back into the house.
However, as soon as Herman Crocker had driven away Penny ran back outside to meet her father. She told him what Perry had said.
"Herman Crocker is a queer old duck," the detective replied. "I don't doubt he abuses the boy."