"Oh, please don't go to any bother," returned the young man quickly, edging toward the door again.
"It won't be any trouble at all."
"Please, I'd rather you wouldn't. I'll not mind the walk."
Penny glanced sharply at the young man. It was plain to see that he had some special motive for not wishing to give Herman Crocker advance notice of his arrival in the community.
Without having any real reason for such a belief, it suddenly struck Penny that the young man's visit might have some connection with the mysterious call which Walter Crocker had made upon his uncle.
"I take it you're a stranger in these parts," remarked Mr. Nichols. He too was studying the young man curiously.
"Well, yes, I am. I'm here to see Mr. Crocker on rather important business."
"You'll be his second out-of-town visitor this week," Penny commented in a casual tone. "Mr. Crocker's nephew was here, but I understand he has gone back to the city."
"Mr. Crocker's nephew?" asked the young man quickly.
"Yes," said Penny, watching him closely. "Walter Crocker."