A strange look came into the young man's eyes. An expression of astonishment gave way to one of wariness.
"You are acquainted with Walter Crocker perhaps?" asked Penny, ignoring her father's warning glance.
"I have heard of him," replied the young man after a brief hesitation. He turned once more toward the door.
As he opened it a strong gust of wind blew a sheet of rain into the room.
"See here, you can't go out in that," said Mr. Nichols firmly. "Let me telephone Crocker and tell him you're here."
The young man shook his head.
"Then I'll put on chains and take you down there in my car."
"No, I'd rather not have you go to any bother on my account. I don't mind a little rain."
"It's blowing a gale and the storm is getting worse every minute," the detective insisted. "Herman Crocker keeps a vicious dog too. If you walk in there without being expected, you may receive an unpleasant reception."
"I wasn't looking for a very cordial one anyway," the young man said slowly. "But thanks for the tip about the dog. Maybe it would be just as well to go back to town for the night."