"For some reason she's taken an intense dislike to him, Dad."
"I noticed that, Penny. Mrs. Masterbrook isn't happy unless she is reading the law to someone. With young Michael here, she'll vent her spite on him and leave us to enjoy our vacation."
"How marvelously your mind works, Dad!"
"I do think of a smart idea now and then."
"Wouldn't it be wiser to discharge Mrs. Masterbrook?"
"She bakes wonderful biscuits," the detective answered. "Besides, she amuses me. I'm curious to see how she gets on with young Michael."
"You're beyond my depth," Penny said with a shrug. "I don't understand your whims at all."
She was forced to admit that from the standpoint of work her father had made no mistake in hiring the young man. Michael put the cooking stove in good order again, chopped a day's supply of wood and repaired the pump. He worked quietly, yet effectively. Even the housekeeper could find no complaint to voice.
"Michael, I suppose you'll be wanting to see Herman Crocker sometime today," Mr. Nichols remarked to the young man.
"Why, yes, sir, I guess so," he replied uncertainly.