"You said that was why you came here," the detective reminded him.
"Yes, sir. I do want to see Mr. Crocker on a matter of business."
"Feel free to run down there whenever you like," Mr. Nichols told him. "You've done enough work around here for one day."
"Thank you, sir."
Mr. Nichols went for a long walk in the woods but Penny chose to remain at the cottage with a magazine. Michael worked about the yard, washing the automobile. He did not seem in any hurry to make his call upon Herman Crocker.
"I don't believe he's anxious to go there at all," Penny thought. "I wonder if he didn't make up the entire story?"
She was somewhat surprised to observe that for the most part Mrs. Masterbrook left the young man entirely alone. The housekeeper seemed more subdued than usual as if she were brooding over some matter.
The day passed quickly. Penny knew very well that Michael had not visited Herman Crocker for she had kept watch of him the entire time. She had a theory that he did not wish to go there at all, and to test it she called the young man.
"Michael," she said, "Mrs. Masterbrook tells me that we need fresh eggs. I'm driving down to Crocker's place after supper to get some. Don't you wish to ride along with me?"
The young man hesitated, his eyes dropping before Penny's steady gaze.