"Yes, I am, Dad. Herman Crocker is a sinister character."
"In your imagination."
"In any one's imagination," Penny said firmly. "We know that Walter Crocker came here to collect money from Herman. That old man is a miser. What would be more natural than to have the nephew conveniently disappear?"
"Penny, you've been reading entirely too many wild stories."
"Dad, you are laughing at me!"
"Pardon me, but I can't help it," smiled the detective. "Herman Crocker is an eccentric character but I don't think he's quite as black as you paint him."
Before Penny could reply, Mrs. Masterbrook came to the porch.
"You're wanted on the 'phone," she told Mr. Nichols.
"Now what?" asked the detective, frowning. "I hope it's not Inspector Harris again."
He went into the house and was gone several minutes. Penny could hear him arguing with someone on the wire. Finally he returned to the porch.