"I'm sure I don't know," she laughed uneasily.
When the man made no comment Penny waited a moment and then decided upon a bold attack.
"For some reason Michael reminds me of your nephew," she said. "I suppose he'll be coming back one of these days."
"Walter?" asked the old man gruffly. "I don't look for it."
"But won't he wish to get his car which is stored in your barn?" Penny asked with pretended innocence.
Herman Crocker's expression became guarded. The girl's words startled him but only a slight twitch of his eye muscles disclosed that he had been taken unawares.
"I suppose Walter will get the car sometime," he answered slowly. "He told me he didn't have the money to pay a repair bill just now."
"You had it towed to your place for him?"
"That's right," replied Herman Crocker irritably. "Any more questions? If not I'll go on up to the attic."
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Penny apologetically.