She had intended to go along with the old man to the attic, but there was something about the look he gave her which made her change her mind. She was afraid she had made her questions too pointed. It would not do for Mr. Crocker to suspect her motives.
"I guess you know your way," she said evenly, opening the screen door for him.
"I ought to," snapped the old man. "I lived in this cottage for eight years."
He entered the house alone and Penny heard him tramping up the stairs to the attic.
"I wonder what he's doing up there?" she thought. "I'd give a lot to find out."
CHAPTER X
Searching the Loft
While Penny stood listening to the sounds in the attic she saw Mrs. Masterbrook coming up the path to the cottage. The housekeeper paused by the gate to stare at Mr. Crocker's car and then glanced quickly about.
"What is Herman doing here?" she asked abruptly as Penny met her on the porch.