Aid from Michael
"What's the matter, Penny?" cried Mr. Nichols as he opened the door of his room. "Are you having nightmares?"
"Dad, someone broke into the cottage!" she told him tensely. "When I stepped out into the hall he ran away. I saw him disappear into the woods."
By this time the detective was thoroughly awake.
"Are you sure, Penny?"
"Of course I am! I didn't imagine it this time and it wasn't someone after a drink either!"
"Let me get dressed," said her father. "Then I'll look around."
Penny ran back to her own room. She was amazed that Mrs. Masterbrook and Michael had not been aroused. In the next room she could hear the housekeeper snoring contentedly. There seemed no reason to awaken her.
Penny quickly dressed and was ready first.
"We'll take a look around the place," Mr. Nichols said, "but it's probably too late to catch the prowler."