tell Herman Crocker that he would positively deliver
them next Thursday night?"

"Yes," nodded Penny, "but obviously he had to say that. I thought he
acted very uneasy as if he might not have the evidence in his
possession."

The girls did not peep into the barn again for they were afraid that
Herman Crocker might see them. Quietly they stole back to the woods
and started for the cottage.

"Well, Penny, you were right about Old Herman being a mysterious
character," Susan commented as they walked along.

"I feel a little disappointed though," Penny returned. "Now that
everything is explained so nicely we'll not have any more fun."

"There are a great many things I don't understand."

"I'm not clear on every point," Penny admitted, "but in general I have
an idea of the trouble."

"Then I wish you'd explain it to me."

"Well, from the conversation we overheard, it's evident that Walter
Crocker is trying to blackmail his uncle. Only legally I suppose it
wouldn't be blackmail because Walter is entitled to the entire fortune."

"Then you believe Herman Crocker really did cheat him out of the
money?" Susan asked.

"Mr. Crocker practically admitted it, didn't he? I gathered that
sometime during his life he had received letters from his sister,
Jenny, and another woman--letters which probably mentioned the boy,
Walter. Herman made a bad mistake when he kept those communications."

"But what became of Walter after Jenny's death?" Susan questioned in
deep perplexity. "Why didn't his claim to the fortune come up at that
time? And how did he get the letters?"

"In some manner Old Herman must have kept Walter in ignorance," Penny
replied thoughtfully. "I have no idea how he finally learned the
truth. As for the letters, I believe they were stored in the trunk of
the cottage attic."

"Think what an opportunity you missed!" Susan exclaimed.

"I'm not sure how long the letters have been there. I remember that
several days ago Old Herman came to the cottage and went to the attic.
At the time I couldn't imagine what he was after. Now I feel certain
he was alarmed because Walter Crocker had attempted to extort money
from him. Undoubtedly, he came to find the letters which he knew would
stand as damaging evidence against him."

"You think the letters already had been taken?" Susan questioned.

"Herman didn't find what he was after, I know. You remember he accused
Walter of stealing the letters."

"Yes, b