d and only a short distance on up the road was the summit of Knob
Hill.

"This place really isn't half bad by daylight," she told herself. "Dad
would be certain to get a complete rest here."

Penny went back into the house and set about cleaning up the kitchen.
She had just finished the task when Mr. Nichols appeared in the doorway.

"Are there any mirrors in this place?" he asked irritably. "I'd like
to know how I'm to get my whiskers cut off!"

"Why not let them grow?" giggled Penny. "I think you'd look real cute
with a beard!"

"Oh, you do?" demanded her father.

"There's a looking glass over the sink," Penny told him. "And plenty
of water if you like it cold."

"Why not heat some on the stove?"

"That would be a good idea," Penny admitted, "only I can't find any
matches. And apparently one is expected to cut down a tree for wood!"

"We're starting right back to Belton City as soon as I've shaved," said
Mr. Nichols firmly.

"No, I've changed my mind about this place, Dad," Penny replied
quickly. "If our landlord, Mr. Crocker, will only fix things up, it
won't be half bad."

"The cottage would need to be rebuilt to make it comfortable. I doubt
that Mr. Crocker will consent to do that."

"He might clean it up for us, furnish wood and clean bedding, and see
that the lights are turned on," Penny said. "We could get along then.
It wouldn't hurt us to rough it for a few weeks."

"I guess I am too much attached to my comforts," Mr. Nichols smiled.
"So you really are willing to stay?"

"I think you'd have a grand rest here."

"And what would you do, Penny?"

"Oh, cook and hike. I'd manage to keep occupied."

"You're being a good sport about this," the detective said gravely.
"For myself, I'd not mind staying here. It's a change and that's what
I need."

"Then it's settled," laughed Penny. "While you're shaving, I'll run
down and see our landlord. Perhaps I can borrow a few supplies from
him too."

Mr. Nichols tossed her the car keys.

"No, I'll walk," Penny called over her shoulder as she left the
cottage. "I need the exercise."

By daylight the old Crocker home was nearly as gloomy as when viewed
amid the shadows. Penny paused at the entrance of the narrow, rutty
lane and stared at the place. Everything was quiet. The blinds were
all drawn and she could see no one moving about.

"It looks almost as if no one were here," she thought.

The winding lane led through the trees to th