"Oh, he may have so much money that it doesn't matter."

"I doubt that, Dad. You remember he told us he was coming here to
claim an inheritance. After meeting old Herman I'd guess that he
didn't get it. Would you think----"

"I'm not thinking at all these days," chuckled Mr. Nichols. "I've
padlocked my brain for two weeks. Please, Penny, don't try to stir up
imaginary cases for me to solve."

Penny made no reply, for just then they came within view of an old
farmhouse which answered the description provided by Herman Crocker. A
tin mailbox by the roadside bore the name Anna Masterbrook.

"This is the right place," Mr. Nichols declared.

They went up the front walk, observing that it had been swept that
morning. The porch was freshly scrubbed, too, and clean curtains hung
in the windows.

"Mrs. Masterbrook must be a good housekeeper," the detective said. "I
think we'll employ her if her price is right."

He rapped on the door. After a moment it was opened by a tall,
gaunt-looking woman of middle age. Her black hair had been drawn back
tightly from her face, accentuating the high cheek bones.

"Mrs. Masterbrook?" inquired the detective, lifting his hat.

"That's my name," said the woman. Her voice was high pitched and
unpleasant. "If you're selling anything----"

"I am not a salesman," Mr. Nichols assured her. "Mr. Crocker sent us
to you. I understand that you do cleaning work."

"I worked for Herman Crocker seven years," the woman said. "Precious
little pay or thanks I ever got for it too!"

"We are staying in his cottage," Penny explained. "Mr. Crocker said we
were to have you clean it up for us, and he would pay the bill."

"How do I know he'll keep his promise?"

"Does Mr. Crocker usually break his word?" asked the detective.

"Well, he's close," Mrs. Masterbrook replied. "A dollar looks as big
as a mountain to Herman."

"If Mr. Crocker fails to settle the bill, I'll look after it myself,"
Mr. Nichols promised. "And another thing. Would you be willing to
take a position as housekeeper for a couple of weeks?"

"What would it pay?" Mrs. Masterbrook demanded quickly.

"Well, I might let you name your price."

"Five dollars a week," the woman said firmly after a moment of thought.
"I wouldn't come for a cent less."

Penny and Mr. Nichols glanced at each other. They had expected Mrs.
Masterbrook to ask double the amount.

"You are hired, Mrs. Masterbrook," said the detective gen