you ask me, you're making a big mistake to take a perfect
stranger into the house."

"What makes you think he's a stranger?" asked Penny quickly.

"I couldn't help hearing what he told you," Mrs. Masterbrook returned
with a toss of her head. "I don't believe for a single minute that his
name is Michael Haymond. Anyone could tell that he was lying."

"Who do you think he is?" asked Penny. "A 'G' man in disguise?"

"He looks more like a young criminal to me," Mrs. Masterbrook replied
soberly. "His face is very familiar."

"Dear me, how did you manage to see him? Not through the keyhole?"

The housekeeper had not meant to betray herself. She flushed and made
no answer.

"If you care to meet Mr. Haymond, come into the living room," Penny
invited. "I think you'll find him to be a very nice young man."

"No, thank you, I don't wish to meet him," said the housekeeper coldly.
"And if the cottage is robbed during the night, kindly don't blame me."

"All right, I won't," laughed Penny.

The bedroom which the guest was to occupy adjoined Mr. Nichols'
sleeping quarters. Long after the house had settled down for the
night, Penny could hear sounds from that part of the cottage. Either
her father or Mr. Haymond was very restless.

"It may have been unwise to take a stranger into the house," the girl
reflected, "but he seemed honest enough. I don't see why Mrs.
Masterbrook had to act so hateful about it."

For some time Penny remained awake thinking over the information which
Michael Haymond had given about himself. He had not told where he
lived nor had he mentioned the nature of his business with Herman
Crocker. She had fancied that the young man had seemed somewhat shaken
by her reference to Walter Crocker.

"I may have imagined that part," she told herself. "Dad didn't seem to
notice anything wrong."

Shortly Penny fell asleep. Several hours later she found herself wide
awake again. She did not know what had aroused her.

Although Penny had left the curtains up, the room was dark. She could
still hear the rain pattering against the tin roof.

Then the girl became aware of another sound. She heard a floor board
creak. Someone was moving softly down the hallway.

"I wonder who is up at this hour?" she thought.

For a minute Penny lay perfectly still, listening. Then she crept
noiselessly from bed. Drawing on her dressing gown, she tiptoed to the
door.

The hall was dark. At first she could