t an automobile which stood on the floor beside the granary.
One glance assured her that it was not Herman Crocker's ancient car.
This was an expensive model with a streamline design, shiny and new
save that one fender was slightly battered.

"Why, it's Walter Crocker's automobile!" Penny thought in amazement.
"How did it get here?"

CHAPTER VIII

The Toy Lantern Clue

Penny stood staring at the car. She knew she could not be mistaken.
It was the same automobile which Walter Crocker had upset in the ditch.
She had last seen it there when she and her father had gone after Mrs.
Masterbrook.

"I suppose Walter Crocker might have instructed his uncle to bring the
car here," Penny mused. "But it seems very odd. Old Herman didn't
want me to tell anyone about seeing his nephew here. I wonder----"

The girl's thoughts were rudely interrupted by the sound of a car
coming up the lane. Glancing out the barn doors Penny saw Herman
Crocker arrive in his battered old automobile. He parked beside her
own car.

"Of course he'll know I am here," Penny told herself. "I must act as
if I've noticed nothing out of the way."

She slipped out of the barn without being observed. As she approached
the house, Old Herman climbed from the car, holding fast to Rudy's
chain. The hound began to growl and tried to get away from his master.

"Good evening, Mr. Crocker," said Penny pleasantly. "I don't seem to
be very popular with your dog."

"I thought that was your car standing here in the lane," replied Mr.
Crocker gruffly. "Did I see you coming from the barn?"

"I had started that way," said Penny. "Then I heard your car coming."

Mr. Crocker seemed to relax.

"What's wrong down at the cottage now?" he asked in the tone of one who
had deeply suffered.

"Nothing at all, Mr. Crocker. I came to ask if I might buy some fresh
eggs."

"I don't make a practice of selling them," the man frowned.

"Then I suppose I'll have to drive in to town."

"Maybe I can let you have a dozen this time."

Mr. Crocker started toward the house but as Penny followed he turned
and said pointedly:

"I'll bring them out to the car."

Penny had hoped that she would have an opportunity to speak with Perry.
She wished to warn the boy to say nothing about her plan to help him
escape from the house. She could only hope that he would be wise
enough to remain silent concerning her presence near the barn.

Mr. Crocker did not unlock the f