they drove to their
hotel. Captain Wards had sent a wireless message to the New York chief
of police, asking that Anne's relatives be informed of her whereabouts
and that tidings of them be sent to Miss Drayton at the Roxton Hotel in
Liverpool. Awaiting her, there were two cablegrams. Both were from the
New York chief of police. One was in these words: "No trace Mayo. Will
find and notify child's other relatives." The other cablegram read thus:
"No trace any relatives of child. Letter will follow."

Miss Drayton handed the cablegrams to her sister resting in an easy
chair before the sea-coal fire which chased away the gloom of the foggy
morning.

Mrs. Patterson read the messages thoughtfully. "It is her disappointment
that grieves me," she said, looking at Anne who was sitting in a corner
teaching Honey-Sweet a spelling lesson. "For myself, I should like to
keep her always. A dear little daughter! I've always wanted one."

"Ye-es," said Miss Drayton, doubtfully, "but--we know so little about
this child. Her uncle a felon! Who knows what bad blood is in her
veins?"

"That child?" Mrs. Patterson laughed, glancing toward Anne. "Why, she
carries her letters of credit in her face. Look at that earnest mouth,
those honest eyes. I'd trust them anywhere."

"Oh, well!" Miss Drayton put the subject aside. "Her people will turn up
and claim her. There are lots of them, it seems. She's always talking
about Aunt This and Uncle That and Cousin the Other. Why, Emily! You
ought to have had your tonic a quarter of an hour ago. And a nap."

That evening the subject of Anne's relatives was brought forward at the
dinner table by the child herself. Seeing her eyes rove shyly around the
room, Miss Drayton said, "You look as if you were watching for somebody
or something. What is it, Anne?"

"I was thinking," replied the child, "maybe--there are so many people in
this big room--maybe Uncle Carey is here and can't find me."

The truth--as much of it as was necessary for her to know--might as well
be told now and here. "Anne," said Miss Drayton, "we telegraphed back.
There is no news of your uncle. He--he missed the boat. We don't know
where to send a message to him. Try to be content to stay with us until
some of your home people claim you."

"I don't want to be selfish, Anne dear, but I'm not longing for any one
to claim you," said Mrs. Patterson, with a caressing smile. "I didn't
know how dreadfully I needed a little daughter till