n't guess. It's remotely possible he's been mixed up in
trouble, but Michael seems like a decent sort."

"If we were really prying we could write to the Glenhaven officials,"
Susan said slowly.

"I don't consider it prying to try to find out more about the man,"
returned Penny. "A good detective always investigates every angle of a
case. I could send a letter off tonight only it will take so long to
get a reply."

"A week at best, I'd judge."

"Glenhaven isn't far from here!" Penny cried. "Let's drive over there
tomorrow. I think Dad would let me have the car if he doesn't need it
himself."

"Why, I'd enjoy the trip," Susan declared promptly.

"We could start early and take our lunch," Penny planned
enthusiastically.

When Mr. Nichols came home she asked him if they might use the car the
following day. The detective readily agreed. He was delighted that
Susan had arrived to visit Penny for he felt that the girls would have
an enjoyable time together.

"Any news about your toy lantern?" Penny asked her father teasingly.

"None worth mentioning," the detective replied. "I'm getting a little
discouraged."

"Don't hesitate to call upon me if you need my sleuthing services,"
Penny laughed. "I'm doing very well with my own case."

Early the next morning Penny and Susan set off for Glenhaven, telling
no one save Mr. Nichols of their destination. They did not wish either
Mrs. Masterbrook or Michael to gain an inkling of their mission.

Noon found the girls within view of the orphan's home. It was a
private institution and from the outside at least, a pleasant looking
place. The brick building had several long wings and there was a wide
expanse of bent grass lawn.

"Did you ever see such a beautiful yard?" asked Susan admiringly. "It
looks as smooth as a floor."

"It's almost too pretty," said Penny. "I'd rather see the grass worn
thin in places. Then I'd know that children had been playing on it
instead of being cooped up inside."

The girls turned in at the grounds and drove up to the front door.
Upon asking to see the matron they were shown into Mrs. Barker's office.

"What may I do for you?" the woman inquired pleasantly.

Under her intent scrutiny, Penny found it difficult to state her
mission. She managed to say that she was trying to learn if an orphan
named Michael Haymond had ever lived at the Home.

"One moment and I will see," replied the matron.

She rang a bell and instructed