an attendant to check over the
institution records. In a short while the report came back. No person
by the name of Michael Haymond had ever resided at the Glenhaven Home.

"It's barely possible the young man took the name of Haymond after
leaving the institution," Penny said slowly. "I wonder if you would
recognize him by description?"

"How long has he been away?" questioned the matron.

"I am only guessing but I should say at least two years."

"Then I'd not remember him. You see I took charge of the Glenhaven
Home only nine months ago. The person for you to see is Mrs. Havers.
She was matron here for over twenty years."

"Do you know where I could find her?" inquired Penny.

"I will give you her address." Mrs. Barker reached for pencil and
paper.

"Does she live close by?" Penny asked.

"Yes, only a short distance away in the town of Ferndale. Mrs. Havers
left her duties here upon account of serious illness, but I understand
she is considerably improved now."

Penny thanked the matron and accepting the slip of paper, left the
institution in company with Susan. Outside the building the girls
paused to consider their next move.

"It shouldn't take us long to find Mrs. Havers," Penny declared.
"Let's go to her place."

"All right, we have plenty of time," Susan agreed. "Only it looks
useless because if Michael had ever lived here his name would have been
on the records."

"Yes, unless he changed his name," Penny admitted, "but let's go
anyway."

The girls drove on to the town of Ferndale and had little difficulty in
locating the address given them by Mrs. Barker. They were admitted to
an overly heated brick cottage by an elderly woman with white hair and
kind gray eyes. The living room was so warm and stuffy that Penny had
trouble in breathing but Mrs. Havers apparently did not notice.

"You wish to see me concerning a former inmate of the Glenhaven Home?"
the old lady asked after Penny and Susan had stated their mission.
"I'll be glad to answer any of your questions."

"We are trying to trace a young man by the name of Michael Haymond,"
Penny explained. "Would you remember him?"

"I have never forgotten a single child who was ever placed under my
care," replied Mrs. Havers with a smile. "But I am certain that no one
by that name ever lived at the Home."

"Then I am afraid we were mistaken in our facts," Penny said in
disappointment.

"You are sure you have the right name?"

"Why