lection. "We'll start right away if we can locate Michael."

"He usually walks down to the village after supper," Penny declared
anxiously. "I hope he hasn't left yet."

Michael was just starting away from the cottage when Mr. Nichols and
the girls arrived. The detective stopped him, explaining that they
would like to have his company on a motor trip to a distant town.

"I don't enjoy changing a tire at night," Mr. Nichols said. "While I'm
not looking for trouble, I'd like to have a handy man along just in
case something happens."

"I'll be very glad to go, sir," replied Michael.

"You might be getting the car from the garage," Mr. Nichols directed.
"I'll be along in a minute."

He started for the cottage after his light overcoat. Mrs. Masterbrook
sat rocking back and forth on the porch.

"I hope you're ready for your supper now," she said tartly.

"I've not time to eat it, Mrs. Masterbrook. I am sorry to have annoyed
you this way."

"I've kept it warming for over an hour," the housekeeper said crossly.
"I declare, I can't understand your comings and goings."

Paying no heed to Mrs. Masterbrook's grumblings, the detective found
his coat and hastened back to the car.

"What shall I say if anyone telephones?" the housekeeper called after
him. "Where shall I say you are?"

"Tell them you don't know," shouted the detective.

It was evident to Penny and Susan that Michael had no suspicion where
he was being taken. Even when the automobile drew near Ferndale he did
not appear to grow uneasy. He was so calm and undisturbed that they
began to wonder if they had made another mistake.

"Of course the Orphan's Home isn't at Ferndale," Penny told herself.
"He probably doesn't know that Mrs. Havers has left the Glenhaven Home."

It was after nine o'clock when the car finally drew up in front of the
former matron's home. The girls were afraid that Mrs. Havers might
have retired early and so were greatly relieved to see a light burning
on the lower floor.

"Michael, why don't you come in with us?" Penny asked as she alighted
from the car.

"Oh, I'll wait out here," he replied.

"No, come along," Mr. Nichols invited.

He took Michael by the arm and steered him up the walk. Penny and
Susan went on ahead to ring the doorbell. They were a little worried
for fear that Mrs. Havers would not wish to receive them so late in the
evening.

After a long wait, the door slowly opened. Mrs. Havers, her face
hi