dden by the shadows, did not readily recognize the girls. However,
after they had spoken, she urged them to come inside.

Penny and Susan entered the cottage and waited for Mr. Nichols and
Michael. Mrs. Havers turned to face the newcomers. For an instant she
stared blankly at Michael and then she gave a cry of delight.

"Michael Gladwin! How glad I am to see you again!"

"Mrs. Havers!" exclaimed the young man. Then he became confused and
glanced quickly toward Mr. Nichols.

"We've known for some time that you were Michael Gladwin," said Mr.
Nichols.

"Of course he is Michael Gladwin," declared Mrs. Havers. "Who else
could he be?"

"I have a great deal to explain," said the young man, looking again at
the detective. "I know you surely must be thinking that I have
deceived you----"

"I am sure you had a very good reason," replied Mr. Nichols kindly.

Mrs. Havers was deeply troubled by the conversation which she could not
understand. She urged her visitors to seat themselves. Mr. Nichols,
always restless in moments of stress, found it impossible to remain in
a chair. He annoyed his hostess exceedingly by moving about the room,
appearing to examine books, bric-a-brac and objects of furniture.

"Before we ask Michael to tell his story, I should like to have you
look at this picture, Mrs. Havers," said Penny. She offered the
photograph of Herman Crocker. "Have you seen the man before?"

"Let me turn up the light. My eyes aren't as strong as they were."

Mrs. Havers studied the picture intently for a minute.

"This is a photograph of Mr. Keenan," said the former matron. Her gaze
wandered to Michael. "He is the man who brought you to the Orphan's
Home."

"You are certain?" asked Mr. Nichols eagerly.

"Of course I am," answered the old lady firmly. "I seldom forget a
face. This is a very good likeness of Mr. Keenan as I remember him."

"Mr. Keenan and Herman Crocker were one and the same person!" cried
Penny. "I am beginning to understand everything now!"

"Then I wish you'd explain it to me," said Michael. "I have known for
some time that Crocker was supposed to be my uncle, but until now I
rather doubted that there was any truth to the story."

"How did you learn that he was related to you?" Penny asked quickly.

"Through an anonymous letter," Michael replied. "It was forwarded to
me after I left the Glenhaven Home. The writer informed me that my
true name was Walter Crocker and that I