"Well, that's certainly odd," replied Michael, avoiding her gaze. "But I suppose Glenhaven is a common name."
"Tell us more about yourself," urged Susan.
"There's nothing to tell. I don't know very much about my parents. I was just turned over to the Home until I was eighteen years of age. I worked hard there but I was well treated. Then I left and got a job in a factory, but times turned hard and I was laid off. That about brings me up to date."
Penny thought: "But it doesn't explain why you came to Kendon to see Herman Crocker." However, her serene countenance gave no hint that she doubted any of Michael's story.
Alone in Penny's bedroom, the girls discussed the young man.
"I like him a great deal," said Susan.
"And so do I," Penny agreed, "but that doesn't alter facts. I feel certain he's not telling us a straightforward story. He may have been born in the west but I believe he's spent a great deal of his life right herein this state."
"What makes you think so, Penny?"
"Because in talking with him I've noticed that he's always well versed in local history and state politics. And another thing—I doubt that Glenhaven is a common name for an orphan's home."
"He did act embarrassed about that."