"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.