"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.