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 hidden 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.