How to build this path in code

I would like to build a path of how a user got to a particular spot.  For example:
Item1 -> Item2 -> Item3
This indicates a user looked at Item1, then clicked on it and was shown Item2, etc.
I tried making each item a LinkButton (so I can process a click on it), and the text " -> " I put in a Label (I also tried Literal).
In code I added these to MyPanel.Controls in the correct order.  It almost works.  I get:
Item1Item2 -> Item3
What happens to the first " -> "?  I looked at MyPanel.Controls in debug, and ALL the correct controls are in place.  Any idea what's happening here?
Does anyone know a BETTER way to create this on the fly?
Help most appreciated.