e been a bitter
disappointment."

Hanley Cron ended his speech a few minutes later and a silent,
dissatisfied crowd arose to depart. Penny and Susan hurriedly started
toward the door, preferring to get away before the art critic
recognized them.

They did not reach the outside corridor, for a uniformed attendant came
swiftly into the room, closing the door firmly after him.

"No one must leave this room!" he commanded the startled group. "A
shocking thing has just occurred. Someone has stolen a priceless
Rembrandt painting from the adjoining exhibition hall!"

CHAPTER II

A Mysterious Package

A stunned silence greeted the attendant's announcement, then the room
hummed with excited comment. Not in many years had anyone attempted to
steal paintings or art treasures from the Gage Galleries for the
institution was closely guarded. Hanley Cron stepped forward to ply
the attendant with questions regarding the theft.

"You say a valuable painting has disappeared from the adjoining room?"

"Yes, a priceless Rembrandt. It was a very small painting--one which
could be smuggled out under one's coat."

"And when was this loss discovered?"

"Only a few minutes ago, sir. The picture and the frame both were
taken. The museum authorities have ordered that no one shall leave the
building without submitting to a search."

A few of the visitors were indignant at such a requirement although the
majority readily acknowledged that the order was a necessary one.
"It's ridiculous to suspect anyone in this room," Hanley Cron began,
and then stopped. He looked quickly about and asked abruptly: "What
became of that girl who was sitting in the back row?"

"I think she left directly after your announcement regarding the
prize," Penny informed when no one spoke.

For the first time the art critic fastened his gaze upon the two girls.
He instantly recognized them and his face darkened.

"Who was the young woman?" the attendant questioned Penny.

"Her name was Amy Coulter, I believe."

"A friend of yours?" Hanley Cron demanded with an unpleasant inflection
to his voice.

"I met her for the first time this afternoon."

"Does anyone know anything about this girl?" the art critic questioned
the crowd in general.

Although a number of persons were slightly acquainted with the young
sculptress, no one could offer any information regarding her character.
Susan and Penny grew slightly annoyed at Hanley Cron's method o