or I'll call the police!"

CHAPTER XIV

The Mysterious Agent

Penny listened calmly to the woman's tirade, making no move to obey the
impolite command.

"I am sorry, Mrs. Dillon," she said, "but I do not intend to leave this
house until you have answered my questions."

"I shall call my servant. You are an insolent, impudent girl!"

"I should advise you not to call anyone until we have talked together,"
Penny said undisturbed. "After all, you know I have it in my power to
cause your arrest."

Mrs. Dillon grew pale. "What do you mean?" she demanded.

"It is useless to pretend. I know that you bought the Rembrandt and
have it secreted in your library. Unless you tell me where you
purchased the painting, I shall feel it my duty to go to the police."

"And if I do tell you?"

"Perhaps I can help you. You should be able to escape arrest for the
Rembrandt isn't genuine."

As she had anticipated, her words brought an astonished glint into Mrs.
Dillon's eyes. Without thinking she exclaimed:

"The painting is genuine. I paid----"

"How much did you pay for it?" Penny questioned, smiling at Mrs.
Dillon's confusion.

"Well, since you seem to be so familiar with my private affairs, I
suppose I shall have to tell you all about it. The painting is genuine
and I bought it with the sole intention of returning it to the museum."

Penny made no comment, although she did not believe a word of the
story. Mrs. Dillon was only trying to build up a defense for herself.

"How much did you pay for the picture?" she repeated, determined to tie
the woman to facts.

"Two thousand dollars," Mrs. Dillon answered grudgingly. "But that is
only the first payment. The next installment will soon be due."

Penny thought exultingly: "If Mrs. Dillon will only cooperate, it
should be possible to catch the dealer who cheated her." Aloud she
said: "Then you will see the dealer again--the man from whom you
purchased the picture?"

"Not the dealer. His agent."

"Tell me the name of the persons from whom you bought the painting."

"I can't."

"You are unwilling to do so, you mean?"

"I don't know the dealer's name. I never dealt with him personally."

"You bought the picture through a third party?"

"Yes, and the agent is very well known to me. A gentleman of high
standing."

Penny could not restrain a smile. She had her own opinion of a man who
would negotiate a deal for a stolen painting.

"Who is this