f
handling the situation.

"I don't see that Amy Coulter has any connection with the disappearance
of the painting in the adjoining room," Penny said impatiently. "She
came here today because of her entry, 'The Black Imp' was being
considered in the contest. I have no doubt that she left because the
award was bestowed upon another statue."

"I'll see if the young woman is still in the building," the guard
announced.

He went away, returning in a few minutes accompanied by an official of
the museum.

"Apparently, Miss Coulter has left the Galleries," the latter informed
in a worried manner. "Can anyone here furnish us with the girl's
address?"

"I believe she lives in a rooming house somewhere on Pearl Street," a
woman in the crowd spoke up. "I hope you are not trying to connect the
poor girl with the loss of the painting."

"Unfortunately, she is under suspicion," the official replied.

"Surely the girl had a right to leave the building when she chose!"
Penny exclaimed.

"It happens that she was seen by a guard hurrying away from the
Galleries with a flat package under her arm. She left by a back stairs
and was not observed until she was stepping into a taxi cab. The
attendant tried to stop her but was too late."

"And was the package this girl carried the approximate size of the
stolen painting?" Penny asked incredulously.

"The guard reports that it was. He was almost certain it was a
painting."

Penny and Susan were amazed at the information. They did not believe
that Amy Coulter had the slightest connection with the disappearance of
the famous picture and were astonished that the official seemed to be
of a contrary opinion.

"Miss Coulter couldn't have taken the painting," Penny declared
impulsively. "Why, she was here in this room until just a few minutes
ago."

"Did you notice the exact time at which she left?" Hanley Cron demanded.

"No, but----"

"Then you have no evidence to offer. It looks to me as if you're
trying to protect this girl."

"I only want to see justice done. And I do have evidence!" Penny's
face brightened with excitement. "As my friend and I were coming into
the building we met an attendant who was moving a small canvas-covered
painting down a back corridor. We accidentally bumped into him and he
became very confused."

"That's true," Susan added quickly. "We both noticed that the man
acted strangely as if he had been caught doing something wrong."

"Do