nute later, he was nowhere to be seen.

The office directory was of no use, for not a single listed name was
familiar to the girl. However, Penny had a suspicion that the man she
sought might have engaged the top floor of the building. She was
thinking of mounting the stairs when the janitor appeared.

"Looking for someone?" he inquired.

"Yes, but I don't know his name," Penny replied. "He is an artist I
think."

"The top floor is rented to a firm of commercial artists," the man
informed.

"That must be the place I'm looking for. Thank you."

Penny slowly mounted four long flights of stairs, pausing at the top
landing to regain her breath.

She observed with keen interest that several doors opened off the
hallway and each bore a freshly lettered sign:

"Private--Keep Out."

Penny glanced down the stairs to make certain that the janitor had not
followed her. Then she tiptoed along the hall, pausing by the first
door to listen. She could hear an indistinct murmur of voices. Now
and then she caught a few words.

"The girl sent it back," she overheard. And then, a moment later:
"We'll have to find someone to do her work. She may take it into her
silly head to squeal too."

Could the men be speaking of Amy Coulter? Penny felt sure that the
letter Hoges had received at General Delivery had come from her.

A loud creaking sound from the direction of the stairway caused Penny
to straighten up and listen intently. Someone was coming! While it
might be only the janitor she did not wish to be seen. Frantically,
she glanced about for a hiding place.

At the end of the hall a broom closet stood with door slightly ajar.
She darted to it and shut herself inside, leaving a wide crack through
which she could look out.

The corridor was dark. At first she could not see the newcomer very
plainly. She distinguished only a tall, shadowy form.

However, as he paused at the very door where Penny had stood listening
only a moment before, she caught an excellent glimpse of his face. She
saw then, with a start of recognition, that it was Hanley Cron.

CHAPTER XVIII

Captured

The art critic rapped three times on the door. It opened instantly and
closed after him as he vanished inside.

After waiting a few minutes, Penny tiptoed back down the hall. Her
suspicions had been aroused and she was determined to learn what was
going on inside the room.

She paused at the door and listened again. She c