would have cleared you of all suspicion. As it is,
you're in an awkward position."

"Don't you think the police will believe my story?"

"If you can prove it--yes. I suppose someone at the Gage Galleries
will have a record that the picture you took was your own."

Amy looked frightened. "I'm afraid not," she admitted. "You see, the
painting was wrapped up for me to carry home weeks ago. I didn't want
to bother with it so I kept it in my locker in the basement. Then
yesterday I decided to take it with me."

"No one saw you go to your locker?"

"Not to my knowledge." Amy crossed the room and lifted out a small
picture from her trunk. "See, this is the painting. A vase of
flowers. It's very poor work--certainly about a million miles removed
from a genuine Rembrandt."

In silence Penny studied the painting. She really was not thinking of
it at all. However, she noticed absently that it was similar in size
to the dimensions which the evening papers had given for the stolen
Rembrandt.

"You don't think the police will try to send me to jail?" Amy
questioned tensely. "The accusation is utterly silly!"

Penny did not know how to advise the girl. While she was inclined to
believe Amy's story, she was afraid that others might not.

"Does anyone know of your present address?" she asked Amy.

"Only you. I haven't even had time to inform the postoffice of the
change."

"Then why not remain in hiding for a few days until this trouble blows
over?" Penny proposed after a moment's thought. "I shouldn't suggest
it only I feel confident the real thief will be traced soon. Or at
least new evidence will be uncovered."

"I shouldn't like to appear a sneak or a coward. If I were sure the
police would believe me, I'd be glad to go to them and give myself up."

"That's just the point, Amy. You can't tell what they're likely to do.
And the story is almost certain to come out in the papers."

"I shouldn't like publicity," Amy declared. "Perhaps you're right
about hiding."

"I'd stay off the street if possible," Penny advised, arising to leave.
"And it might be a good idea to take all your meals in."

"I shall," Amy promised. "Thank you for bringing me the warning. I
appreciate it more than I can say."

"If there are any new developments I'll keep you posted," Penny said as
they parted at the door. "The truth surely will come out within a few
days."

She walked back to Pearl Street for her automobile,