but did not drive
home. Instead she turned toward the Gage Galleries.

"It seems to me the police and museum authorities have overlooked one
important clue," she reflected. "I can't help thinking that the guard
Susan and I met in the corridor may know something about the case. At
least he should be questioned."

While it was true that a museum official had vouched for the honesty of
the employee, Penny could not forget that the man had seemed greatly
embarrassed at the encounter in the dark hall.

She was quite aware that the loss of the valuable painting really was
none of her affair. Nor would she have taken such a personal interest
in the case had it not been for her acquaintance with Amy Coulter. She
felt that if the girl were to be cleared of suspicion, someone would
have to work in her behalf.

Penny entered the Gage Galleries by the main front door and spoke to a
guard whom she knew by sight.

"Have you heard anything new regarding the missing Rembrandt?"

"No, Miss," the man responded politely. "The theft of the painting was
a severe loss to the museum. So far the police have made no progress
in tracing the crook."

"Can you tell me where I can locate a man by the name of Hoges who is
employed here?" Penny next inquired.

"You will not find him at the Galleries, Miss."

"You mean he's off duty for the day?" Penny asked in disappointment.

The guard's response came as a distinct blow.

"No, Miss. Mr. Hoges is away on a month's vacation. He left the city
yesterday to travel in the South."

CHAPTER V

Behind the Panel

Penny was disheartened at the information. With the museum attendant
out of the city, she could not hope to be of assistance to Amy Coulter.
The situation looked very dark for the young sculptress unless other
clues regarding the identity of the art thief were discovered soon.

"I wonder if this man Hoges really did go away on a vacation?" Penny
mused. "He certainly vanished at the psychological moment!"

Giving no hint of what was in her mind, she politely thanked the guard
for the information and returned home. After leaving her packages she
called upon Susan to relate the adventures of the day.

"I think you were wise to tell Amy to hide," Susan approved. "We know
her story is true, but it doesn't sound that way."

Penny was not certain that her father would take a similar viewpoint.
She intended to tell him about Amy that evening and ask his advice
regard