ret. I
shouldn't care to be arrested."

"Of course I promise," the other agreed.

Neither of the women was aware of Penny's presence in the library for
she was concealed behind the high back of the chair. The girl
hesitated to reveal herself, for already she had heard enough to cause
Mrs. Dillon embarrassment. She decided to remain where she was and
keep quiet.

Mrs. Dillon carefully closed the library door and to Penny's amazement,
locked it.

"I don't want to risk having anyone come in," she explained to her
companion. "As it is, my husband is quite provoked at me for making
the purchase. It was such a wonderful bargain I couldn't resist. But
he is afraid someone will learn of it."

"You did take a chance in buying it," the other woman remarked.

"Oh, the trouble will soon blow over and if I should be caught I can
always plead innocence. The dealer assured me I could sell it at any
time for twice what I paid."

The floor creaked beneath Mrs. Dillon's weight as she crossed the room.
The woman halted in front of a large picture which hung over the
mantel. By this time Penny was overcome with curiosity. Risking
detection, she peeped out from behind her chair.

Mrs. Dillon reached up and jerked a long silken rope which was
suspended from the picture. Immediately it swung aside, revealing a
hidden opening in the wall.

Mrs. Dillon drew back a blue velvet curtain and waited expectantly for
her friend's praise. Exposed to view was a small oil painting.

Penny recognized it as the stolen Rembrandt.

CHAPTER VI

A Holdup

"Well, what do you think of it, my dear?" Mrs. Dillon questioned
eagerly.

"Beautiful!" the guest praised, stepping back a pace that she might
view the painting to better advantage. "How fortunate you are to own
such a picture."

"I've always craved to possess a genuine masterpiece," Mrs. Dillon
declared enthusiastically. "It gives one prestige."

"And you say this is a Rembrandt, Mrs. Dillon?" the other asked. "It
must have cost you a pretty penny."

"It did, but at that I consider the painting a great bargain. The
dealer assured me that if I wished to dispose of it at any time he
would promise to find an immediate purchaser."

"Undoubtedly, you made a fine deal," Mrs. Dillon's friend acknowledged.
"From whom did you buy the picture?"

"I can't tell you that. I pledged myself not to reveal his identity."

"Oh, I see. But you are quite sure you can depend upo