"I am sorry, Mrs. Dillon," she said, "but I do not intend to leave this house until you have answered my questions."
"I shall call my servant. You are an insolent, impudent girl!"
"I should advise you not to call anyone until we have talked together," Penny said undisturbed. "After all, you know I have it in my power to cause your arrest."
Mrs. Dillon grew pale. "What do you mean?" she demanded.
"It is useless to pretend. I know that you bought the Rembrandt and have it secreted in your library. Unless you tell me where you purchased the painting, I shall feel it my duty to go to the police."
"And if I do tell you?"
"Perhaps I can help you. You should be able to escape arrest for the Rembrandt isn't genuine."
As she had anticipated, her words brought an astonished glint into Mrs. Dillon's eyes. Without thinking she exclaimed:
"The painting is genuine. I paid——"
"How much did you pay for it?" Penny questioned, smiling at Mrs. Dillon's confusion.