"You bought the picture through a third party?"
"Yes, and the agent is very well known to me. A gentleman of high standing."
Penny could not restrain a smile. She had her own opinion of a man who would negotiate a deal for a stolen painting.
"Who is this agent, Mrs. Dillon?"
"That I cannot tell you. I promised never to reveal his name."
"But it is your duty to do so," Penny urged. "I have every reason to believe that this man has cheated you."
"I will not give his name," Mrs. Dillon repeated firmly.
"He is a special friend of yours?"
"Perhaps."
"I appreciate your motive in trying to shield him," Penny said, "but the matter is serious. This man has sold you a worthless picture, representing it to be a stolen Rembrandt."