He went away, returning in a few minutes accompanied by an official of the museum.
"Apparently, Miss Coulter has left the Galleries," the latter informed in a worried manner. "Can anyone here furnish us with the girl's address?"
"I believe she lives in a rooming house somewhere on Pearl Street," a woman in the crowd spoke up. "I hope you are not trying to connect the poor girl with the loss of the painting."
"Unfortunately, she is under suspicion," the official replied.
"Surely the girl had a right to leave the building when she chose!" Penny exclaimed.
"It happens that she was seen by a guard hurrying away from the Galleries with a flat package under her arm. She left by a back stairs and was not observed until she was stepping into a taxi cab. The attendant tried to stop her but was too late."
"And was the package this girl carried the approximate size of the stolen painting?" Penny asked incredulously.
"The guard reports that it was. He was almost certain it was a painting."
Penny and Susan were amazed at the information. They did not believe that Amy Coulter had the slightest connection with the disappearance of the famous picture and were astonished that the official seemed to be of a contrary opinion.
"Miss Coulter couldn't have taken the painting," Penny declared impulsively. "Why, she was here in this room until just a few minutes ago."