Penny's original intention had been to question the man, but now she slightly altered her plan. She would follow him.
The ex-museum worker walked rapidly down the street with Penny in close pursuit. However, she took care not to draw too near, fearing that he might glance back and recognize her.
At first Hoges kept to the main streets, but presently he turned toward a section which was somewhat deserted. Penny was forced to drop farther behind. They came soon to a factory district with many vacant buildings, similar in many respects to the Franklyn Street section.
Hoges halted in front of an old building, and disappeared inside. When Penny drew near a minute later, he was nowhere to be seen.
The office directory was of no use, for not a single listed name was familiar to the girl. However, Penny had a suspicion that the man she sought might have engaged the top floor of the building. She was thinking of mounting the stairs when the janitor appeared.
"Looking for someone?" he inquired.
"Yes, but I don't know his name," Penny replied. "He is an artist I think."
"The top floor is rented to a firm of commercial artists," the man informed.
"That must be the place I'm looking for. Thank you."
Penny slowly mounted four long flights of stairs, pausing at the top landing to regain her breath.