CHAPTER XVIII
Captured
The art critic rapped three times on the door. It opened instantly and closed after him as he vanished inside.
After waiting a few minutes, Penny tiptoed back down the hall. Her suspicions had been aroused and she was determined to learn what was going on inside the room.
She paused at the door and listened again. She could hear voices but this time it was impossible to catch even a word.
Penny moved on to the next door. She gently turned the knob. The door was locked. So were all the others along the corridor until she came to the last one.
To Penny's surprise, it opened. Cautiously, she peeped inside. The room appeared to be empty. She entered.
It was only a small office, empty of furniture. A few papers were scattered over the bare floor, but upon examination Penny found them of no significance. It was clear that if she were to learn anything of value, she must find a means of entering the room where Hanley Cron, the ex-museum worker and the others were talking.
An inside door opened into an adjoining room. Penny was elated to find it unlocked. But her satisfaction was of short duration, for the next office likewise was empty and devoid of any clues.
By placing her ear against the north wall, she was able to hear the three men talking. It was provoking to be so close and yet unable to learn what they were saying. She felt convinced that if only she could hear their conversation, a great many puzzling matters might be cleared up.