Mr. Nichols was gone nearly two hours, but as he had expected, Penny was waiting up for him when he entered the house.
"What did you learn?" she demanded instantly. "Is Amy Coulter under suspicion?"
"Oh, I didn't consider it a good policy to ask questions about a matter which was none of my concern."
"Then you found out nothing," Penny cried in disappointment. "And I've been sitting up waiting for you too!"
"I didn't say what I learned," Mr. Nichols smiled. "I merely mentioned that I did not make any inquiries."
"You did learn something then! Tell me!"
"Nothing very encouraging, Penny. The police are after this girl—at least they intend to apprehend her for questioning."
"She's not been arrested yet?"
"No, it seems they haven't located her yet."
"I heard someone at the Gage Galleries say Miss Coulter lived at a rooming house on Pearl Street. I wonder if she's still there."