"I'd stay off the street if possible," Penny advised, arising to leave. "And it might be a good idea to take all your meals in."
"I shall," Amy promised. "Thank you for bringing me the warning. I appreciate it more than I can say."
"If there are any new developments I'll keep you posted," Penny said as they parted at the door. "The truth surely will come out within a few days."
She walked back to Pearl Street for her automobile, but did not drive home. Instead she turned toward the Gage Galleries.
"It seems to me the police and museum authorities have overlooked one important clue," she reflected. "I can't help thinking that the guard Susan and I met in the corridor may know something about the case. At least he should be questioned."
While it was true that a museum official had vouched for the honesty of the employee, Penny could not forget that the man had seemed greatly embarrassed at the encounter in the dark hall.
She was quite aware that the loss of the valuable painting really was none of her affair. Nor would she have taken such a personal interest in the case had it not been for her acquaintance with Amy Coulter. She felt that if the girl were to be cleared of suspicion, someone would have to work in her behalf.
Penny entered the Gage Galleries by the main front door and spoke to a guard whom she knew by sight.
"Have you heard anything new regarding the missing Rembrandt?"
"No, Miss," the man responded politely. "The theft of the painting was a severe loss to the museum. So far the police have made no progress in tracing the crook."