"Can you tell me where I can locate a man by the name of Hoges who is employed here?" Penny next inquired.
"You will not find him at the Galleries, Miss."
"You mean he's off duty for the day?" Penny asked in disappointment.
The guard's response came as a distinct blow.
"No, Miss. Mr. Hoges is away on a month's vacation. He left the city yesterday to travel in the South."
CHAPTER V
Behind the Panel
Penny was disheartened at the information. With the museum attendant out of the city, she could not hope to be of assistance to Amy Coulter. The situation looked very dark for the young sculptress unless other clues regarding the identity of the art thief were discovered soon.
"I wonder if this man Hoges really did go away on a vacation?" Penny mused. "He certainly vanished at the psychological moment!"