"I doubt it. Legally he hasn't any grounds for complaint. He probably thought he could bluff me into paying for a new fender, but when he discovered I had a detective for a father he changed his mind."
Penny chuckled softly and drew up at the rear entrance of the Gage Galleries. The street was crowded with fine limousines, but after searching for a minute or two the girls found a parking place.
"We're late," Penny announced. "Let's go in the back way. It will save time."
They entered the rear door. Hurrying along the dark corridor, intent only upon finding the main exhibition room, they did not observe a uniformed attendant who was approaching from the opposite direction bearing a canvas covered painting. The girls ran into him.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," Penny apologized. "I didn't see you at all."
The man muttered something which the girls did not catch.
"Can you tell us the way to the exhibition room where the Huddleson prize ceramics are being displayed?" Susan requested.
The attendant did not answer. Instead he moved swiftly on down the corridor with his burden.
"Real sociable, isn't he?" Penny commented. "But come on, Sue, we'll find the place without his help."
They followed the corridor until it branched off in several directions. As they paused uncertainly, another attendant approached them to inquire if he might be of assistance. In response to their question, he directed them to a room on the upper floor.