She broke off as they heard approaching footsteps in the hall.
"The maid!" Amy whispered.
"Quick!" Penny exclaimed in an undertone. "Help me get this picture back into place before she comes!"
CHAPTER IX
The Robbery
The girls hastily jerked the velvet curtains over the painting and closed the secret panel. When the maid entered the room a moment later they were gazing with rapt interest at the picture which served to disguise the Rembrandt.
"We must be going," Penny said casually for the benefit of the servant. "Thank you for permitting us to see the canvas."
Now that she and Amy had viewed Mrs. Dillon's purchase they were eager to leave the house before their identity was discovered.
"I'll tell Mrs. Dillon you were here," the maid said, escorting the girls to the front door. "I don't believe you mentioned your names."