ught something was wrong when she cleared out so fast," the
landlady declared. "She paid her rent all right, but she was a queer
one. I was suspicious of her from the first."

The detectives talked with the landlady a few minutes longer before
returning to their car.

Penny had heard the entire conversation. The visit of the plain
clothes men to the rooming house made it clear to her that the order
definitely had gone out for Amy Coulter's apprehension as a suspect in
the Gage Galleries theft. It seemed likely that the young sculptress
was aware of the situation, for otherwise why would she disappear
without leaving a forwarding address?

"Anyway, there's nothing I can do," Penny thought. "I may as well give
up the search and go shopping."

Since Pearl Street was not far from the business section of Belton
City, she left her automobile parked at the curbing and walked to the
nearest department store.

Penny had a long list of items to purchase, for Mrs. Gallup had
mentioned a number of articles which were needed for the house. It was
well after the noon hour when she finished the task. She dropped in at
the store tearoom for a sandwich and cup of chocolate, then gathered up
her packages and started back to her car.

Turning the first corner, she was startled to notice a familiar figure
across the street. A girl in a shabby blue serge suit was staring into
the window of a candy shop.

"That looks like Amy Coulter!" Penny thought excitedly.

She hurried across the street to accost the girl. Upon hearing her
name called Amy turned swiftly and her face lighted with pleasure.

"Why, how nice to meet you again, Miss Nichols."

For an instant Penny felt embarrassed. Amy looked so genuinely glad to
see her that it was difficult to believe the girl could know of the
accusation against her. It would be awkward to bring up the subject.

"I was hoping I might see you," Penny declared after a brief silence.
"In fact, I called at your rooming house only a little while ago. The
landlady told me you had moved."

"Yes, I didn't like the place very well. And it was too expensive for
me."

"Where are you staying now?" Penny questioned, and then as the other
girl hesitated for an answer, said quickly: "Don't tell me unless you
wish."

"Of course I want you to know, Miss Nichols. I have a room on Fulton
Avenue only a few blocks from here. If you have time I'd like to have
you visit me. I am on my way home n