Penny Nichols and the Black Imp Part 28

"That's why I came," Penny informed, closing the door behind her.

"They have traced you here."

"The police?"

"Yes, you must leave at once."

"But where can I go? I have no friends and very little money."

It occurred to Penny to mention that she had seen Amy accept payment from the museum workman, Hoges, but she refrained from doing so.

Instead, she examined the contents of her purse.

"I can't take money from you," Amy said.

"But you'll need it."

"I'll have enough to keep me for a few days. But I don't know where to go."

"You must find a new rooming house. I'll help you pack."

"But I can't leave tonight," Amy protested weakly.

"You must! Unless you do, the police will surely catch you."

"It's after six o'clock. How can I get my trunk moved?"

"You must abandon your trunk," Penny advised. "I'll help you pack your bags."

Amy gazed disconsolately about the room at the many art objects and trinkets that she loved.

"After the trouble blows over you can come back for your things," Penny said.

"But will it ever clear up?" Amy asked hopelessly. "It might be better to stay and face it."

"If you can prove your innocence----"

"I can't prove anything," Amy responded. "No, you're right. I must remain in hiding until the thief is captured."

Penny had begun to gather up clothing. "Where are your bags?" she asked. "There's no time to lose."

"Under the bed," Amy answered.

She ran to the closet and jerked her dresses from the hangers. Penny crossed the room to pick up a sweater which had been tossed into a chair. As she moved past the table which Amy used as a writing desk she noticed a stamped, sealed envelope lying there.

Unintentionally, Penny glanced at the name and address. It read:

"Mr. George Hoges, General Delivery, Belton City."

For a moment Penny stared at the letter. The scene which she had witnessed in the park came back to her. Why should Amy and the ex-museum worker have business together? The next instant she was heartily ashamed of her suspicion, yet she could not let the matter pa.s.s without speaking of it.

"Amy," she called.

"Yes." The girl emerged from the closet with a pile of dresses in her arms.

"I don't mean to be prying," Penny said awkwardly, "but I couldn't help seeing this letter."

A faint flush crept over Amy's face. She questioned defiantly: "What about it?"

"Nothing," Penny answered shortly. If Amy did not feel like explaining, she could not bring herself to ask.

In silence the girls continued their packing Presently Amy picked up the letter and thrust it into her pocketbook.

"I guess I'm ready," she announced.

They each took a bag and started down the stairway. But as they reached the lower landing, Penny abruptly halted, warning her companion to keep back.

"What is it?" Amy whispered.

Penny indicated a man who was standing on the opposite side of the street, loitering in the doorway of a bakery shop.

"A detective from police headquarters! I've seen him at the station."

Hastily the girls retreated back up the stairs to the bedroom. Amy flung herself into a chair.

"It's useless trying to escape," she murmured. "I may as well give myself up."

Penny went to the window and looked out. The bedroom opened over an alley and she was elated to see that it had a fire escape. No one was in sight.

"You still have a chance, Amy," she urged, "but you must hurry."

"Thank you for everything you have done to help me," the girl murmured gratefully, moving to the window which Penny had opened for her. "I'll never forget it."

"I've done nothing," Penny replied, a.s.sisting her to climb over the sill. "Can you manage both bags?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Will you let me know the address of your new rooming house, Amy?"

"Yes, of course. I have no idea now where I'll go. I may not escape at all."

"Keep to the alley," Penny advised. "Good-bye and good luck."

She stood watching from the window while Amy descended the fire escape to enter the alley. The girl waved her hand rea.s.suringly and vanished.

Penny closed the window and straightened up the room so that there would be no appearance of sudden flight. She wondered if she had done right to help Amy escape the police.

She felt troubled because the girl had failed to explain why she had written to Mr. Hoges. Yet the letter provided Penny with a valuable clue.

"Undoubtedly, the man told Amy to address him in care of General Delivery," she thought. "That means he'll call there for his mail. If I keep watch I may locate him."