Part 28 (1/2)
”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.