So far everything was good. Mick and Biddy got into Mrs Simpson's house and found the Picasso painting in the sitting room. Biddy put it into the bag and climbed out of the window.
Mick was about to follow her when the light went on and he saw Mrs Simpson in the doorway.
"What do you think you are doing?" asked Mrs Simpson. She ran to the telephone, but Mick got there first. He put his hand over her mouth, then gagged her with a scarf. Mrs Simpson tried to make a noise staring at him. From outside the window Mick heard Biddy whispering, "What is happening?"
Mick pulled a rope out of his pocket and tied Mrs Simpson's hands behind her back. Mrs Simpson made louder noises and Mick said, "What is the matter? I shall take the gag off if you promise you will not scream." Mrs Simpson nodded and Mick took the gag off.
Mick was on the way to the window when Mrs Simpson asked him to untie her hands before he left. He did it and ran like mad to the window. Mrs Simpson rang the police, "This is Fionna Simpson ringing , I have just had a burglary. Yes, a Picasso. No, the real one hidden in a safe."