s their theory."

"But that doesn't explain one point."

"And what is that?"

"Why the marks on the window-sill, which are very plain and made by dirt
and ashes, did not extend to the safe."

"Didn't they?"

"No."

"Humph! Who discovered that?"

"I did."

"When?"

"The day the two detectives were here."

"Did you say anything about it?"

"No, sir."

"Why not?"

"Because, as I said before, I wished to sift the matter myself, if I
could. I know I am nothing but a boy, but I intend to do all I can
toward getting back your bonds."

"Well, you are smart, Hal, there is no denying that. What is your
opinion of the marks?"

"I think they were only a blind."

"Put there to form a wrong impression?"

"Exactly, sir. That robbery was committed by somebody who came in
through the office, and who knew the combination of the safe."

"Possibly. But that doesn't fasten the crime on Hardwick."

"It does not. But I look at it in this light. As one of the detectives
said, it is possible that somebody stood outside of the rear window and
saw you work the combination, but I doubt very much if they could learn
the process in that way. There is a glare of light on the window that
renders it very difficult to see at all."

"Yes, but----"

"Now wait a moment, please," Hal was growing enthusiastic. "Do you keep
the combination written down anywhere?"

"I do not. I gave it to my daughter, Laura, in case something happened
to me, and I suppose she has it down, but I do not know."

"Then it isn't likely any one could get the combination unless they
watched you?"

"I suppose not."

"Very well. Now, the only persons employed in the office were you, Mr.
Allen, Hardwick, Ferris and myself. I know you and I are innocent. Now,
who knew of the bonds being in the tin box?"

Mr. Sumner started.

"By Jove! I never thought of that!"

"Please answer me."

"We all knew of it."

"Did any outsider know?"

"I think not."

"Was the tin box locked?"

"Yes."

"After you placed the bonds in it no outsider heard of their being
there?"

"Not unless the others told them."

"Which they would not likely do. Now, tell me, was anything else taken?"

"Not a thing."

"Not even placed out of position?"

"As far as I could see, no."

"Was there any trace of the tin box having been opened?"

Mr. Sumner shook his head.

"Doesn't it seem probable that if the thieves had not been certain of
what was in the box they would