"

"Yes."

"He might have had. It runs in my mind so, but I am not positive."

Parker exchanged glances with his companion.

"More than likely he was the guilty party," he said to Mr. Sumner. "If
he is the man we imagine, he is an old offender, and it will not be a
very difficult matter to run him down."

"If you recover the bonds I will give you five thousand dollars as a
reward," said the elderly broker.

"We will do what we can, Mr. Sumner."

"The quicker you get to work the better it will suit me."

"We shall start on our hunt at once, eh, Hamington?"

"Certainly. But let us take a look around the office first. And, Mr.
Sumner?"

"Well?"

"It might be just as well to keep this matter a secret for a few days.
Of course, information will be sent out from headquarters, but the
general public need not know of it."

"That will suit me," returned the elderly broker, with a groan. "If the
word gets out it will all but ruin me. I only held the bonds in trust,
and will be expected to make the loss good in case they are not
recovered."

"You will give us a list of the paper?"

"Certainly." Mr. Sumner took out a memorandum book. "Here you are.
Anything else?"

"We will take a look around the premises."

And the two detectives started on a tour of investigation, in which Hal
took a lively interest.

The door to the safe was carefully examined. Not a mark was found upon
it.

"Either left open or opened by some one who had the combination," said
Parker.

He got down on his knees and examined the carpet.

"Anything?" asked Hamington, briefly.

Parker shook his head.

In the rear of the office was a window opening upon a narrow court. The
two detectives glanced at the fastening of the window.

Suddenly Parker gave a cry.

"This fastening was forced not long ago."

"How do you know?" asked Mr. Sumner, while Hal pricked up his ears.

"Here are the marks made by a knife blade. They are quite fresh."

"Here are the marks of foot-prints upon the window-sill," added
Hamington. "See, they lead toward that door yonder. Where does that door
lead to?"

"An alley-way," replied Mr. Allen.

"Opening on the next street?"

"Yes."

"Then these marks add a new feature to the case," said Parker. "Has
anybody been through the window to your knowledge?"

Every one shook his head.

"Queer," said Mr. Sumner. "If the thief came through the window how did
he know the combination of the safe?"

"I have it,"