e
to make very sure that the bills were actually abstracted from the
book, and then to apprehend the man who took them without waiting for
him to get out of the building, and to call on any of the library
attendants for assistance if need be. Meanwhile Evan waited in the
librarian's office, prepared to take a hand when the alarm was raised.

But no alarm was raised. Evan waited half an hour in the keenest
impatience and then the librarian returned alone.

"What happened?" demanded Evan.

"Nothing--as yet," was the answer. "I took your friend around through
the American History room, just as I took you that day, and explained
to him the location of seat 433. Since there was no danger of his
being recognised he went right into the reading-room and took a seat at
the same table. I scarcely liked to show myself, so I waited in the
adjoining room. I had an attendant there in case he needed help.

"But we heard no sound, and when I finally looked into the reading-room
I saw that your friend had gone, and that seat number 433 was also
empty. The Carlyle books were lying on the table. The money had been
taken. So I came back here to tell you."

Evan was anxious and perplexed. "I don't understand what could have
happened," he said. "If the crook got away in spite of Charley, why
didn't he come back here to report?"

"Perhaps he's still on his trail."

"But he was told not to let him get out of the building. There's
nothing for me to do I suppose, but wait here."

Evan waited in the librarian's office until after lunch, but Charley
neither came back nor sent any word. By the end of that time Evan,
divided between anger and anxiety, was in a fever. He decided to make
a trip home.

By the time he reached Washington Square anxiety had the upper hand.
The gang must have got the better of Charley he told himself, or he
would have had some word. Evan had had experience of the desperate
lengths to which they were prepared to go. Would they now put their
final threat into execution upon his hapless friend? Evan blamed
himself bitterly for having sent Charley into danger. "If I do not
hear from him during the afternoon, I'll send out a general alarm at
police headquarters," he thought.

When Evan opened the door of 45A, Miss Sisson, according to her custom,
stuck her head out into the hall.

"I suppose you haven't seen Mr. Straiker," said Evan.

"Yes, I have," she answered. "He came in about lunch time."