enham worked steadily. Then, gathering the
papers together, he rose, took off his office-coat, and began making
preparations to depart. Once he came into Mr. Sandford's private
office, where we were sitting, but apparently he did not notice our
presence. Indiman gripped my hand hard. "Going splendidly," he
whispered.

The cashier put on his hat and top-coat. The legal papers were
carefully stowed in an inside pocket, and he was about to close down
his roll-top desk when the package of bank-bills met his eye. He
frowned perplexedly; then picking up the bundle he dropped it into the
same pocket with the papers belonging to Mr. Sandford. He went out,
closing the door behind him.

We followed as quickly as we could, but this time luck was against
us--Sydenham had disappeared.

"To the safe-deposit company," said Indiman, and we jumped into a
hansom. Mr. Sandford was there, and we waited impatiently for
Sydenham's appearance; it was the only chance of again picking up the
lost trail.

There he came, walking slowly up Nassau Street, his manner a trifle
preoccupied and his eyes bent on the pavement. Opposite the
safe-deposit company he stopped and thrust his hand into a
waistcoat-pocket. He took it away empty and a terrible change came over
his face. With a quick movement he drew out the bundle of bank-notes
and regarded it fixedly. A cry burst from his lips; he reeled and fell,
the money still clutched in his hand.

Instantly we were at his side. A coach was at hand, and we got him into
it and directed the driver to proceed to Indiman's lodgings. The attack
had been but a momentary one, and Sydenham revived as we turned out of
Park Row. He looked at us, then at the money in his hand.

"It has failed," he said, brokenly, and none of us could say a word. "I
came to myself," continued Sydenham, with forced calmness, "there in
Nassau Street; it was as though I had awakened from a dream. The
money--it was in my hand. I stood before the world, a self-convicted
thief. I thank you; you have done your best, but it is useless." He
passed the money to Mr. Sandford; mechanically his hand went to the
inside breast-pocket of his over-coat; he drew out the package of legal
papers bearing Mr. Sandford's name. "But--but," he stammered, "I don't
understand--I left these in your box at the safe-deposit company."

"To be sure you did," answered Indiman, coolly. He pulled the
check-cord. "Drive back to the safe deposit," he called to the