; some of them have been left here by trustees of estates,
consequently often lie for weeks in the vaults untouched. If however any
of them have been opened, we ought to be able to see it. Would you like
an examination made of their condition?"

The detective nodded.

Mr. Sylvester at once turned to Mr. Stuyvesant. "May I ask you to
mention what officer of the bank you would like to have go to the
vaults?"

That gentleman started, looked uneasily about, but meeting Bertram's
eye, nervously dropped his own and muttered the name of Folger.

Mr. Sylvester suppressed a sigh, sent for the paying-teller, and
informed him of their wishes. He at once proceeded to the vaults. While
he was gone, Mr. Gryce took the opportunity to make the following
remark.

"Gentlemen," said he, "let us understand ourselves. What you want of me,
is to tell you whether this robbery has been committed by a stranger or
by some one in your employ. Now to decide this question it is necessary
for me to ask first, whether you have ever had reason to doubt the
honesty of any person connected with the bank?"

"No," came from Mr. Sylvester with sharp and shrill distinctness. "Since
I have had the honor of conducting the affairs of this institution, I
have made it my business to observe and note the bearing and character
of each and every man employed under me, and I believe them all to be
honest."

The glance of the detective while it did not perceptibly move from the
large screen drawn across the room at the back of Mr. Sylvester, seemed
to request the opinions of the other two gentlemen on this point.

Bertram observing it, subdued the rapid beatings of his heart and spoke
with like distinctness. "I have been in the bank the same length of time
as my uncle," said he, "and most heartily endorse his good opinion of
the various persons in our employ."

"And Mr. Stuyvesant?" the immovable glance seemed to say.

"Men are honest in my opinion till they are proved otherwise," came in
short stern accents from the director's lips.

The detective drew back in his chair as if he considered that point
decided, and yet Bertram's eye which had clouded at Mr. Stuyvesant's too
abrupt assertion, did not clear again as might have been expected.

"There is one more question I desire to settle," continued the
detective, "and that is, whether this robbery could have been
perpetrated after business hours, by some one in collusion with the
person who is here left