The Tin Box Part 30

"It is only about one-sixth the market value of the bonds."

"I don't think my client would consent to pay so large a sum as that."

"Then your client must be prepared to lose the whole amount."

"It appears to me that a thousand dollars would be an adequate, not to say a handsome, reward."

"What would it amount to divided among four persons, after paying me my commission?"

"Then there were four persons engaged in the theft?"

"Better say in the removal of the deposits. It sounds better."

"Call it so, if you like. Doesn't it occur to you that it hardly required as many as four persons to remove the tin box, weighing with its contents, not over two pounds?"

"I suppose one could have lifted it," said Vernon, smiling.

"True; but do you know it is my theory that two persons were engaged?"

Vernon started, and scanned his companion's face anxiously. Did he know anything? That was what he asked himself.

"You can form any theories you please," he said, with a forced smile.

"They won't alter facts."

"You are right, Mr.----"

"You may call me Thompson."

"Very well, Mr. Thompson."

By this time a foot was heard upon the stairs. The door opened, and Harry Gilbert entered.

He came forward, not appearing to notice the visitor, and placed in Mr.

Wheeler's hand a sc.r.a.p of paper, on which he had written in pencil:

"The man with you is one of the robbers. I can identify him. I met him as I was going out. The two detectives are in the entry. I thought it best not to bring them in till I had a chance to tell you this."

Mr. Wheeler's eyes lighted up as he read this sc.r.a.p, and he looked approvingly at Harry.

"Quite right," he said. Then, turning to Vernon, he continued: "I don't think we can come to terms. I have reason to doubt whether you can carry out your promise and deliver the property."

"I suppose this is a bluff game, intended to deceive me," said Vernon, showing symptoms of anger. "I can a.s.sure you that it will do you no good."

"I may find out elsewhere the location of the box."

"Impossible! I, and I alone--that is, outside of the men who employ me--can give you this information. They will follow my advice, whatever it is, and I shall advise them not to surrender the box until they receive an adequate reward."

"Such as the sum you name?"

"Yes."

"Wouldn't two thousand dollars tempt you?" asked the lawyer.

"I think not. Still, I will consult them. I might advise them to accept that sum."

"My dear sir, I don't want to deceive you. I attach very little importance to your information, or your power in this matter. In fact, I have a theory as to the place where the box is concealed."

"Indeed, sir," said Vernon, with a sneer. "May I ask what is your theory?"

"Certainly. I think it is concealed near some country town, in a secluded spot in a wood."

Vernon jumped to his feet in dismay. He was convinced that his confederate had got the start of him and made a bargain with the lawyer, thus antic.i.p.ating his own treachery, for he had promised Temple that he would suffer some time to elapse before communicating with anyone on the subject.

"Who has been here?" he asked.

"One who saw you and your confederate bury the box," answered the lawyer, sternly.

Without a word, Vernon dashed from the office, only to be seized by the two detectives, who had come provided with handcuffs.

"This is an infamous conspiracy!" declared Vernon, furiously. "If Ralph Temple has betrayed me----

"Harry," said the lawyer, "do you recognize this man?"

Vernon stared in surprise at the supposed office boy.

"Yes, sir."

"Where did you see him last?"

"In Pegan Hill Wood, in the town of Waybridge."

"What was he doing?"

"Burying a tin box in a hole which he dug for the purpose."

"Who was with him?"

"A man named Ralph Temple."

"What do you say to this, Mr. Thompson?" asked the lawyer.

Vernon turned to Harry.

"Where were you at the time?" he asked.

"In a tree just overhead," answered Harry, undauntedly.

"I was a fool not to look more carefully about me," he said. "What is your name?"