did not take place within Carl's
hearing. While it was going on, the men had opened the office door and
entered. Then, as Carl watched the window closely he saw a narrow gleam
of light from a dark lantern illuminating the interior.

"Now they are at the safe," thought Carl.

We, who are privileged, will enter the office and watch the proceedings.

Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe, for he was acquainted with
the combination. Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.

"This is what we want," he said, in a tone of satisfaction. "Have you a
key that will open it?"

"No."

"Then I shall have to take box and all."

"Let us get through as soon as possible," said Gibbon, uneasily.

"You can close the safe, if you want to. There is nothing else worth
taking?"

"No."

"Then we will evacuate the premises. Is there an old newspaper I can use
to wrap up the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone should see it
in our possession."

"Yes, here is one."

He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark, who skillfully wrapped
up the box, and placing it under his arm, went out of the office,
leaving Gibbon to follow.

"Where will you carry it?" asked Gibbon.

"Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it. I should have
preferred to take the bonds, and leave the box in the safe. Then the
bonds might not have been missed for a week or more."

"That would have been better."

That was the last that Carl heard. The two disappeared in the darkness,
and Carl, raising himself from his place of concealment, stretched his
cramped limbs and made the best of his way home. He thought no one would
be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the sitting-room, where he had
flung himself on a lounge, and met Carl in the hall.

"Well?" he said.

"The safe has been robbed."

"Who did it?" asked the manufacturer, quickly.

"The two we suspected."

"Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?"

"Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark."

"You saw them enter the factory?"

"Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone wall on the other side of
the road."

"How long were they inside?"

"Not over fifteen minutes--perhaps only ten."

"Mr. Gibbon knew the combination," said Jennings, quietly. "There was no
occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe. There is some advantage
in having a friend inside. Did you see them go out?"

"Yes, sir."

"Carrying the tin box with them?"

"Yes, sir. Mr. Stark wrapped it in