d, swinging round sharply.

"I was preparing it when you arrived, sir."

"We will look at the safes," Durham said.

Harding had pushed-to the doors of the big safe As he pulled them open
Durham pointed.

"What keys are those?" he asked.

In the lock of the reserve recess the keys Eustace gave Harding in the
morning were still hanging. Harding took them out.

"They are the manager's keys," he said. "In the excitement of the
discovery that all the gold had gone, I must have forgotten to return
them. I had no idea they were here when you asked me what Eustace had
done with the keys. I entirely forgot them."

"But he did not, Mr. Harding. Do you know where he kept his private
papers?"

"That was his private office," Harding replied, pointing to the little
ante-room.

"When do you expect the relieving officer to arrive?"

"I can hardly say. He may come by train to the junction, in which case
he should be here about noon to-morrow."

"Then you will be in charge until he arrives?"

"I have telegraphed to the head office reporting that Eustace has
disappeared and asking for instructions. Until they come, of course, I
am in charge."

"Then you will come with me while I examine his desk, though I do not
suppose it contains anything but official papers--now. In the meantime,
Brennan, send away your description to all the neighbouring
police-stations and also to head-quarters for general distribution. When
you have done that you can come back here. I shall be waiting for you."

He followed Harding into the little room.

"You had better go through the papers, Mr. Harding. They will probably
all relate to the bank's business. I only want to see those which do
not."

"It was in this drawer he kept his own papers," Harding said, as he
touched the knob of one of the side drawers.

"Is it locked?"

"No," Harding replied, as he pulled it out. "But it is empty," he added.

"Quite so," Durham replied in an unconcerned voice. "As I expected."

Harding stared at him in perplexity.

"But--but----" he stammered. "I don't understand it. I cannot--I cannot
believe it of him."

Durham stood silent.

"Only a madman would have done such a thing, and Eustace is no more mad
than I am," Harding added.

Still Durham said nothing.

"But if he had done such a thing, why did he remain here? Why not get
away at the same time as he got the gold away? Surely----"

"Would you mind looking through the remainder of the drawers?