her story, and that he had been in Oakdale on the previous Thanksgiving
and had assisted in the theft of the strong box. He had left for New
York the following morning, supposing that his confederate would have no
trouble in unlocking the box.

"Why did you leave Oakdale?" questioned Chief Burroughs.

"Robbing kids was too small business for me," growled the man. "We heard
this was a rich town, but when we got here I sized it up, and it didn't
look good to me. So I beat it for New York the next day."

But no amount of grilling could induce him to reveal the identity of his
partner.

"He's too good a pal to squeal on. Nothing doing in that line," was the
unvarying answer.

When questioned as to his second visit to Oakdale, he said that his
partner had been unable to open the strong box, and after looking about
for some safe hiding place, had accidentally discovered the secret
recess in the cupboard, while prowling about the haunted house.

This had seemed an ideal place of concealment, and he had secretly
conveyed the box there until the prisoner, who was an expert cracksman,
should be on hand to open it.

"And was that your sole object in coming to Oakdale?" was the chief's
sharp query.

"Of course," replied the prisoner.

But the chief shook his head. "There is a good deal more back of this.
You have not answered truthfully. Your real motive for coming here was
robbery."

Grace and Eleanor were not detained throughout the entire examination.
After giving their testimony, they were allowed to go. Once they were
fairly outside the police station, Grace took Eleanor by the arm and
said:

"Eleanor, I have a call to make, and I wish you to go with me. We
haven't a moment to spare, for the First National Bank closes at three,
and it's a quarter after two now."

"I am very glad to hear that useful and interesting fact about the First
National Bank. Are you going to deposit money there!" asked Eleanor,
laughing.

"No," answered Grace mysteriously. "I am going to draw money from there
after I have called upon a certain person."

"But what have I to do with it!" questioned Eleanor.

"Come with me and see," Grace replied. "After we have succeeded in our
undertaking, I'll answer any questions you may ask. I warn you, however,
that the call I am about to make is not a friendly one. Are you willing
to stand by me through what may be a rather disagreeable scene?"

"I certainly am," replied Eleanor emphatically. "