Part 30 (2/2)
”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?”
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