Part 12 (1/2)
”How do you know?” asked Mr. Sumner, while Hal p.r.i.c.ked up his ears.
”Here are the marks made by a knife blade. They are quite fresh.”
”Here are the marks of foot-prints upon the window-sill,” added Hamington. ”See, they lead toward that door yonder. Where does that door lead to?”
”An alley-way,” replied Mr. Allen.
”Opening on the next street?”
”Yes.”
”Then these marks add a new feature to the case,” said Parker. ”Has anybody been through the window to your knowledge?”
Every one shook his head.
”Queer,” said Mr. Sumner. ”If the thief came through the window how did he know the combination of the safe?”
”I have it,” said Hamington. ”You often opened the safe during the daytime, did you not?”
”Yes.”
”Then the would-be thief watched you from the window. By looking from the left side he could easily see you work the combination without being seen himself. He watched you until he was sure he had the combination down fine, and last night he opened the window, stepped inside, opened the safe and took out the tin box, closed the door again, and escaped as he had come.”
CHAPTER VI.
A BLOW IN THE DARK.
Was Hamington's explanation the correct one?
”By Jove! I believe that's the straight of it!” exclaimed Hardwick.
”So do I,” said Mr. Allen. ”It is the only way to account for the marks on the window-frame and the sash.”
Mr. Sumner said nothing. Indeed, to tell the truth, his loss had set his mind in a whirl.
Parker turned to Hal.
”Did you open the office this morning?” he asked.
”Yes, sir.”
”You opened the window when you cleaned up?”
”Yes.”
”Was it locked?”
Hal tried to think.