Part 31 (2/2)
”So I did, and it is true. But that might be put down to a mere matter of sharp business practice, legally right if not morally so. But this other----”
And the elderly broker shook his head.
”If a man will cheat legally, I don't think he will stop at cheating any other way,” replied Hal. ”He may for a while, but his conscience soon gets blunted, and that's the end of it. You say the police think somebody else is guilty?”
”Yes.”
”Do they think the thief came through the window?”
”Yes.”
”That the man who came in while I was here had nothing to do with it?”
”That is their theory.”
”But that doesn't explain one point.”
”And what is that?”
”Why the marks on the window-sill, which are very plain and made by dirt and ashes, did not extend to the safe.”
”Didn't they?”
”No.”
”Humph! Who discovered that?”
”I did.”
”When?”
”The day the two detectives were here.”
”Did you say anything about it?”
”No, sir.”
”Why not?”
”Because, as I said before, I wished to sift the matter myself, if I could. I know I am nothing but a boy, but I intend to do all I can toward getting back your bonds.”
”Well, you are smart, Hal, there is no denying that. What is your opinion of the marks?”
”I think they were only a blind.”
”Put there to form a wrong impression?”
”Exactly, sir. That robbery was committed by somebody who came in through the office, and who knew the combination of the safe.”
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