Part 32 (1/2)
”Possibly. But that doesn't fasten the crime on Hardwick.”
”It does not. But I look at it in this light. As one of the detectives said, it is possible that somebody stood outside of the rear window and saw you work the combination, but I doubt very much if they could learn the process in that way. There is a glare of light on the window that renders it very difficult to see at all.”
”Yes, but----”
”Now wait a moment, please,” Hal was growing enthusiastic. ”Do you keep the combination written down anywhere?”
”I do not. I gave it to my daughter, Laura, in case something happened to me, and I suppose she has it down, but I do not know.”
”Then it isn't likely any one could get the combination unless they watched you?”
”I suppose not.”
”Very well. Now, the only persons employed in the office were you, Mr.
Allen, Hardwick, Ferris and myself. I know you and I are innocent. Now, who knew of the bonds being in the tin box?”
Mr. Sumner started.
”By Jove! I never thought of that!”
”Please answer me.”
”We all knew of it.”
”Did any outsider know?”
”I think not.”
”Was the tin box locked?”
”Yes.”
”After you placed the bonds in it no outsider heard of their being there?”
”Not unless the others told them.”
”Which they would not likely do. Now, tell me, was anything else taken?”
”Not a thing.”
”Not even placed out of position?”
”As far as I could see, no.”
”Was there any trace of the tin box having been opened?”
Mr. Sumner shook his head.