Part 14 (2/2)

With lantern and gun held out before them, and with their hearts beating wildly, the two youths walked cautiously through the workshop. They had to pa.s.s through two rooms before they reached the entrance to the offices. The light cast curious shadows on the walls and the machinery, and more than once the lads fancied they saw something moving. But each alarm proved false.

”Why not call the watchman?” suggested Roger, just before entering the offices.

They raised their voices and then raised them again. But no answer came back.

”Would he telephone from the office?” asked the senator's son.

”I suppose so-although there is another 'phone in the s.h.i.+pping-room.”

The boys had now entered one of the new offices. Just beyond was the old office, with the two old safes, standing side by side.

”Look!” cried Roger, in dismay.

There was no need to utter the cry, for Dave was himself staring at the scene before him. The old office was in dire confusion, chairs and desks being cast in various directions. All of the windows were broken out and through these the chill night air was entering.

But what interested the boys most of all was the appearance of the two old safes. The door to each had been blown asunder and lay in a twisted ma.s.s on the floor. On top of the doors lay a number of boxes and drawers that belonged in the safes. Mingling with the wreckage were pieces of gold and silver plate, and also gold and silver knives, forks, and spoons.

”Here is where that explosion came from,” said Dave. ”What a pity it didn't happen when we were in front of the works! We might have caught the rascals red-handed!”

”Listen! I hear somebody now!” exclaimed Roger. ”Maybe they are coming back.”

”No, that is my father who is calling!” replied our hero. ”I'll let him in.”

He ran to the office door, and finding a key in the lock, opened it.

Roger swung the lantern, and soon Dave's father and his uncle came up, followed by Mr. Wadsworth, who, being somewhat portly, could not run so fast, and had to be a.s.sisted by Phil.

”What have they done?” gasped the manufacturer. ”Tell me quickly! Did they blow open the safes?” He was so agitated that he could scarcely speak.

The boys did not reply, for there was no need. Mr. Wadsworth gave one look and then sank down on a desk, too overcome to make another move.

”Did you see anything of the robbers, Dave?” asked his father.

”Not a thing.”

”And where is the watchman?”

”I don't know.”

”Strange, he must be somewhere around. He told me of the robbery and then he said that they were coming after him. Then the message was suddenly cut off.”

”It looks like foul play to me,” said Dunston Porter, seriously. ”We had better light up and investigate thoroughly.”

He walked to a switchboard on the wall and began to experiment.

Presently the electric lights in the offices flashed up and then some of those in the workshops were turned on.

By this time Oliver Wadsworth was in front of one of the shattered safes. An inner door, somewhat bent, was swung shut. With trembling fingers the manufacturer pulled the door open and felt into the compartment beyond.

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