"I am sorry to hear this," he said. "I dislike
to lose confidence in any man whom I have trusted."
"Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor
of your bookkeeper of late?" asked Thorndike.
"Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous."
"That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you."
"This very day, noticing the change in him,
I offered him a week's vacation. He promptly
declined to take it."
"Of course. It would conflict with the plans
of his confederate. I don't know the man, but
I do know human nature, and I venture to
predict that your safe will be opened within
a week. Do you keep anything of value in it?"
"There are my books, which are of great value to me."
"But not to a thief. Anything else?"
"Yes; I have a tin box containing four
thousand dollars in government bonds."
"Coupon or registered?"
"Coupon."
"Nothing could be better--for a burglar.
What on earth could induce you to keep the
bonds in your own safe?"
"To tell the truth, I considered them quite
as safe there as in the bank. Banks are more
likely to be robbed than private individuals."
"Circumstances alter cases. Does anyone
know that you have the bonds in your safe?"
"My bookkeeper is aware of it."
"Then, my friend, I caution you to remove
the bonds from so unsafe a depository as soon
as possible. Unless I am greatly mistaken,
this man, Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper,
and will have his aid in robbing you."
"What is your advice?"
"To remove the bonds this very evening," said Thorndike.
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