They reached the factory
without attracting attention, and entered
by the office door.
Mr. Jennings opened the safe--he and the
bookkeeper alone knew the combination--and
with some anxiety took out the tin box. It
was possible that the contents had already
been removed. But no! on opening it, the
bonds were found intact. According to Mr.
Thorndike's advice, he transferred them to his
pocket, and substituted folded paper. Then,
replacing everything, the safe was once more
locked, and the three left the office.
Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and
Mr. Jennings to his house, but Carl asked
permission to remain out a while longer.
"It is on my mind that an attempt will be
made to-night to rob the safe," he said.
"I want to watch near the factory to see if my
suspicion is correct."
"Very well, Carl, but don't stay out too long!"
said his employer.
"Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?"
"Don't interrupt them! They will find
themselves badly fooled. Notice only if Mr.
Gibbon is of the party. I must know whether my
bookkeeper is to be trusted."
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE BURGLARY.
Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on
the opposite side of the street from the factory.
The building was on the outskirts of the village,
though not more than half a mile from
the post office, and there was very little travel
in that direction during the evening. This
made it more favorable for thieves, though up
to the present time no burglarious attempt
had been made on it.
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