As for me, the danger,
though there isn't much, is just enough
to make it exciting."
"I don't care for any such excitement," said
Gibbon, dispiritedly. "Why couldn't you have
kept away and let me earn an honest living?"
"Because I must live as well as you, my dear
friend. When this little affair is over, you
will thank me for helping you to a good thing."
Of course all this conversation did not take
place within Carl's hearing. While it was going
on, the men had opened the office door and
entered. Then, as Carl watched the window
closely he saw a narrow gleam of light from
a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
"Now they are at the safe," thought Carl.
We, who are privileged, will enter the
office and watch the proceedings.
Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe,
for he was acquainted with the combination.
Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
"This is what we want," he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
"Have you a key that will open it?"
"No."
"Then I shall have to take box and all."
"Let us get through as soon as possible,"
said Gibbon, uneasily.
"You can close the safe, if you want to.
There is nothing else worth taking?"
"No."
"Then we will evacuate the premises. Is
there an old newspaper I can use to wrap up
the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone
should see it in our possession."
"Yes, here is one."
He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark,
who skillfully wrapped up the box, and placing
it under his arm, went out of the office,
leaving Gibbon to follow.
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