As he rounded into them from Depot Street, he came in sight of the express office.
McCarthy, the night watchman, was seated on the platform looking down in a rueful way.
He got up as Bart approached, and the latter noticed that he looked haggard, and swayed as though his head was dizzy.
"What is it?" cried out Bart irrepressibly.
"I'm sorry, Stirling," said the watchman, "but—look there!"
Bart could not restrain a sharp cry of concern. The express office door stood open, and the padlock and staples, torn from place, lay on the platform. He rushed into the building. Then his dismay was complete.
"The trunk!" he cried—"it's gone!"
"Yes, it is!" groaned McCarthy, pressing at his heels.
Bart cast a reproachful look at the watchman. The lantern, too, had disappeared. He sank to the bench, overcome. Finally he inquired faintly:
"How did it happen?"