But there were apparently no clues. As has been said, the door of the safe was of soft iron. The robber, or robbers, had used a cold chisel and a hammer, and cut out a section of the door around the big clumsy lock. Then it was a comparatively easy matter to get at the cash. The thieves had left nothing behind them that would throw any light on the mystery.
Having learned all they could, and seeing that there were likely to be no developments at the mill, the three chums wandered up the street. All the while Ned was busy thinking. Finally he said:
“Boys, I’ve something to tell you. I want to ask your advice. It’s about the robbery. Come where we can find a quiet place.”
Soon the three chums were sitting comfortably beneath a big oak tree, that cast a pleasant shade from the sun, which was already hot, though it was early in the day.
“Now, let’s hear the yarn,” said Chunky.
Thereupon Ned told what he had seen while watching the mill the previous night.
“Well, I should say you did know something about the robbery,” commented Jerry. “Why didn’t you tell this to the police?”
“I did think of it,” said Ned. “But I wanted to get some advice first. You see the light may or may not have had a connection with the crime.”
“Yes, but it looks suspicious, seeing Bill Berry around,” came from Bob.