“We may as well have a light,” said Spedding, and felt for the switch.
The gleam of the electric lamps showed Spedding as pure a collection of scoundrels as ever disgraced the uniform of a gallant corps.
“Now,” said Spedding in level tones, “are all the necessary tools here?”
Bat’s grin was the answer.
“If we can get an electric connection,” he said, “we’ll burn out the lock of the safe in half——”
Spedding had walked to the inner door that led to the great hall, and was fumbling with the keys. Suddenly he started back.
“Hark!” he whispered. “I heard a step in the hall.”
Connor listened.
“I hear nothing,” he began, when the inner door was thrown open, and a commissionaire, revolver in hand, stepped out.
“Stand!” he cried. Then, recognizing Spedding, dropped the muzzle of his pistol.