"That's different," said Hardwick.
Both of them looked relieved.
"I wish he had watched this stranger."
"I wish that myself, Mr. Sumner," cried Hal. "If he stole the tin box, then I am mostly responsible, although I supposed the man was some business man around here, and was to be trusted."
"I don't understand one thing," said the elderly broker. "I am almost sure I locked the safe when I went away yesterday afternoon."
"So you did," said Mr. Allen. "I saw you do it."
"Then, how could the stranger have opened it?"
"Didn't Carson know the combination?" asked Hardwick, who seemed determined to convict Hal.
"I think not."
"Indeed I did not!" cried the youth. "I never worked a safe combination in my life."