"Let us take a look through the house," suggested Pepper.
A hand-lamp was lit and the boys began a systematic inspection of the Lodge. They found nothing disturbed in most of the rooms, but when they inspected the library all set up a shout.
"It has been blown open!"
"Yes, and look, the contents are scattered all over the floor!"
It was true, the small safe that was located under a bend of the stairs had been drilled and the door blown asunder. On the floor of the library lay the shattered door and likewise several bundles of papers and legal-looking documents. They also saw a case that had contained silverware.
"Wonder how much he took?" said Pepper.
"He took something, that is sure," answered Jack.
"We must have come in right after he blew the safe open," said Andy.
"Boys, I think we ought to notify the authorities at once, and also notify the Fords," cried Jack. "This is a serious piece of business."