It was past midnight, but Ben thought nothing of time. He had turned off from the street and entered the main business avenue of Damietta.
Just as he came opposite the large jewelry establishment of Mr. Grandin he glanced through the plate-glass window. A light was burning dimly in the rear of the store, as was the custom with many of the merchants in the city, but at the instant of looking Ben saw something like a shadow flit by the light. He looked again, and was certain that another movement had taken place, though he could not define its character.
He paused only an instant, when he walked on again; but in that instant he became convinced that burglars were operating in the jewelry establishment of Mr. Grandin.
He walked slowly forward, humming to himself, as was his custom, but wide awake and alert. Fifty feet further, he detected the shadowy figure of a man standing in one of the adjoining doorways. Ben pretended not to see him, and continued humming gayly to himself.
Ben sauntered along in the same aimless fashion until sure he was not watched, when he turned and made his way directly to the police office. The chief was there and Ben quickly told him everything he knew.
“Those are the parties who arranged to rob the bank year before last,” said the chief, “but found out they were suspected.”
“They certainly managed it well this time; that is, so far, for there hasn’t a single cipher telegram passed through our office since.”
“Well, we are ready to move,” said the chief, as he observed that four of his best officers were awaiting his orders.