"Yes, I think I caught a glimpse of him."
"Was there a crowd round the vault door when it was closed?"
"There was; but I didn't notice Brown on that occasion."
Blair nodded.
"Very probably. You were too much taken up with the business in hand. Yet, I'll swear Brown was in the crowd, and heard you say where the key was. The clever scoundrel made use of the information that same afternoon."
"I believe you are right," said Alan, clenching his fist. "Oh, I do wish we could find the villain! But what object could he have had in stealing the body?"
"I can guess. Mr. Marlow was a millionaire."
"Well, in a small way, yes."
"In a way quite big enough to pay a handsome ransom, Mr. Thorold." The inspector smiled. "Depend upon it, we shall hear from this so-called Brown. He will ask a good few thousands for the return of the corpse. Oh, it is not the first time this game has been played."
"Well, if Brown writes, we'll have him arrested for the murder."