"But why us? Why not a Mexican policeman?"
"Because the mountebank was an American. He may even have been a soldier and have hidden himself among your men."
"Oh, he was an American, was he?" laughed Donald. "Then I believe we can put our finger on him with ease. But the man we have in mind always carried with him an ape."
"Then it may not be the same," replied Don Esteban, "for this one had no ape with him either time."
"It certainly does look like a mystery," was Adrian's comment. "Where is the vault from which the box was taken?"
"On the other side of the patio."
"May we examine it?"
"Certainly. I'll show it to you now."
Don Esteban led the way downstairs and across the patio. Opening the rear door of the bank, he escorted them within and closed the door.
Passing behind the counter, he opened the iron door of the vault, disclosing within a good-sized chamber, in the rear of which was set the great steel safe, locked with a time lock.