Don Esteban made no move to comply with the request, but looked at the boys in such a perplexed manner that the sick man was quick to take notice.
"What is it?" he asked, rising on his elbow and looking at Don Esteban with burning gaze. "What is it? Has anything happened to the box?"
"Yes," faltered the banker, "it has been stolen."
"Stolen!" almost shrieked Santiago. "Stolen! Then there stands the thief!" and he pointed to Strong, who stood with blanched face.
"We know that," said Billie, "but the box has been stolen again and no one knows where it has gone."
"You are wrong," muttered Strong. "It has not been stolen. It is in the bank where it always was."
"Impossible!" cried Don Esteban. "How could it be back in the vault?"
"Ask Ambrosio," replied Strong, with a wan smile. "He can tell."
"Of course he cannot tell," almost shouted Don Esteban.
"Then we shall never know; but I am sure the box is there."