"You don't suppose it is anyone trying to break into the bank, do you?" queried Fred.
"I don't believe so," rejoined Sandow. "If they were, they'd be more likely to work at the back of the building than on the side. However, we'll stay here and watch a few minutes."
To this proposal the other boys agreed readily.
"Keep on talking, just as though we hadn't seen anybody," advised the oldest of the trio. And though his companions obeyed, they continued to keep a sharp watch on the bank building.
"They've seen us," exclaimed Buttons suddenly. "Look, they're going back! Can't you see them, crouching down? I tell you, there's something wrong!"
But just as the boy finished voicing his suspicion the flare of a match flickered, revealing two men, searching the ground on their hands and knees.
"Whoever it is has lost something," murmured Fred.
"But who are they?" demanded Buttons. "It may be only a bluff to throw us off the track, now they realize they've been discovered."
"My eye! but you talk just like a story book detective," laughed Sandow. "What do you want us to do, charge 'em, and cry 'hands up'?"
"Don't be a fool——" began Buttons, in angry retort, when a second match flared, the light from which enabled the boys to see the faces of the two men.