“They were opened,” was the reply, “by some one knowing the combination to the safe, and some one having a key to the desk. All the proof collected by Colleton disappeared that day.”
“And the patent medicine men finally got up to his price!” grinned Jimmie. “I guess it’s the old story!”
“That’s what makes it so provoking,” said Mr. Havens, impatiently. “A good many people in Washington are saying the same thing. It is unjust to the inspector and very annoying to his friends.”
“And no one went into his office that afternoon?” asked Carl.
“Not that we know of.”
“And no one went near his office door?” asked Jimmie.
“I didn’t say that!” replied Mr. Havens. “His office door opens on a wide corridor, at that time being used as desk space by an overflow of clerks. At three:ten that afternoon two men stopped at Colleton’s door, but did not enter.”
“How do you know they didn’t enter?” Carl broke in.
“No one saw them enter or come out. No one heard the door open or close. One of the men, a heavily-built, bearded fellow, seemed to be urging the other to enter Colleton’s room. The man who was being urged was younger, thinner, and appeared to be greatly excited.”
“Were they the only men seen at that door about that time?” asked Ben.