"We'll give them another ten minutes," whispered Jack, "and then risk it."
At the expiration of that period I looked inquiringly at Jack, and he nodded affirmatively.
Slowly and cautiously, and with my eyes fixed upon Strong's face, I drew the tin box from my deep pocket; I heard Jack's breath come quick and short as he caught sight of the prize. It was, as I thought, a plain tin money-box, painted black and gold, such as anyone may buy at any ironmonger's for a few shillings. It was tied round with a wire, but unlocked, and with trembling fingers I removed the wire and opened the lid.
Within was a second tin box, a small thing like a sandwich-box, and this too was unlocked.
I paused to take a look at the sleepers; both were still, apparently, as fast asleep as ever.
"Go on!" whispered Jack; "it's all right."
I put my hand inside the case and produced a leather pocket-book, and from this I drew an envelope!
"Ah, a cheque!" whispered Jack; "and a fat one if it's for the lot!"
There were several papers in the envelope. First a letter, which I put aside to read later, because the rest were bank-notes, and I was anxious to learn the amount of my inheritance.
Then came two terrible shocks, one after the other.