"When do you expect the relieving officer to arrive?"
"I can hardly say. He may come by train to the junction, in which case he should be here about noon to-morrow."
"Then you will be in charge until he arrives?"
"I have telegraphed to the head office reporting that Eustace has disappeared and asking for instructions. Until they come, of course, I am in charge."
"Then you will come with me while I examine his desk, though I do not suppose it contains anything but official papers—now. In the meantime, Brennan, send away your description to all the neighbouring police-stations and also to head-quarters for general distribution. When you have done that you can come back here. I shall be waiting for you."
He followed Harding into the little room.
"You had better go through the papers, Mr. Harding. They will probably all relate to the bank's business. I only want to see those which do not."
"It was in this drawer he kept his own papers," Harding said, as he touched the knob of one of the side drawers.
"Is it locked?"
"No," Harding replied, as he pulled it out. "But it is empty," he added.