‘What else? Well, I’m a key-collector, I am, and I’ve a great faney to have a key the exact pattern of those that open the safes in which the bullion travels.’
‘You want an impression?’
‘Exactly.’
Mr. Brooks nodded; he quite understood his instructions so far. But he wanted to know a little more still.
‘And suppose we get an impression and file a key, where are we then?’ he asked, leaning over the boat and paddling with his hand in the water. ‘There are always people about at the office, and the safes are always well watched at the stations.’
‘Brooks, you are delightfully innocent. How I envy you that romantic freshness which becomes you so well!’
‘Stow it, guv’nor,’ said Mr. Brooks, a little nettled. ‘We can’t all be such swells at the game as you are. I don’t see anything particularly innocent in what I’ve said.’
‘Don’t be cross, old man; it’s only my chaff. Of course I can’t expect you to know everything. This is my idea. I’ve invested five hundred in it, so you may be sure I think it’s a good one. We don’t want to open the safes at the station. We shall open them in transit.’
Mr. Brooks opened his eyes.
‘How on earth will you do that? Why the safes are carried in the guard’s van, and they’re locked with patent keys, and they’re weighed at start and finish.’