Keys of these safes are kept at each end. They are locked in London and unlocked at their destination. The keys themselves are always kept locked up. Mr. Dawson’s eyes followed the parcels clerk closely as he went to get the keys.
He opened a small cupboard in the corner of the room and took down the keys that hung inside it. There were two separate locks to the safe, for increased security.
He put the two keys into the safe, unlocked it, and withdrew the box of bullion, and handed Mr. Dawson a receipt to sign.
At that moment, Mr. Barker, the clerk from the traffic superintendent’s office, called across the station to the parcels clerk, the train came in, and for a few minutes there was considerable confusion.
Barker had called the clerk out to show him something in the station. The excuse was prearranged and plausible. In two minutes he was back again.
Mr. Dawson had signed the receipt. He handed it to the clerk and took away his box of bullion. He also took away an impression in wax of the two keys that unlocked the safes which travelled up and down the line with thousands of pounds worth of gold in them.
Late that evening he had a moonlight stroll along the cliffs and met Mr. Edward Marston.
‘They were double keys, guv’nor,’ said Mr. Brooks, ‘and it was jolly sharp work, I can tell you!’
‘And good work,’ answered Marston, approvingly, offering his companion a cigar. ‘We will go up to town to-morrow and set to work on the keys. If this comes off right, I think Smith and Co. can divide the profits and dissolve partnership—eh, Brooks?’
‘You won’t turn the game up for a few thousand, guv’nor—not you!’