“The story was printed all right. You probably read only the headlines and missed his name. You don’t read the newspapers the way we politicians do. Maxwell got away with thirty thousand dollars.”
“I bet the money’s in the cave,” Hal ventured eagerly.
It was a natural suspicion, and they hastened the search through the pockets of the dead man’s clothing. But nothing more was discovered and the party returned into the cave.
“Let’s take everything outside and continue our examination in the sunlight,” the doctor proposed.
“Good suggestion,” said the coroner, picking up the box and starting for the entrance.
Dr. Byrd rolled up several blankets, tucked them under his arm and followed Mr. Huffman. The lifting of one of the blankets disclosed several cooking utensils, a bag of salt and half a dozen empty fruit cans. All these and other articles the boys picked up and carried outside beyond the western end of the passage and placed them on the ground.
First, the contents of the box were examined, and they proved to be of great interest. On top were two books, then several newspapers and magazines. Next appeared several boxes of matches, two or three hundred cartridges, also in boxes, some collars, neckties and handkerchiefs; two shirts, and finally a small satchel, packed full and heavy.
Eagerly the coroner seized the latter and attempted to open it. But the clasp resisted his efforts. It was locked.
Remembering a bunch of keys he had found in one of Maxwell’s pockets, the coroner produced it and tried several in the lock. The fourth fitted and turned easily, and the satchel fell open.
Exclamations of eagerness and satisfaction burst from the lips of the onlookers. The object of their search was found. The little valise was full of paper money, assorted in denominations and done up in small packages with strips of paper pinned around them.