“Take it easy, boys!” he commanded.
Betty was watching Bob. He now held a flashlight. He turned its rays into the opening.
Betty could see his face plainly by the small electric light in the ceiling of the passage where the men were working. She observed an expression of disappointment.
“Empty!” came Bob’s exclamation. “Empty!”
THE other men were staring over his shoulder. Bob advanced and they followed. For a full minute, the men were out of sight.
Completely amazed, Betty awaited their reappearance. This whole episode was as unbelievable as it was mysterious.
She tried to fathom the conversation that she had heard. She could remember the words; yet their meaning was not quite clear. Of one thing only was she certain; that Bob had intended to conduct this secret operation without her knowledge.
She wanted to return upstairs, but curiosity compelled her to remain.
The men emerged. First Bob, then Briggs; finally the third man, whose face she had not yet seen. He moved backward a few paces, in Betty’s direction.
Bob was speaking now in a low growl. The girl was anxious to hear his words.