Every few minutes, he shouldered a new bundle, and took it below. He had the short end of the relay. At last Major stood back and surveyed the interior of the vault. He rubbed his hands together with a satisfied air, went to the head of the stairs, and listened. He heard a slight noise, and tiptoed downward a few paces.
"Ferret," Major whispered.
"Right," came the response. "The last load's down."
"O.K. I'll take it through."
"Tell Deacon he can shove off."
"Right."
"Then come back to the vault."
Several minutes later, Ferret appeared and joined Major at the door of the vault. The men began a low conversation. They were staring toward the vault as they spoke.
Neither observed the tall, gliding shadow that was moving toward the head of the steep stairs. It merged with the darkness, just beneath the solid paneled rail at the head of the stairs.
Major was speaking to Ferret, and his tones could be clearly heard from the spot at the top of the steep steps.