"But that's impossible!" exclaimed Salisbury. "That was built as a strongroom — right in the foundations of the building. You're wrong, there, Wellington—"
"I'm not saying I'm right," interrupted the investigator. "I'm only saying that I've studied this place from the bottom up. There's nobody here outside of Mr. Delmar and yourself that could know enough about the place to slide in and out. I've eliminated the employees.
"I work this way: a thing is being done. How could it be done? Well, in this case, the only system is in and out by some mighty clever method. Finally I hit the idea that the places that look the weakest might be the strongest; and the places that looked the strongest might be the weakest." The man's tone was convincing. While Salisbury appeared doubtful, he was, nevertheless, forced to agree that Wellington might be logical in his assumption.
"You think that someone," began Salisbury, "has direct access here—"
"I think more than that," interposed Wellington. "I think that this whole place is a running ground. I figure that some crook — maybe more than one — is so sure of himself that he can walk in and out of here any time he pleases.
"I wouldn't be surprised if a guy should walk in here right now and poke an automatic under our noses!" Salisbury shifted uneasily. The idea sounded fantastic; nevertheless, it was cause for alarm. He looked toward the door of the little office.
With unfeigned apprehension, he arose and opened the door. He looked into the big dark room. Perhaps Wellington was right. Salisbury almost fancied that he could discern a stealthy figure moving through the gloom.
"What do you propose to do?" he questioned.
"Start a search together," rejoined Wellington promptly. "I don't want to do it alone. I can't call the watchman. That's why I wanted you here tonight. I've been suspicious lately — too suspicious to search the way I want. If I had you with me, keeping watch, I might be able to get somewhere." Salisbury, standing by the door, nodded his agreement. Wellington arose and walked over beside him.
"I've got a couple of guns," said the investigator, tapping his pockets grimly. "I'm going to shoot if I see anything that looks funny.