"Now suppose we work it this way. I'm starting downstairs, alone. I'll have the light on — just looking around like I've looked before.
"You come down in a few minutes. I've been up here all evening, and I just might run into something for a starter. That's why I'll go first. You've got a gun?"
"A loaded revolver in the bottom drawer," said Salisbury, pointing to the desk.
"Good," said the investigator. "I'll go ahead. You get your gun and join me." Wellington left the room and advanced stealthily through the darkness. Salisbury drew a key from his pocket and unlocked the desk drawer. He raised a pile of papers, opened a wooden box, and reached in for his revolver.
To his surprise, it was not there. Hubert Salisbury stroked his chin. He was sure that he had put the revolver in that drawer, more than a month ago. He always kept the drawer locked.
Had he taken out the revolver? Or had someone removed it? Salisbury remembered what Wellington had said about persons being in the bank.
This was something that the investigator should know, Salisbury decided. It might be a minor clue nevertheless, it was of value. Salisbury's revolver was a .38 of a special pattern, with his initials on the handle. If they should locate it, he would be able to identify it immediately.
It was time to join Wellington. Leaving the desk, Salisbury started across the floor of the banking room. He felt a slight reluctance about joining Wellington unarmed. Then he realized that the investigator had two guns, and would probably provide him with one.
Nearing the head of the stairs, Salisbury stopped short.
From below came the report of a revolver! Wellington had said that he would fire on suspicion. Had he encountered some one?