‘I’m afraid so. I was up in my bedroom about twenty minutes ago when I heard a noise. I rushed downstairs just in time to see a man dash out of the library. I ran after him and, as I passed the door, I noticed the safe was open, so I suppose he got the bonds. He jumped into a waiting automobile and I trailed him in my car which, fortunately, was standing in front of the house, but he got away from me.’
‘Did you get his license number?’
‘No. Couldn’t see it. When I lost him in the traffic, I drove right over here.’
‘Didn’t you keep the house locked while you were upstairs?’
‘Yes, but the burglar chiseled open a cellar window.’
‘Well, let’s go over and have a look,’ suggested Fordney.
When they reached the Smith home, they found the bonds gone.
‘Did you lock the front door when you ran out of the house?’
‘Why—er,’ replied Smith nervously, ‘the door locks automatically. I don’t know what Uncle Fred will say when he gets back.’
‘He’ll say plenty if you tell him the story you told me,’ interrupted the Professor. ‘I suggest you put the bonds back.’