“‘Just so. And next?’
“‘I’m to light the gas.’
“‘Right again. And next?’
“‘Well, I suppose the job comes next—hey?’
“‘Exactly. You have learned your lesson better than I’d have given you credit for doing. The job comes next. Now you’ve got the gas lit, and him quiet, it’ll be plain sailing. The safe stands here. It’s a small affair, three, by three, by two and a half. I’ll give you the combination by and by. I’ve got it up stairs. But first, look here. Here’s a plan of the inside of the safe. Here’s an inside closet, closed by an iron door. No matter about that. Here s a row of pigeon-holes, just above it seven of them—see? Now, the fifth pigeon-hole from the right-hand side—the third from the left—the one marked here with red ink—that’s the one that you’re interested in. All you’ll have to do will be to stick in your hand and take out every thing that pigeonhole contains—every thing, understand? Don’t you stop to examine them. Just lay hold of every thing and come away. What I want will be in that pigeon-hole; and if you take every thing you can’t miss it. Then, as I say, all you’ll have left to do will be to get out of the house and make tracks for home.’
“‘And how about him? Shall I loosen the sponge?’
“‘No, no. Don’t stop to do that. He’ll come around all right in time; or, if he shouldn’t, why, small loss!’
“‘Well, I reckon I understand the job pretty thoroughly now. I suppose I’d better be starting.’
“‘Yes. Now wait here a moment. I’ll go upstairs and get you the combination.’
“As rapidly as, with my sprained ankle, I could, I returned to my bed. I had scarcely touched my head to the pillow, when Bernard Peixada crossed the threshold. I lay still, feigning sleep. You may imagine the pitch of excitement to which the conversation I had intercepted had worked me up. But as yet I had not had time to think it over and determine how to act. Crime, theft, perhaps murder even, was brewing. I had been forewarned. What could I do to prevent it? Unless I should do something, I should be almost an accomplice—almost as bad as the conspirators themselves.