“I didn’t think so, Chester,� said Sir Richard with a faint smile. “I really didn’t, but I guess you did!�
“Bah!�
“Oh, now, don’t take it that way. The strong-box was opened—without trace. Up over the transom was a trace—your right thumb print. It was a nice clean job, Fay. I always thought that Saidee Isaacs was with you that night.â€� The chief leaned slightly forward. He watched the cracksman’s eyes for a clue. There was none. Fay returned the stare without expression. He said staunchly:
“Miss Saidee Isaacs had no more to do with that job than you had or I had. I don’t even know where Hatton Gardens is.�
“That’s enough! You know and I know. You’ve got the cunning of your tribe—admit nothing and deny everything. But I’ve taken an interest in you—a personal one. Things have come up—â€�
Sir Richard glanced at the door and then at the three boxes. He crossed his legs and drummed the table. His brow furrowed as he reached forward and fingered the velvet mask.
“Come closer, Fay,� he said confidentially. “around here.�
Fay was frankly suspicious. He turned sharply and stared at the windows. He eyed the door behind which he sensed that MacKeenon would be crouching. He wheeled and rested his hands on the table. He leaned forward until his face was very close to Sir Richard’s.
“We can talk just as well in this position,� he said without moving his drawn lips. “Now, what are you getting at, chief?�
“I thought that Saidee Isaacs was in it,� said Sir Richard. “I’ll take my statement back. But you were, and I’m glad of it.�