Sir Richard glanced up and then buried his nose between the pages of the notebook.
“Two of the larger,â€� he said musingly, “were installed in Paris. They’re there yet. The one that interests us is in the country—north and east of here. It is the same size and general dimensions as the unfortunate one you opened in Hatton Gardens. I understand the situation is similar—parallel. It would be ridiculously easy for a man of your talent to go to this country, north and east of here, and open that strong-box—without trace.â€�
Sir Richard snapped the book shut and glanced up at Fay.
The cracksman slightly moistened his lips. The cat was out of the bag! The reason for MacKeenon’s visit to Dartmoor—the release when five years were yet to be served—the sudden interest of Sir Richard Colstrom, were all explained. England, who had severely punished him, now wanted a favor done.
The two men exchanged a glance of mutual understanding. Fay’s mind worked swiftly. He went over the details of his arrest. He recalled the method he had used in opening the great safe in Hatton Gardens. No other man could have done it, save by bungling.
“Suppose,â€� he said, feeling surer of his ground. “Suppose, Sir Richard, we will say that I can go to Holland and open that box—without trace. What would there be in it for me?â€�
“Ah, we’re getting on!�
“I’m not so sure that we are getting anywhere, for what would happen to me if I were lagged in
Holland? Suppose somebody tipped me off? What then?�
“You and I alone know what you are going to do.�