That night Larry kept a closer watch than usual. He could not see enough to enable him to tell exactly what the men were doing, but he noticed the golden glow flood the apartment, and he knew the men were melting something, for he could hear them talking about whether or not it was hot enough.
The number of counterfeit coins continued to increase, and the government inspectors redoubled their efforts to land the gang they were convinced was working in New York.
One afternoon, as he was coming from the office, Larry was met in the hall, just outside the apartment of the men under suspicion, by one of them. The man regarded Larry for a few seconds and then said:
“Would you mind doing me a favor?”
“What is it?” asked Larry, thinking the man might want some more money changed. In such an event the lad was prepared to refuse. He did not propose to have bad coins passed on him.
“Will you come in here and give me your opinion?” asked the man, holding the door open.
For a few seconds Larry hesitated. He thought the man might be one of the counterfeiters who had discovered he was being watched and who had determined to capture the spy. In such an event Larry felt he would be safer on the outside.
Yet he had a boy’s curiosity to see what was in the room about which the men were so secretive. If he could get a look he felt it might help him to know what to do.
The man noticed Larry’s hesitation.
“You needn’t be afraid,” the stranger remarked. “I know some of the neighbors regard us a little suspiciously, but our work is such that it has to be done where no one can see us.”