“This was not an inside job,” said Mr. Newton thoughtfully.
“What makes you think it wasn’t?”
“Because if it was the thieves would not go to all the trouble of climbing a tree to drop on a roof, and then force a window. They would have it arranged so they could get in easily. This was an outside job, and the servants knew nothing of it.”
“I’m glad to hear you say so,” said Mr. Robertson. “I would not like to think we have dishonest servants. Now, if you will come with me I will give you a list of what is missing.”
With a much different manner from that with which he had greeted them Mr. Robertson led the way to a small study. There he gave Mr. Newton a list of all the stolen articles and their value.
“We think the men, or man, must have chloroformed us,” Mr. Robertson added.
“Why so?”
“Because we all slept so late this morning. We all woke up drowsy and stupid, as if some drug had been used.”
“Perhaps there was,” said Mr. Newton. “It has been done before.”
“Now don’t write up too much,” was Mr. Robertson’s parting injunction.