"And the ladies?" he asked.
"They, too," explained the scientist. "They may search one another--in the other room, of course."
"I for one will not submit to such a proceeding," Dunston declared, bluntly, "not because I fear it, but because it is an insult."
Simultaneously it impressed itself on the bank officials and The Thinking Machine that the one person in the bank who used a perfume identical with that on the handkerchief was the first to object to a search. The cashier and president exchanged startled glances.
"Nor will I," came in the voice of a woman.
The Thinking Machine turned and glanced at her. It was Miss Willis, one of the outside stenographers; Miss Clarke and the other woman were pale, but neither had spoken.
"And the others?" asked The Thinking Machine.
Generally there was acquiescence, and as the men came forward the scientist searched them, perfunctorily, it seemed. Nothing! At last there remained three men, Dunston, West and Fraser. Dunston came forward, compelled to do so by the attitude of his fellows. The three women stood together. The Thinking Machine spoke to them as he searched Dunston.
"If the ladies will retire to the next room they may proceed with their search," he suggested. "If any money is found, bring it to me--nothing else."
"I will not, I will not, I will not," screamed Miss Willis, suddenly. "It's an outrage."