"I won't take it all—it won't be safe," he murmured. "I can get more some other time—if I need it." Then he shut the compartment.
Sam Pepper had seen the gold, and it set his heart to thumping madly. Here was more wealth than he had seen in many a day—right within his reach. Why had not the young man taken it all?
"He's chicken-hearted and a fool," thought Pepper.
A second later a big fly, awakened by the swinging of the curtain and the light, buzzed close to Pepper's ear and caused him to start. At the same moment Homer Bulson glanced up and caught sight of the other's face.
"Who—what—who are you?" stammered Bulson, leaping to his feet.
"Hush!" cried Sam Pepper warningly. "Hush, unless you want to wake up the whole house."
"But who are you, and where did you come from?"
"Never mind about that. Why didn't you take all of the gold from the safe while you were at it?"
"I—er—what do you know of the gold?" stammered Homer Bulson. He was pale and confused.
"I saw you open the safe and take it. Is that your uncle's money?"