Bill glanced at Mike significantly. The word agreed with the information they had received from Talbot. It served to convince them that the janitor had indeed succumbed, and could be relied upon. There was no suspicion in the mind of either that there was any one else in the establishment, and they felt moderately secure from interruption.
"Here, old fellow, hold the lantern while we go to work. Just behave yourself, and we'll give you ten dollars—shall we, Mike?"
"Yes," answered Mike; "I'm agreed."
"It'll look as if I was helpin' to rob my master," objected Jack.
"Oh, never mind about that; he won't know it. When all is over we'll tie you up, so that it will look as if you couldn't help yourself. What do you say?"
Jack felt like making a violent assault upon the man who was offering him a bribe, but he controlled his impulse, and answered:
"I'm a poor man, and ten dollars will come handy."
"All right," said Bill, convinced by this time that Jack's fidelity was very cheaply purchased. He plumed himself on his success in converting the janitor into an ally, and felt that the way was clear before him.
"Mike, give the lantern to this old man, and come here and help me."