“He said he was very absent-minded. I think he didn’t visit the room for any good purpose.”
“I am sure of it,” said Grant, and then he told of Benton’s experience in Sacramento.
“If you have anything of value in your chamber,” continued Paul, “I think you had better remove it, or make sure that it can’t be taken away by your old friend.”
“The fact is, Mr. Crambo,” said Tom Cooper, “we have considerable dust in the chest which we bought of you. We have kept it secret hitherto, but I know I can rely upon you, and I want your advice as to what to do. You don’t think Benton opened the chest?”
“No; he didn’t have time. Besides, he had nothing with him.”
“It won’t be safe to keep it there any longer; but the problem is, what shall we do with it? We can’t find a hiding-place for it here.”
“If you will see Mrs. Crambo about it, I think that she has a trunk that you can use for the purpose.”
“But wouldn’t that be just as risky?”
“Not if the trunk is kept in our chamber. Of course that depends on whether you have any confidence in us.”
“The strongest, Mr. Crambo,” said Tom cordially. “The plan seems a good one. But the transfer must be made when Benton is out of the way.”