"Then where are the bonds?" demanded Johnson sternly.
"That is more than I can tell," said the bank messenger, in evident perplexity.
"It's enough to make a man tear his hair to have such a promising scheme miscarry," said Johnson gloomily. "I wish I could lay my finger on the man that's responsible for it."
"I can't understand it at all, colonel. We followed out your instructions to the letter. Everything went off smoothly."
"Can you tell me where are the bonds?" interrupted Johnson harshly.
"No, I can't."
"Then you may as well be silent."
"I will follow your directions," said Carver submissively. "What do you wish me to do?"
Johnson reflected a moment. Finally he said:
"Take the earliest morning train to Chester. I will stay here. So will the other two men."