An hour later the lock was picked and the safe opened. The superintendent carefully examined its contents, taking from it every book and bundle of papers.
“Well, sir,” he said, turning to Ben after satisfying himself that every thing was as he left it, “what have you to say now?”
“I don’t see any money package,” answered Ben, stooping and peering into the empty safe.
“Money package! What money package?”
“One containing a thousand dollars that came by express from the treasurer the day you went away. I receipted for it in your name and locked it up in the safe, but it doesn’t seem to be there now.”
“No, I should say it wasn’t!” exclaimed the superintendent, rather staggered by this proof that his nephew’s story of being robbed was true, and, searching his face keenly, “You are sure there is no mistake about that package?”
“Certainly not, sir. You will find a copy of the receipt I gave for it in the blotter and the sum entered in the cash-book.”
Examination proved both of these statements to be true.
“Did you say that the money came from the treasurer’s office?”
“Yes, sir.”