"How, for instance?"
"With double locks, iron shutters, and electric wires, my workshop is hermetically sealed."
"Until a clever thief gains entrance." Miller laughed faintly. "The science of house-breaking keeps step with modern inventions to protect property. What one man can conceive another man can fathom."
"You may be right." Whitney took a short turn about the room, then stopped in front of his companion. "What precautions would you suggest?"
Miller did not answer immediately. "It is very likely that another attempt will be made to secure the drawings and specifications of your inventions, if not your models," he said finally. "And if on guard, you may not only catch the thief but Spencer's murderer."
"A good idea," acknowledged Whitney. "But how would you suggest going about to catch the thief?"
"By laying a plot for him; forget to lock your studio door occasionally, lay prepared paper inconspicuously about, and powder your tables and floor with fine dust. The thief will leave an indelible trail behind him."
"And walk off with all necessary data," answered Whitney skeptically. "As clever a thief as you paint will never leave that room, once he is inside it, without full knowledge of my inventions."
"The thief will not have an opportunity of stealing what he came for, because the specifications and drawings of your inventions will not be there."
"Eh!" Whitney's cigar fell unheeded to the floor. "Where will they be?"