“Yes, and with red hair and a full red beard. This man went into the box. When he came out he came in a hurry, and lost no time in getting out of the store and away.”

“That’s A-1, chief.”

“Have you a theory?”

“Regarding the bank robbers?”

“Yes.”

“I’m full of theories. I shall want your help in a few minutes. Will you wait here until I come back? I can promise you that I won’t be gone long.”

“I’ll wait.”

Thereupon Nick let himself quietly out of the room and descended the stairs to the lower hall.

Passing through the hall into the street, he re-entered the hotel by the office doors.

Going to the counter, he drew the register in front of him and began looking it over.