Apparently the safe had been opened by one familiar with the combination.
“What was kept in this safe?” asked Nick.
“I don’t know; I never knew the safe was here. I have not been in this room in a long time.”
It was clear that every drawer and receptacle in the room had been rifled in great haste, articles having been thrown upon the floor in the most reckless manner.
Investigation showed that the daughter’s room in the rear had been treated in the same manner.
The little party now went down to the first floor, and, entering the dining-room, saw that it had been literally stripped of its plate.
“Was it valuable?” said Nick.
“On my word,” replied Temple, “I couldn’t tell you whether it was genuine silver or merely plated ware. My impression is that there was a great deal of silver here.”
“When will Mr. Herron be back?” asked Nick.
“He’s expected back to-morrow.”