On this door he knocked cautiously four times. It was opened, disclosing a perfectly dark hall.
Nick entered. He could not see the person who admitted him, but he supposed that it must be Benton.
When the door had been closed a light was suddenly flashed in his face.
Then a voice said:
“Al Hardy! When did they let you in?”
“Never mind, old man Benton, I’m in the ranks now,” said Nick.
“Well, it’s none of my business. Come this way.”
Nick might have seized the rascal there, and he meditated doing it. But he desired to see all the formalities of the place.
He wished to know how the thieves were received, because it would soon be his turn to receive them.
Moreover, the hall was so dark that he might easily make a mistake in his calculations. If he fell upon Benton and failed to shut off his wind instantly, the outcry would ruin his plans.