The drawers near the floor are the largest. They are, perhaps, a foot square, as seen when closed. Near the top of the room they are much smaller.
A movable metal step-ladder stands ready for the convenience of those who wish to reach the boxes on the upper tiers.
The space in the middle of the room is railed off, and there sits a guard day and night.
"This is ours," said the colonel, advancing toward one of the larger drawers. "I placed the diamond clasp on the very top of the pile of jewels within. It was in a case of its own."
Nick turned to speak to the officer in charge.
He questioned him regarding the possibility of any person taking anything from the boxes. He asked especially about the custody of Mrs. Pond's jewels.
"Colonel Richmond and Mrs. Pond have the two keys necessary for opening the drawer," said the official.
"Yes," said Colonel Richmond, speaking over his shoulder to Nick. "I told you all about that, and I explained how the second key happened to be in my possession instead of Mrs. Pond's."
"True," said Nick, apologetically, "that was not what I was asking about."
At that moment he heard the click of the drawer as it was pulled open.