Nick Carter smiled at the futile attempts of Elmer to open the safe.
“Luke, the drills,” said Shea; and the party addressed produced half a dozen fine steel drills and a small sledge hammer.
It was but a few moments before a hole large enough to insert a small saw was made.
Next, a large sectional jimmy was brought into use.
The safe was of old-fashioned make, and the cracksmen ripped through the top of it as easily as if it was made of cheese.
There was an iron money box inside, and this was broken into.
It was filled with bonds and money, which the thieves drew out in handfuls until it was empty.
“I should say this was a rake!” remarked Shea. “It is the biggest haul I have seen since that bank up in Vermont. The shares will be larger here, because there were fifteen in that mob.”
The rascals began to stuff the money into their pockets, when Nick Carter sprang into their midst, revolver in hand.
He placed a small whistle to his mouth and blew a shrill blast, whereupon footsteps were heard coming up the stairs.