"Not on the first floor. I discovered a second floor window open after hearing a door slam."
"Any floor would suit them guys," asserted Green. "Take it from me, Mr. Forrester; you and me's nearer the solution o' this thing than them city bulls. We're right on the ground now, and we're goin' to locate somethin'. Let them detective guys play around with their Italians. They'll never get 'em near that tree—never on your life!"
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The library at "Woodmere" faced the terrace, upon which a row of French windows opened. Forrester sat by the big center table that evening, idly turning the pages of a book. Heavy footsteps clattered along the terrace, and a moment later Green entered at one of the windows.
"I was waiting for you," Forrester greeted him, rising as he spoke. "My mother and sister have just left. Now, one last word of instruction, Green. You're to stick close to the windows of the drawing room over there at the Prentices'. After dinner I will walk to one of the windows with Miss Sturtevant. Take a good look at her. While I'm away try and keep an eye on her. If she slips out, trail her! That's your job for tonight."
"Count on me," assured Green. "Is that the money?" he asked, indicating a long flat package on the table.
"That's the package I'm going to put in the tree."
Green picked up the package and weighed it in his hand while his eyes sparkled. "Gee!" he exclaimed. "Twenty-five thousand bucks!"
"No," laughed Forrester, "only a few ounces of paper!"
"Goin' to fool 'em, eh?" grinned the detective.