"The gang must have possessed wonderful knowledge," said Quarles.
"Marvelous."
"May I take it, Mr. Wickstead, that there is no suspicion of collusion with officials in the bank?"
"You may. Of course, you are aware that we had to dismiss a clerk recently?"
"Yes, who cannot be found. I understand that he would be in a position to give the necessary information if he chose to do so?"
"That is true. He was in a position of some importance."
"With regard to this gold reserve, how often is it examined?" asked Quarles.
"At intervals, not regular intervals. The unexpected inspection is generally considered the best. We have a staff of inspectors for this purpose."
"My point is this," said Quarles; "might the robbery of this gold extend over a period of time, several weeks, let us say—a bag taken to-day, for instance, replaced by a dummy one, perhaps, and another bag taken in three days' time, and so on?"
Mr. Wickstead smiled.