"It'll be an anxious ten minutes to poor Thaddeus," remarked the sheriff.
Presently Will came out with a printing frame, which he stuck where the bright sun could fall full upon it.
"He's going to just try a solo print at first," remarked Frank. "It will do to prove the thing, one way or the other. Later on he can print all the permanent copies the man wants."
Twice did Andy approach Will with a message from his father, but the young photographer only shook his head. Finally he snatched up the frame, took a look, by unfastening one end, and then eagerly removed the paper.
The wounded man, who was lying near the fire, drew himself up on his elbow, and the look on his face was full of eagerness.
"What luck?" asked Frank, hurrying over.
"The best ever! The print is as clear as a bell, and I'll get a fine picture when I go at it properly. See there!"
Will held out the paper, upon which the sun had printed a positive reproduction of the interior of a room, with a man crouching before a safe. His head was turned as though he had been looking straight at the concealed camera, so that his face stood out clear and distinct!
It was a smooth-shaven, repulsive face, but utterly unlike that of Thaddeus Lasher!