"And didn't you say that an attempt had been made to-day to gain access, by means of false pretences, to Mr. Paxton's property?"
"That is so."
"And didn't he ask you to keep that property safe in your strong-room?"
"He did."
"Well--doesn't it seem as if somebody was precious anxious to lay his hands upon that property, and that Mr. Paxton was equally anxious that he shouldn't?"
"Precisely."
"And yet you go and tell me that all the property he has is contained in that Gladstone bag. What is there that should make any one go out of his way to take it? You tell me that!"
When the manager replied, it was with an appreciable amount of hesitation.
"I think that is a point on which I may be able to throw some light."
"Then throw it--do!"