As the three crossed the threshold and entered the office, Christopher saw Mr. Norcross and the inspector. A deep hush was upon the room. Not only did its occupants look grave—they looked severe—awesome. One glance and the lad did not wonder poor Hollings' knees knocked together. Mr. Norcross was imposing enough, but the inspector was even worse; and as for the senior partner of the firm—well, he was Mr. Christopher Mark Antony Burton, third, arrayed in his most awful dignity. Even his son trembled before him.
CHAPTER IV
AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE POLICE
"And so, Hollings," the great Mr. Burton began, "while your back was turned, you have lost some of our valuable diamonds."
"My back was not turned, sir," objected Hollings. "I merely looked away a minute."
"Long enough to give a pair of thieves the opportunity to work."
"It hardly seemed so."
"But it was."
"I'm afraid so, Mr. Burton. I am deeply sorry, sir; and yet had I it to do over again I hardly see—"
"It wasn't his fault, Dad—indeed it wasn't. I saw the whole thing, you know. It was done so fast you almost thought your eyes deceived you."