"I know they had. They are crackajacks at this sort of thing. They are wanted this minute in Chicago for a job not unlike this one."
"Really!"
Christopher's face glowed with excitement. To think he had actually beheld two such desperate characters and given evidence against them! If he had only spoken sooner and helped to capture them!
Something of this regret probably shadowed his brow, for the inspector added:
"They would have managed their get-away even had you given the alarm, son. Both were doubtless well armed and prepared to make their escape. Taken by surprise, as you clerks all were, no one could have stopped them. They would have shot any person who obstructed their dash for liberty."
"Do you think so?" Poor Hollings drew a breath of relief.
"I know it. They've done it before. They had their pistols and a waiting motor car, and had no mind to be caught."
"Then if I'd yelled from the balcony—"
"It would have done no good and would, perhaps, have done much harm instead. You would merely have furnished an alarm on which they would instantly have acted. As it is, we know them, and our nets are out. I would, however, like to take your son down to headquarters, Mr. Burton, and let him look over our photographs just to see if he can pick these winners from the bunch."
"Certainly, sir. Certainly! Get your hat and coat, Christopher. I believe I'll go along too, Mr. Inspector, if you are willing. My son and I were just starting out to lunch."