"Well, now that we know exactly how the land lies, let us return to the vault."
"All right, sir," and they hastened back.
On crawling out from under the table that concealed the trap, they began a regular and systematic search of the place. Not a bunk, not a drawer, not a box, not a corner was neglected, and before the search was well over, Old Spicer was abundantly satisfied with his success.
He had found several bits of evidence that were likely to prove important in more than one great criminal case; and behind a tier of bunks he found a door leading into a smaller vault, originally intended, no doubt, for the storage of liquors, but which for some time had been abandoned, and possibly forgotten.
"Ah!" exclaimed Old Spicer, as he surveyed the smaller vault, "this may prove useful, George, before very long."
"I don't see how," replied the younger detective, in a tone of surprise.
"If I am not very much mistaken, you will see, and that very soon. Hark!"
Morgan listened and distinctly heard the sound of footsteps in the tunnel leading from York Street.
"Go in there," whispered Old Spicer, pointing toward the smaller vault.
Then, hastily closing the trap-door under the table, he squeezed his way behind the tier of bunks, moved them back to their place, and joined George in the inner vault, leaving the door slightly ajar, and so was prepared to both see and listen.