The Washington times., 1912-09-22

lit before now, sir" said Parker rather
ia rtly.
"of course. So ! assumd. but
way out of the ordinary"
"Why. no. sir. Except that sup
posed you left the building only a few
minutes ago instead OF as you say.
Some one did"
None of the other tenants are in the
building, are they
mo, sir. Not one"
Grafton removed his hat and wiped
the perspiration from his forehead. No
theory seemed possible. save that Of un-
lawful entry Of his sanctum.
We'll, we'll go up and investigate, "
he said shortly.
He walked to the elevator. and Par
ker, having switched on the current.
Your safe, Pr" he hazarded; has
1t been cracked?"
That's what ] don't know. But If 1t
has, you may be working for some one
else this time next month. Parker
The car stopped and they stepped out
and listened. Not a sound was to be
heard on the ninth floor. They walked
quickly down. 1t was quite fast. but II
could hardly have been otherwise, for
We'll. he closed the door after him.
at least" he muttered. Now we shall
He stepped in quickly and threw on
the lights. Parker. standing with drawn
| revolver. turned rapidly to all corners
of the main office. There was no sign
of an intruder. Grafton sighed.
He's gone-that's certain. Whatever
damage he may have done Is over now,
Parker"
But your own office. sir
Grafton opened the door. The moon
| light was fairly bright. and II was evi-
| dent at once that the visitor had de-
parted. What traces had he left be-
hind?
Graftons hand trembled as It felt
| again for the switch. What would that
| food of light reveal? His little vault
shattered and emptied, Or
| He groWled impa atientlv at his own
| hesitation. and turned the little knob.
| Then he stood motioniess, hardly dar-
ing TO look toward the corner. -.
''Well-she seems to be all right, sir!
| said Parker.
| A great sigh of relief escaped Graf
| ton-his eager eyes sought the ball OF
steel. Parker was rlght-the safe stood
there intact and without so much as a
! scratch.
We'll. that's downright queer" he ex-
| claimed. almost laughing. as the load
| left him.
She hasn't been touched sir" Parker
was bending over the safe. No. sir;
| You're sure?'
why. perfectly. Mr.. Grafton. See
! The door is as fast as II could be. There
| isn't mark anywhere IN the neigh bor-
| hood of the combinatIon-Or elsewhere
| for that matter"
| ITS true, thank goodness"
| But all the same. sir'-the watch
| man Strengthened up-"there has been
| a visitor in here very recently. Smell
| that"
Grafton's afflicted nose shifted in vain
| You're not talking OF Turkish to-
bacco. too" he asked.
| 1T Is that. and nothing else-that
| odor never comes. from anything bul
| some of these here Turkish cigarettes.
"Bv jove! ] believe ] can catch IT my.
| self He shifted again. Yes, and its
| strong this time
ITS all OF that. sir
| And there's another thing-it seems
| to be extremely cool in mere, everything
| considered"
Il had noticed ID when We hrst en-
tered" Parker smiled. He came
through the window"
That seems to be about the only eX
planation, but"
How did he do it? was thinking o
that too The ladders of the fire-escape
were all taken down when W,
closed up this evening, for the painters
He couldn't have climbed up
Grafton shook his head and pondeTed
But after a minute his face lightene'
up.
We'll. | don't know that / am par
ticularly interested in the way he cam
| or the way he went Parker. The mail
point about the whole affair Is tina
| either YOU or | frightened him on, o
he gave up the job as rather too for