There was no doubt he suspected the existence of a secret aperture, and Beth began to feel uneasy.
Slowly the man worked his way downward, from shelf to shelf, and began to sound the bottom plates, wholly oblivious of the fascinated gaze of the two young girls.

Then a sudden gruff ejaculation startled them all, and West swung around to find a new group of watchers outside the window.

In the foreground appeared the stern face of John Merrick.
The scene was intensely dramatic to all but the singular man who had been battling to retain a fortune.

West knew in an instant that his attempt to secure the certificates was a failure.

He turned from the cupboard, dusted his hands, and nodded gravely to the last arrivals.
"Come in, Mr.Merrick," said he, seating himself in a chair and removing his hat, which he had been wearing.