Turning like a flash, he saw Mr.Warmore standing at his elbow.
Had he received but a few seconds' notice, he might have tried to bluff it out, by pretending he had come to look after some matters about which he was not fully satisfied.

Holding the situation he did in the establishment, he could feel certain no one would suspect him of any sinister purpose.
But the exposure dropped like a thunderbolt.

He had not an instant to prepare himself.

He was caught in the act, and could explain nothing.
Mr.Warmore, upon seeing who the thief was, whispered to the detective,-- "Leave him to me; don't show yourself, unless he resists." Before the shivering rogue could make protest, the merchant, suppressing his anger, said with a coolness which surprised himself as much as it did the officer crouching a few paces away, with his hand on his revolver,-- "We will call the amount stolen an even thousand dollars, Mr.Catherwood.
How soon will you be prepared to restore it ?" "Why--why--why"-- "As a beginning, suppose you return that which you have just taken." Catherwood did as ordered without a word.
"Now re-lock the safe.

Be sure you have the right combination.