Then it began to climb, heading as unerringly for the gold as though London Bill had brought clairvoyant powers to direct his digging.

The tunnel ran to the rear of the vault, and about six feet beneath its floor.

Then it went straight upward; and next, the supporting earth and masonry having been removed, the gold, pressing with its vast weight, had forced down two of the floor slabs of steel on one side, precisely as London Bill designed from the beginning.

Those five-thousand-dollar sacks spilled themselves into the tunnel of their own motion--a very cataract of gold! As fast as they were carried away, more came tumbling--a flow of riches, ceaseless! Inspector Val flashed his lantern here and there in disclosure of the wonderful beauties of the work.

As he did so, Richard heard him sigh in a positive contentment of admiration.
"The most scientific job in the history of the police!" whispered Inspector Val.