Fust place, the thing was done a few minutes after the supper-bell rung.
That is, unless that 'Enry is in on the deal, which ain't unlikely, considerin' the price he could get from the Gordon gang.

Was anybody late at the tables ?' "Why, yes; there were quite a few late.

Two of the 'gunners,' who'd been on a forlorn-hope duck hunt; and a minister and his wife, out walkin' for their health; and Parker and two fellers from the football team, who'd been practicin'.
"'Any of the waiters or the chambermaids ?' asked Peter.
"I'd been expectin' he'd ask that, and I hated to answer.
"'One of the waiters was a little late,' says I.'Willie wa'n't on hand immediate.

Said he went to wash his hands.' "Now the help gen'rally washed in the fo'castle--the servants' quarters, I mean--but there was a wash room on the floor where the Sterzer-Robinsons roomed.

Peter looked at Jonadab, and the two of 'em at me.