Mr. Hardy’s calm voice broke in.

“Of course, I don’t like to pry into your private affairs, Mr. Robinson,” he said; “but it would be best if you could clear up this matter of the money. You must admit yourself that it doesn’t look promising.”

“I know it looks bad,” replied the caretaker doggedly. “But I can’t tell you where that money came from.”

“And you admit knowing the combination of the safe, too!” broke in Applegate. “I didn’t know that before. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t consider it important enough. I had found the combination by accident and I had no intention of using it. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I could remember it accurately right now. I just put the paper back and decided to say nothing about it, to save trouble.”

“And yet you come and tell me about it now!”