A Daring Theft
Old Caleb had relighted his lantern and in its dim yellow glow the girls
could make out every detail of the center hall and living room. In
astonishment they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the safe. He
manipulated them with a speed and skill which was amazing.
"Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to steal Mr. Winters'
valuables," Rosanna whispered with growing anger. "We can't let him do
that."
With one accord they tiptoed down the long spiral stairway to the center
hall. For a minute they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed in
what he was doing that he did not even glance up.
Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which partially screened the arched
door of the living room, the girls watched.
Twice Caleb tried without success to open the safe. Although his
movements were deft and sure it was obvious that he had made some slight
mistake in the combination. Each time he failed he grew more impatient.
They could see his hand shake.
"Drat it all!" they heard him mutter to himself. "That's the right
combination. It ought to open."
At length the old man's efforts were rewarded. As he manipulated the
dials for the third time there was a significant click from within the
safe.
Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the handle and swung open the steel
door.
Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. In the act of reaching for
the container, Caleb suddenly wheeled.
The girls were startled at the action for they had heard nothing.
After looking searchingly about the room the old man apparently was
satisfied that he was alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned his
attention to the safe.
"Guess I'm getting a mite jittery," he muttered. "I was positive I heard
someone behind me just then."
He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out the box. With fumbling
fingers he unfastened the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face as
he regarded the contents.
"Still here, safe and sound. I was a little afraid----"
Without finishing, he lifted an object from the box and held it in the
light. It was a tiny figure made of purest ivory.
Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the box
contained Jacob Winters' priceless collection of ivory pieces!
After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replaced
it and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oil
painting to its former position on the wall.
"Stop him now or it will be too late," Rosanna whispered tensely.
Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite end
of the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowly
open.
Caleb's back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up his
lantern.
From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. He
held a revolver in his hand.
Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had not
Penny suddenly placed her hand over the girl's mouth.
Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped out
into the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb.
"Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert," he said coolly.
"You saved me the trouble."
Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. The
gesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly.
"I guess you weren't quite as clever as you thought you were, Caleb! Hand
over the ivories and be quick about it."
"You're nothing but a crook!" the old man cried furiously.
"Hand over the ivories if you value your life."
Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly retreated toward the door. Max
Laponi's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I don't want to shoot an old man but if you force me----"
"Don't shoot," Caleb quavered. "I'll give up the ivory."
"Good. Now you're acting sensibly. Drop the box on the table and raise
your hands above your head."
Slowly, Caleb complied with the order.
Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the floor and snatched up the
box. With his revolver still trained on the old man, he backed toward the
door.
"Thank you for a very profitable evening," he smirked. "And when you
locate your friend Mr. Winters----"
His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something had struck his right hand
a stunning blow. The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering to
the floor. He felt a cold, hard object in the small of his back.
"It's your turn now," said Penny Nichols. "I'll trouble you to hand over
the little box!"