‘What else? Well, I’m a key-collector, I am, and I’ve a great faney to have a key the exact pattern of those that open the safes in which the bullion travels.’ ‘You want an impression?’ ‘Exactly.’ Mr. Brooks nodded; he quite understood his instructions so far. But he wanted to know a little more still. ‘And suppose we get an impression and file a key, where are we then?’ he asked, leaning over the boat and paddling with his hand in the water. ‘There are always people about at the office, and the safes are always well watched at the stations.’ ‘Brooks, you are delightfully innocent. How I envy you that romantic freshness which becomes you so well!’ ‘Stow it, guv’nor,’ said Mr. Brooks, a little nettled. ‘We can’t all be such swells at the game as you are. I don’t see anything particularly innocent in what I’ve said.’ ‘Don’t be cross, old man; it’s only my chaff. Of course I can’t expect you to know everything. This is my idea. I’ve invested five hundred in it, so you may be sure I think it’s a good one. We don’t want to open the safes at the station. We shall open them in transit.’ Mr. Brooks opened his eyes. ‘How on earth will you do that? Why the safes are carried in the guard’s van, and they’re locked with patent keys, and they’re weighed at start and finish.’ ‘Oh, you know all about it then?’ ‘Of course I do! Lots of us have had an idea of getting at the bullion; but when we found out the precautions taken, we saw it was impossible.’ ‘Impossible to you, said Marston, quietly, ‘but not to me. You do as I tell you, and leave the rest in my hands. I want your help—that’s why I told you to meet me here. We did the cheque business well enough together, and we’ve come out of it safe and sound, with a fair balance, and the George Smith business was managed A 1.’ ‘Wasn’t it prime?’ said Mr. Brooks, with a chuckle. ‘Upon my word, when I read the evidence, I feel convinced myself that he must be guilty. Preene did it first class. Is he on this job?’ ‘I think he must be,’ answered Marston. ‘His connection with the police is invaluable. He can always put them on a wrong scent till all’s safe. Who else will be in it?’ ‘Only Heckett and Turvey the guard.’ ‘Oh, you’ve got the guard, then?’ ‘Yes, he was indispensable. The chance of a cool thousand settled him. Heckett we can’t do without. None but a professional could do the job with the safes and the boxes clean enough. Barker, one of the clerks in the traffic office, is a little bit in the swim. He knows nothing, but Preene knows something about him, and he’s got orders to do certain things this afternoon.’ Mr. Brooks was very much interested, and wanted more information, but Marston told him it would be time enough for further details when the first stage had been accomplished. ‘It’s no good telling you any more,’ he said, ‘until we’ve got the keys. Then you shall have the whole plan.’ ‘Just one thing more,’ urged Mr. Brooks. ‘What will the job be worth’