The stolid English traveller, who, having bought half-a-dozen newspapers, and taken his seat in an empty carriage, considers he has done an act which entitles him to the whole of the compartment; the English lady, arrayed for travel in garments which are calculated to amaze the foreigner; the Frenchman, who raises his hat every time he passes a fellow-traveller, and spits on the floor of the carriage without apology; the Belgian, with his hideous black travelling-cap and funereal suit; the German, the Italian, and the Russian, speaking now in English now in their native language, all are here. The train is a light one, and there is plenty of room for travellers who wish to be exclusive. A few shillings to the guard on a slack night will generally reserve a compartment as far as Dover. Two gentlemen evidently think privacy worth purchasing, for the guard has closed the door of a first-class compartment on them and is slipping a bright half-crown into his pocket. They have handed their carpet-bags to a porter to put in the guard’s van. The bell is ringing and the train is about to start. There are a few people still bidding adieu to their friends. Just at the last moment two gentlemen, who have not taken their seats, step into the guard’s van and crouch down behind the luggage. A sharp whistle, a volume of steam, and the train glides out into the night. Turvey, the guard, breathes freely. He has fulfilled his portion of the contract, and is entitled to his share. Brooks and Heckett are alone with the massive safes of bullion, and everything now depends upon the use they make of the opportunity. They are the workmen who are to carry out the scheme devised by the talented head of the firm of Smith and Co. Slowly at first, but increasing in speed at every moment, the long train rushes like a fiery serpent through London out into the open country. Directly the train is clear of the station Brooks and Heckett commence operations. The rehearsal has been perfect, the performance seems likely to go off without a hitch. Brooks has the keys prepared with so much skill and labour, and the safe opens in a moment. Then Heckett with a hammer and chisel wrenches off the iron clasps from the first box, and, forcing the lid up carefully, reveals the treasure that lies within. Never did a miner’s eyes gleam more brightly as he came upon the priceless nugget than did Heckett’s as he saw the bars of gold at his mercy. Quick as thought the box was emptied and filled with shot from the carpet bags in the van. This shot had all been carefully weighed and prepared in parcels, so that it would represent the exact weight of the abstracted gold. To light some wax with a taper, reseal the box with a seal brought for the purpose, refasten the iron clasps and drive the nails in again was the work of a very short time, and when the train stopped at Redhill half the stupendous task was completed.