“Mr. West,” he said, “Mr. Weeks ordered me to report to you. I'm Mallory, from the Pinkerton agency. I have three men outside. Have you any instructions?” Harvey checked a smile. It reminded him of the stories of his boyhood. But in a moment it dawned upon him that if Jim thought the situation so serious, he must be very careful. “Yes,” he answered slowly. “Put one man near the vault--here”--he opened the small door--“let no one go into the vault without my permission. Then you might put one man in the hall--somewhere out of sight--and one outside the building. You understand that there may be an attempt to get possession of the books. Do you know any of the C. & S.C. men--William C. Porter, or Frederick McNally?” The detective shook his head. “Well, then, just keep things right under your eye, and report every hour or so.” The detective nodded and left the room. A little later Harvey opened the side door, and saw a man lounging in the passage, looking idly out the window. Shortly after ten Jim came in to talk things over. He told Harvey that the C. & S.C. people had a counter move under way, but he was unable to discover its nature. He had seen McNally in company with a number of men who did not often leave Chicago. “He'll be up here, yet,” Jim added prophetically; and he went out without leaving word. “Don't know how long I'll be gone,” was all he would say; “but you'll see me off and on.” Ten minutes after Jim's departure McNally appeared. Harvey heard his voice in the outer office, then the deputy came to Harvey's desk. “Mr. Frederick McNally,” said the official. “He asked for the Superintendent first, and I sent him in to Mr. Mattison, but he sent him back to you. Will you see him?” “Yes,” replied Harvey. “And you may stay in the room.” The deputy held open the door, while McNally entered. “How are you, West?” he said brusquely. “There seems to be some confusion here. The Superintendent disclaims all authority, and refers me to you.” “Sit down,” said Harvey, waiting for McNally to continue. Evidently McNally preferred to stand. “I wish to see some one in authority, Mr. West.” “You may talk with me.” “You--are you in authority?” Harvey bowed, and fingered a paper-weight. “I don't understand this, West.” He glanced at the deputy. “I wish to see you alone.” For a moment Harvey looked doubtful, then he smiled slightly, and nodded at the deputy, saying,-- “Very well.” “Will you tell me what this means?” asked McNally, when the door had closed. Harvey looked gravely at him and said nothing. “Well?” McNally's coolness was leaving him. “Are you in control of this road, or aren't you?” “I am.” “In that case”--he produced a paper--“it becomes my duty to relieve you.” Harvey looked at the paper; it was an order from Judge Black appointing McNally receiver for M. & T. Harvey handed it back, saying, coolly,-- “Sit down, Mr. McNally.” “I have no time to waste, West. You will please turn over the books.”