"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!" "I have nothing to conceal. If I had taken the money I wouldn't very likely be telling you now that I knew the combination." "Yes," agreed Mr. Hardy, "that's a point in your favor." "Is it?" asked Applegate. "You're just clever enough to think up a trick like that, Robinson. You think that if you come to me now and admit you knew the combination I'll believe that you are so honest that you couldn't have committed this robbery. Very clever. But not clever enough. There's enough evidence right here and now to convict you, and I'm not going to delay another minute." There was the sound of a telephone receiver being lifted, and then Applegate's voice continued-- "Police station." After a short wait, he went on. "Hello--police station?--This is Applegate speaking--Applegate--Hurd Applegate.--Well, I think we've found our man.--In that robbery.--Yes, Robinson.--You thought so, eh?--So did I, but I wasn't sure.--He has practically convicted himself by his own story.--Yes, I want him arrested.--You'll be up right away?--Fine.--Good-bye." The telephone tinkled. "You're not going to have me arrested, Mr. Applegate?" "Why not? You took the money!" "But I'm innocent! I swear it! Haven't I always been honest, ever since I came to work for you? Have you ever had any fault to find with me?" "Not until now," returned Applegate grimly. "It might have been better to wait a while," suggested Mr. Hardy mildly. "Of course, it is entirely in your hands, Mr. Applegate, and I admit the case looks rather bad against Mr. Robinson. But perhaps some more evidence may turn up." "What more evidence do we want? The man's guilty. It's as plain as the nose on your face. If he wants to return the rest of the jewels and securities I'll see what can be done toward having the charge reduced--but that's all." "But I can't return them! I didn't take them!" "I suppose you have them hidden safely away by now, hoping to get them when you get out of penitentiary, eh? It'll be a long time, Robinson--a long time."