Meanwhile, Spark had produced the “tools”--and peculiar tools they were. They consisted of a rubber bag, a bar of brown soap, a coil of fuse and some caps. Each man knew just what work he was to perform, and went about it without a word. Breaking the bar of soap in two, Clancy handed one piece to Spark, and they set to work plastering up the crack at the edge of the vault door. This was skillfully and quickly accomplished. From the top of another office stool, Clancy fashioned a cup of the soap on the upper crack. The bag contained nitroglycerin. CHAPTER XVI. THE CASHIER’S ANNOUNCEMENT. Spark handed the bag to Clancy, and the latter poured some of the nitroglycerin into the cup. Then, crouching under one of the counters, they waited while the explosive oozed downward about the vault door on the inside. “Give me the fuse,” said Clancy, emerging from under the counter when a sufficient period had elapsed. Again he mounted the stool, fitted a cap to the end of the fuse, placed the cap in the cup and applied a match. Both retreated for a short distance. Presently there came a muffled explosion, resulting in the bursting open of the vault door. The alarm was silent, proving that Spark had done his work well. For several moments, however, neither of the robbers made a move--simply crouched where they were and listened intently. There was no sound outside, so it was evident that the explosion had aroused no one. “Now for the second door,” said Clancy. The second door was treated in exactly the same manner as the first, and within an hour from the time the night watchman had left the bank to succor the distressed individual on the sidewalk the funds of the People’s National lay at the mercy of the “yeggmen.” From his pockets Spark brought out a number of canvas bags. While these bags were being filled a shout came from the rear of the bank, followed by two revolver shots--the two reports echoing out almost as one. “The devil!” exclaimed Clancy. “It’s Five Points,” breathed Spark, in a sharp undertone. Both men hurried to the front door and stood there, revolvers in hand. Quick steps were heard on the walk, and a face was pressed against the glass in the upper part of one of the doors. “Cricket!” exclaimed Clancy, and hastily admitted the newcomer. “What is it?” he added. “The outside watchman discovered Five Points, and they had a wrestle and an exchange of shots,” said Cricket. “How’s the watchman?” “Laid out cold, I take it.” A muffled oath fell from Clancy’s lips. “And Five Points?” he went on. “He’s got it bad.” “Able to get away?” “Just about. He’s already started.” “Lay hold of the plunder, you two, and we’ll make a get-away ourselves.” Spark and Cricket hurried into the vault, and Clancy followed as far as the stool in the cashier’s cage. There he halted and calmly got into his coat and put on his hat, all the time watching the door and listening intently.