quickly. The top of the box sprang back. Max, in sight of all, took the captain's watch from the chain and placed it within the box, locking it by closing down the cover. He motioned to Baraka and the officer to join Hereford, his ward and the others in the doorway. He glanced round once more.
"Opserve now," said Max, "that all iss as it wass the night of the theft. Only besides, I pelieve, wass there a handbag by the wall. Well, I will put mine there to take the place." And he put down by the blank wall the suitcase he had with him.
He placed himself then behind Baraka and the police captain, who stood in front and quite filled the doorway, so that it was impossible for any one to pass them. They crouched so that Hereford and his ward and the others behind them might see into the
