Chapter XVIII: A Daring Theft

Old Caleb had relighted his lantern and in its dim yellow glow the girls could make out every detail of the center hall and living room. In astonishment they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the safe. He manipulated them with a speed and skill which was amazing.

"Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to steal Mr. Winters' valuables," Rosanna whispered with growing anger. "We can't let him do that."

With one accord they tiptoed down the long spiral stairway to the center hall. For a minute they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed in what he was doing that he did not even glance up.

Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which partially screened the arched door of the living room, the girls watched.

Twice Caleb tried without success to open the safe. Although his movements were deft and sure it was obvious that he had made some slight mistake in the combination. Each time he failed he grew more impatient. They could see his hand shake.

"Drat it all!" they heard him mutter to himself. "That's the right combination. It ought to open."

At length the old man's efforts were rewarded. As he manipulated the dials for the third time there was a significant click from within the safe.

Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the handle and swung open the steel door.

Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. In the act of reaching for the container, Caleb suddenly wheeled.

The girls were startled at the action for they had heard nothing.

After looking searchingly about the room the old man apparently was satisfied that he was alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned his attention to the safe.

"Guess I'm getting a mite jittery," he muttered. "I was positive I heard someone behind me just then."

He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out the box. With fumbling fingers he unfastened the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face as he regarded the contents.

"Still here, safe and sound. I was a little afraid----"

Without finishing, he lifted an object from the box and held it in the light. It was a tiny figure made of purest ivory.

Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the box contained Jacob Winters' priceless collection of ivory pieces!

After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replaced it and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oil painting to its former position on the wall.

"Stop him now or it will be too late," Rosanna whispered tensely.

Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite end of the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowly open.

Caleb's back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up his lantern.

From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. He held a revolver in his hand.

Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had not Penny suddenly placed her hand over the girl's mouth.

Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped out into the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb.

"Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert," he said coolly. "You saved me the trouble."

Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. The gesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly.

"I guess you weren't quite as clever as you thought you were, Caleb! Hand over the ivories and be quick about it."

"You're nothing but a crook!" the old man cried furiously.

"Hand over the ivories if you value your life."

Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly retreated toward the door. Max Laponi's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I don't want to shoot an old man but if you force me----"

"Don't shoot," Caleb quavered. "I'll give up the ivory."

"Good. Now you're acting sensibly. Drop the box on the table and raise your hands above your head."

Slowly, Caleb complied with the order.

Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the floor and snatched up the box. With his revolver still trained on the old man, he backed toward the door.

"Thank you for a very profitable evening," he smirked. "And when you locate your friend Mr. Winters----"

His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something had struck his right hand a stunning blow. The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering to the floor. He felt a cold, hard object in the small of his back.

"It's your turn now," said Penny Nichols. "I'll trouble you to hand over the little box!"