everything," continued Mr. Dodge.

"What was he doing at the desk, Mr. Dodge?" asked Shep.

"He was evidently looking for money or something of value."

"Did he get anything?"

"Nothing, so far as Mr. Neefus knows. The safe was locked up,
I believe."

The strong-box mentioned stood in a corner of the office, and
the fire had swept all around it. It was quite hot, but after
some more water had been poured over it the master of the mill
threw it open.

"The books are all right---the fire wasn't hot enough to touch
them," said Tom Neefus. "I don't think---Ha!"

He stopped short, gazing into a small compartment of the safe.
Then his brow contracted.

"What have you discovered?" questioned Mr. Dodge, quickly.

"The money is gone---and also those papers to that tract of land
at Spur Road!"

"The money? How much money?"

"Three hundred and fifty dollars."