box and little or none on the top pieces of lumber," the mine owner
answered.

"That's just it," continued Lieut. Larkin, "and it can mean only one
thing, that this pile of lumber has been moved recently. Now, the
question, in view of the fact that the missing girls were seen
entering this place today and in view of the shoe prints on the cellar
stairway and the fact that they are not in the basement now is, Why?"

"The best way to find out is to move it again," suggested Sergeant
Higgins.

"Exactly," agreed his superior officer. "Now, Johnson, you go upstairs
and inform the other men what we are doing. We don't want them down
here, for there's nothing they can do. Moreover, we don't want any
more traveling up and down those steps than is absolutely necessary.
Be careful, Johnson, on your way up."

"Excuse me, lieutenant," interposed Mr. Stanlock in a weak voice that
bespoke the distress under which he was laboring. "I think I won't
remain down here just now. I'll go up and carry that message to the
men, if you wish. Let me know as soon as you can what you find."

* * * * *




CHAPTER XVI.