Monks' will see _me_ right if I can manage it, and
their draughtsman's waiting. I shan't touch anything else, so nobody
'll be the wiser."
[Illustration: "'I TELL YOU THERE'S NO DANGER AT ALL!'"]
Dick felt the perspiration on his brow as he recognised Whatman's
voice. Then peering out cautiously he saw him walk towards the
manager's office with a tall, well-dressed stranger.
He was not _quite_ sure what tracings might be, but he knew the firm
had plans for new machinery in hand, from which great things were to be
expected, for he had heard the fitters talking about it.
And these men were going to steal them. All sorts of ideas as to how
he could stop them flitted through his eager brain while he noiselessly
slipped off his shoes, and crawled out, inch by inch. If only the
window fastenings would prove refractory and hinder them till he could
steal behind the engine sheds and reach the big gates!
With cat-like speed and lightness he crept round the corner, and as
soon as he gained shelter, ran at full speed to the small gate, that
was half an inch ajar.
Inside the watchman's box old Joe slept heavily, from the effects of
the drugged whisky. Dick dashed out almost into the arms of Policeman
X., who looked suspiciously at the breathless lad, in his stockinged
feet.
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