'I thought it was
just revenge, but now I see what it was. My dear sir, the man
upstairs is an imposter--if he's upstairs still! He must be one
of the gang. He's going to rob the bank--if he hasn't done so
already!'
"'If he hasn't done so already,' muttered Ewbank after him; 'if
he's upstairs still! By God, if he is, I'm sorry for him!'
"His tone was quiet enough, but about the nastiest I ever heard.
I tell you, Bunny, I was glad I'd brought that revolver. It
looked as though it must be mine against his, muzzle to muzzle.
"'Better have a look down here, first,' said the new manager.
"'While he gets through his window? No, no, he's not down here.'
"'It's easy to have a look.'
"Bunny, if you ask me what was the most thrilling moment of my
infamous career, I say it was that moment. There I stood at the
bottom of those narrow stone stairs, inside the strong-room, with
the door a good foot open, and I didn't know whether it would
creak or not. The light was coming nearer--and I didn't know! I
had to chance it. And it didn't creak a bit; it was far too
solid and well-hung; and I couldn't have banged it if I tried, it
was too heavy; and it fitted so close that I felt and heard the
air squeeze out in my face. Every shred of light went out,
except the streak underneath, and it brightened.
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