hieves dominos, take the gem, and get back to Philadelphia
the same night. This would be a safe theft for him to commit,
especially as he may have the assistance of Miss Remsen. Now as all
is fair in a bet, I want you to undertake to prove for me that Mr.
Mitchel committed this theft. I want to win that wager from him,
and don't mind spending money. Even if I should advance you the
whole thousand, I should save my own, provided you convict him
within a year. Besides, the satisfaction to me would be worth the
money. It takes a sharp man to get ahead of Mr. Mitchel. I enclose
a check for two hundred, as a sort of retainer, and you may draw on
me for more, up to one thousand dollars if you should need it. By
the way, whilst writing to you I may as well confess that I was
wrong in my suspicion of Mr. Thauret. I am sure that he does not
cheat at cards. I have watched him frequently since then, and he
certainly plays a square game. I have no reason for liking the man,
and as a fact dislike him most heartily. Nevertheless justice
compels me to retract the imputation which I put upon him. Another
thing: the partner with whom he played that night I told you was
unknown to me. I have since made his acquaintance, and though he is
poor, he is a gentleman, and above suspicion. His name is Adrian
Fisher. Hoping you will help me to win my wager, Yours truly,
"ARTHUR RANDOLPH."

"So," thought Mr. Barnes, "even Mr. Randolph sees through the
transparent scheme of being sick in Philadelphia and stealing his
sweetheart's jewelry in New York. It is one thing to see the trick,
however, and quite another to prove it. He thinks that Thauret and
Fisher are both virtuous. Well, I am afraid he is mistaken there." He
took up another letter. It read:

"PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 2d.
"DEAR MR. BARNES:

"Pardon my familiarity, but I think we are getting pretty well
acquainted with one another. I have just read the New York
newspapers, and am startled to see that Miss Remsen was deliberately
robbed of that valuable ruby pin which I recently gave her. You will
remember that I showed you the gem the very day that I took it to be
set. I am very much disturbed about this affair, especially as I am
unable through sickness to r