r thieves rather, eh?"

Once more they both laughed. Then Mr. Mitchel suggested that they should
go to the club, and thither they went. Upon entering, the doorkeeper
informed Mr. Mitchel that Mr. Randolph was in the parlor and desired to
see him. He and Mr. Thauret therefore went into the great
reception-room. Mr. Randolph arose as they appeared.

"Good-evening, Randolph," said Mr. Mitchel. "You wish to see me?"

"Oh, nothing special. I came in to dine here, and told the doorman to
send you to me in case you should turn up. I wanted company, that is
all."

"Don't like to eat alone, eh?"

"That is it. Eating is a nuisance, made tolerable only by good
companionship. Mr. Thauret, shall I have a place set for you, also?"

"If you desire, I shall be most happy," said Mr. Thauret.

"Very well," said Mr. Randolph. "I will attend to it. I have some
letters to write now, if you will excuse me. Meet me promptly at seven
in the private dining-room."

Mr. Randolph left the apartment, and went to the floor above. Here he
joined Mr. Barnes, who was awaiting him.

"Well," said the detective, "can you manage it?"

"Everything is arranged. Mitchel is here, and he has brought Thauret
with him. I don't understand the intimacy that has sprung up between
those two, but that is not to the point. They will dine with me in our
private dining-room. I shall arrange that our meal shall be served at a
table immediately next to the large _portiere_ that separates the
private dining-room from the main saloon. I shall also order a dinner
for you at a table just on the other side of the curtain. If you have
good ears, you should hear all that passes with little difficulty."

"I am satisfied with your arrangement and shall undoubtedly be able to
hear at least the greater part of what occurs."

"Very well. Now go to the library, and at the farther end, hidden behind
a newspaper file, you will be safe from the observation of prying eyes.
Promptly at seven, I and my guests will take our seats. Five minutes
later your own place will be in readiness, and you can take it in
safety."

Mr. Barnes followed these instructions, and Mr. Randolph went to the
dining-room to perfect his arrangements. At seven, on the minute, he was
joined by his invited guests, and the three sat at table. Shortly after
the noise of dishes on the other side of the _portiere_ indicated that
Mr. Barnes was being served.

About the third course Mr. Randolph endeavored to