you to allow
yourself to be searched, but it is my duty."

"My dear sir, I understand perfectly that it is your duty and have no
personal feelings against you. Nevertheless, I distinctly refuse."

"You refuse?" The words came from the other three men together. It is
difficult to tell which was the most surprised. Randolph turned pale and
leaned against the partition for support. Mr. Barnes became slightly
excited and said:

"That amounts to a tacit acknowledgment of guilt, since every other man
has been searched."

Mr. Mitchel's reply to this was even more of a surprise than what he had
said before.

"That alters the case. If every one else has submitted, so will I."
Without more ado he divested himself of his clothing. Nothing was found.
The satchels of both men were brought, but the search was fruitless. The
conductor glanced at the detective helplessly, but that gentleman was
looking out of the window. One who knew Mr. Barnes could have told that
he was fearfully angry, for he was biting the end of his moustache.

"Here we are at the Grand Central," said Mr. Mitchel. "Are we at liberty
to leave the train?" Receiving an acquiescent nod the two friends walked
to the other end of the coach. Mr. Barnes abruptly started up and
without a word jumped from the train as it slowly rolled into the great
depot. He went up to a man quickly, said a few words in an undertone,
and both went back towards the train. Presently the woman who had been
robbed came along, and as she passed out of the building Mr. Barnes's
companion followed her. He himself was about to depart, when, feeling a
light tap upon his shoulder, he turned and faced Mr. Mitchel.

"Mr. Barnes," said the latter, "I want a few words with you. Will you
breakfast with me in the restaurant?"

"How did you know that my name is Barnes?"

"I did not know it, though I do now"; and he laughed in a complacent
manner which jarred on Mr. Barnes. The detective felt that this man was
getting the best of him at every turn. But for all that he was only the
more determined to trap him in the end. Accustomed to think quickly, he
decided to accept the invitation, considering that he could lose nothing
and might gain much by a further acquaintance. The two men therefore
went below to the eating-room, and seated themselves at a small table.
After giving the waiter a liberal order, Mr. Mitchel began:

"Won't it be best for us to understand one another from the outset, Mr.
Barn