nes. In the final tableau, Mr. Barnes, who evidently was watching Ali
Baba, attempted to get near him, and by chance was immediately behind my
man. Fearing that he would interfere with my plans, I fell in just
behind him. My design was to tempt the fellow to steal the ruby, which,
if he did, would satisfy at least myself that my suspicions were
correct. It was, perhaps, a mad scheme, but it succeeded. I had so
arranged that every one should pass the Sultan and make obeisance. In
doing this, as my _fiancee_ was seated on the floor, the ruby in her
hair would be just at hand, and one who knew its high value could easily
take it. I fully expected my man to do this, and I saw him gently
withdraw it. Immediately Mr. Barnes stepped forward to seize him, but I
held the detective from behind, then threw him into the advancing crowd,
and, in the confusion, escaped from the house."

Mr. Mitchel paused, and silence prevailed. All felt, rather than knew,
that a tragedy might be at hand. Mr. Thauret however, in a moment said:

"Are you not going to tell us the name of this sneak thief?"

"No," quickly responded Mr. Mitchel. "But you are wrong to call my
suspect a sneak thief. If crime were a recognized business, as gambling
in Wall Street is now considered, this man would be counted 'a bold
operator.' I confess that I admire him for his courage. But it would
scarcely do for me to mention his name, when I am not in the position to
prove that he is the guilty man."

"I thought you said that you saw him steal the ruby?" said Mr. Thauret.

"I did, but as I myself had been suspected of that, my unsupported word
would be inadequate. Let me tell you what I have done in the matter
since. The most important step for me, perhaps, was to prevent the sale
of the gem. This was not difficult, as it is known the world over. I
warned all dealers, and let my man know that I had done so. Next, I
wished to delay a _denouement_ until to-night, the time when my wager
with Mr. Randolph would be settled. I soon discovered that my suspect
would not be averse to a marriage with a rich American girl. He
questioned me adroitly as to the fortune which would come to my little
sister-in-law, and I replied in such a way that I knew he would bend his
energies in that direction. Then I did that, which, perhaps, I should
not have done, but I felt myself master of the situation and able to
control events. I made a wager with Dora that she would not remain
unengag