front him with the body, for that would give him ample premonition
of what was about to occur, and he would readily control his
countenance. This is what the detective did:

He went at once to the coroner, and told him enough to have him render
his assistance. Therefore during the time which had elapsed, the coroner
had impanelled a jury, taken them to the scene of the crime, and then
adjourned the inquest, leaving the doctors to perform the autopsy. The
body had been taken down to a room on the first floor which opened
directly on the main hall. Here it was laid out upon a table, so placed
that the gaping wound and now hideous face would at once meet the gaze
of any one entering. The doctors had been instructed to postpone their
work until the arrival of the detective. Thus Mr. Barnes knew, as he led
the way down stairs, that his trap was set. As they reached the main
hall, he spoke:

"Gentlemen, I am about to ask a favor of you. You were both on the train
when the robbery was committed. There is a question in relation to it
which I should like to ask both of you, and hear each answer separately.
Would you oblige me?"

"With pleasure," said the Frenchman.

"I have already told you that you may ask me any questions," said Mr.
Mitchel.

"Thank you." Turning to the hall-boy, who of course had been taught his
part, he continued: "Can we find a room where we can talk privately for
a few minutes?"

"Yes sir; step this way," and the boy led them towards the one where the
corpse lay.

"Mr. Mitchel," said Mr. Barnes, "will you wait a few minutes? I will not
detain you long." Mr. Mitchel bowed, and the Frenchman followed the
detective into the room, the boy closing the door after them. Nothing
was to be seen save the table bearing the body, the doctors being hidden
in a room beyond. Mr. Barnes stopped near the corpse and simply gazed
steadfastly at Mr. Thauret, who in turn looked intently at the murdered
woman. Not a muscle moved to show any agitation. Mr. Barnes waited; but
apparently nothing was to happen; yet he was determined that the other
should speak first, that he might draw some deduction from his words.
Therefore he maintained a stolid silence. Two minutes passed, which
seemed an age, and then the Frenchman gave the detective a genuine
surprise. Looking him straight in the eyes he said in the coolest tones
imaginable:

"How did you discover that I am a physician?"

"I don't understand you," said Mr. Barnes,