leep, which is not probable. It follows then
that I must discover what acquaintanceship exists between these men, in
order to determine whether they are in league together.

"Next, as to the murder. It is odd to find both men possessing the means
of admittance to the house. It is odd that both were undisturbed and
plainly incredulous when I suggested that the woman might have been
murdered to obtain the jewels. If Thauret killed the woman his demeanor
in the presence of the corpse was simply miraculous. He showed not the
least agitation. On the other hand he admitted that he has a medical
education. Physicians are less excited by cadavers, and what is more
significant, a physician would know how to find the jugular vein with a
pen-knife. Still it is not difficult to sever that vessel without
special knowledge. As to Mitchel, his behavior is more mysterious. Had
he committed the crime, knowing his extraordinary ability to control
his emotions, I had a right to expect him to be calm before the corpse.
Yet he was much excited, and went towards the body for a closer
scrutiny. Murderers usually shrink away from their victims. In spite of
that he gave the woman's name, and it tallies with that which she
herself had claimed. Now, if he was willing to tell me the name, and if
he committed the crime, why did he remove the names from all the
garments? Why, unless Rose Mitchel is an alias, and the real name is
thus kept secret? I may ask him some of these questions."

At this point Mr. Mitchel addressed his companion:

"Mr. Barnes, I should like to know of what you have been thinking as we
walked, and I suppose you have a similar curiosity regarding my own
thoughts. I mean to gratify you. I have been endeavoring to view my own
position from your point of view, to guess what your deductions are from
my behavior in the presence of that dead woman."

"I cannot give you my deductions," said Mr. Barnes, "for the simple
reason that I have adopted none as yet. It has always been my practice
to avoid deciding upon a theory too early. A detective with a theory
will invariably be tempted to work to prove his assumption. I work to
discover the truth. Therefore I avoid theories."

"Good! I see that my opinion of detectives, as expressed in the
conversation which you overheard, must be modified. I still think I am
right in the main, but you are an exception to the general rule."

"Mr. Mitchel, I don't care for compliments. You are at pres