which she
had, so that I rendered her powerless to annoy me further. You said
awhile ago that it was a serious admission for me to make that I was in
this woman's power. I suppose you meant that such a fact supplied a
motive for this murder. Now you see that this is not true since I can
prove that I released myself from that position a year ago."

"How can you prove that?"

"I have the woman's receipt, in which she states that for the sum of ten
thousand dollars or its equivalent, she delivers to me family documents,
etc."

"Have you the documents still?"

"I prefer not to reply to that question."

"Very good, but answer me this one. Where did you obtain this leather
case, and what does it contain?" As he said this the detective picked
up the case and held it before Mr. Mitchel's eyes. That gentleman was
evidently confused for a moment, but finally answered:

"It contains some jewels."

"Jewels? That is what I thought. May I examine them?"

"Not with my permission."

"Then I must do so without," and with a quick movement the case lay open
on the table. It was lined with black satin, and contained gems similar
to those described in the paper found in the dead woman's pocket. What
seemed more important however, was a piece of writing-paper upon which
Mr. Barnes found an exact copy of the list and description which he had
in his pocket. The detective noticed with astonishment that though Mr.
Mitchel had refused to permit this examination of the contents of the
case, he made no effort to prevent it, and now sat back looking on in
the most unconcerned way.

"Mr. Mitchel," said Mr. Barnes, "why did you object to my looking into
this case?"

"I never show my jewels to--strangers. It is wrong to tempt people."

"You are impertinent, sir! What do you mean?"

"I mean that I regulate my life by rule. This is one of my rules, and
though I do not doubt your honesty, you are a stranger to me and so come
within the operation of my rule."

"Your cool impudence will not avail you in this instance. These are the
stolen jewels."

"Indeed! Do you discover that, as you claim to have detected the thief,
simply by looking at them?" Mr. Mitchel assumed that sarcastic tone
which had several times irritated the detective.

"Have done with child's play," said Mr. Barnes. "I have a list of the
lost jewels, and this case with its contents accurately matches the
description. What is more, this list in your possession, is the
fa