you should have presented
it to Miss Remsen." There was a twinkle in Mr. Mitchel's eye which
annoyed Mr. Barnes, but he made no reply. Mr. Mitchel continued:

"In consideration of your not placing me under arrest, Mr. Barnes, I
will give you a hint. I made that wager with my friend Randolph
yesterday morning, that is to say December 2d. I have until January 2d,
to commit the crime about which the bet was made. Should you come to the
conclusion that I am not guilty of either of those now engaging your
attention, it might enter your head that I still have a crime on hand,
and it might pay you to watch me. Do you catch the idea?"

"There is little danger of your committing any crime during the next
month without my knowing of it," said Mr. Barnes.

"Now let us change the subject. Do you see this ruby?" taking a large
ruby from the case before them. "I am thinking of having it set as a
present to Miss Remsen. Will she not be envied when she wears it?"

CHAPTER VII.

MR. RANDOLPH HAS A FIGHT WITH HIS CONSCIENCE.

Upon leaving the vaults Mr. Mitchel and the detective parted company,
the former going down to Tiffany's where he left the ruby with
instructions as to how he wished it set. On the following morning
Wilson's report to Mr. Barnes stated that Mr. Mitchel had spent the
afternoon at the Union League Club, and had accompanied his _fiancee_ to
a private ball in the evening.

On the morning of the 5th, as Mr. Mitchel was dressing, a card was
brought to him which bore the name of his friend, Mr. Randolph, and that
gentleman a few minutes later entered. Mr. Mitchel was cordial in his
greeting and extended his hand, but Mr. Randolph refused it saying:

"Excuse me, Mitchel, but I have come to see you about that wager I was
stupid enough to make with you."

"Well, what of it!"

"I did not suppose that you would go so far."

"So far as what?"

"Why haven't you read the papers?"

"No! I never do! I am above that class of literature."

"Then with your permission I will read one to you."

"Go ahead, I am all attention." Mr. Mitchel seated himself in his most
comfortable armchair, and Mr. Randolph without removing his overcoat,
sat in another. Taking a morning paper from his pocket he read the
following:

"The inquest upon the body of the mysterious woman found murdered in the
Thirtieth Street apartment-house was resumed yesterday at the coroner's
office. Mr. Barnes, the well-known detective, testified t