d before, very little of the artistic was needed. The button was
constructed of a curious old coin. Mr. Barnes went the rounds of the
dealers and found the very man who had sold Pettingill the coin. The
rest was routine work."

"Well, you are conceited, but I don't mind making a thousand out of your
egotism. Now I am sleepy, however, so good-night."

"Good-night, old man. Dream of a way to earn an extra thousand, for I
shall win."

For Mr. Barnes himself sleep was now more impossible than ever. He was
attracted to this new case, for so he counted it, and was determined to
trap the individual who wagered against his acumen. It was a long step
towards success to know as much as he had overheard. He would not lose
sight of his man during the allotted month. He enjoyed the prospect of
allowing him to commit his crime and then quietly taking him in the act.
Carefully and noiselessly he dressed himself and slipped out of his
berth. Then he crept into one opposite, so that he could have his eye on
number eight, and settled down for an all-night vigil.

"It would not surprise me if that keen devil were to commit his crime
this very night. I hope so, for otherwise I shall have no sleep till he
does."

CHAPTER II.

A DARING AND SUCCESSFUL TRAIN ROBBERY.

The train was just approaching Stamford, and from the window in the
section which he occupied Mr. Barnes was watching the sun glowing red
over the hilltops, when he heard approaching him the guard who had
assisted him to jump aboard the night before. The man was making
mysterious gestures, from which Mr. Barnes understood that he was
wanted. He arose and followed the porter to the smoking-room.

"I think you called yourself Barnes," said the man, "as you jumped
aboard last night."

"Yes, what of it?"

"Are you Mr. Barnes the detective?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because, if you are, the conductor wants to see you. There was a big
robbery committed on the train during the night."

"The devil!"

"Exactly, but will you come into the next coach?"

"Wait a minute." Mr. Barnes went back into the main part of the coach
and tip-toed towards number eight. Gently moving the curtains, he peeped
in and looked long and earnestly. He saw two men undoubtedly sleeping
soundly. Satisfied therefore that he could leave his watch for a brief
period, he followed the porter into the next coach, where he found the
conductor waiting for him in the smoking-room.

"You are Mr. Bar