nd if you can then convict our man, you shall be
most welcome."

"I shall bend every energy to that end. But now tell me the name of the
jeweller from whom the buttons were procured."

Mr. Mitchel then wrote down the name of a Paris firm, also giving their
address. Handing the slip of paper to Mr. Barnes, he took another sheet
and continued writing.

"Why, Mr. Mitchel," exclaimed Mr. Barnes, "This is the same firm from
whom your jewels were bought; those I mean, which are similar to the
stolen set. I have already communicated with these people, and they sent
me word that they knew nothing."

"Yes, I know. That was by my instruction," saying which Mr. Mitchel
smiled, and Mr. Barnes once more discovered that he had been fighting
against a man who thought of everything. "You see," continued Mr.
Mitchel, "I knew that you saw the name of the jewellers on the bill of
sale. What more probable than that you should apply there for
information? Now, my one object throughout has been, not to defeat
justice, but to have time enough elapse for me to win my wager.
Therefore, I immediately sent a cable to these persons, 'Answer nothing
signed Barnes till you hear from me.' Rather a long cable despatch, but
then I don't mind a few dollars. Of course, my letter to them made them
shut their mouths to you. It was very simple. However, I myself have not
been able to get satisfactory facts from them, and I think it needs a
person actually on the ground to ferret out this thing. I believe you
are just the man for the case. This letter will give you their
assistance, and here is a check for five hundred dollars for expenses."

Mr. Barnes would have refused, but Mr. Mitchel insisted, that from that
time on, Mr. Barnes should consider himself regularly employed on the
murder case, "though, of course," said Mr. Mitchel, jocularly, "you are
still free to work out the robberies."

The two men shook hands at parting, and one would have said that they
were separating after a mutually satisfactory interview.

CHAPTER XVII.

A NEW YEAR'S DINNER PARTY.

The 1st of January arrived, and Mr. Mitchel had heard nothing from Mr.
Barnes. Inquiry at his office was met by the simple statement, that "The
chief is out of town." When he would be back, or where a communication
would reach him, could not be learned. A few days before, however, a
formal engraved invitation to the dinner party had been mailed to his
home address. Mr. Mitchel was ann